Colorado Activities: From City Thrills to Mountain
Denver, Colorado, often referred to as the Mile High City due to its elevation, is a vibrant metropolis nestled at the base of the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains. This unique location provides a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, culture seekers, and adventure lovers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the best activities Denver and its surrounding areas have to offer.
Kayaking in Confluence Park
Address: 2373 15th Street Unit B, Denver, CO | Phone: 877.298.1292
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush within minutes of downtown, head to Confluence Park. Here, you can kayak down man-made chutes, perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Confluence Kayaks, Denver’s ultimate paddling shop, offers kayaking adventures, lessons, rentals, and more.
Bike Ride on 85 Miles of Paths
Address: 2737 Larimer Street, Ste A Denver, CO 80205 | Phone: (303) 825-3325
With 85 miles of scenic bike trails and over 300 days of sunshine, Denver is a cyclist’s paradise. Explore the city using Denver B-cycle, a bike-sharing program. Grab a shiny red bike from one of the conveniently located stations and embark on a two-wheeled adventure.
The Mile High Trail in City Park
Experience the Mile High City while walking or running along this beautiful 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) trail that follows the city’s 5280 contour line. You’ll literally be exercising at a mile-high!
Scooter Tours Denver
ScooTours Denver offers Vespa-style scooter rentals and guided tours. Let friendly scooter tour guides take you to the city’s best sights while sharing captivating stories of Denver’s past and present.
Denver Skatepark
Challenge your skateboarding or BMX skills at the Denver Skatepark, boasting 60,000 square feet of concrete terrain. Do note that rentals are not available, so bring your gear.
Washington Park’s Smith Lake
Enjoy a serene pedal boat ride on the calm waters of Smith Lake in Washington Park. It’s a perfect family-friendly outing.
The Downtown Aquarium
Immerse yourself in the underwater world at the Downtown Aquarium. Pet stingrays, snorkel alongside sharks, and explore fascinating marine life.
Hike and Bike at Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is famous for its concerts, but during the day, it’s a hiker’s and biker’s paradise. The Trading Post Trail offers scenic views and a glimpse of unique rock formations.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Venture 71 miles northwest of Denver to explore this stunning national park, featuring hiking trails, pristine lakes, and breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the world.
Mount Evans and Echo Lake
Drive up the highest paved auto road in North America to reach Mount Evans’ summit at 14,260 feet. Enjoy the spectacular views and take a hike on the M. Walter Pesman Trail for a unique botanical experience.
Whitewater Rafting
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting with Clear Creek Rafting Co., Raft Masters, or Colorado Adventure Center. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.
Zip Line Tours
For high-flying adventures, try Castle Rock Zip Line Tours or Colorado Adventure Center’s canopy zip-line tour above Clear Creek in Idaho Springs.
Mile High Culture Pass
Explore Denver’s cultural attractions with the Mile High Culture Pass, which offers discounted admission to several museums and sites.
Comparison Table: The Best Denver Colorado Activities
| Activity | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Kayaking in Confluence Park | 2373 15th Street Unit B, Denver, CO | Whitewater chutes, lessons, rentals |
| Bike Ride on 85 Miles of Paths | 2737 Larimer Street, Ste A Denver, CO 80205 | Denver B-cycle, bike-sharing program |
| The Mile High Trail in City Park | Beautiful City Park, Denver, CO | 5-kilometer route, exercise at a mile high |
| Scooter Tours Denver | Various locations in Denver | Motorized scooter rentals, guided tours |
| Denver Skatepark | 2205 19th St, Denver, CO 80202 | 60,000 sq ft of skateable terrain |
| Washington Park’s Smith Lake | Washington Park, Denver, CO | Pedal boat rentals in scenic Smith Lake |
| The Downtown Aquarium | 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211 | Interactive aquatic experiences |
| Hike and Bike at Red Rocks Park | Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO | Scenic hiking and biking trails |
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Located 71 miles NW of Denver, CO | Stunning natural beauty, wildlife |
| Mount Evans and Echo Lake | Mount Evans Summit, Colorado | Highest paved auto road in North America |
| Whitewater Rafting | Clear Creek Rafting Co., Idaho Springs | Rafting adventures in clear waters |
| Zip Line Tours | Castle Rock Zip Line Tours, Castle Rock | Thrilling zip line and adventure courses |
| Mile High Culture Pass | Various participating attractions | Discounts on top Denver attractions |
Highlighted Activities:
- Kayaking in Confluence Park: Experience whitewater chutes and kayaking adventures;
- Bike Ride on 85 Miles of Paths: Explore Denver’s cycling paradise with bike-sharing;
- The Mile High Trail in City Park: Exercise at exactly a mile high while enjoying a scenic trail;
- Scooter Tours, Denver: Guided tours and motorized scooter rentals for a fun city exploration;
- Denver Skatepark: Challenge yourself on 60,000 sq ft of stateable terrain;
- Washington Park’s Smith Lake: Enjoy a calm pedal boat ride in a serene park;
- The Downtown Aquarium: Interact with marine life and unique aquatic experiences;
- Hike and Bike at Red Rocks Park: Explore hiking and biking trails amid stunning rock formations;
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Discover 400 sq miles of natural beauty and wildlife;
- Mount Evans and Echo Lake: Drive to the summit for breathtaking views and unique hikes;
- Whitewater Rafting: Brave the rapids for an adventure of a lifetime;
- Zip Line Tours: Soar through the air on thrilling zip lines and obstacle courses;
- Mile High Culture Pass: Get discounts on top Denver attractions with this pass.
Conclusion
In the heart of Colorado, Denver beckons adventurers with its captivating blend of urban charm and natural beauty. From the heart-pounding rush of whitewater rafting to the serene pedal boat rides on Smith Lake, Denver’s outdoor activities offer something for every traveler.
As the Mile High City, Denver boasts an impressive array of activities that take full advantage of its elevation. Whether you’re kayaking through Confluence Park’s man-made chutes, biking along 85 miles of sun-soaked paths, or hiking the Mile High Trail in City Park, you’ll find yourself literally exercising at a mile above sea level. It’s an experience that makes every outdoor adventure just a bit more exhilarating.
For those seeking a unique perspective on the city, ScooTours Denver offers guided scooter tours led by friendly local guides who share Denver’s rich history and vibrant present. And don’t miss the chance to challenge your skills at Denver Skatepark, a paradise for boarders, bladers, and bikers.
If you’re ready to explore beyond the city limits, Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Evans, and Echo Lake offer unparalleled natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing adventure or seeking tranquility, Denver’s outdoor activities provide endless opportunities to create lasting memories in this remarkable city.
So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature enthusiast, or a culture seeker, Denver welcomes you with open arms and a world of outdoor adventures. Pack your sense of adventure and get ready to explore the Mile High City’s vibrant outdoor scene.
Yuriy Moshes has spanned several areas of law but his expertise lies in litigation and real estate transactions. Over the years, he has assisted homeowners understand their options and either remain in their home or pursue possible liquidation options. He graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelors of Science degree and a Juris Doctor from the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.