Denver, the Mile High City, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and year-round outdoor activities, the city offers countless opportunities for adventure seekers.
Whether local or a visitor, this guide will help you explore Denver’s 25 best outdoor experiences.
Hike the Iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
Just outside Denver, Red Rocks Park offers breathtaking hiking trails amidst towering sandstone formations. The park’s natural amphitheater, famous for its concerts, doubles as a unique workout spot for fitness enthusiasts.
Experience the Trading Post Trail, a 1.4-mile loop showcasing the park’s geological wonders.
Bike the Cherry Creek Trail.
This 40-mile paved trail connects downtown Denver to Cherry Creek State Park. It’s perfect for cyclists of all levels and offers scenic views of the city and countryside along the way.
Stop at Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River, for a picturesque rest spot.
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Explore Rocky Mountain National Park.
A short drive from Denver, this national park boasts 355 miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stunning alpine scenery. It’s a must-visit for any outdoor lover in the area.
Be sure to drive the Trail Ridge Road, North America’s highest continuous paved road, for breathtaking panoramic views.
Raft the Clear Creek.
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting just 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Clear Creek offers rapids for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced paddlers.
The creek’s proximity to the historic mining town of Idaho Springs makes it easy to combine rafting with a day of exploring local history.
Climb at North Table Mountain Park.
This local favorite offers excellent rock climbing opportunities with stunning views of Denver and the Front Range. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
The park also features hiking and mountain biking trails for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.
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Ski or Snowboard at Echo Mountain.
The closest ski resort to Denver, Echo Mountain provides affordable skiing and snowboarding options for winter sports enthusiasts. It’s perfect for a quick day trip from the city.
Night skiing is available, offering a unique opportunity to hit the slopes under the stars.
Paddleboard at Sloan’s Lake.
Denver’s largest lake offers a serene setting for stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll enjoy beautiful city skyline views while getting a great workout.
The park surrounding the lake is also perfect for picnics, jogging, or simply relaxing by the water.
Hike the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
Drive America’s highest paved road and hike the short trail to the 14,265-foot summit of Mount Evans. The views of the Rocky Mountains are simply breathtaking.
Watch for mountain goats and bighorn sheep that frequently appear along the route.
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Mountain Bike in Buffalo Creek.
This trail system offers some of the best mountain biking near Denver. With over 50 miles of trails, it caters to riders of all skill levels.
The area’s unique terrain, shaped by a historic wildfire, provides a challenging and scenic riding experience.
Fish in the South Platte River.
In the heart of Denver, the South Platte River offers excellent urban fishing opportunities. You can catch trout year-round in this accessible waterway.
The river’s revitalization efforts have made it a surprisingly productive fishery in an urban setting.
Explore Washington Park.
This expansive urban park features two lakes, beautiful gardens, and miles of jogging paths. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely day outdoors within the city.
The park’s flower gardens, particularly the Mount Vernon Garden, are a colorful treat during the spring and summer.
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Rock Climb at Clear Creek Canyon.
Just west of Denver, Clear Creek Canyon offers world-class rock climbing routes. The area is known for its quality sports climbing and beautiful scenery.
The canyon’s proximity to Golden makes combining a day of climbing with a visit to the Coors Brewery easy.
Hike the Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks.
This 1.4-mile loop trail offers a less crowded alternative to exploring the beautiful red rock formations. It’s perfect for a quick nature escape close to the city.
The trail provides informative signs about the area’s geology, plants, and animals, making it an educational experience.
Kayak at Confluence Park.
Where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River, Confluence Park offers a unique urban kayaking experience. It’s a great place to practice your paddling skills, and the park’s artificial chutes create exciting rapids for kayakers and tubers.
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Snowshoe in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
During winter, this nearby state park transforms into a snowshoer’s paradise. The park offers rentals and guided tours for beginners.
With over 12,000 acres of forest, rocky peaks, and aspen meadows, it’s a winter wonderland waiting to be explored.
Climb the Iconic Flatirons in Boulder.
A short drive from Denver, the Flatirons in Boulder offer world-renowned rock climbing opportunities. Even if you don’t climb, hiking at their base is a must-do activity.
The Chautauqua Park at the base of the Flatirons is a great spot for a picnic with a view.
Bike the Denver Beer Trail.
Combine your love for cycling and craft beer on this unique urban trail. You’ll pedal between some of Denver’s best breweries, enjoying the city’s bike-friendly culture.
Many breweries offer bike racks and outdoor seating, perfect for a refreshing stop on your ride.
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Paraglide at Lookout Mountain.
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, try paragliding off Lookout Mountain. You’ll soar over Golden and have stunning views of Denver and the Front Range.
Tandem flights with experienced instructors are available for those new to the sport.
Hike the Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Trail.
This challenging hike leads to the only operational fire lookout in Colorado. The panoramic views from the top are well worth the climb.
On a clear day, you can see over 100 miles from the lookout tower in every direction.
Ice Climb in Clear Creek Canyon.
When temperatures drop, Clear Creek Canyon becomes a hotspot for ice climbing. It’s a great place to try this thrilling winter sport or hone your skills.
Guided tours and equipment rentals are available for beginners.
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Golf at Arrowhead Golf Club.
Experience golfing amidst stunning red rock formations at this unique course. It’s often rated as one of the most beautiful public courses in the country.
The contrast between the lush green fairways and the red rock backdrop creates a truly memorable golfing experience.
Stargaze at Chamberlin Observatory.
Escape the city lights and observe the night sky at this historic observatory in Denver. It’s a perfect activity for those who love both nature and science.
Public nights are held regularly, allowing visitors to peer through the observatory’s 20-inch Alvan Clark-Saegmuller refractor telescope.
Horseback Ride in Cherry Creek State Park.
Explore 12 Miles of Horse Trails in this beautiful state park. It’s a great way to experience the Colorado landscape differently.
The park also offers horse rentals and guided trail rides for those who don’t own their horses.
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Bouldering at Three Sisters Park.
This park in Evergreen offers excellent bouldering opportunities for climbers of all levels. It’s a perfect spot to practice your skills or enjoy a picnic with a view.
The park’s unique rock formations provide a variety of challenging problems for boulderers to solve.
Zip Line Through the Rockies.
For a unique perspective of Colorado’s forests, try zip-lining through the treetops. Several courses near Denver offer this exhilarating experience.
Some zip-line tours even offer combination packages with other activities like rafting or off-road tours.
Embrace the Mile High Adventure: Your Denver Outdoor Journey Begins.
Denver’s outdoor scene is as diverse as it is exciting. From urban parks to mountain peaks, the Mile High City has something for every outdoor enthusiast.
So grab your gear, embrace the Colorado spirit, and explore all Denver offers. Your next adventure awaits just around the corner.
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