RVing to Denver’s Great American Beer Festival
The Mile High City hosts the Great American Beer Festival every year. What better time to rent an RV and bring your buddies or your family to one of the most beautiful states in the West? Thanks to COVID, the 2020 GABF was virtual, and this year’s will be too, despite the 98% survival rate. The Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the country’s largest ticketed beer festival, will skip its public event in 2021 and return in person to celebrate its 40th anniversary October 6-8, 2022 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
Why RV to Colorado for a virtual event? Easy. You’ll see some magnificent sights, meet some friendly people, and enjoy the outdoors during Colorado’s beautiful Indian summer.
While virtual, this year’s GABF will run from September 17 through October 17, 2021. Starting August 16, you can snag a ticket for just $20. You’ll be able to visit more than 150 Colorado breweries with discounted deals. Next year, GABF will be live at the Colorado Convention Center.
Before you grab your ticket, contact RVnGO right away to reserve your home away from home. RVnGO recommends you book your RV 3 – 6 months in advance of any trip to ensure you get the RV you want.
Along the Way To The Great American Beer Festival
As you’re driving to Colorado, be sure to take in some of the scenic treasures nearby.
Scenic St. George, Utah
St. George is an interesting mash-up of jagged red rocks and Mormon history. With warm weather year-round, it also attracts retired folks who are sick of cold winters. It’s also a golfer’s paradise with four public courses and dozens of private clubs. Visit five-acre Red Hill Desert Garden. Hit up the downtown St. George Farmers Market to replenish your supply of fresh fruits and veggies. Then take a stroll in historic downtown St. George. Kid-friendly options include Town Square Park — think splash pad fountain and historic carousel — and Sand Haven State Park. St. George is also a great home base for visiting Zion National Park, as well as Arches and Bridges National Parks.
Take in Colorado’s Western Slope
You’ll know you’re in Colorado when you see the “Welcome to Colorful Colorado” sign. Driving Interstate 70 along the Colorado River, you can stop in Fruita for a break and use your festival passport at Copper Club Brewing, or drive all the way into Grand Junction and visit Monumental Beer Works or Ramblebine Brewing on your way to the Great American Beer Festival. From there, visit Colorado’s wine country in Palisade. Palisade’s peaches, cherries, and pears are world-class — you may find some in September. Palisade also offers mountain and road biking and fishing. Plus the local RV camp is just a mile away from downtown. When you’re ready to leave, drive on to Glenwood Springs, home to three hot springs. Glenwood Springs Hot Springs is the largest hot spring pool in the world and has been drawing visitors since 1888. Glenwood Canyon is scenic and rugged. Hiking trails abound.
Visit the Vail Area
Vail, Colorado, is best known as a ski town, but don’t let that stop you. Vail in the late summer is gorgeous with aspen trees beginning to turn golden. You’ll find the weather a bit cooler than the Western Slope, so bring a jacket. Vail is a biking and hiking paradise. Downtown Vail is kitschy and a little over-the-top with expensive shops and lodging. Some people say Vail is like a little Disneyland but without the rides. Use your festival passport at nearby Eagle’s Bonfire Brewing.
The Joints Are Jumpin’ at Central City & Black Hawk
These two historic mining towns are now home to more than 20 casinos. Besides blackjack, keno, or slots, you can also enjoy the historic district between the two towns. Take in the Central City Opera House, home to the fifth-oldest professional opera company in the U.S. Visit the Hidee Gold Mine and take a tour. Hop on the Peak to Peak Scenic Highway and drive to Nederland, a cute little town up the hill from Boulder. Get back on the highway and you’ll end up in Estes Park, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park. While in Estes, visit Avant Garde Ale Works with your festival passport. There’s one RV site near Central City and plenty in Estes. Plan on staying there for a few beautiful days.
Boulder Is Bouncing
Boulder is one of the more unique spots in colorful Colorado. Home to the University of Colorado, Boulder is a distinctly college town with a laid-back vibe. It’s a haven for mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and all things outdoors. It’s also home to several breweries on your festival passport, like Upslope Brewing Company, Twisted Pine Brewing, and Avery Brewing.
On foot, stroll the Pearl Street mall, home to boutiques, bookshops, fine dining, and world-class people watching. Into gardening? Visit Long’s Gardens and its U-Dig iris fields. Even if you don’t dig, the blooming bearded irises are incredible. Walk along Boulder Creek — if you’re brave enough, you can go tubing or just splash around in the chilly water.
Golden Is a Must-See
Hop on Colorado State Highway 93 and make your way to historic Golden. On the way, visit Eldorado Springs and nearby Eldorado Canyon, another rock-climbing hot spot.
Once in Golden, you can get a tour at Coors Brewing (not on your festival passport), visit the campus of the Colorado School of Mines, or walk along Washington Avenue to shop, enjoy coffee, or have a meal. Golden’s Coda Brewing, Over Yonder Brewing, and Cannonball Brewing are all on your festival passport. Lookout Mountain is nearby and is home to the Buffalo Bill Museum and his grave. Get on Sixth Avenue and head toward Denver. While on the way, look at the Jefferson County government complex. Locals call it the Taj Mahal and you’ll see why.
Visit the Mile High City
Park your RV at one of the Denver area’s many campsites and get ready to visit the Queen City of the West. There’s so much to do! Visit the recently renovated Union Station in LoDo. Besides being an Amtrak and light-rail station, it’s also home to 10 chef-owned restaurants, the Crawford Hotel, bars, and boutiques. Its 1914 beaux-arts architecture is stunning. Then walk around the rest of LoDo. Visit Coors Field, Denver’s baseball stadium, and don’t miss the Tattered Cover, one of the oldest independent bookstores in the West. Larimer Square is another hot shopping and dining district. Kids with you? The Denver Zoo and the Denver Children’s Museum will be big hits. Rent a Segway, a bike, or an electric scooter to get around. Keep your festival passport nearby for 38 participating breweries in Denver alone — not to mention those in Denver’s suburbs.
Summary
If you want to experience the Great American Beer Festival in September 2021, start making plans now. Book your RV today and map your journey to include stops at some of these great locations. Make this a vacation you won’t forget. Start by considering your RV options to determine the right one for your party and make a reservation so you’ll be ready for your road trip!
P.S.: Don’t Forget to Reserve Your RV Soon
If you’re planning on RVing to Colorado and explore its breweries firsthand, RVnGO offers a wide range of sizes and classes, ranging from the ultimate in luxury and style, like a Rock & Roll Tour Bus complete with your own driver, to basic selections with just the right amenities to make your journey comfortable, like a Class C RV.
We have great options for your budget and needs. Whether you plan to go it alone or bring the entire family (including the family pet), you can find an RV to exceed your expectations, even if traveling one way.
RV Class Options
Because RVnGO offers Class A, B, and C models, you’ll find a selection that fits your lifestyle at RVnGO. If you want the classic luxury RV and automatically think of a tour bus, consider renting a Class A model. These feature top-end appliances and king-size beds. They have full-size standup showers and regular-style toilets. Some models have bathtubs and full-size vanities as well.
If you’re looking for space for one or two but don’t want to forego the comforts of home, check out hosts offering Class C models in your city. These offer just enough space for a couple on the way to see a beautiful state. They come equipped with queen-size beds and usually feature full-size or pull-out sleeping sections for additional guests. Class Cs also have standup showers, toilets, appliances, and seating for meals or socializing.
The Class B is the smallest of the options, also known as a campervan. There is usually a full-size bed with a few small appliances, such as a modest stove and mini-fridge. You may also have room for small appliances such as a coffee maker or blender. Some have fold-out seating for meals and can be just enough room for a single traveler or a couple who doesn’t mind cozy quarters. This is also the most budget-friendly option for those focused on saving money. If you are thinking a towable is more your speed, then you will want to read this article to see which one is right for you.
