With over 300 days, on average, of sunshine, and breathtaking mountain views, it’s clear to see why Denver is a popular destination. You’ll love that downtown Denver is easy to move within; you can easily see the local sites on foot or by bike. Be sure to visit Red Rocks Park, which has a unique outdoor concert area. Head to Denver Union station to try a multitude of local fare and artisanal beers. In Larimer Square, you’ll be walking around the city’s oldest neighborhoods, a great spot if you’re also interested in the gold trail. For unique indigenous art, pay a visit to the Denver Art Museum, which is free for children under the age of 18. To experience the true heart of Denver though, we think it is best to get outside and explore the surrounding nature. So, bearing that in mind, here are the best outdoor activities in Denver, Colorado.
1. Hike the glaciers and visit geothermal cave pools (from USD 180.0)
Join this fantastic year-round tour to St Mary’s Glacier to enjoy the stunning forest. This pleasant 1.5-mile (2.4km) hike will culminate in a breathtaking lake where you can enjoy swimming and panoramic views. A pizza lunch is included before heading to natural geothermal cave pools to relax and unwind. This is a fantastic day out that everyone can enjoy. Be sure to bring your camera to take some stunning natural landscape shots that you can cherish forever.
GLACIER HIKE & GEOTHERMAL CAVE POOLS
Duration: 7.5 hours
2. Hike with a professional photographer (from USD 150.0)
If you’d rather have a professional photographer take those ideal shots that you’re searching for, you’ll love this experience. On this tour, which lasts for six hours, you’ll enjoy hiking the mountains without worrying about taking selfies or asking strangers for help. Your host will pick you up an hour before sunrise so that you may have the most stunning views to enjoy throughout your hike. Your hiking day will be perfectly captured on professional DSLR cameras. We think that this is a great activity for friends, family, and couples. It is also popular with people looking to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.
Hike with an Adventure Photographer
Duration: 5 hours
3. Thrilling dirt bike trek along the mountain trails (from USD 250.0)
For those of you hoping for a bit more of a thrill with your cycling, we’ve found the perfect tour. This exhilarating dirt bike experience is open to all levels of riders. If you’ve never ridden a dirtbike, you’ll be given the opportunity to learn the basics before moving onto a more difficult route. The host is kind and patient, with years of experience, so you should be confident that you’re in good hands. This is a fun way to explore the mountains from a perspective that not many people are privileged to have.
Dirt Bike Amazing Colorado Trails
Duration: 4 hours
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4. Enjoy a snow hike (from USD 189.0)
From bikes to snowshoes, Denver has it all, and this special tour will stay in your memories for a lifetime. Over six hours, of which, four will be walking, you can enjoy a trail that is suitable for all fitness levels. Eventually, you’ll reach an elevation level of 8,764 feet (2.6km). Alongside the snowshoes, the host will also provide hiking poles, should you need them. Sounds like great fun: just remember to keep warm.
Snowshoe Through History
Duration: 5.5 hours
5. Challenge yourself to tackle the mountain summit (from USD 268.0)
For the brave ones that want to reach a summit, or three, this tour is for you. Leaving at 4 am, you’ll be able to tailor your experience and even choose which summit you want to reach. All of the hikes are on approved trails and are classified into different levels depending on the terrain. There are plenty of points to stop and enjoy the view, take pictures, and re-charge with snacks. Your host is excellent at providing what you need, you’ll only need to make sure that you are suitably clothed and that you take a lunch and some water.
Bag that 14’er! #summitseason!
Duration: 11.5 hours
6. Go on an adventure to the Rocky Mountain National Park (from USD 169.0)
This guided full-day tour is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. The tour is at a moderate pace, and it can be best enjoyed by people that have some experience in hiking but also want to stop and take pictures of the breathtaking views. In total, the tour is a four-mile (6.4-km) hike. A complimentary packed lunch is included. If you’re lucky, you might even see animals such as elk, moose, and eagles in their natural environment.
Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
Duration: 8 hours
7. Get the thrill of zip-lining in the Rocky Mountains (from USD 151.0)
A whole different perspective of the mountains can be seen from this zip-wire experience. You’ll go whizzing past the trees on some of the longest ziplines in Colorado. It’s a huge 6,000 feet (1.8km) long. We love that this experience also includes some gentle hiking to the zip-wires, so you can fully immerse yourself in the surrounding nature. This is a thrill that the whole family can enjoy, and in total, will last for three hours.
Rocky Mountain 6-Zipline Adventure on CO Longest and Fastest!
Duration: 3 hours
8. Take a tour of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak (from USD 169.0)
This small-group tour is the perfect way to see two of Colorado’s most beloved spots. The first stop if the Garden of the Gods. Here, you’ll see huge, spiky red rock formations and capture some impressive photographs. You’ll then head to Pikes Peak, which was the inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful.” Here, you’ll have lunch and some free time to explore the local town.
Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods Denver
Duration: 8 hours
9. Discover Denver on an electric bike (from USD 75.0)
Heading down from the mountains, you can enjoy an electric bike ride through the historic downtown area. We love that these bikes have full power assist and so you can enjoy learning and travel around the streets without breaking a sweat. This is a pleasant tour, not a workout! You will pass by and make stops at famous landmarks, parks, and unique stores. This tour will also take you to local micro-breweries and artisanal coffee shops. The downtown area has some dark and mysterious features, including underground passes and body snatchers. Intrigued? You’ll learn about it and more on this cycling tour.
Discover Denver by Electric Bike
Duration: 3 hours
10. Try fly-fishing in the Rocky Mountain National Park
Always wanted to try fly-fishing? Well, now is your opportunity, with a fun full-day wading trip in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Hidden in the depths of the waters, there are many different species of fish thriving. The hosts offer a number of tours, so we’re sure you’ll find one that will suit your schedule. In general, your tour will include seven hours of fishing time and a complimentary lunch.
Colorado Rocky Mountain Fly Fishing Full-Day Small-Group Tour
Duration: 9 hours
Something for everyone
From thrill seekers to gentle amblers and everything in between, Colorado has something for everyone. The beauty of Denver is something that we think will stay with you, so for your vacation this year, book one of these outdoor activities in Denver, Colorado.
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