Denver, Colorado
From Remote Meetings to Mountain Views: My Denver Work-Life Experience
What happens when you trade your East Coast workday for a mile-high routine? Early clock-outs, red-rock sunsets, and a city that makes it easy to log off and head for the mountains.
Denver is a place with so much to offer. From skiing and hiking to beautiful lakes and a city scene that is easy to love, there really is something for everyone. With family in Colorado, I find myself back in the state often, working remotely between weekend adventures.
The time zone is a hidden gift. Denver is two hours behind Eastern Time, which means my usual workday wraps up at 3 p.m. local time. That leaves long, light-filled afternoons for red-rock parks, alpine trails, and spontaneous city exploration.
Activities to Add to Your Colorado List
When you are visiting Colorado, I would highly recommend starting with Garden of the Gods. It is a free park filled with dramatic red rock formations that look almost otherworldly against the mountain backdrop.
Rocky Mountain National Park is equally stunning and absolutely worth the effort. It is not free, and reservations are required in advance during parts of the year, but the hassle is worth it. The National Park Service also offers a free lifetime pass for visitors with a permanent disability — see the NPS site for details.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is another must. The park itself is free to visit, with plenty of hiking trails winding through the famous sandstone formations. If you can catch a concert at the amphitheatre, do it. Watching live music surrounded by those rocks is unforgettable.
Beyond the named parks, Colorado has endless hiking options. Whether you want a strenuous summit push or a casual stroll through aspen groves, you will find a trail that fits your mood.
Preparing to Visit Colorado
Altitude is real, and if you are not used to it, Colorado can be challenging on your body. Drink more water than you think you need to help prevent altitude sickness. I also tend to get nosebleeds when I visit, so I travel with something to help — a humidifier blowing on my face at night is a must for me.
And the lotion. Coming from humid Georgia, my skin is not prepared for Colorado's dry air. I am constantly slathering lotion on myself. Despite all of that, it is an incredibly beautiful place to visit, with plenty of vegetarian-friendly food and views that make every minor discomfort worth it.
Places for a Vibe
Denver's bar and coffee scene has plenty of personality. For cocktails, I love Death & Co, The Cruise Room, Hell or High Water Tiki, The Electric Cure, and Retrograde. Each one has its own mood, from polished speakeasy to tropical escape.
For shopping and restaurants, Larimer Square and Milk Market are great places to wander. Larimer Square feels historic and walkable, while Milk Market brings together a mix of food vendors under one roof.
When I need caffeine, I head to Corvus Coffee Roasters, Little Owl Coffee, or Side Pony Coffee & Cocktails. All three are solid stops whether you are starting a mountain day or winding one down.
Final Thoughts
Denver is the kind of place that makes remote work feel less like a routine and more like a balance. You can finish your meetings, grab your hiking shoes, and be in the mountains before sunset.
If you make it to Rocky Mountain National Park, do not miss Emerald Lake — it is one of those views that stays with you long after the hike is over. Want more Colorado inspiration? Check out my YouTube playlist for more of my Denver and Colorado adventures.
Notes
Practicalities and honesty
Practical tips
- Take advantage of the time zone shift — an Eastern Time workday ends early in Denver, leaving afternoons free for exploring.
- Drink far more water than usual to help your body adjust to the altitude.
- Pack lotion and consider a travel humidifier; the dry mountain air is no joke if you are used to humidity.
- Book Rocky Mountain National Park reservations in advance when they are required.
- Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks Park are free — perfect for easy, beautiful outings.
What I liked
- Finishing work at 3 p.m. and still having daylight for a hike or a park visit.
- Free access to world-class red rock scenery at Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks.
- The vegetarian-friendly food scene in Denver and Boulder.
- The variety of hiking — from casual strolls to challenging summit trails.
- How easy it feels to blend city time with mountain time in one day.
Keep exploring