Virtually anywhere you go in the US, it’s not hard to find a Chipotle nearby.

However, this colossal chain had quite humble beginnings. If you ever find yourself in the Denver area, it’s worth considering a visit to the original Chipotle location, where it all began.

Below, I’ll discuss visiting the original location and provide you with a glimpse into the history of Chipotle’s remarkable ascent.

Where is the original Chipotle location?

You can find the original Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant nestled in the University of Denver neighborhood at 1644 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210. It’s right next-door to one of the well-known marijuana dispensaries, Starbuds.

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A brief history of the quick rise of Chipotle

You could say the Chipotle story started in San Francisco in 1993.

There, Founder Steve Ells, donned the apron of a line cook, and amidst the tantalizing aromas of the Mission District restaurants, witnessed the popularity of the taquerías and legendary San Francisco burritos.

In 1993, drawing inspiration from his experiences in San Francisco, Steve Ells ventured into the heart of Denver, Colorado, to bring his own culinary vision to life. Little did he know that this humble endeavor would ignite a wildfire of success. The inaugural Chipotle Mexican Grill burst onto the scene, becoming an instant hit.

Originally, Ells had grand aspirations of utilizing the proceeds from his maiden Chipotle venture to establish an upscale dining establishment. However, as the masses flocked to savor the flavors of Chipotle, he shifted his focus entirely to his Mexican grills. Just two years later, in 1995, a second Chipotle store emerged, signaling the rapid expansion to come.

Chipotle quickly spread its influence beyond Colorado’s borders. In 1998, the first Chipotle restaurant outside of Colorado opened, to the pleasure of diners in Kansas City, Missouri.

But the big turning point for Chipotle came in 1998, when the fast-food giant McDonald’s recognized the extraordinary potential of the burgeoning Mexican grill concept. In a transformative move, McDonald’s made a significant investment in Chipotle, soon becoming the company’s largest investor.

McDonald’s injected a surge of momentum into Chipotle’s expansion plans. In the span of just seven years, from 1998 to 2005, the number of Chipotle restaurants skyrocketed from a mere 16 to an astonishing 500 and beyond.

By 2005, McDonald’s reportedly had a 90% stake in Chipotle’s business. 

Eventually, McDonald’s would divest its ownership, citing its side ventures like Chipotle as a distraction. They wanted to put all of their efforts into the McDonald’s brand.

But there also appears to have been differences between Chipotle and McDonald’s. McDonald’s had its own vision for Chipotle’s future, which included implementing changes such as adding drive-thrus, introducing a breakfast menu, and potentially altering the brand name to “Chipotle Fresh Mexican Grill.”

The contrasting approach to food between Chipotle and McDonald’s played a significant role in the eventual separation of the two companies.

Chipotle operates in a category known as “fast casual,” which sets it apart from traditional fast food establishments. The fast casual segment places a stronger emphasis on utilizing high-quality, fresh ingredients and prioritizing sustainability, distinguishing it from the typical fast food model.

Chipotle’s commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients and its “food with integrity” philosophy resonated with a growing number of consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable dining options.

The brand’s emphasis on responsible sourcing, such as using naturally raised meats and organic produce, appealed to customers who valued transparency and environmentally-conscious practices.

In contrast, McDonald’s (as we all know) operates within the realm of true fast food, which focuses on quick service and affordability. While McDonald’s had its own successful model and practices, the differences in food philosophy and approach ultimately led to a divergence between the two companies.

In the end, McDonald’s missed out on some serious guacamole. Some estimate that McDonald’s lost out on around $50 billion in earnings by getting out.

Chipotle has faced a lot of challenges over the years. From the notorious foodborne illness outbreaks in 2015, famously associated with cases of E. coli and norovirus, to legal battles concerning labor practices, they have had their fair share of controversy.

Indeed, like many large companies, Chipotle has had to face up to its own imperfections. However, it’s hard to deny the sheer impressiveness of the empire they have built. Today, Chipotle’s presence extends far and wide, with over 3,100 restaurants in the United States.

Visiting the original Chipotle location

We pulled up around noon and easily found street parking. There are a couple of parking spots just outside the restaurant and some along the street but be sure to note the one hour limit (not that you need one hour to scarf down those tantalizing burritos, bowls, and tacos.)

As you walk up to the restaurant, you’ll notice how it looks nothing like any other modern Chipotle, as its vintage charm remains well intact. The original building was a Dolly Madison ice cream shop which you can kind of get the vibe of when you step inside.

One peculiar quirk about Chipotle is its opening time, set at the rather unconventional hour of 10:45 AM. It stays open late until 10 PM.

Step inside, and you’ll find that the original Chipotle restaurant retains much of its traditional appearance, albeit in a more compact form.

The space is limited, with only four cozy barstool areas and a handful of chairs for dine-in customers. Don’t expect any fancy outdoor patios or sprawling seating arrangements here. It seems like many people opt for takeout from this location, given its modest size.

In our case, being in the presence of the first-ever Chipotle establishment, we couldn’t resist the urge to dine in. To our delight, the restaurant wasn’t crowded at all, allowing us to enjoy our meal without any hassle.

I know Chipotle workers have a reputation for being extremely efficient but the workers that were on duty at the time we visited were insanely efficient and seemingly working with laser precision. They probably could have made my burrito blindfolded.

There is a drink station for soda water and some lemonade and other juices and a couple of bathrooms towards the back but that’s about all that you’ll find inside this smaller venue.

After a considerable hiatus from munching on a chipotle burrito (my usual go-to being the beloved bowls), I knew that visiting the original Chipotle required a throwback to the classics. So I went with a good old-fashioned burrito. Just like old times, it hit the spot.

Before you head back to your vehicle, make sure that you stop by the official plaque near the door so that you can take your picture in front of the original Chipotle, “where a revolution wrapped in foil began.”

Final word

Back in the day, I went through a passionate chipotle phase, with their burritos becoming my frequent choice of sustenance during countless law school meals. So I thoroughly enjoyed being able to set foot in the original establishment. The Chipotle story, in my opinion, is a captivating success narrative full of class entrepreneur challenges, obstacles, and plot twists and one full of valuable lessons.

Daniel Gillaspia

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here. 

Like many major cities in the US, the streetcar played a vital role in the progress and growth of the city of Denver.

Today, you won’t hear the clickety-clack of the tracks echoing through the city streets, but there is one place where you can get a taste of history, and that place is the Denver Trolley.

Below, I’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about the Denver Trolley before your visit, including some intriguing historical background that will enhance your experience even further.

What is the Denver Trolley?

The Denver Trolley is a remodeled trolley found in Downtown Denver that takes visitors to various stops along a 25-minute journey.

The trolley or “street car” is not one of the original street cars used in Denver. Instead, it is a replica built in 1986 that is meant to look like a 1903 Brill open streetcar.

The frame and steel components of the car were originally taken from Melbourne, Australia, but it was made by the Gomaco Trolley Company in Ida Grove, Iowa.

Tip: If you want to step inside of a vintage closed street car used in Denver then be sure to visit the Aurora History Museum where they have a 100+ year old beautifully preserved streetcar that you can step inside of.

The rise and fall of the Denver Trolley: a brief history

Stepping onto the Denver Trolley is like a time-traveling adventure and fun in it’s own right. But it’s even better when you understand how street cars were the lifeblood of cities in the early 20th century.

In 1871, Denver introduced its first horsecars, marking the beginning of the city’s public transportation journey. Over the next decade, Denver ventured into experimenting with steam dummies and storage batteries as alternative propulsion systems. However, these early attempts faced several challenges that deterred public interest.

The horsecars, while a significant advancement at the time, had their limitations. They relied on horses for propulsion, which restricted their speed and range. Additionally, the use of horses meant dealing with waste management and maintenance, which could be a nuisance in the growing city.

The introduction of steam dummies was an attempt to harness steam power for transportation. However, these steam-powered vehicles had their drawbacks. They were noisy, emitted pollution, and required a dedicated infrastructure for steam generation, making them less desirable for urban environments.

Storage batteries were another avenue explored to power the streetcars. While they offered a cleaner alternative compared to steam, their limited range and frequent need for recharging posed practical challenges.

The technology of the time simply couldn’t provide the necessary speed, efficiency, and convenience demanded by the growing city.

Soon, the Tramway and the Denver City Cable Railway Company introduced cable railway technology to the Mile High City in 1888. And it didn’t take long for Denver to boast “one of the most comprehensive networks in any city,” including the longest recorded individual cable line spanning approximately 7 miles.

Indeed, cable railways represented a significant improvement over horsecars in terms of speed and operational costs. These innovative systems allowed for faster travel, approximately twice the speed of horsecars. They also eliminated the expenses associated with feeding, stabling, and maintaining a large number of horses.

However, cable railways did have their own set of drawbacks.

Installing the infrastructure, including the underground cables, grips, and pulley systems, was a costly endeavor. Maintenance also wasn’t cheap.

And their safety record wasn’t exactly flawless. For example, grip mechanisms could malfunction making it impossible for streetcars to stop! The Denver winters weren’t so kind to cable cars, either.

So cable cars were phased out in 1900, as a new invention spread across the country: electric streetcars.

Finally, after years of experimentation and dealing with the shortcomings of horsecars, steam dummies, and cable cars, electric street cars came into existence in Denver in 1889, shortly after their invention.

In fact, with over 250 miles of trackage in the Denver metro area and 40 miles of interurban rails Denver had one of the most comprehensive networks in the country!

Initially, there were several street car companies but they were eventually consolidated into one company, the Denver Tramway Company, which would dominate public transportation in the city for over 60 years.

The trolleys were the architects of urban expansion, fueling the growth of cities and nurturing economic development. Along their tracks, new neighborhoods sprouted, businesses flourished, and the heartbeat of the city grew stronger.

For a long time, streetcars served as a sort of a status symbol for cities like Denver who were trying to show the rest of the country that they were more than just “cow towns.”

The catalysts of progress, streetcars helped to propel cities forward into a brighter future.

However, as time went on, particularly from the 1920s to the 1950s, they gradually became outdated due to the emergence of buses and automobiles.

Unlike the streetcars bound to fixed tracks, buses were free spirits, able to weave through the urban maze at will. And once automobiles started to become affordable nothing could compete with the personal liberation and the thrill of the open road.

The last streetcar bid its farewell in 1950, marking the closing chapter of a transportation legacy.

Many people were very sad to see them go. After all, they had helped take the city to unimaginable levels of growth and prosperity.

As the tracks disappeared, either removed or hidden beneath layers of asphalt, the physical presence of the streetcars faded. Yet, their impact on the city’s identity and collective memory remained.

Sources

Where is the Denver Trolley?

It’s very easy to find the Denver Trolley.

All you need to do is head to the REI Flagship store near Confluence Park since it’s located right next door. It’s a big store but if you head to the side with the Starbucks, you’ll see the signs pointing you towards the Denver Trolley.

Follow the signs to the tent where you will purchase your tickets which you can do with cash or credit card.

The trolley typically runs from 10 AM to 5 PM. There are some sources online that state the trolley opens at 11 AM but when we visited it was up and running at 10 AM. Also, keep in mind that it only runs on Thursday through Monday and usually only between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Here are the prices for the trolley as of 2023:

• $7 Adults (ages 13 and older)
• $3 Children (under age 13)
• Free children under age 4

As for parking, we usually just find parking on Platte Street (around the corner from the REI store), which will give you two hours.

Visiting the Denver Trolley

We arrived about 10:15 AM which was 15 minutes after opening. This gave us enough time to pick up our tickets and then head to Starbucks for a quick snack while we waited on the trolley to return.

They allow you to bring drinks and food on to the trolley so you can enjoy the sites along with your drinks or snacks.

The trolley departs about every 30 minutes so you can time your visit so that you don’t wait around very long, especially if you are arriving in the morning times. But even if you do need to wait around, you can explore the waterways of Confluence Park, check out the huge REI store, or hang out at Starbucks.

When you arrive, you will have your ticket punched and then you can board anywhere you find an open seat.

There’s a couple of things to know about boarding though.

First, you can flip the trolley seatback so that the seat row faces the opposite direction. This allows bigger groups to sit together facing each other as long as one side is okay with traveling backwards.

If you’re seated in the back, and the row in front of you decides to face each other this means that you will likely be forced to ride backwards on the way back so think twice about using the back row.

Another thing you might want to think about is sitting in close proximity to the speakers so that you can hear all of the information. Most of the seats are lined up well with the speakers but some towards the back are perhaps not the best for those hard of hearing.

Once everybody is situated, the staff will put up the safety guards, and then the trolley will take off. The entire journey is not very long and takes about 25 minutes round-trip. From Confluence Park, you’ll make a stop at the Aquarium, Children’s Museum, and at Mile High Stadium.

There is some talk in the works to add additional stops on the journey, including stops at the Denver Transit Museum and Decatur Street where you will be able to transfer to RTD’s West Side Light Rail line to and from Lakewood and Golden, but those were not in service at the time of our visit.

On the southbound journey, you’ll be able to disembark at any one of those stops. As long as you have your ticket punched, you’ll be able to reboard and complete your journey. However, on the way back, there will be no stops.

If you’re looking straight ahead, I’d recommend you sitting on the right side of the street car in order to get some of the better views of some of the main sites although both sides can offer you some decent views.

With that said, be prepared because there is quite a bit of foliage/ overgrowth blocking your view at times so it’s not quite as scenic as I would have preferred.

As you depart from the Confluence Park area, you’ll have impressive views of the Denver skyline on the left side. This vantage point showcases some of the city’s more contemporary buildings, including the remarkable 1144 Fifteenth tower, which happens to be my favorite skyscraper in Denver.

You’ll then pass Elitch Gardens on your left which is a theme park that’s been around for a while.

As you stroll along the water ways, you’ll likely encounter people exercising or just going for leisurely walks by the river. Some might even give you a friendly wave.

Your first stop will be the Aquarium although a lot of the view is heavily obscured by trees. Next, you will stop by the renowned Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Throughout your trolley journey, your conductor will be giving you some insight into the history of these sites.

The crew is very young which is very fitting.

Back in the day, many of the streetcar conductors were students themselves. They jingled their way through the city, not just to punch tickets and collect fares, but to fund their college dreams.

As you continue on, you’ll see Meow Wolf on the left which is a very fascinating immersive art experience. We really enjoyed our time exploring it’s psychedelic corridors and I’d highly recommend it for anyone looking for something to do that is way out of the ordinary. Be sure to read our helpful guide before you make your visit!

On the other side you’ll see Empower Field which of course is home to the Denver Broncos. During football season on game days the trolley runs to Empower Field which is a popular way for some people to get to and from the stadium so that they don’t have to deal with parking.

Once you get to the turnaround point, the crew will get out in order to flip the seat backs around if you prefer to not sit backwards.

At that point, it’s a nonstop journey back to where you started. When you finish up, a popular treat for kids is being able to blow the whistle or the horn so make sure you don’t miss out on that opportunity.

Final word

Overall, the trolley is a pretty short ride of only around 25 minutes. For $7 for an adult, it’s not a bad value although I do wish that it could’ve been a little bit more scenic or at least a little bit longer.

This is the type of attraction well suited for families with small kids but it’s also a great experience for people interested in getting a taste of the ways that people get around back in the day and to pay a little bit of tribute to the streetcar.

Daniel Gillaspia

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here. 

Situated near the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Colorado Music Hall of Fame is a museum that showcases the state’s rich musical heritage.

From exploring the legacies of renowned artists like John Denver and the studio haven of Caribou Ranch to delving into the pioneering AAA format, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the artists and institutions that have shaped the Colorado music scene over the decades.

Below, I’ll provide you with an overview of what to expect when you visit the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, including a glimpse of some of the highlights.

What is the Colorado Music Hall of Fame?

The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is a small museum dedicated to recognizing and honoring the remarkable contributions of musicians and institutions who have made a profound impact on the Colorado music scene.

Through captivating exhibits and prestigious inductions, the Hall of Fame showcases Colorado’s rich musical legacy, enlightening and inspiring the public with its storied music history.

Where is the Colorado Music Hall of Fame?

The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is conveniently located within Red Rocks Park, just a brief stroll away from the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater. Situated in the Trade Post building, which also houses the Red Rocks Theater gift shop, the museum is a must-see for music lovers when visiting Red Rocks Park.

It’s open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 10 AM to 6 PM but you might want to check for the latest hours just in case. The address you want to put in your GPS is: 17900 Trading Post Rd, Morrison, CO 80465.

When it comes to parking, numerous large lots are available throughout Red Rocks Park. However, there is a parking lot situated directly outside the museum, offering added convenience. There’s also a handful of electric vehicle parking spaces, which we were able to take advantage of.

Standard parking is free and there is no admission fee to the museum, so this can be a 100% free experience.

However, if you’d like to support the museum, consider making a donation. Every little bit helps!

Visiting the Colorado Music Hall of Fame

Arriving a couple of hours before the museum opened, we embarked on the Trading Post Trail, a picturesque 1.5-mile round-trip loop hike with an elevation gain of approximately 357 feet. This scenic trail proved to be a perfect way to kick-start our day, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing dose of nature.

The hike struck a delightful balance, providing an easy to moderate challenge that got our blood pumping without pushing us to the limits of exhaustion.

As we ventured along the trail, we were greeted by the sight of deer peacefully grazing below us.

Along the way, we also delved into the captivating geology of the area, a journey through 300 million years of geological history. Discovering the ancient forces that shaped the landscape kept us in awe of the immense timescale involved in this tectonic artistry.

Moreover, we learned about the distinctive names given to the iconic rocks that comprise the park. From the intriguing “Sinking Titanic” to the majestic “Creation Rock,” each name infused the landscape with a sense of wonder and character, highlighting the geological features that make this place so special.

As we neared the end of our hike, we couldn’t resist the allure of the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, an iconic landmark we were visiting for the first time. So we took a detour to check out the amphitheater.

Following this route, you may find your legs put to the test as you ascend to the amphitheater, especially if you’re not acclimated to the high elevation. Though the hike + ascent may challenge you some, the experience and breathtaking views are well worth the effort, so just take your time!

During the morning and early afternoon, Red Rocks Amphitheater becomes a bustling hub for fitness enthusiasts. You’ll witness people from all walks of life engaging in invigorating workouts, jogging up and down the steps, and traversing the expansive area.

Because the museum highlights a lot of Red Rocks Amphitheater, I think it’s a good idea to check out the amphitheater before you visit the museum as it gives you a better sense of appreciation for the venue.

Finally, after some nice moderate exercise in the outdoors, we arrived at the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

It’s housed in the Trade Post building, a historic structure built in 1931 in a Pueblo Revival style to “commemorate the Native American form of architecture and to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.”

Upon arrival, you’ll likely enter through the main doors of the Trade Post building, leading you directly into the Red Rocks gift shop. Inside, you’ll discover a wide array of souvenirs, ranging from magnets and postcards to an assortment of T-shirts, catering to every taste. Some cozy beanies and socks could be had too.

From inside the gift shop, you’ll see some exhibits for the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

You’ll find exhibits for the various classes inducted into the Hall of Fame over the years since 2011 and you can always just look to the top corner of the exhibit to see which class you’re looking at.

Of course, the main exhibit hall at the Colorado Music Hall of Fame is dedicated primarily to the one and only John Denver, known for his music that celebrated the natural beauty of Colorado. Learn about his rise to prominence with various exhibits and artifacts including some of his plaque awards, wardrobe pieces, and a custom-made guitar.

In this room, you’ll also find a dedicated feature on the Red Rocks Amphitheater, which holds the distinction of being the second member of the inaugural class.

Delving into its history, we uncovered intriguing facts about the park’s beginnings, unveiling its earlier identities as the “Garden of the Angels” and the “Garden of the Titans.” It seems that the name transition was believed to carry a certain curse, though the current status of this belief remains uncertain.

A noteworthy coincidence was our visit on May 30, coinciding with the date of the first recorded concert at the park way back in 1906! Pretty cool.

You’ll be able to get a sense of the evolution of the park and the insane amount of work that the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) “boys” put into constructing the theater while working for $1 a day and room and board.

They blew up rocks, and worked mostly with picks and shovels, as they built out the amphitheater with seating for more than 9,000 over the span of 12 years.

After checking out the inaugural class, we made our way to the other side of the museum which goes into a lot of different classes spanning the different decades.

We discovered pioneering concert promoters such as Chuck Morris, who successfully lured established performers like AC/DC, Bob Dylan and Metallica, and U2.

I appreciated learning the history of KBCO, which helped to pioneer the Adult Album Alternative (or Triple A) format — a radio format tailored for adults and characterized by expansive and diverse playlists that transcend the confines of mainstream hit stations.

Equally captivating was delving into the annual Studio C series, a tradition that showcased electrifying live recordings by highly esteemed visiting performers including the Goo Goo Dolls, Jeff Buckley, the Doobie Brothers, and many, many more.

These hall of fame museums have exhibits that are fun to check out but they are also great for discovering new artists and styles of music you might enjoy. I enjoyed getting familiar with oldies bands I had never heard of like The Astronauts, the “premier landlocked Midwestern surf group” of the ’60s. They were huge in Japan.

Finally, it was also really cool to learn about Caribou Ranch, part of the class of 2017.

It was a studio tucked away in the mountains near Nederland, Colorado, where artists did not have to deal with a lot of the distractions during recording sessions such as going to get food, getting to and from the hotel, etc. The thin air at nearly 9,000 feet also reportedly allowed artists to produce a unique sound.

This idyllic setting served as a catalyst for creativity, attracting renowned musicians such as Michael Jackson, Elton John, Dan Fogelberg, Joe Walsh, Chicago, the Beach Boys, and numerous others, who found inspiration and produced memorable works within its walls.

Unfortunately, it went down in flames in the 1980s but it’s legacy lives on!

After checking out all of the Hall of Fame exhibits, we ventured outside onto the beautiful patio area with some amazing views of the red rocks.

You can also venture down to check out a cool water feature and more views.

After that, we decided to do a little bit more exploring of the red rocks and so we drove up to the geological marker where there are fantastic views of the surrounding foothills and even the Denver skyline.

We had a really good view of the west side of Dinosaur Ridge which we had just explored the week prior. I’d highly recommend you give it a stop because you can see the best dinosaur track site in the nation along with other cool fossils and track sites. They offer tours but you can also see all of it for free on foot.

Final word

If you ever plan on visiting the Red Rocks Amphitheater, you might as well spend about 30 minutes to one hour checking out the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

For people like myself who don’t know a lot about the Colorado music scene, it’s a very interesting museum to explore, and you’ll come away with a wealth of knowledge about the artists and various institutions that have played a major role in shaping the music legacy of the state.

Daniel Gillaspia

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.