Hike Roxborough's Red Rocks for Free, Then Unwind at Hearth

On November 27, Colorado Parks and Wildlife waives vehicle entry fees at every state park for Fresh Air Friday, and Roxborough is one of the parks where the day draws a crowd. Gates open at 7 a.m.—get there at opening, because the small lot fills fast and cars get turned away once the park hits capacity. The 2.5-mile Fountain Valley Trail leaves the visitor center and loops between tilted red sandstone fins through mule deer country, with 145 species of birds on the park list. Pets are not allowed anywhere in the park. Visitor centers at state parks also take 25% off most retail through Nov. 30.

Drive about 30 minutes to downtown Littleton for the post-hike stop at Hearth, a bakery and coffee shop open daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Founder Matt Quinlisk built it around grain sourced from farmers in the Rocky Mountain region, and the espresso is Tablón Coffee, the Denver roastery they serve exclusively. Order a sourdough sandwich, a seasonal pastry, or a flat white. The kitchen closes at 2:30, so aim to arrive by 2. Black Friday hours may shift, so check before you drive.

If the gate is already shut, Chatfield State Park is about 15 minutes away on the same road and free that day too. Waterton Canyon, a Denver Water property that is free year-round and links into Roxborough's trails, is the other fallback. Roxborough's gate closes at 5 p.m. and sunset lands around 4:37, so start your loop by noon. Cell service inside the park is spotty and rideshares rarely come back, so drive your own vehicle. From Littleton, 25 minutes north on Santa Fe Drive puts you in central Denver by mid-afternoon.