Every kind of traveler can find something to enjoy in Denver, which boasts a top-notch gourmet scene, an expanding number of craft breweries, and snowcapped peaks that promise adventure.
Our editor, Amanda, has lived in Denver for almost two years and is familiar with the area. Like, really, very well. We asked her for some recommendations when we were planned a road trip to Denver for a few days, and she responded with ten pages of ideas. Ten pages!
We co-authored this post to share all the goodies with you because we thought it would be a shame if we were the only ones who saw her recommendations for things to do in Denver.
Denver Outdoor Adventures
It should come as no surprise that Denver, which is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offers an almost limitless array of outdoor activities.
From thrilling experiences to laid-back ways to spend time outside, we're highlighting some of the best outdoor activities in the "mile high city."
1. Practice Yoga On The Rocks
You will find plenty of options in crunchy Denver if you want to get your downward dog on. However, you might want to consider going out of town for a morning yoga session if you want to do it in a unique way, both physically and symbolically.
After years of hearing about the long-standing Denver custom of yoga on the rocks, this was at the top of my list of things to accomplish while I was there.
2. Catch A Show At Red Rocks Amphitheater
Speaking of this amazing location... Never pass up the opportunity to see a performer you enjoy at Red Rocks. Turn it into a journey. You will treasure the experience, and to be honest, it will ruin the majority of your other concerts.
The location has an almost ideal acoustics and rock formations that rise from the ground to provide the impression of an intimate area.
Seeing the venue change from being exposed to midday sunlight to a red glow at sunset to a flowing stream of people dancing to their favorite performer under the stars is really amazing. As we've already stated, make a concert reservation here if you can. You won't be sorry.
3. See An Outdoor Movie In The Summertime
While we're talking about Red Rocks, they also have a great summer event series called Film on the Rocks. It's exactly what it sounds like: movies in a fantastic outdoor setting, with food allowed. I think that sounds like the ideal date night!
However, Red Rocks isn't the only location in Denver to see an outdoor movie in the summer. A list of additional locations where you can see a film outside is provided below. (A few are even free!)
4. Float Down The River In Golden
Continue reading if you're seeking for a cool method to beat the heat when visiting Denver in the summer.
The village of Golden is a terrific spot to spend an afternoon, and it's only 30 minutes from downtown. One of the main attractions in the town during hot weather is the water, which spans Clear Creek.
5. Go On A Hike Near Denver
You can find yourself encircled by nature amid the stunning foothills and Rocky Mountains without venturing too far from the city limits. You will be able to hike in almost any direction if you have a vehicle. But many of the hikes are also accessible from Denver via public transit.
Neither the North Table Mountain Trail nor the South Table Mountain Trail lead to Golden's famous butte, Table Mountain. There are numerous path alternatives available to you on top of the expansive plateau covered with windswept grass.
6. Spot Bison In An Urban Wildlife Refuge
One of the biggest urban wildlife refuges in the US, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 15,000 acres. This region is home to over 330 animal species, including hundreds of bird species, bison, deer, and coyotes.
Go on the trails with your camera or take the 11-mile self-guided wildlife drive tour. This refuge is a great place to stop on your way into or out of town because it's close to the Denver airport.
Read Also: Magical Things to Do in Leavenworth, Washington
7. Learn To Rock Climb
We have a slight crush on rock climbers. We've climbed a few times with friends or guides, and every time we come away wanting to do it again.
Denver might well be a fantastic area to check it out if you're interested in learning. You probably already know that there is some amazing climbing just outside the city if you're reading this and rolling your eyes because you're already an expert.
All ability levels can find a course at Denver Climbing Co., whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced climber in need of guidance. The best part is that you will learn to rock climb outdoors on actual Colorado rocks rather than inside an indoor gym. They supply a qualified climbing guide along with all the necessary equipment.
8. Take A Food Tour
We've developed a passion for cooking lessons and, more lately, food tours while touring the world. In addition to enjoying some of the greatest cuisine the area has to offer, you frequently pick up minor tips that you wouldn't find on your own.
We decided Denver would be a perfect place to set our taste senses go because, like most big US towns, it has a burgeoning culinary culture. We were right, guy!
As we navigated the city on this gastronomic tour, you could say that we "ate our way around the world." We tried Navajo fried bread-based street tacos, pizza, fancy hot dogs (which were on Guy Fieri's DDD), and what may have been the greatest empanadas we've ever had in the US. As I frequently say, "There's always room for ice cream… it just fills in the cracks!" thus we ended the tour with gelato.
9. Grab Happy Hour At A Former Mortuary
Though it wasn't always such a joyful place to be, Linger, a popular restaurant/bar with a rooftop and a wonderful happy hour (more on that later), is located in the Lower Highlands neighborhood, or LoHi as the hipsters call it.
I must admit that although the funerary aspect initially caught my attention, their happy hour is the true reason to visit. You probably won't even notice anything out of the ordinary about the place, and the food and beverages are so fantastic that you'll forget it was ever anything but a fun restaurant.
