Darren K Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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I am a Denver native, but can't even offer the first suggestion for the architectural side of things.
A tour? That's what research on the Web is for, like you're doing.
To clarify, Ridgway is right at 5.5 hours from Denver, but that's another topic.
If I had a day out of Denver for RMNP, I'd go the opposite direction, or keep on going into Wyoming. It's basically a suburb of Denver, population-wise, which makes it my least favorite spot in the state. Way too many humans, just like all of the big-name parks. Still, given what you're working with, it would likely be worth it, and it would still be quiet at photographer hours, but anything in between . . .
My main suggestion, though, is for Mt. Evans, out of Idaho Springs, which should be a must-visit given your criteria. From Denver, it's about an hour and forty-five to the summit, which offers photo ops along the way up, and is also a US hotspot for mountain goats. Just after sunrise is the best time for the goats. Anyway, crazy awesome views from the summit, and a June visit would be perfect with all of the snow. Yes, I suppose it can get a little busy there, too, but not RMNP busy. A weekday visit would be ideal.
Regarding a loop scenic drive, I'm not sure if you were referring to RMNP or something else. If you were possibly wanting a scenic drive option, a great drive would take you from Denver to Leadville, then south to Buena Vista, and back via 285. Lots of mountains along that route.
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