Escape the Texas Heat: A Refreshing 2-Day DenverGetaway for July 4th

Last-minute decided to flee the Texas furnace for Denver's cooler climes. While downtown was still warm, the mountains delivered perfect 68°F (20°C) bliss! 🏨 Stay: Downtown Denver Used Amex Platinum hotel credit (worth it!) Cleanest downtown ever – felt safe walking at night. Pro parking hack: Scored free street parking nightly (saved $40+/day on valet!). ✈️ Day 1: Arrival Drama Avis rental car line: *1+ hour wait* at DEN airport 🫠 (book ahead, people!). 🚂 Day 2: Pikes Peak Cog Railway (Colorado Springs) 📌 Tips: 1️⃣ Book tickets 10+ days early – left-side seats = best canyon views! 2️⃣ 3-hour round trip – chilly at 14,115 ft (bring layers!). 3️⃣ Altitude alert: Got winded just walking – grab O2 cans at the gift shop! ⛰️ Day 3: Rocky Mountain NP Hike ✨ Trail luck: Snagged last-minute entry ticket + parking at Bear Lake! Route: Bear Lake → Dream Lake → Lake Haiyaha (5 hours) Misty rain surprise – thank god for waterproof gear! Lake Haiyaha’s milky-blue water = Middle-earth magic. 🍣 Dinner Pick: Osaka’s Crispy takoyaki + tempura – reserve ahead! Post-meal boba run: Milk Tea People’s matcha never misses. #DenverCoolDown #MountainEscape 🏞️🍃