Denver, Colorado – Where urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure.
True to its name, the Mile High City sits 5,280 feet above sea level.
Famed for its prime location at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a top travel destination for outdoorsy people of all sorts.
Skiers visit from all over the world to experience the amazing dry powder of the Rockies. Hikers are afforded endless opportunities to go climbing and trekking. And the white water rafting is among the best in all of North America!
With its blue skies and panoramic mountain views, Denver has inspired countless authors, musicians, and pop culture icons over the years.
Maybe this natural beauty is why traveling to Denver is so appealing. Or maybe it’s the 300-days of sun per year, easy access to the mountains, or the inherent outdoor playground.
Either way, Denver Metro itself is full of activities and tourist attractions that are sure to keep one busy from sunrise to sunset. If you’re a lover of good beer and outdoor adventures, you will not find yourself bored in this colorful city.
What to Expect in Denver
Climate- In Denver, the summers are hot and the winters are very cold and snowy. This city is 5,280 ft above sea level. The air is thinner and drier here, so be prepared to drink plenty of water and take it slow if needed.
Transportation- Uber & Lyft are available in Denver, however, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny to get from place to place. There is also public transportation such as buses or light rails that can take you to places like Arvada and Golden, but if you want to travel to Boulder, you’ll have to take a bus.
Wildlife- Don’t approach wildlife. Every year tourists and visitors get trampled by elk in Estes Park because they try to get close for a picture. The wildlife in Colorado will bite back.
Travel Tip- To learn more about what to expect before you go, visit the Denver Tourism website.
What to do in Denver
Explore Downtown Denver
16th Street Mall is a 1-mile pedestrian mall filled with shops, restaurants, food trucks, street performers, and more. There is also a free shuttle that runs in both directions.
Grab a bite to eat at Sam’s No 3, Denver’s most beloved diner that has been around for ages.
If you’re a sports fan, be sure to check out Coors Field, the home field of the MLB’s Colorado Rockies, located in the heart of Downtown Denver.
Denver Union Station is another bustling downtown shopping centre and transportation hub- a great place for people watching!
Before you leave the downtown area, be sure to explore around Larimer Square and stop by Garage Sale Vintage!
Go on a Craft Beer Tour
While Napa Valley is well known for its wine, Denver has resigned itself as the king of beer, and for a very good reason. The city of Denver brews more beer than any other city in America and is home to over 150 breweries.
Explore Denver’s local beer culture with the help of Denver’s beer trail.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors!
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater is an open-air amphitheater built into a giant rock structure right outside of Denver in Morrison, Colorado. This park is also home to 2 hiking trails that provide access to the area’s best natural landscapes and panoramic views of Denver and beyond. (On your way into the park, stop and enjoy an outdoor lunch with a view at Rooftop Tavern in Morrison, CO). (Trail Recommendation: Red Rocks & Morrison Slide Trails).
Garden of the Gods is a popular national landmark nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak on the West side of Colorado Springs (1.5 hours from Denver). Known for its massive red rocks sticking straight out of the ground, people come from all over the world to wander the trails, see the wildlife, and witness the formations for themselves. (Trail Recommendation: Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbauch, & Central Gardens Trail Loop).
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the nation, spanning the Continental Divide and encompassing hundreds of protected mountains, forests, and alpine tundra (<2 hours from Denver).
Smoke Some Herb Where it all Began
Denver made history when it became the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The weed business is now a booming industry and you can buy it just about as easily as beer. Read up on the local laws and join the revolution.
“There were those green, undulating hills, and this very beautiful river, the Colorado. The place is inspired and inspiring.”
– Terrence Malick.
Enlightened Escape 