5 activities to enjoy in the city’s great outdoors
With the towering Rockies framing the city skyline, who wouldn’t want to spend their time in Denver outside? From shopping to adventure, here are five outstanding activities for enjoying blue skies, mountain peaks, and gorgeous greenery.
Red Rocks Amphitheater: Carved straight out of incredible natural rock formations, this concert venue and park has a reputation as one of the country’s best and most unique places for live music. World-class shows take place regularly, but you can also enjoy the scenery on a hike through the geologically-striking park.
Downtown Denver: Visit some of the city’s most noteworthy old buildings, such as the opulent Brown Palace Hotel, and wander Larimer Square and Writer Square, the oldest blocks downtown. Don’t forget to stroll the mile-long 16th Street Mall, lined with 200 trees, 50,000 flowers, and 28 outdoor cafes.
City Park: Denver’s largest park is home to several lakes, a public golf course, flower gardens, the Denver Zoo, and a hiking trail, providing ample opportunity to enjoy a day outdoors. Alternately, head to Confluence Park, where Denver was founded as a gold mining camp in 1858, to enjoy the heart of the city’s 850-mile bike trail network or partake in a kayak adventure.
Denver Botanic Gardens: Close to 15,000 plant and flower species are on display here, spread over 23 acres and 45 different gardens. Displays range from a Japanese Garden to the Rock Alpine Garden and a new 3-acre Children’s Garden. In the summer, there are even outdoor concerts to enjoy.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is an absolute must – and while there are countless ways to enjoy the scenery there, a hot air balloon ride is among the best for panoramic views of the dazzling park. Several options are available out of nearby Boulder and Colorado Springs.
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