Your Complete Guide to Colorado & Utah's Best Craft Breweries | 15+ Must-Visit Taprooms, Tours & High-Altitude Beer Adventures
The Rocky Mountains brewery tour takes you through two of America's most exciting craft beer states: Colorado and Utah. This comprehensive guide, written by Certified Cicerone Michael Thompson, covers everything you need to know to plan the ultimate high-altitude beer adventure across Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Salt Lake City.
With over 400 breweries in Colorado alone and Utah's rapidly growing craft scene, the Rocky Mountains region offers unparalleled diversity—from employee-owned sustainability leaders like New Belgium to solar-powered pioneers like Uinta. Whether you're seeking guided brewery tours, self-guided beer trails, or family-friendly taprooms, this region delivers unforgettable experiences at elevations up to 7,000 feet.
The Rocky Mountains brewery scene isn't just about great beer—it's a complete cultural experience that combines craft brewing excellence with outdoor adventure, sustainability innovation, and welcoming communities. Here's what makes this region special:
The region pioneered the modern craft beer movement in the 1980s-90s, and today it's home to more breweries per capita than almost anywhere in America. You can easily combine brewery visits with hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, skiing in Aspen, or exploring Utah's "Mighty Five" national parks. Many visitors plan their trips around seasonal events like the Great American Beer Festival in Denver (September) or winter barrel-aged releases.
If you're interested in exploring other regions, check out our guides for the Pacific Northwest, California, or Midwest brewery tours.
Based on over 50 brewery visits and consultations with local beer experts, here are the essential stops for your Rocky Mountains brewery tour. Each brewery offers unique experiences, from premium guided tours to casual taproom visits.
📍 2201 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205 | ⏰ Daily 11am-10pm
Founded in 1994, Great Divide is Denver's most iconic brewery, famous for Yeti Imperial Stout and Titan IPA. Their modern taproom in the historic Five Points neighborhood features 20+ taps, industrial-chic design, and a massive outdoor patio. Self-guided tours are free; guided tours ($10) run Saturdays at 2pm and 4pm with samples of barrel-aged exclusives.
Insider Tip: Try the barrel-aged Yeti variants (Chocolate Oak, Espresso Oak) available only in the taproom. Arrive early on weekends—this is Denver's busiest brewery.
📍 1634 18th St, Denver, CO 80202 | ⏰ Daily 11am-12am
Colorado's first brewpub (opened 1988), co-founded by former Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. Located in historic LoDo, Wynkoop offers classic American ales, a full restaurant menu, and the quirky "Rail Yard Ale" served in a 2-foot-tall glass. The upstairs pool hall and comedy club make this a full entertainment venue.
Insider Tip: Located walking distance from Union Station and Coors Field—perfect pre/post-game stop. Don't miss their rotating cask ales on Wednesdays.
Fort Collins is Colorado's brewery capital with 20+ breweries in a walkable downtown. The city sits along the scenic Poudre River Trail, making it perfect for bike-based brewery tours. Plan to spend 2-3 days here to fully explore the scene.
📍 500 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524 | ⏰ Daily 11am-9pm
America's largest employee-owned brewery, New Belgium pioneered the craft beer movement with Fat Tire Amber Ale. Their massive campus features guided tours ($25, includes 5 samples), a riverside beer garden, sustainable brewing practices demo, and the iconic slide from the second floor. The on-site restaurant serves beer-paired cuisine, and there's even a Tour de Fat bike parade museum.
Insider Tip: Arrive by bike for a free tour upgrade to VIP status! Book tours 2-3 weeks in advance (they sell out). Visit the "Lips of Faith" barrel room for rare sours and wild ales not available elsewhere.
Best Time: Spring/summer for the beer garden. Tour times: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm daily. For more tips on booking brewery tours, see our complete guide.
📍 800 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524 | ⏰ Daily 11am-10pm
Family-owned since 1989, Odell is Fort Collins' original craft brewery. Known for 90 Shilling Ale, innovative IPAs, and the "Cellar Series" of wood-aged beers. Free self-guided tours anytime; guided tours ($15) on weekends include behind-the-scenes access to fermentation tanks and pilot brewery tastings.
Insider Tip: The "Small Batch Series" taps (6-8 rotating) feature experimental beers you won't find anywhere else. Visit Thursday nights for live music.
Utah's craft beer scene has exploded despite historical 3.2% ABV restrictions (lifted in 2019). Salt Lake City now boasts 15+ breweries, most clustered downtown within walking distance. Utah beer often emphasizes balance and drinkability over extreme ABV.
📍 1722 S Fremont Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 | ⏰ Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm
Utah's first craft brewery (1993), Uinta is a certified B Corporation powered by 100% renewable energy. Famous for Cutthroat Pale Ale and nature-inspired branding featuring Utah wildlife. Their LEED-certified taproom offers free self-guided tours, a massive outdoor patio with mountain views, and "Brewing for Good" community events supporting local conservation.
Insider Tip: Visit during a "Brewing for Good" event where proceeds support causes like wild trout habitat restoration. The "Crooked Line" series offers high-ABV experimental beers.
Family-Friendly: One of the best family-friendly breweries in the region with lawn games, food trucks, and non-alcoholic options.
📍 825 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 | ⏰ Daily 11am-10pm
Bold, hop-forward beers that pushed Utah's brewing boundaries. Known for Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout (coffee-infused), Brainless series of Belgian-style ales, and an extensive barrel-aging program. Downtown taproom features 30+ taps including rare vintage releases.
Insider Tip: Visit in November for their annual Big Bad Baptist variant release (peanut butter, coconut, raspberry versions). Ask about the vintage stout library.
Colorado:
Utah:
This itinerary covers the essential breweries and allows time for outdoor activities. Adjust based on your pace and interests. For more detailed planning advice, see our complete brewery trip planning guide.
The Rocky Mountains offer year-round brewery experiences, but timing significantly impacts your trip. For seasonal recommendations across all regions, check our summer brewery guide and fall beer festival calendar.
Car Rental: Essential for Denver ↔ Fort Collins ↔ Salt Lake City travel. Book in advance for better rates. Always designate a driver or use rideshare after drinking. See our responsible drinking guide for safe travel tips.
Within Cities:
Pro Tip: Many Fort Collins breweries are connected by the Poudre River Trail—rent bikes and save on rideshare costs while enjoying scenic views.
Denver ↔ Salt Lake City: 8-hour drive (525 miles) through scenic mountains, OR 1.5-hour flight ($150-300). Consider flying to save a full day of driving, especially in winter when mountain passes can be treacherous.
Alternate Routes: If driving, consider stopping in Vail, Glenwood Springs, or Grand Junction (all have excellent breweries) to break up the journey.
Proper preparation enhances your brewery tour experience. For a complete packing checklist, see our brewery tour packing guide.
One of the most unique aspects of Rocky Mountains breweries is the challenge and opportunity of high-altitude brewing. At 5,000-7,000 feet elevation, the brewing process changes significantly, creating distinctive beer characteristics you won't find at sea level.
At 5,000+ feet elevation, alcohol affects your body differently. You'll feel intoxicated faster and dehydration happens more quickly. Follow these safety guidelines:
Learn more about safe brewery touring in our responsible drinking guide.
May through October is ideal for Rocky Mountains brewery tours. Summer (June-August) offers perfect weather for outdoor patios and hiking combinations. Fall (September-October) features harvest beers, the Great American Beer Festival, and fewer crowds with beautiful autumn colors. Avoid November-March due to snow and mountain pass closures, unless you're combining brewery visits with skiing.
Plan 5-7 days for a comprehensive Rocky Mountains brewery tour. This allows 2-3 days in Denver/Fort Collins area, 1 day for travel between Colorado and Utah, and 2-3 days in Salt Lake City area. This timeframe lets you visit 10-15 breweries comfortably while including outdoor activities. For a shorter trip, focus on either Colorado (3-4 days) or Utah (2-3 days) independently.
A car is recommended for traveling between cities (Denver → Fort Collins → Salt Lake City), but not necessary within cities. Denver and Salt Lake City have good public transit and rideshare coverage. Fort Collins is extremely bike-friendly with the Poudre River Trail connecting major breweries. Many visitors rent a car for intercity travel, then use bikes/rideshare within each destination. Always arrange designated drivers or alternative transportation after drinking.
Yes! Many Rocky Mountains breweries welcome families with children. New Belgium in Fort Collins offers family-oriented tours, outdoor games, and a restaurant with kid menus. Uinta in Salt Lake City has large outdoor spaces, lawn games, and food trucks with family options. Great Divide in Denver is wheelchair accessible with stroller-friendly spaces. Always check individual brewery policies before visiting. For more options, see our complete family-friendly brewery guide.
At high altitude (5,000-7,000 feet in Colorado/Utah), alcohol affects you faster due to lower oxygen levels and faster absorption. You may feel intoxicated from fewer drinks than at sea level. High-altitude brewing also creates unique beer characteristics—water boils at lower temperatures, requiring adjusted brewing techniques that often result in crisper, cleaner beers. Visitors should pace themselves, drink plenty of water (1 glass per beer), eat regularly, and expect to feel effects more quickly. Take the first day to acclimate before heavy drinking.
Yes! Most Rocky Mountains breweries sell packaged beer (cans, bottles, growlers) to-go. Colorado has no restrictions on brewery sales. Utah allows beer sales but with some limitations on higher-ABV products (check individual breweries). Many limited-release and barrel-aged beers are only available on-site. Bring a cooler in your car for purchases, especially in summer. Some airlines allow checked beer (pack carefully in bubble wrap). Popular items to bring home: New Belgium Lips of Faith series, Great Divide Yeti variants, Uinta Crooked Line, Epic Big Bad Baptist.
Utah beer laws have significantly relaxed in recent years. As of 2019, grocery stores can sell beer up to 5.0% ABV. Breweries and bars can serve full-strength beer without restrictions. Liquor stores (state-run) sell high-ABV beers. Some unique rules: food must be available where beer is served, happy hour pricing prohibited, last call is 1am. For visitors, the main impact is that breweries close earlier than in Colorado (most by 10pm vs midnight). Utah's craft beer scene is thriving despite historical restrictions.
Costs vary by brewery: Free tours: Many breweries (Uinta, Wynkoop, Odell self-guided) offer free tours. $10-15: Basic guided tours with 3-4 samples (Great Divide, Epic). $25-35: Premium experiences with 5+ samples and behind-the-scenes access (New Belgium). $50+: VIP experiences with rare pours, food pairing, or private groups. Most taproom visits (no tour) are free—you just pay for beers ($6-9 per pint). Budget $50-100/day for beer and tours, more for food and transportation. See our guide on free brewery tours to save money.
Michael Thompson is a Certified Cicerone Level 2 with 15+ years of experience in craft beer education. He has visited over 500 American breweries and leads brewery tours throughout the Rocky Mountains region. Michael specializes in high-altitude brewing techniques and sustainable brewery practices. Read more about Michael.