Outdoor Adventures in Denver, CO

Denver's views of the Rocky Mountains are a constant inspiration for all the adventure that awaits down the road. As one of America's fittest cities, Denverites are always on the move. The Mile High City is less than an hour from the high peaks, where hiking, skiing, climbing, mountain biking, and trail running await. But the good news is that you don't need to leave the city to enjoy the great outdoors. Denver's trail running community is one of the strongest in the country and Washington Park and City Park both have excellent trail systems. Castlewood Canyon is on the fringe of city and is perfect for a longer run, a quick hike or a little wildlife watching.

Denver shares a border with the city of Golden to west, where many of the best outdoors outings are available (many 10 - 15 minutes from the big city). Table Mountain has fantastic sport climbing with neat views of the Coors Beer Factory. Mountain Bikers can get their fix at White Ranch, Matthew Winters, Table Mountain and Apex, all of which feature fast singletrack and gnarly technical sections. Clear Creek runs from Golden to Denver and offers everything from whitewater paddling to stand up paddle boarding. And nearly all of these areas can be hiked and run as well.

Less than an hour from Denver are the Rocky Mountains. Ski areas such as Loveland, A-Basin and Winter Park are close enough to enjoy a day on the slopes and be back in time for dinner in Denver. The 14,000 ft. summits of Grays and Torreys Peak are excellent summer hikes, as are the lesser-known 13,000 ft. neighbors Grizzly Peak, Mount Sniktau and Mount Edwards. The Front Range has plenty of backcountry ski options as well -- Loveland Pass and Berthoud Pass are local favorites.

And finally, Denver is only about 35 minutes from Boulder -- another outdoors sports mecca with an amazing variety of adventures. Climbing the Flatirons, hiking 8,000 ft. peaks right in town or cycling up canyon roads up to 10,000 ft. are all options just up the road. Denver has all the fun and frantic energy of a young hip city and just beyond its borders is a world of incredible mountain fun waiting to be explored.