Denver, Colorado, is an out of doors lover’s dream, with putting mountain views and countless alternatives for journey. Whether or not you’re a seasoned trailblazer or simply in search of a enjoyable strategy to spend your weekend, this metropolis has one thing for everybody. From vibrant parks within the metropolis to trails that wind by means of the foothills, there’s no scarcity of actions to maintain you transferring and exploring.
In Denver, every season brings its personal distinctive appeal, and there’s loads of adventures year-round. Whether or not you’re buying a brand new house in Denver, in search of an condo to lease, or fascinated with a rental house, we’ve compiled an inventory of a number of the finest outside actions in Denver that can assist you embrace your interior nature lover.
1. Hike throughout the summers, ski throughout the winters
Denver is a gateway to a number of the finest climbing and snowboarding within the nation, making it a main vacation spot for outside fanatics. Only a brief drive from town, you’ll find trails that vary from simple strolls to difficult hikes with breathtaking vistas. When winter rolls round, the close by ski resorts come to life, attracting skiers and snowboarders.
“The straightforward entry to each warm-weather climbing and winter snowboarding within the mountains is a big perk, providing year-round outside adventures,” says Chef Invoice Taibe from the non-traditional Japanese Izakaya restaurant, Kawa Ni. “Being near Boulder provides one other layer of attraction, with its distinctive tradition, outside actions, and vibrant neighborhood. It’s the proper mixture of tradition, sports activities, and outside magnificence in Denver.”
2. Discover the great thing about Washington Park
Washington Park is considered one of Denver’s favourite spots to loosen up and benefit from the nice outside. Overlaying over 165 acres, it’s full of lovely flower gardens, winding trails, and two pretty lakes that are good for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Whether or not you’re out for a run, spending time with buddies, or renting a paddleboat, Washington Park is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody within the metropolis.
Angela Pilloud, proprietor of native companies Satan’s Meals Bakery, The Cookery at Myrtle Hill, Trunk Present, New Americana House, and Fern & Lois Florist recommends spending a day in Washington Park after which strolling to South Gaylord Road. “Our bakery and cookery are proud staples of Denver’s 2nd oldest buying district on Historic South Gaylord Road since 1999, only a brief distance from Washington Park,” says Angela. “The realm is our energetic slice of previous Denver and a hub for the neighborhood, that includes a mixture of stroll-worthy retailers, eating places, and extra. 12 months-round occasions appeal to neighbors far and broad, together with Colorado’s iconic Firefly Handmade artisan market. Whether or not it’s a weekday or weekend, transitioning from morning to night is simple with out ever leaving the block. It additionally doesn’t damage that probably the most lovely parks within the metropolis is simply down the road, good for picnicking, train, or having fun with mountain views.”
3. Go to the Crimson Rocks Amphitheater
Crimson Rocks Amphitheatre is a real spotlight simply exterior Denver, identified for its unimaginable acoustics and beautiful views. Set amongst towering pink rock formations, this iconic venue has hosted wonderful concert events for the reason that Forties, attracting music followers from throughout. It isn’t simply concerning the exhibits; there are additionally nice climbing trails and exquisite spots to absorb the surroundings. Whether or not you’re catching a dwell efficiency or simply exploring the world, Crimson Rocks is a Colorado staple that completely showcases the state’s pure magnificence.
“A go to to Crimson Rocks Amphitheater completely captures the spirit of residing in Denver,” says the crew on the Denver-based present store, Decade Presents. “Located within the beautiful pure rock formations simply exterior of town, this legendary venue blends breathtaking mountain and metropolis views with world-class dwell music. Whether or not you’re catching a live performance underneath the celebrities or climbing the encompassing trails, Crimson Rocks embodies an ideal mixture of town life, outside journey, and vibrant tradition that outline the Denver expertise.”
Andrea Cox from the native selfmade tart bakery, Tart and Soul Bakery, additionally recommends visiting this iconic location. “If visiting or transferring to Denver, this can be a should. Catch a present or a film screening at this iconic Colorado vacation spot,” says Andrea. “Nestled within the small city of Morrison, this outside venue can have you feeling a mile excessive with nice views of town and entrance vary whereas having fun with a present. It’s additionally an unimaginable climbing or exploring vacation spot throughout non-performance occasions and a killer place to catch a wide ranging dawn.”
4. Escape to the Oasis of Civic Middle Park
Proper within the coronary heart of Denver, Civic Middle Park is a energetic spot the place tradition and neighborhood actually come to life. Surrounded by beautiful buildings just like the Colorado State Capitol and the Denver Artwork Museum, the park options pretty inexperienced areas, fountains, and fascinating sculptures that make it an important place to loosen up. It’s a well-liked venue for occasions, festivals, and farmers’ markets, so there’s all the time one thing occurring. If you wish to relax, discover some artwork, or take part on neighborhood actions, Civic Middle Park is a good outside exercise in Denver that you just received’t need to miss.
Whereas spending the day on the park, be sure to fulfill your candy tooth at The Cake Bar. Situated within the Capitol Hill neighborhood of downtown Denver, The Cake Bar gives a singular spin on cake. Are available and shortly customise your individual cake in a cup, or choose from quite a few on-the-go baked items and treats. The Cake Bar additionally does customized desserts for all of your particular events.
5. Catch a baseball recreation at Coors Area
Spending high quality time outside at Coors Area in Denver is a unbelievable expertise, with the attractive Rocky Mountains framing the motion of a baseball recreation. On sunny days, followers love to hang around on the grassy areas and rooftops, absorbing the solar whereas having fun with traditional ballpark snacks and native craft beers. The energetic ambiance, together with the fun of the sport, makes Coors Area an important place to partake in Denver’s outside spirit.
Whilst you’re there, go to Denver’s wonderful cookie bakery, The Flour Store. Their distinctive flavors like Lemon Lavender and Chai Snickerdoodles are just some of their must-try cookies. They’re strolling distance from LoDo; So, you’ll be able to get pleasure from your cookies on the bakery, or throughout a stroll round Coors Area or Larimer Road.
6. Take a floral journey within the botanical gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is a ravishing pure escape proper throughout the metropolis, crammed with a shocking number of crops and flowers. Overlaying 23 acres, the gardens have every little thing from seasonal shows to peaceable ponds and themed areas that showcase crops from everywhere in the world. It’s the proper spot for a stroll, attending particular occasions, or simply absorbing some nature. For those who’re a plant fanatic or simply in search of a peaceful place to loosen up, the Botanic Gardens is among the finest outside actions in Denver.
Simply exterior the Botanic Gardens, there are numerous nice eating places to expertise. Taiane Bozzay from the connoisseur cake and candy store, Made by Hand Desserts, recommends Fruition Restaurant for an genuine Denver eating expertise. “One factor I like about Fruition is the ever-changing, small menu, which displays the restaurant’s dedication to sourcing native, contemporary, and seasonal substances,” explains Tainane. “It’s thrilling to know that each go to presents one thing completely different, relying on what’s in season. The intimate, cozy ambiance additionally makes it the proper spot for romantic dinners. It’s a must-visit for these desirous to discover Denver’s farm-to-table scene in an unforgettable setting.”
7. Take a scenic stroll down Tennyson Road
Taking a stroll down Tennyson Road in Denver is a pleasant expertise, the place charming houses and plush tree-lined sidewalks create a heat, welcoming ambiance. You’ll discover a good mixture of historic structure and trendy touches, plus some nice native retailers and cafes alongside the way in which. It’s the proper place to seize a espresso, take a stroll, and cease in a number of the distinctive retailers that line the streets.
Make certain to begin your day with a espresso at Tenn Road Espresso & Books. This charming store embodies the soul of Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. It isn’t only a espresso store, it’s a neighborhood hub the place town’s various residents come collectively to sip artisanal brews, browse used books and vinyl information, and have interaction in thought-provoking conversations. With its European café-inspired ambiance and dedication to slowing issues down, Tenn Road Espresso & Books presents a refreshing counterpoint to Denver’s fast-paced city life-style. Whether or not you’re an area artist looking for inspiration, a e-book lover trying to find hidden literary gems, or a music fanatic exploring classic melodies, this distinctive spot captures the inventive, laid-back spirit that defines the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
For those who’re in search of a sustainable and distinctive buying expertise in Northwest Denver, JOY FILL is one other cease to make throughout your stroll. Since 2018, this zero waste refill store has provided eco-friendly options for magnificence, cleansing, skincare merchandise, and extra—welcoming everybody, irrespective of the place you’re in your sustainability journey. JOY FILL additionally hosts DIY occasions, clothes swaps, and different community-centered actions, making it a hub for aware residing within the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
8. Attend Denver’s First Friday Artwork Stroll
Denver’s First Friday Artwork Stroll is a month-to-month celebration of creativity, held within the metropolis’s Artwork District on Santa Fe. On the primary Friday of every month, native galleries, studios, and retailers open their doorways to showcase an thrilling mixture of art work. It’s a unbelievable approach for artwork lovers and informal guests to wander the streets, join with native artists, and luxuriate in dwell music and meals vehicles that add to the enjoyable.
Assist Denver’s rising and established artists
Situated at 931 Santa Fe Drive, Sync Gallery is a top quality gallery that includes a wide range of modern summary and conceptual artwork by native artists. Present openings are on the third Friday of each month, and the gallery can be open on the First Friday Artwork Walks, in addition to Thursdays by means of Sundays from 1pm-4pm.
Sip on high quality craft beers made with precision
Based in 2011, Renegade Brewing participates within the metropolis’s First Friday artwork stroll, the place they spotlight native artists and creatives. The brewery and taproom presents a wide range of domestically crafted beers which speaks to the character of their love and respect for the Denver neighborhood. This month, Renegade Brewing will roll out their Renegade Provides Again program which can spotlight and supply monetary assist to native charities. Renegade works to create a secure area so everybody who walks by means of their door feels welcome, seen, and heard.
9. Sit within the outside backyard at Potager
For an idyllic outside exercise in Denver, get pleasure from dinner exterior at Potager Restaurant and Winebar. This cozy restaurant is all about contemporary, seasonal substances, and their patio gives a stunning setting to get pleasure from your meal. Potager includes a charming patio the place friends can dine amidst lush greenery and twinkling lights.
“A favourite of ours is Potager. One of many first farm-to-table eating places,” says proprietor Craig Troyer of the mid-century trendy furnishings store, Mod Livin’. “I like to be seated within the rustic eating room or el fresco outback within the lovely gardens. The seasonal menu all the time delights in exemplifying contemporary fruits and backyard greens. Get there earlier than 7:30 pm on Tuesdays for a Beer and Burger Particular. I’d be remiss to not point out the crew at Potager; They’re distinctive.”
10. Benefit from the outside patios of Denver’s breweries
Sitting on the patios at Denver’s breweries is an ideal strategy to bask within the metropolis’s sunny climate whereas having fun with a chilly craft beer. With vibrant atmospheres, beautiful views, and infrequently dwell music, these outside areas provide a relaxed setting to unwind with buddies and savor native flavors.
Platt Park neighborhood
“In Denver, we expertise all of the seasons and there are occasions that I’m not precisely within the temper to place up decorations for a season arising, so I both drink or eat one thing to get me in the precise headspace for the change in climate,” says Will Curtin, proprietor of Banded Oak Brewing. “Summer season is grilling season, and I like an IPA with a hamburger. The bitterness of the beer paired with the richness of the burger makes me need to sit on a patio someplace and benefit from the solar. Our brewery on Broadway has an excellent patio and a really tasty IPA.
Auraria neighborhood
One other unbelievable venue to get pleasure from outside patio seating, dwell music on Saturdays, or a pre-event cease earlier than heading to the Ball Area close by is Tivoli Brewing. Right here, you’ll be able to drink a style of historical past on the oldest brewery within the state of Colorado. Based in 1859 by German immigrant John Good, Tivoli predates Colorado’s statehood. After surviving prohibition, by shifting to producing low ABV “Cereal beers,” it grew to become a significant brewery till 1965 when flooding compelled its closure. After reopening in 2012 with modernized gear, Tivoli brings a brand new spark to the Colorado beer market. Tivoli is among the quickest rising breweries within the nation carrying its flagship beer, “Outlaw”, and quite a few staples from the brewery. Make sure to take a look at the Tivoli Faucet Home within the historic Tivoli Middle on the Auraria campus to strive all they’ve to supply.
11. Hearken to jazz concert events within the park
A good way to get pleasure from summertime in Denver is to attend the annual Metropolis Park Jazz live performance collection which runs Sunday evenings throughout June by means of August. “I’ve been going to the favored, free live performance collection that includes native musicians performing jazz, blues, and salsa tunes because it started in 1986,” says Courtney Drake-McDonough from the Denver-based life-style weblog, In Good Style Denver. “Moreover, you’ll be able to spend an entire day with a go to to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo earlier than the live performance. These are all held within the lovely, historic Metropolis Park. Take within the live performance from a swan-shaped paddleboat across the lake beside the bandshell. Deliver a picnic or seize dinner from one of many many native meals vehicles that collect for the occasion every week. It’s my favourite summertime custom in Denver.”
Picture courtesy of Courtney Drake-McDonough
12. Experience one of many metropolis’s electrical scooters
Denver’s scooters have change into a favourite strategy to get round, making it simple for locals and guests to discover town. With varied rental apps at your fingertips, you’ll be able to hop on an electrical scooter and zip by means of neighborhoods, parks, and downtown. Plus, town’s concentrate on increasing bike lanes and scooter-friendly paths makes it a enjoyable and handy strategy to benefit from the sights whereas avoiding site visitors.
“I beloved visiting the planetarium on the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with my daughter, after which using on one of many electrical scooters out there exterior the constructing,” says photographer David Oppenheimer from Efficiency Impressions. “We rode it by means of Metropolis Park and round Ferril Lake, and we have been capable of make our approach midway again to the lodge on the scooter by means of the park with out being on any roads.”
Out of doors actions in Denver, CO: remaining ideas
Denver’s beautiful pure magnificence makes town a good spot to dwell for any outside fanatic. From climbing picturesque trails and snowboarding world-class slopes to having fun with leisurely strolls in lovely parks, there’s no scarcity of distinctive actions to swimsuit each curiosity. Embracing these outside actions not solely boosts your temper, but in addition helps you join with the attractive landscapes that make this metropolis so particular. Whether or not you’re a longtime resident or new to the world, get on the market and luxuriate in all of the unimaginable adventures ready for you in and round Denver.
