Washington Park aerial (cut video down to make a GIF)
Visit Denver
Immerse yourself in Denver's natural beauty and outdoor adventures, from urban hiking and biking to nearby ski resorts and winter sports.
Nestled next to the Rocky Mountain foothills, Denver offers a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, seamlessly blending urban adventures and natural beauty. Whether you’re biking along the scenic Cherry Creek Trail, paddling through Confluence Park, or hiking the majestic Lookout Mountain, the city's landscape invites exploration. From bustling city parks to nearby mountain trails, this Mile-High city offers a diverse range of adventures. This guide will explore Denver's urban nature retreats, green spaces, and winter sports opportunities, providing you with countless ways to connect with the outdoors.
Denver boasts over 250 urban parks and approximately 850 miles of bike trails, including both paved and off-street paths. This makes it easy to explore the outdoors, even if you’re in the heart of downtown Denver.
Keystone Mountain Biking, Denver
visit Denver: Aaron Dodds
According to Redfin’s latest Bike Score, Denver ranks among the top five cycling cities in the U.S. Cherry Creek Trail—with a network of trails catering to all levels of cyclists—stands out as a scenic route that winds through the city. A beloved gem among Denver's biking enthusiasts, the 45-mile path begins at Confluence Park and extends southeast to Cherry Creek State Park and beyond. Along the way, you'll pedal through Denver’s gorgeous landscapes, from urban streetscapes to tranquil natural settings. The city is closely connected to various parks, attractions, and green spaces allows for easy off-trail exploration, like the Cherry Creek Shopping District and Four Mile Historic Park. The trail’s paved surface makes it an ideal route, whether you're biking, jogging, walking, or inline skating. Plus, its boasts unparalleled convenience, with multiple entry points providing easy access. Other notable Denver biking trails include South Platte River Trail, High Line Canal Trail, and Sand Creek Regional Greenway. Plan your route with this bike map.
Paddlers on the whitewater run
Visit Denver: Stan Obert
Located on 15th Street at the convergence of Cherry Creek and South Platte River, Confluence Park serves as a vibrant hub for outdoor adventure, sitting on the edge of Lower Downtown (a.k.a. LoDo), Denver's oldest neighborhood. Whether you're a beginner paddleboarder, seasoned kayaker, or curious explorer wanting to try a whitewater excursion, the park offers thrilling on-the-water experiences for every level. You can rent equipment or join a guided tour to tackle the park's custom-designed chutes along a 100-yard whitewater run in the heart of Denver. Along the way, you’ll pass joggers, skateboarders, and cyclists dotting the waterfront trail. Beyond paddling, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars and attractions (like the Downtown Aquarium ) within walking distance. Plan a visit during one of the park’s many lively events, like the regular Denver Beer & History Tour, the free summer concert series, or the annual South Platte RiverFest that blends water sports and live music.
Red Rocks family hike
visit denver: Adam bove
Denver offers a hiker's paradise, whether you seek a gentle stroll through nature or a challenging trek with stunning vistas. Rising more than 7,300 feet above Golden and just west of Denver, Lookout Mountain rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, the Rocky Mountains, and surrounding plains. Though most trails are a moderate-to-challenging climb—a 4.6 miles round trip with steep inclines—this iconic mountain peak draws hikers with its well-maintained trails that wind through pine forests, meadows, and rocky outcroppings. Notable hiking trails include the Lookout Mountain Trail and Chimney Gulch Trail. The scenic-but-hold-your-breath drive along the steep, twisting Lariat Loop invites you to pull over so you can watch hang gliders and paragliders soar overhead. For easier, shorter hikes, head to Meadow Loop and Forest Loop at Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve. This kid-friendly experience offers wildlife viewing and interactive exhibits showcasing the flora and fauna of the foothills ecosystem. While you’re at Lookout Mountain Park don’t miss the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, which highlights the legendary life of Buffalo Bill Cody and offers a fascinating glimpse into the Wild West era. Consider nearby hiking destinations like Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater and Mount Evans for a more adventurous day trip.
City Park, Denver
visit Denver: captain colorado photography
Denver expertly combines lush green spaces with vibrant city life, delivering a best-of-both-worlds travel experience. Consider adding these hot spots to your travel itinerary.
Dubbed “Wash Park” by locals, this sprawling urban oasis sprinkles indoor and outdoor amenities throughout its 155 acres. Known for its picturesque scenery, this popular year-round park boasts a charming boathouse (listed on US National Register of Historic Places) and two lakes—perfect for paddle boating (rentals available). Two gardens add a pop of vibrant color to the park, including the south garden (a replica of Martha Washington’s garden on the shore of Lake Windemere) and the more formal north garden (bursting with dozens of begonias, geraniums, petunias, and roses). It even houses a recreation center with a pickleball court, weight room, and indoor pool, allowing swimmers to get their laps in year-round. Thanks to a bicycle/pedestrian pathway and two-mile jogging path winding through green spaces, the park invites exploration on foot or wheels (think bikes, skateboards, and rollerblades). Throw in park add-ons—like a fitness course, horseshoe pit, lawn bowling/croquet area, soccer field, and tennis courts—and you can see why locals flock to this beloved urban park.
Giraffes at the Denver Zoo
visit Denver
Part green space, part cultural hub—that’s the perfect way to describe this expansive green space. Home to renowned attractions like the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the vibrant, 330-acre City Park provides easy access to outdoor activities and cultural gems. Try paddle boating in Ferril Lake, jogging along tree-lined trails, or packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the expansive lawns. Dotted with gardens, benches, historical monuments, sports fields, decorative fountains, and a public golf course, this scenic park beckons you to spend the day here. As well, it hosts a slate of year-round events, including farmer’s markets, public art tours, jazz concerts, and more. The park’s stunning views of the Denver skyline framed by the majestic Rocky Mountains create a perfect backdrop for relaxation and picture-perfect memory-making.
Denver Botanic Gardens
visit Denver: scott dressel martin
Whether you’re looking for a romantic place in The Mile High City or you’re a horticulture enthusiast, the gorgeous Denver Botanic Gardens lures you in with its feast for the senses.
This 23-acre gem tucked into the heart of the city showcases a huge collection of plants from around the world and serves as a leader in sustainable horticulture. Standout areas include the serene Japanese Garden, the lush Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory, and the interactive Mordecai Children’s Garden. Explore dozens of themed gardens, such as arid gardens boasting native Colorado plants, ornamental gardens showcasing lilacs and daylilies, and shady gardens featuring a birds-and-bees walk. With seasonal events—like the Blossoms of Light holiday display—including workshops, concerts, and “art in the garden” tours, this must-visit spot provides a tranquil respite when you need a “natural beauty break.”
Family ski adventure at Winter Park Resort, Denver
visit Denver: Winter Park
As the perfect launchpad for snow sports enthusiasts, Denver offers quick and easy access to renowned ski resorts and urban snow adventures alike.
Known as the gateway to world-class skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, Denver offers a convenient snow-sport-lovin’ locale within a short drive of most Front Range ski areas. Top-tier ski resort areas like Loveland, Vail, and Keystone are easily accessible from your Denver base camp—all within a one- to two-hour drive. From beginner-friendly runs to exhilarating expert terrain, these popular resorts cater to skiers of all levels. Which one to pick? Loveland is known for its affordability and family-friendly atmosphere, Vail's seven-mile back bowls offers a skier's paradise, and Keystone boasts Colorado's largest night skiing scene. After a day on the slopes, indulge in après-ski fun, grabbing dinner and drinks at one of the cozy lodges sprinkled throughout the area.
Ruby Hill Railyard
Created from a former rail yard, Ruby Hill highlights Denver's innovative spirit. Originally designed to bring the thrill of mountain recreation to urban families, Ruby Hill now attracts roughly 9,000 locals and visitors every year. Thanks to a partnership between Winter Park Resort and Denver Parks and Recreation, this unique spot serves as the country's first free urban terrain park. As a rail-yard-turned-ski-destination, Ruby Hill features 13 slopes, jumps, and rails—perfect for honing your craft or just enjoying freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Each season, volunteers transform the community gem into a winter playground making skiing and snowboarding accessible for all skill levels. You can hit the slopes without even leaving the city. Best of all—it’s free! Open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. (with terrain park lights on until 9 p.m.) Ruby Hill has no lift or equipment. Be prepared to bring your own gear and to hike up the 250-foot hill for each run.
For more information about Denver, check out AAA’s Trip Canvas: Denver, a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent, or the official Visit Denver website.
