Colorado is known as a great place to have outdoor adventures, and Denver is the perfect base to explore everything the state has to offer, from mountain hikes to ice skating and tubing. It may be a big city, but Denver has the location and the transport links to give easy access to all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer.
Here, weβll take you through some of the best outdoor adventure venues within easy driving distance of Denver.
Getting to the trailheads
Denver has a network of highways that smoothly connects to mountain trails, national parks, canyons, foaming rivers, snowy slopes, and more. If you organize your onward travel from Denver airport in advance and plan your itinerary right, you can land in Denver in the morning and be hiking the mountains by afternoon.
Some pre-planning is important when it comes to Colorado logistics, as – while the road network is generally easy to navigate – there are times when things get tricky. For example, high mountain roads may be closed during heavy snowfall, and rush hour traffic can be intense in and around Denver. So that you donβt spend your day out driving to a closed road or stuck in city traffic, check conditions before you set out and plan your driving logistics carefully.
Hiking
Colorado hiking is hard to beat. Whether you enjoy the clean air and sweeping views of the mountains or wandering between wind-carved sandstone pillars, Colorado can provide.
Here are some of the best hiking spots within easy reach of Denver:
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Red Rocks Park is just 25 miles west of Denver. The Trading Post trail winds for just over a mile through dramatic red sandstone rock formations, providing an easy and picturesque afternoonβs wandering. If you want a more challenging hike, the Red Rocks Trail connects to Matthew Winters Park, from where you can get some gorgeous pictures of the Denver skyline.
Mount Falcon Park
Mount Falcon Park has a range of trails to suit all timescales and abilities. You can take on a steep mountain hike, or meander through gentle foothills. If youβre into history, the Castle Trail leads to the ruins of an early 20th century mansion, with panoramic views over the Continental Divide.
St Maryβs Glacier
This short but challenging hike pays off with pristine snowfields and a serene Alpine lake. If you want the high-altitude Colorado experience but donβt have more than a day to spare, this is the perfect spot.
Rocky Mountains National Park
The Rocky Mountains National Park is about a 90-minute drive from Denver. While you definitely canβt do it all in 24 hours, there are plenty of trails you can complete during a day trip from Denver. The Bear Lake Loop is a family-friendly trail with lovely views, while more ambitious hikers can head up to Sky Pond or Longs Peak.
Biking
Denver is a very bike-friendly city, so thereβs plenty for the avid cyclist to enjoy within Denver itself. However, if urban biking isnβt your thing, strap the bike to your roof rack (or rent one when you arrive) and try these popular biking locations:
Cherry Creek Trail
This route starts in Denver and winds for 40 miles to Cherry Creek Reservoir. Itβs a well-maintained, relaxed trail with plenty of spots to stop and grab some refreshments.
Apex Park
Apex Park near Golden is a favourite for Denver bikers. It can be challenging, but mountain bike enthusiasts canβt get enough of its rocky slopes and forest trails. Just bear in mind that some trails alternate days for hiking and biking, so check the schedule before you set out.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
This park offers a mix of dirt roads and forest trails about 45 minutes from Denver. Itβs very picturesque, with rolling terrain and pristine Alpine scenery. A must for nature-loving mountain bikers.
Waterton Canyon
Waterton Canyon offers a wide, gravel trail that runs alongside the South Platte River. Itβs a great spot for less confident bikers or families, as it provides a relatively easy ride with plenty of obvious stopping points for a rest or a picnic.
Water activities
You donβt have to seek out high mountain lakes to enjoy some water activities in Colorado. Here are a couple of great spots for water enthusiasts.
Clear Creek, Golden
If youβre into white water rafting, Clear Creek is the place for you. In the summer, you can join rafting tours that bounce through tumbling, foaming water. Itβs a lot of fun – and not dangerous, so perfect for beginner or intermediate rafters.
Chatfield and Cherry Creek Reservoirs
For swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, these reservoirs that feed the city of Denver are perfect. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards on site, or bring your own. Boat owners can even sail on the reservoirs. There are also beachside areas with picnic benches for when you need a break from the water.
Boulder Creek
Boulder Creek is ideal for a warm afternoon of laid-back tubing. You canβt beat drifting lazily down the creek with mountain views on the horizon.
Winter sports
Some of Coloradoβs popular mountain roads close during the winter when the snow gets too heavy. But that doesnβt mean you have to pack up and follow the warmer weather to keep the outdoor adventure going. You can strap on skates or skis and enjoy some snowy adventures within a short drive of Denver.
Echo Mountain
Echo Mountain is only a 50-minute drive from Denver. It offers skiing and snowboarding on relatively easy slopes, making it perfect for a family day out in the snow.
Eldora Mountain Resort
Eldora Mountain Resort, near Boulder, offers a wide range of winter activities. You can snowshoe through Nordic trails, or enjoy skiing and snowboarding on slopes that suit a range of abilities. Eldora is closer to Denver and less crowded than ski resorts like Breckenridge, making it perfect for a snowy day out.
Preparation is the key to a great outdoor adventure
To get the most out of your outdoor adventures, preparation is key. Remember to check conditions before you set out, pack anything essential you need, and keep a first-aid kit on hand just in case.
For the well-prepared outdoor enthusiast, Denver is the perfect base from which to enjoy a huge range of adventures. If you want to, you can enjoy a new outdoor activity every single day and be back in the city in time for dinner.
