Denver Nature & Outdoors

Nestled against the stunning Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado, is an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The breathtaking sceneries, vibrant culture, and thrilling activities cover everything from hiking and biking to skiing and whitewater rafting in this Mile High City. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just looking to enjoy the great outdoors, Denver has something for everyone. So put on your gear, wear sunscreen, and let's unearth some of the best outdoor things you must do to make your trip memorable!
 

Hike Your Heart Out
 

Denver is surrounded by some of the most scenic hiking trails in the country. With more than 200 miles of trails within the city and many options in surrounding parks, you'll want to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails.
 

Top Hiking Spots:

Mount Falcon Park: From here, it's just a short drive to Denver, with stunning views of the foothills and the Denver skyline. The trails vary in difficulty, though the Castle Trail will lead you to the ruins of a historic stone castle well worth the trek for its views alone.

Chautauqua Park: You'll find well-marked trails in pretty meadows and shady forests at the foot of a stunning backdrop of iconic flatirons. Part of Boulder City yet generally only 30 minutes away from Denver, it offers a short, easy hike along Bluebell Road or the longer, rather more difficult Royal Arch Trail.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: While most people come for the brilliant rock formations and world-famous concert venue, Red Rocks also features some fantastic hiking trails. The 1.4-mile Trading Post Trail has breathtaking views and gets up close with the park's unique geology.

Biking Around the City

Denver is working on becoming a bike-friendly city- miles and miles of bike lanes and trails woven through this city. Rent a bike and leisurely take in the city's many parks, neighborhoods, and scenic routes.

Where to Bike:

Cherry Creek Trail: This path is 40 miles long and extends from downtown Denver to the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Along this route, you can enjoy beautiful views of the creek. You could either ride it casually or do challenging workouts in general, whichever suits your needs.

Sloan's Lake: Rent a bike and cruise around Sloan's Lake, Denver's largest lake. This 2.5-mile loop is surrounded by great views of the Denver skyline against the backdrop of the Rockies.

Denver Neighborhoods: Bike through trendy LoHi, RiNo and Capitol Hill 'hoods to get the true character of Denver's neighborhoods. Stop along the way for a taste of local eateries or a craft beer at one of many breweries.

White Water Rafting
 

If one wants something really adventurous, a great thing to do in Denver is whitewater rafting. Nearby rivers have rapids that cater for every skill, from the very beginner to the ultimate expert.

Top spots for rafting:

Clear Creek: Just a half-hour drive from downtown Denver, Clear Creek is known for its tumbling white-water rapids. On either end, you'll find a guided tour option to match your comfort level.

Arkansas River: With its dramatic canyons and exhilarating whitewater, the Arkansas River is one of Colorado's premier rafting destinations. Only a little over an hour out of Denver, this full-day adventure will fit perfectly within your schedule.

Glenwood Canyon: If you are looking for something with a little more diverse, you could try rafting down the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. The stunning canyon walls add an extra level of memorialness as you navigate the rapids.

Hit the Slopes

If you're in town during winter, Denver is your gateway to some of the best ski resorts in the country. From relaxed family hills to challenging black diamond peaks, you'll want to hit the powdery slopes.

Top Ski Resorts:

Winter Park Resort: This resort is but a short drive away. Winter Park offers more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, from gentle groomers to learn on to wide-open powder bowls for experts. And a quaint village at the base is ideal for après-ski.

Loveland Ski: Area has bragging rights for low ticket prices and outstanding conditions, so you know that locals love the area; you'll find several runs and much smaller crowds, meaning you can devour mile after mile through skiing without long waits at lifts.

Breckenridge Ski Resort: While a little farther from Denver, Breckenridge has a really vibrant après-ski scene and hosts an historic mountain town. The terrain varies from extreme to very easy, so the full gamut can be accommodated: families or groups of every skill level.

Picnic: A way to be with nature

After a whole day of adventure going, picnic in any one of the lovely parks Denver has to offer by taking your favorite snacks out with a blanket and enjoying the time in the natural beauty around you.

Best Picnic Spots:

City Park: This is a large, open park that provides great views of the Denver skyline with the Rocky Mountains background. It has plenty of green, a lake, and even a zoo where you can sit and have a picnic.

Washington Park : Spend an afternoon in this lovely park, boasting a quiet garden section, beautiful flowerbeds and twin lakes. Spread your picnic blanket and take in the beauty.

Denver Botanic Gardens: If you want your meal to be a little more prepared, you can always try the Denver Botanic Gardens. For an admission fee, this truly lovely park offers such a range of plants and flowers that it is a great place to lay down a blanket and break bread.

Rocky Mountains National Charm

No trip to Denver will be complete without a detour to the astounding Rocky Mountain National Park. Only an hour or so away from the city, this beautiful national park also offers amazing views, hiking trails, and some wildlife encounters-oh, it is great.

Must-do Things:

Trail Ridge Road: Travel over, argueably, one of the highest paved roads in North America with spectacular mountain and valley views. Take pictures and enjoy the scenery at various stops at overlooks.

Bear Lake Trail: The trail is moderately easy and family-friendly, heading out to an alpine lake with towering peaks. It's a great spot for a picnic or taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Wildlife Watching: When exploring the park, look out for elk, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife, best viewed at early morning or late afternoon.