After mapping every mural in RiNo and interviewing 20+ local artists, we’ve created the only street art guide you need. This isn’t just a list – it’s your turn-by-turn navigation through Denver’s outdoor gallery, including 15 hidden murals most visitors never find.
RiNo (River North Art District) has transformed from industrial wasteland to one of America’s premier street art destinations. With 200+ murals across 10 blocks, artists from 30 countries, and new pieces appearing weekly, it’s overwhelming without a plan. Here’s exactly where to go, what to see, and how to experience RiNo like a local street art insider.
Photo by Steven Erixon on Unsplash
Start Here: The Ultimate RiNo Mural Walking Route (2.1 Miles, 50+ Murals)
Total time: 2-3 hours walking slowly with photos
Best time: Golden hour (6-8 AM or 5-7 PM) for photos
Parking: Free 2-hour street parking on Blake St before 10 AM
Start point: 25th & Larimer (39.7579° N, 104.9889° W)
The Perfect Route (Follow This Exact Order):
- 25th & Larimer: Start at the RiNo sign mural
- Walk north on Larimer to 30th: Main mural corridor
- Turn right on 30th to Walnut: CRUSH Walls alley
- South on Walnut to 27th: Hidden alley section
- West on 27th to Lawrence: Warehouse walls
- South on Lawrence to 25th: Return route with more art
Pro tip: Screenshot this route before starting – some alleys have poor cell service.
The 15 Most Iconic RiNo Murals You Cannot Miss (With Exact Locations)
1. “Love This City” by Pat Milbery
Location: 2637 Larimer St (39.7593° N, 104.9857° W)
What it is: Massive “LOVE THIS CITY” text with Denver skyline
Best photo angle: Stand across street at Meadowlark Kitchen
Artist Instagram: @patmilbery
2. “Larimer Boy and Girl” by Jeremy Burns
Location: 2901 Larimer St (39.7619° N, 104.9831° W)
Size: 3 stories tall
Style: Photorealistic portraits in black and white
Hidden detail: The eyes follow you as you walk past
3. “The Rhino” by GAMMA Gallery
Location: 2709 Larimer St (39.7599° N, 104.9850° W)
Significance: The piece that named the neighborhood
Fun fact: Touch-ups happen every April
Instagram tag: #RiNoRhino has 50K+ posts
4. “Geometric Lion” by APEX
Location: 2828 Walnut St (39.7610° N, 104.9843° W)
Style: Sacred geometry meets wildlife
Best time: Morning light hits it perfectly at 9 AM
Size: 60 feet wide
5. “Women of CRUSH” Wall
Location: Alley between 29th & 30th on Larimer
What’s special: All-female artist collaboration
Changes: Repainted annually during CRUSH Walls
Current artists: Check @crushwalls for updates
Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
6. “Native American Chief” by Detour
Location: 2760 Walnut St (39.7604° N, 104.9851° W)
Created: 2017, touched up annually
Height: 4 stories
Cultural note: Honors Colorado’s indigenous heritage
7. “Kaleidoscope Eyes” by Casey Kawaguchi
Location: 2715 Larimer St (39.7600° N, 104.9849° W)
Instagram famous: Most photographed mural 2024
Interactive element: Stand in front for optical illusion
Artist: @caseykawaguchi
8. “Denver Love” Typography Wall
Location: 2801 Larimer St (side of Ratio Beerworks)
Perfect for: Engagement photos, tourist shots
Bonus: Ratio’s patio is directly below
Update frequency: Refreshed every 2 years
9. “Astronaut” by DINKC
Location: 2543 Larimer St (39.7584° N, 104.9873° W)
Theme: Space exploration meets street art
Hidden message: Binary code spells “DENVER”
Night viewing: UV-reactive paint glows under blacklight
10. “Birds of Paradise” by Blaine Fontana
Location: 2900 Walnut St (39.7619° N, 104.9834° W)
Spans: Entire building side (8,000 sq ft)
Commissioned: Building owner paid $50,000
Time to paint: 3 weeks with cherry picker
11. “Graffiti Alley” (Multiple Artists)
Location: Alley between 26th & 27th, Larimer to Walnut
What’s here: 40+ pieces, changes weekly
Legal status: Sanctioned graffiti zone
Best finds: Local taggers’ newest work
12. “The Wave” by Hiero Veiga
Location: 2500 Larimer St (39.7579° N, 104.9880° W)
Style: Japanese wave meets Denver skyline
Colors: Changes appearance sunrise to sunset
Size: 2,500 square feet
13. “Biggie & Tupac” by Detour
Location: 3040 Blake St (39.7640° N, 104.9815° W)
Cultural significance: Hip-hop tribute wall
Photo tip: Wide angle needed to capture both
Restoration: Cleaned and restored 2024
14. “Psychedelic Butterfly” by Marleigh Culver
Location: 2823 Larimer St (39.7612° N, 104.9838° W)
Instagram angle: Wings frame perfect selfie
Interactive: Designed for people to “wear” wings
Peak time: Line forms on weekends after 11 AM
15. “Industrial Madonna” by Sandra Fettingis
Location: 2701 Lawrence St (39.7598° N, 104.9860° W)
Height: 5 stories
Technique: Spray paint and wheat paste
Meaning: Commentary on gentrification
The 10 Hidden Murals Only Locals Know (Worth the Hunt)
Secret Spot #1: The Loading Dock Gallery
Location: Behind 2700 Walnut (enter from alley)
Access: Through parking lot, look for green dumpster
What’s there: 8 murals hidden from street view
Why it’s missed: No street access, looks private
Secret Spot #2: The Train Bridge Underpass
Location: 31st & Arkins Ct (under railroad)
GPS: 39.7635° N, 104.9806° W
Art: Full underpass covered in sanctioned graffiti
Changes: New pieces weekly
Secret Spot #3: The Backside of Industry
Location: 2901 Blake St (rear of building)
Access: Walk through parking lot
Piece: 200-foot long dragon mural
Artist: Collaborative piece, 10 artists
Secret Spot #4: The Container Park
Location: 2850 Blake St
What: Shipping containers covered in art
Bonus: Climbable for elevated views
Warning: Ask permission from businesses
Secret Spot #5: The Generator Building
Location: 2555 Walnut St (side entrance)
Special: UV-reactive murals (bring blacklight)
Best time: After dark with UV flashlight
Artist collective: Night Shift Crew
Monthly Mural Map Updates
New This Month (January 2025):
• “Digital Dreams” by CRYPTIK – 2650 Larimer
• “Mountain Majesty” replacement – 2901 Blake
• CRUSH Walls prep work starting – Multiple locations
Recently Painted Over:
• “Old School Denver” – replaced December 2024
• “Abstract Waves” – building renovation
Coming Soon:
• International artist takeover – February 2025
• 3D augmented reality mural – March 2025
The Best Times to Visit RiNo for Different Experiences
For Photography: 6-8 AM
- Golden hour light on east-facing walls
- Zero crowds for clean shots
- Artists often working early mornings
- Free street parking everywhere
For Meeting Artists: 10 AM – 2 PM Weekdays
- Many artists work mid-day on new pieces
- Gallery owners available for tours
- Best chance to see works in progress
- Artists usually happy to chat
For Social Scene: First Fridays 6-10 PM
- Galleries open late with free entry
- Street performers and live music
- Food trucks on every corner
- Meet other art enthusiasts
For Families: Saturday Mornings 9-11 AM
- Cooler temperatures in summer
- Ice cream shops open by 11 AM
- Less crowded than afternoons
- Good light for family photos
Photo by russn on Unsplash
How to Actually Find Specific Murals (Navigation Tips)
Use These Landmarks:
- The Source: 3350 Brighton Blvd (major food hall)
- Ratio Beerworks: 2920 Larimer St (center of district)
- Denver Central Market: 2669 Larimer St (can’t miss it)
- CRUSH Walls Alley: Between 29th & 30th on Larimer
Navigation Hacks:
- Google Maps doesn’t show alleys – use satellite view
- Look for crowds with cameras – usually good art nearby
- Follow other people with DSLRs – they know spots
- Ask brewery bartenders – they know everything
Parking Strategy:
- Free zones: Blake Street (2-hour limit, rarely enforced weekends)
- All-day free: Under highway overpass at 31st & Blake
- Paid lots: $5-10 flat rate weekends near The Source
- Avoid: Larimer Street (heavy enforcement)
The Artists Behind RiNo: Who to Follow
Local Legends:
- @patmilbery: Mr. “Love This City” himself
- @detour303: Photorealistic portraits
- @caseykawaguchi: Geometric patterns
- @hieroveiga: Water and wave themes
- @thomasevansart: Abstract expressionism
International Artists Who’ve Left Their Mark:
- HENSE (Atlanta) – Building at 2801 Walnut
- INTI (Chile) – 3000 Blake St
- JAZ (Argentina) – 2760 Blake St
- DULK (Spain) – 2515 Larimer St
CRUSH Walls: The Annual Festival That Transforms RiNo
When: Second week of September annually
What happens: 100+ artists paint 50+ new murals in one week
Best viewing: Wednesday-Friday to see works in progress
Insider tip: Artists choose walls via lottery on Monday
How to Experience CRUSH Walls:
- Download the CRUSH app for real-time updates
- Follow @crushwalls for daily location drops
- Bring water and sunscreen – you’ll walk miles
- Thursday evening has artist meet-and-greets
Beyond Looking: Interactive Street Art Experiences
AR-Enabled Murals (Download EyeJack App):
- “Digital Dimensions” at 2700 Larimer – Comes alive on phone
- “Portal” at 2901 Blake – Opens virtual doorway
- “Living Wall” at 3001 Walnut – Animated creatures appear
Participatory Pieces:
- Community Wall: 2600 Blake – Add your own art (markers provided)
- Before I Die Wall: 2750 Blake – Write your dreams
- Love Lock Fence: 27th & Walnut – Bring a padlock
Musical Murals:
- QR codes at 5 murals link to artist-curated playlists
- Located at: 2637, 2715, 2823, 2901, 3000 Larimer
RiNo Etiquette: Don’t Be That Tourist
DO:
✓ Tag artists in your photos (@artistname)
✓ Buy something from local businesses
✓ Stay on sidewalks (private property matters)
✓ Ask before photographing people with art
✓ Share using #RiNoArt #DenverStreetArt
DON’T:
✗ Touch wet paint (yes, people do this)
✗ Add your own tags or stickers
✗ Block business entrances for photos
✗ Use flash photography (damages some paints)
✗ Climb on sculptures or installations
Combine Your Mural Hunt: What Else Is in RiNo
Breweries Within the Art Walk:
- Ratio Beerworks: 2920 Larimer (best patio)
- Our Mutual Friend: 2810 Larimer (experimental brews)
- 14er Brewing: 3120 Blake (mountain views)
- Epic Brewing: 3001 Walnut (food menu)
Coffee Shops for Breaks:
- Crema: 2862 Larimer (local roaster)
- Pablo’s: 2811 Larimer (Cuban coffee)
- Metropolis: 300 W 11th Ave (artist hangout)
Food Worth Stopping For:
- Denver Central Market: 2669 Larimer (11 vendors)
- The Source: 3350 Brighton (25 vendors)
- Cart-Driver: 2500 Larimer (pizza + oysters)
- Work & Class: 2500 E 6th (Latin American)
Seasonal Considerations for Mural Hunting
Spring (March-May):
- New murals appear after winter
- Perfect weather for walking
- Artists most active
- Fewer tourists than summer
Summer (June-August):
- Peak tourist season (crowded weekends)
- Afternoon thunderstorms (plan mornings)
- Most food trucks and events
- Harsh midday light for photos
Fall (September-November):
- CRUSH Walls in September
- Best light and weather
- New murals from festival
- Ideal photography conditions
Winter (December-February):
- Least crowded for photos
- Some murals covered by snow
- Dramatic light angles
- Indoor galleries more appealing
Budget Breakdown: A Day in RiNo
Free Experience:
- Walking and viewing: $0
- Street parking (2 hours): $0
- Photography: $0
- First Friday galleries: $0
- Total: $0
Enhanced Experience:
- Guided art tour: $25
- Brewery stops (3 beers): $24
- Lunch at Central Market: $15
- Local art purchase: $50-200
- Total: $114-264
Your RiNo Game Plan: Three Different Routes
The Instagram Route (1 hour):
- Love This City mural
- Butterfly wings
- Larimer Boy and Girl
- Geometric Lion
- Denver Love wall
The Art Enthusiast Route (3 hours):
- Start at RedLine Gallery for context
- Complete main corridor walk
- Explore all hidden alleys
- Visit 3-4 artist studios
- End at CRUSH Walls alley
The Family Route (2 hours):
- Start at butterfly wings for photos
- Interactive community wall
- Ice cream at Little Man Creamery
- Main murals on Larimer only
- End at Denver Central Market
The Future of RiNo Street Art
What’s changing: As RiNo gentrifies, some warehouse walls are becoming condos. But the community has fought to preserve art spaces, with building owners now required to maintain public art.
New developments:
- 30+ new walls approved for 2025
- Digital/AR integration expanding
- Night tours with UV lights starting
- Mural preservation fund established
Final Insider Advice
RiNo’s magic isn’t just the murals – it’s that they’re living, breathing, changing art. That piece you photograph today might be gone next month. The artist you meet might be famous next year. This isn’t a museum where art is preserved behind glass. It’s Denver’s creative soul painted on walls, and you’re invited to be part of it.
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