Colorado is a magical place. It’s full of beautiful scenery where you can experience all 4 seasons and enjoy so many indoor and outdoor activities. Denver has the largest airport in the USA. Chances are you can get a direct or a cheap flight there. These are the best places to eat gluten-free and travel in Colorado.
Best Places to Eat Gluten-Free and Travel in Colorado: Denver
The U.S. Mint is a bureau of the Department of Treasury and where U.S. coins are made. They have tours Monday – Thursday. Tickets are only available the day or your tour and you much be 7 years old or older. There are only a few locations for the U.S. Mint and I highly recommend stopping by when you’re in Denver.
Coors Field is a Major League baseball field located in downtown Denver. Go to enjoy a baseball game when in town or go for a tour of the stadium. Tour ticket prices can range from $10 – $20 and last about 70 – 80 minutes. They have specific rules on what you can bring in the stadium so definitely check their website.
Molly Brown Museum – Titanic Survivor
The Molly Brown House Museum was the home of Titanic Survivor Molly Brown. You can do a guided or individual tour. Step inside to view collections of fashion, furniture, China/glassware, Art, and more. It’s open Tuesday – Sunday. They offer great learning programs you can participate in, if you plan on being in the area a while.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Red Rocks Amphitheater is a great place to see a concert or to visit and enjoy its natural beauty. Many rock starts have played here and some have graced their Hall of Fame, such as The Beatles, Carlos Santana, U2, Sting, and so many more. You can visit the Red Rock Trading Post (which was built in the Pueblo Revival style) for souvenirs. Their concession stands offer both gluten-free and vegan options.
If you’re looking for a great place to stay and relax, the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center is perfect. It’s located in Aurora between the Denver Airport and Denver. They have 4 restaurants, a spa, and live music outside where you can enjoy the beautiful skies under an outdoor heater, or by one of their many fire pits. They have yoga, exercise classes, an outdoor water park with lazy rivers and cabanas and a golf course.
Mountain Pass Sports Bar at the Gaylord Rockies Resort
I was able to order the burger and substitute with a gluten-free bun. For the side, I ordered a caser salad without crotons. I really wanted the fries but was informed that the fries came with a coating on them and wasn’t recommended for someone with Celiacs. The Mountain Pass Sports Bar is huge with large screen TVs. For breakfast I ordered from A La Carte. I had bacon, eggs, potatoes, with coffee (they offer Starbucks). The potatoes were amazing! The only gluten-free available was their double chocolate muffin which was pretty good. Talk to your server before ordering due to possible cross contamination and changes in menus.
Quiero Arapas states that they are 100% gluten-free! They have 2 locations in Denver and offer Venezuelan arapas. They have vegan options too. They’ve been voted as one of the best places to eat in Denver.
Blue Agave Grill is a contemporary southwest restaurant. They list their gluten-free, gluten-free options, and vegan items on their menu. Enjoy a wide range of delicious choices like the street tacos, enchiladas, soups, pork carnitas, blackened yellowfish tuna, and more. They also have a brunch menu.
Best Places to Eat Gluten-Free and Travel in Colorado: Estes Park
I’m a fan of the Stephen King novel The Shinning and if you are too, this is a must place to visit! It’s located in the beautiful town of Estes Park across the street from an entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a beautiful hotel and I recommend taking the guided tour. Parking is $10 but they give you a coin you can use at the bar or gift shop. It has the twin girls from The Shinning on it lol. They created a small hedge maze in the front of the hotel after tourist continued to ask for it. During the tour, we were taken down to the basement and some photos I took came out a bit strange. The hotel is rumored to be haunted and was the inspiration for The Shining. I’ll let your imagination decide if it was the lighting or a ghost in the photo (a ghost pirate maybe? on the left). The grounds are beautiful and you’re sure to have a good time visiting…. Or stay the night, if you dare!
The Rocky Mountain National Park
If you love hiking, kayaking, fishing, or camping, you’ll want to visit this gorgeous national park! Or just take a drive through and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. You’ll need to get a timed entry pass online and pay for your entry fee. These are available between end of May and end of October. As of the summer of 2023, the entry points have become cashless. You can check the lists of fees here. There are more than 100 peaks for view here and the Rocky Mountain National Park is home to many different types of wildlife including elk, mule deer, chipmunks, big horned sheep, coyotes, black bears, elk, and so much more. Be sure to bring your camera!
Estes Park is a quaint town tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. The drive getting there is beautiful and the town if full of even more beauty. There is so much to do here. You can take a scenic drive on the Trail Ridge Road that goes through the Rocky Mountain National Park and a large portion of this road is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. You can also drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Be sure to check for road closures closer to the winter months. You can park your car in downtown Estes Park and take the trolley to view their many shops and restaurants. You can try Rapid Transit Rafting, if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. Or relax and go horseback riding at Sombrero Stables or enjoy Estes Park’s wineries and breweries. Wherever you are in Estes Park, you’re sure to have a beautiful view.
If you’re in the mood for Asian food you’re in luck. Café De Pho Thai offers gluten-free and vegan options and list them on their menu. You’ll have choice of curry, summer rolls, pad thai, and more. Be sure talk to your server as they may be knowledge of even more gluten-free options.
This café is locally owned and family operated. They serve breakfast and lunch and offer to substitute gluten-free bun and gluten-free bread for an additional cost. You can enjoy gluten-free French Toast for breakfast or a Monty Cristo or burger for lunch. Just be sure to talk to your waiter if you have any allergies as there’s always a chance of cross-contamination. They have a gluten-free menu and kids’ menu.
If you’re in the mood for Italian food, Sweet Basilico can meet your needs. They offer gluten-free build your own pasta and pizza. They do warn on their site the possibility of cross-contamination, do eat at your own risk.
Best Places to Eat Gluten-Free and Travel in Colorado: Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a special place to visit full of so much beauty and peace. There are many wonderous places to see like the Garden of the Gods, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, and many more! I did an entire blog post on Colorado Springs. Click here to see The Ultimate Guide to Colorado Springs!