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Drive ~45 minutes outside of Denver for a moderate, dog friendly 4.5 mi RT hike for fall 🍁 peeping or a waterfall (depending on the time of year). Then head over to downtown Evergreen to enjoy wine and charcuterie along the river. 

Here's your plan for a day trip: hike Maxwell Falls Trail, then enjoy wine tasting at Creekside Cellars

Maxwell Falls Hike + Winery

At Maxwell Falls Lower Trailhead, embark on a 4.5-mile RT hike featuring creeks, outlooks, and a waterfall, ideal for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts.

Trail Hiking

Less than an hour from Denver, you’ll find what I believe to be one of Colorado's best hikes. This 4.5 mi RT hike (~850 ft of elevation gain) has it all: shade, sun, creeks, outlooks, heavily wooded areas, and a few challenges along the way. I did it with my parents 👨‍👩‍👧 and, after 30 years of living in Colorado, they said it was their favorite hike they’ve ever done. It's a popular spot, so plan to leave around 7:30am. I know, I know, that’s early, but you’ll thank me when you easily find parking and see only a handful of hikers on the trail. If the lot is full, park in one of the dirt drive offs or along the side of the road (other people will do this too, just follow suit).

There are two trails to choose from that both lead to the waterfall, but today’s plan hits Lower Maxwell Falls. If you want a bit of a shorter and easier option, start at Upper Maxwell Falls, which is about 2.5 miles and ~500 ft of elevation gain. 

You can do this hike in sneakers, but I highly recommend hiking boots if you have them. I even saw a number of people using trekking poles as well. Follow the shady trail until you hit a fork at Cliffside Loop (see pic #4) about 1.5 miles in. If you want a more challenging start, go right. If you want an easier walk, go left. I personally like getting the hard part out of the way so we went right on the way there, doing the easier part of the loop on the way back. About ¾ of the way in (if you went right) is the waterfall. The falls are strongest in the beginning and middle of summer, so it might be more of a trickle if you go later in the fall, but the hike, foliage, and stream are still absolutely stunning and worth going for. There are a lot of evergreen trees, and you will spot some gorgeous changing aspens. 

Another ~0.5 miles in, you hit the top of the loop. Make the sharp turn left to head back around the loop (or turn back around if you want to redo the challenging part). If you continue to go straight, you will hit a dead end so don’t miss the sharp turn back.

Once you get back to the trailhead, hop in the car and drive 10 minutes to downtown Evergreen for some wine!

Hike Lower Maxwell Falls Trailhead

Post-hike, enjoy a wine flight at Creekside Cellars in Evergreen. Try multiple wines, order favorites, and indulge in Italian antipasto, all by a scenic creek.

Wine Tasting

I know you might be thinking it’s too early for 🍷, but you just closed your move ring before noon so airport rules apply and we’re heading to one of the cutest wineries you’ll ever see: Creekside Cellars Winery.

A few days in advance, call 303.674.5460 to make your reservation for 11:30am (and no, you can’t do it online, we tried). Once you’re there, snag a spot outside along the creek for the most stunning view (summer or winter, they have heaters). They offer 1oz tastings before you order, so try as many as you’d like, then order a flight of your 3 favorites for $16. To complement your wine, get the Italian antipasto platter, olive boat (you will learn quickly I am an olive gal), and brussels sprouts (they have a truffle aioli dipping sauce 🤯). If you want a more substantial meal after the hike, they also have focaccia paninis, which are delish.

Once you enjoy your wine and snacks, head back to Denver and be sure to stay off your phone, the drive is beautiful! 

Enjoy a wine flight at Creekside Cellars

Here is your Nudge plan for a day trip into the mountains where

you will go on an incredible hike and end with a wine tasting.

Take a short drive out of the city over to Evergreen.

Will kick it off at the beautiful Maxwell Falls Trailhead

for a fairly easy 4.5 mile round trip hike.

The forest is so lush and full of cute photo ops.

The falls will be strongest in the spring but are perfect for a quick splash.

Next we'll head just 10 minutes to Creekside Cellars Winery.

Be sure to sit on the duck for the best views of the creek.

I personally love ordering the wine flight

And above everything, do not skip on their tasty cheese boards...

Pro tip: If you brought your pup, there is seating out front that is dog friendly.

All you have to do is grab a friend and head to the mountains!

NADC serving up some tasty smash burgers! Definitely check them out!

Best Burger in Denver? 🍔

At NADC Burger in Denver's Union Station, enjoy a simple menu featuring a customizable smashburger, extra crispy flour coated fries, and fruity cocktails.

Burger Dining

• Smashburger! Option to make it a triple patty for an extra $8!
• Flour coated fries for that extra crispiness!
• Fruity Cocktails

💪 Pro tips
• There’s only one burger on the menu! We love a simple menu.

What to Order

New asian-fusion tapas restaurant with vibey electronic beats

Must Try Miya Moon🍜🌕

Dine at Miya Moon in Broomfield for an unforgettable experience with Asian fusion tapas, vibrant neon lights, electronic beats, and exquisite cocktails.

Fine Dining

✅ Before you go
• Make a reservation & request the party room if available https://miyamoonco.com
• They have locations in Broomfield and Lone Tree

💪 Pro tips
• Everything on the menu is delicious- you can’t go wrong! 
• Definitely get the new summer drink or the boba & bubbles 🥂

Dine at Miya Moon

If you're the kind of person who books dinner just for the vibe,

This Asian fusion tapas spot features neon lights,

and the kind of cocktails you definitely post before you sip. 

cocktail that tastes like a frozen fruit popsicle,

Denver just got a Vegas level upgrade and their new patio lounge is about to go off.

You're definitely gonna want a reservation before everyone else finds out.

Samosa Shop is a counter restaurant that you do not want to miss! 

Reimagined Indian Street Food!🥘 🇮🇳

At Honor Farm, enjoy huge portions of halal Indian delights like Lamb Kebab Smashburger and Disco style Bombay Fries, plus a hidden cocktail bar.

Indian Street Food

✅ Must Try Items
• 🍔 Lamb Kebab Smashburger
• 🍟 Bombay Fries upgrade Disco style 🪩
• 🥟 All their samosas
• 🍗 Chicken Tenders with Frank's Kashmiri sauce
• 🌮 Chicken Vindaloo Tacos with Birria

💪 Pro tips
• Portions are huge!
• All meat is halal.
• Check out the hidden cocktail bar upstairs!

What To Order

Here are 5 cool Denver bars to check out. 

5 Cool Denver Bars | Part V

Explore Downtown Denver's Uptown neighborhood with a visit to five unique bars: Hell or High Water Tiki, Yacht Club, Ghost Saloon, Block Distilling, and Corsica Wine Bar.

Bar Hopping

✅ The Bars
• Hell or High Water Tiki
• Yacht Club
• Ghost Saloon
• Block Distilling 
• Corsica Wine Bar

💪 Pro tips
• Plan a fun day in Downtown Denver visiting these bars! 