The Conference Trail Guide

By: Amanda Bergen & Carla D’Imperio

Date: 3/25/26

Your go-to resource for local essentials, nearby services, and helpful tips during the conference.

Attending the PMSF Family Conference often means traveling far from home and navigating a new place while managing daily routines and care needs.

To help make your experience as smooth as possible, we’ve created this Conference Trail Guide, a collection of practical resources and local information to support you during your time at the Gaylord Rockies.

Whether you’re looking for nearby grocery stores, food delivery tips, medical care, or things to do around the area, this guide is here to help you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.

*Please note: The information below is provided as a courtesy and is not an endorsement of any specific business or service.*

Food & Fuel

Dining at the Gaylord Rockies

The Gaylord Rockies includes five restaurants, a marketplace with limited grab-and-go options, and a pool-adjacent restaurant. You’ll also find Starbucks served at both the marketplace and the Cocoa Bean coffee kiosk located right near the conference area.

To learn more, click here.

Food Delivery Tips

DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats are among those that deliver food from area restaurants right to the hotel.

Food delivery to the Gaylord Rockies Resort should be directed to the main hotel lobby entrance, as drivers are generally required to meet guests there rather than delivering to individual rooms.

Tips for food delivery at Gaylord Rockies:

  • Use the address 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019.
  • Coordinate with your driver to meet at the main entrance or in the lobby.
  • Common delivery types include pizza, Chinese food, and quick service, such as Domino’s or Chipotle.
Grocery Delivery Options

All rooms at the Gaylord have refrigerators, so you can buy groceries and have some of your meals in your room. We suggest stocking up on items like milk and cereal, yogurts, string cheese, overnight oats, fruit, and carrots/hummus, as well as non-perishable snacks. There is also a microwave available for you to use in the grab-and-go marketplace.

You can use grocery delivery services like Instacart, Walmart+, and Target Same Day Delivery to have your groceries delivered to the hotel. King Soopers, the popular local grocery store, also offers same-day delivery.

Nearby Essentials

Grocery Stores

There are limited items available for purchase in the Rockies Trading Post, including over-the-counter medications, apparel, and toiletry items. There are also gifts, toys, and local art. Keep in mind that pricing reflects the convenience of these items. The entire Gaylord Rockies resort property is cashless.

King Soopers – 3.5 miles

18605 Green Valley Ranch Blvd, Denver

Walgreens Pharmacy – 3.6 miles

18550 Green Valley Ranch Blvd, Denver

Walmart – 5.4 miles

3301 Tower Rd, Aurora

Gaylord guests may “rent” bikes at no cost to hotel guests to explore the local area, including grocery stores that are close by. The bikes are not meant to be taken far from the property, as the hotel cannot come out and service the bike if it has a flat tire or other issue. The hotel does provide a lock and helmet with bike rentals.

Pharmacies

There are limited items available for purchase in the Rockies Trading Post, including over-the-counter medications and toiletry items.

Walgreens Pharmacy – 3.6 miles

18550 Green Valley Ranch Blvd, Denver

King Sooper Pharmacy – 3.5 miles

18605 Green Valley Ranch Blvd, Denver, CO 80249

Walmart Pharmacy – 5.4 miles

3301 Tower Rd, Aurora, CO 80011

Laundry

There is no self-serve laundry available in the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. However, the resort includes a $10 daily laundry and dry-cleaning credit as part of your daily resort fee. This credit is designed for guest convenience, with laundry services typically available for pickup and return within 24 hours. Bags are provided in the room for laundry pickup. The hotel is a cashless property, so charges are handled via card.

In case you have a higher volume of laundry, or prefer to do your laundry yourself:

Gateway Laundry – 5.8 miles

5135 Chambers Rd #6135, Denver

(303) 574-0305

Getting Around

Transportation Tips

Rideshare & Taxis

  • Uber and Lyft are available in the area

  • Pickup and drop-off typically occur at the main hotel entrance

  • Wait times may be longer during peak hours or evenings

Airport Access

  • The Gaylord Rockies is approximately 10–15 minutes from Denver International Airport (DEN)

  • Rideshare and taxi services are the most common transportation options

Car Rental

  • Denver International Airport has more than 10 major rental car companies serving Colorado travelers. Car rental agencies are located on airport property, but require a courtesy shuttle service to and from Jeppesen Terminal. Shuttles pick-up and drop-off from Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, Island 4, outside doors 505-513 (east side) and 504-512 (west side).

Driving & Parking

  • On-site parking is available at the Gaylord (daily rates apply)

  • If you plan to explore the area or visit nearby stores, having a car can be helpful

Shuttles

  • The Gaylord Rockies does not provide a standard airport shuttle

  • If you are staying at a nearby hotel, check directly with that property about shuttle availability to the Gaylord during conference dates

Bike Rentals at the Gaylord

The Gaylord Rockies offers complimentary bike rentals for guests who would like to explore the immediate surrounding area.

What to know:

  • Bikes are available at no cost to hotel guests

  • Helmets and locks are provided

  • Rentals are best suited for short, local trips

Important considerations:

  • Bikes are not intended for long-distance travel

  • The hotel cannot service bikes off-property (e.g., flat tires)

  • Please use caution and plan routes accordingly

This can be a convenient option for quick trips to nearby locations or for getting some fresh air during your stay.

Health & Safety

What to Do in an Emergency

In case of emergency 1) dial 911 for immediate assistance and 2) notify hotel staff so they can alert hotel security. There are EMTs on site at the hotel 24/7.

Urgent Care Locations

UCHealth Urgent Care – 4.3 miles

5589 N Argonne St, Ste 101, Denver

(720) 516-8805

uchealth.org

CareNow Urgent Care – 4.4 miles

17575 Green Valley Ranch Blvd, Denver

(303) 583-4490

www.carenow.com

Three Peaks Urgent Care – 5.4 miles

3471 N Salida St Ste 40, Aurora

(303) 562-1797

threepeakscare.com/

Emergency Rooms

Children’s Hospital Colorado – 10.1 miles

Anschutz Medical Campus ER

13123 E 16th Ave, Aurora

(720) 777-1234

childrenscolorado.org

UCHealth Emergency Care – 10.9 miles

Anschutz Medical Campus

12505 E. 16th Avenue, 2 1st floor, Aurora

(720) 848-9111

uchealth.org

Pet Hospital

Banfield Pet Hospital – 10.9 miles

40 S Abilene St, Aurora

(303) 344-1921

Things to Do

On-Site Activities at the Gaylord Rockies

The Gaylord Rockies offers a variety of on-site amenities and activities that can be a great option for downtime during the conference, especially for families who prefer to stay close and keep things flexible.

Included with your resort fee:

  • Arapahoe Springs Water Park (outdoor pool, lazy river, water slide, indoor pool, whirlpools, life jackets)
  • Outdoor lawn games (chess, checkers, bocce ball, cornhole)
  • Pool games and seasonal activities
  • Morning yoga and fitness classes
  • Live music
  • Campfire and s’mores (weekends, one per guest)
  • Relâche Fitness Center
  • Grand Lodge & Garden spaces
  • Bicycle rentals for use around the property
  • Tennis, basketball, pickleball, and mini golf

Available at an additional cost:

  • Relâche Spa
  • Water park cabanas and premium seating
  • Topgolf Swing Suite
  • Dry cleaning and laundry services
  • Rockies Trading Post gift shop
  • Early check-in, late check-out, and connecting room guarantees

💡 Tip: Many of these activities vary by day and season. We recommend checking the hotel’s daily activity schedule during your stay.

Nearby, Low-Key Outings

If you’re looking to get off-site for a short outing, there are several nearby options that may work well for families. These locations are generally easy to access, offer flexible environments, and don’t require extensive planning.

Parks & Outdoor Spaces

Great for fresh air, movement, or a quiet break.

  • Gaylord Rockies Walking Paths
    Easy, on-property option for a quick walk or outdoor time.
  • Cherry Creek State Park
    Natural prairie and wetland environment with an 880-acre reservoir at its center with lots of room to explore at your own pace.
  • Del Mar Park
    Spacious city park featuring sports courts & fields, an outdoor pool, playground & adult rec center.

Casual Restaurants (Family-Friendly & Easy Options)

Good for quick, familiar meals without a long wait.

  • Chipotle Mexican Grill
  • Panera Bread
  • MOD Pizza
  • Jersey Mike’s Subs
  • Culver’s
  • CAVA

These are reliable options with simple menus and quick service.

Coffee Shops & Quick Stops

Helpful for a quick reset, snack, or caffeine break.

  • Starbucks (multiple nearby locations)
  • Dirt Coffee Bar (inclusive, mission-driven — see below)

Shopping & Everyday Essentials

Good for picking up anything you forgot or keeping things simple.

  • Target
  • Walmart
  • Green Valley Ranch Town Center

These locations offer easy parking and a variety of stores in one place.

Inclusive & Mission-Driven Businesses

If you’re interested in supporting businesses that prioritize inclusion and community, here are a few options in the broader Colorado area:

  • Dirt Coffee Bar
    A nonprofit coffee shop that provides employment opportunities for individuals with autism and other disabilities.
  • Brewability
    A brewery and pizzeria focused on inclusive employment for people with developmental disabilities.
  • Visit Aurora CO
    A helpful resource for exploring additional activities, attractions, and destinations in the area.

These options may require a bit more travel but can offer meaningful and welcoming experiences.

Planning Tips for Families
  • Keep outings flexible and low-pressure
  • Consider time of day (mornings are often quieter)
  • Call ahead if you have specific accessibility or dietary needs
  • Build in downtime — conference days can be full

Have a favorite local spot or activity that worked well for your family? Let us know, we’d love to continue building this guide together.

PMSF does not have direct experience with the businesses listed above. Information is provided as a courtesy and is not a recommendation.