One Flight Wonder - Denver, Colorado

Cityscapes - Denver is a major US city, with tons of entertainment around every corner.

Just a three-ish-hour plane ride away, Denver is a sprawling metropolis in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It sits next to the “Front Range” of the Rockies, so visiting means lots of city amenities that are only a few miles away from epic snow-capped mountains and challenging terrains.

Take a Sip
Make the most of downtown by following the Denver Beer Trail; dozens of breweries are scattered throughout the city, but make sure to stop by Great Divide Brewing Company, Denver’s oldest and largest packaging brewery. Try the spiced vanilla and honey Gingerbread Yeti, and the dry-hopped, award-winning Hibernation Ale, two seasonal favorites available this winter. Another preferred stop on the trail is TRVE Brewing, a smaller taproom in Central Denver, with grunge inspirations. In early 2023, TRVE filed a permit application to set up shop here in Asheville, forming a cool, local connection with a mountain west brewery.

Caught in the Act by Otis Kwame Quaicoe in Cowboy; MCA and RiNo (right) are two sides of the same creative coin.

Art & Museums
The city is also home to a number of art museums—one notable mention is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). For nearly 30 years, MCA Denver has been working to support modern art and artists. Through February 2024, check out Cowboy, an exhibit that showcases the work of 27 artists and their different mediums. An exploration of culture, gender, and history, Cowboy shares diverse interpretations of contemporary works. Along the South Platte River, through the heart of the city, lies RiNo, River North Art District. Founded in some of Denver’s historic neighborhoods, RiNo was created amongst the remnants of industrialization; in restored foundries and warehouses, creatives have banded together to form a hub of artistic innovation. Stop by Global Riverfront Art Center (GRACe), the home of more than 80 visual artists and a 1500 square-foot gallery.    

(Left to right) Red Rocks Amphitheater; Echo Mountain slopes.    

Outdoor Pursuits
Although our region boasts some steep slopes, the snowy peaks just outside of the Mile High City offer unbeatable terrain for winter sports. Colorado is widely recognized as the number one state for skiing, as it has the longest ski season in the country, and many of its peaks have an elevation gain of nearly 14,000 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park is only an hour’s drive from Denver, so make sure to spend a day (or three) exploring the expansive park in snowshoes, cross-country skis, and sleds. There are lots of big resorts in the state, but Echo Mountain is the closest and most affordable ski area,  and while it’s smaller than its neighbors, it’s perfect for those looking to earn their ski legs in the Rockies. Save yourself the hassle of lugging your own gear across the country, and rent your equipment from the resort instead.

You can’t visit Denver without taking in the stunning natural landscape of Red Rocks Park, which, during warmer months, is also a highly-coveted performance venue that’s hosted the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, The Beatles, Grateful Dead, among many others. Although concerts aren’t held during the chilly winter season, the park, its trails, and its various attractions are open year-round. The Trading Post Trail is a 1.4 mile hike that carves through beautiful reds and browns, a meadow, and a valley. For unbeatable views, climb the Geological Overlook Trail, a short but moderately strenuous hike with quite the payoff. Winter weather can be unpredictable in Colorado, so make sure you’re fully prepared on any outdoor excursion. 

Flight: United and Allegiant Airlines both offer nonstop flights from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) to Denver International Airport (DEN). It’s a 3.5 hour trip to Denver, and a 3 hour flight back to Asheville.

Local Transport: You’ll find efficient public transportation in the city. However, if you plan to venture up the mountains, make sure your vehicle has four-wheel drive, and check the weather and road conditions before departing.

Denver At A Glance
Population: 711,463
Average Winter Temp: 20°F to 40°F
Resources: Visit denver.org to learn about upcoming events, popular destinations, and more