Ski tomorrow. Out tonight.

Denver, before the trailhead

Denver keeps a schedule all its own: a summit on Saturday morning, a brewery by four, in bed by ten because I-70 traffic waits for nobody. A flannel counts as dressed up, everyone seems to have a dog, and a surprising number of conversations start with which trail you did last weekend.

The craft beer scene is huge, the patios fill whenever the sun is out, and the sun is out a lot. One local tip: a mile up, drinks can feel stronger, so pace yourself and drink water. YesTonite fits the early, easygoing rhythm: see who's out tonight, send one message, meet at a taproom or patio nearby and still make the alarm.

Friday and Saturday are the busiest, and summer patios get going early in the evening. Colorado bars serve until 2 a.m., though plenty of Denver nights wrap up well before.

Where Denver goes out

• LoDoLower Downtown around Union Station and the ballpark, packed on game nights.
• RiNoThe River North Art District: murals, breweries and warehouse venues.
• LoHiLower Highland, with rooftop bars and views of the downtown skyline.
• South BroadwayDive bars, music venues and a scruffy, fun late-night strip.
• Colfax AvenueLong, colorful and a little wild, with historic theaters and bars.
• Larimer SquareA historic block of restaurants and bars under strings of lights.