Denver's Best Outdoor Activities: A Guide to the Mile High City's Adventures Under the Sun

Yulia Chive

3 min read

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18-01-2025

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Denver's Best Outdoor Activities: A Guide to the Mile High City's Adventures Under the Sun

Denver, the Mile High City, boasts a vibrant outdoor scene that caters to every adventure level. From challenging hikes with breathtaking views to leisurely bike rides along scenic paths, Denver offers a plethora of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning Colorado landscape. This guide explores some of the best outdoor activities Denver has to offer, ensuring your next visit is filled with unforgettable experiences.

Hiking & Backpacking: Conquering Denver's Trails

Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides unparalleled access to a network of hiking and backpacking trails. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you'll find a trail that suits your skill level.

Beginner-Friendly Hikes:

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre Trading Post Trail: A relatively flat, easy trail offering stunning views of the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
• Cheesman Canyon Trail: A moderate, well-maintained trail leading through a picturesque canyon with beautiful rock formations and lush greenery.

Intermediate to Advanced Hikes:

• Mount Falcon Park: Offers a variety of trails with varying difficulty levels, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
• Roxborough State Park: Known for its challenging but rewarding trails through dramatic rock formations and diverse landscapes. Consider tackling the challenging but rewarding Mount Evans trail for truly breathtaking alpine scenery.

Backpacking Adventures:

For multi-day adventures, explore the numerous backpacking opportunities in nearby national forests and wilderness areas like the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Always check trail conditions and obtain necessary permits before embarking on any backpacking trip.

Biking: Exploring Denver's Urban and Mountain Trails

Denver is a cyclist's paradise, boasting an extensive network of paved bike paths and mountain biking trails.

Urban Cycling:

• Cherry Creek Trail: A popular paved trail that winds its way along Cherry Creek, offering scenic views and easy access to various points of interest.
• South Platte River Trail: Follows the South Platte River, providing a scenic route through the heart of the city.

Mountain Biking:

• Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Features numerous mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels, offering stunning views and challenging terrain.
• Red Rocks Park: While known for hiking, Red Rocks also offers some exhilarating mountain biking experiences (ensure you check trail conditions and appropriate skill level).

Remember to always wear a helmet and follow trail etiquette when cycling.

Rock Climbing & Bouldering: Scaling Denver's Walls

Denver is a climber's haven, with numerous indoor and outdoor climbing areas catering to various skill levels.

Indoor Climbing Gyms:

Several excellent indoor climbing gyms offer a safe and controlled environment to learn and practice climbing techniques. These gyms often host classes for beginners.

Outdoor Climbing Areas:

• Clear Creek Canyon: Offers a variety of classic rock climbing routes for experienced climbers.
• Eldorado Canyon State Park: Known for its challenging and rewarding climbing opportunities, often requiring a higher level of experience and safety equipment. Always climb with a partner and appropriate safety gear.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Gliding Across Denver's Waterways

Enjoy the tranquility of Denver's waterways with a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure.

• Cherry Creek State Park: Offers calm waters ideal for beginners, rentals are readily available.
• Chatfield State Park: Provides more challenging paddling opportunities with larger water bodies and potential for stronger currents.

Always wear a life vest and be aware of weather conditions before venturing onto the water.

Beyond the City Limits: Day Trips to Nearby Adventures

Denver's location makes it the perfect base for exploring other incredible outdoor destinations within a short driving distance.

• Rocky Mountain National Park: A must-visit for any nature enthusiast, offering stunning alpine scenery, wildlife viewing, and countless hiking trails.
• Estes Park: A charming mountain town nestled at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, offering plenty of outdoor activities and attractions.

Plan your day trips carefully, taking into account travel time and potential weather changes.

Planning Your Denver Outdoor Adventure: Tips and Considerations

• Altitude: Denver sits at a mile high, so be mindful of altitude sickness. Take it easy on your first day and stay hydrated.
• Weather: Denver's weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before heading out.
• Safety: Pack appropriate gear, inform someone of your plans, and be aware of your surroundings.
• Permits and Reservations: Some areas may require permits or reservations, particularly for camping and backpacking. Check relevant websites in advance.

Denver offers an unparalleled blend of urban convenience and breathtaking natural beauty. With careful planning and preparation, your outdoor adventure in the Mile High City will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.