Best outdoor activities in Denver? Hiking at Red Rocks Park, biking the Cherry Creek Trail, kayaking at Chatfield or Cherry Creek reservoirs, climbing at Clear Creek Canyon, and skiing day trips to the mountains. Denver averages 300 days of sunshine, making outdoor recreation possible year-round.
Outdoor Recreation in Denver
Denver sits at 5,280 feet elevation where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. This location provides immediate access to mountain trails, reservoirs, and urban green spaces. The dry climate and abundant sunshine make outdoor activities feasible even in winter.
Hiking Near Denver
Red Rocks Park offers free hiking trails among the famous red rock formations, just 20 minutes from downtown. Mount Falcon in the foothills has moderate trails with Denver skyline views. Golden Gate Canyon State Park (45 minutes) provides mountain hiking without the I-70 traffic.
For bigger adventures, Rocky Mountain National Park is 90 minutes away with trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging fourteener climbs.
Biking
Denver has an extensive trail system connecting the city. Cherry Creek Trail runs 40 miles from downtown to Franktown. The South Platte River Trail extends from Chatfield Reservoir through downtown to Commerce City. Both are paved and suitable for road bikes or casual riding.
Mountain biking options include Apex Park in Golden, White Ranch Park, and North Table Mountain. Denver B-Cycle provides bike share stations throughout downtown for short trips.
Water Activities
Cherry Creek Reservoir (20 minutes from downtown) offers swimming beaches, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Chatfield Reservoir provides similar activities in a larger setting. Stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals are available at both.
Clear Creek in Golden has whitewater sections for kayaking during spring runoff. The South Platte River through Confluence Park downtown is suitable for inflatable kayaking in summer.
Rock Climbing
Clear Creek Canyon (30 minutes west) has sport climbing routes of all difficulty levels along the roadside. Golden Cliffs in North Table Mountain offer easy access. Indoor gyms including Movement and Earth Treks provide climbing year-round and classes for beginners.
Skiing Day Trips
Multiple ski resorts are within 90 minutes of Denver via I-70. Loveland and Arapahoe Basin are closest (60-75 minutes). Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain are about 90 minutes. Traffic on I-70 can double these times on weekend mornings and Sunday afternoons.
Urban Parks
City Park has trails around Ferril Lake with mountain views and connects to the Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature and Science. Washington Park features a 2.6-mile loop popular for running. Sloan's Lake offers a 2.6-mile path around Denver's largest lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best free outdoor activity in Denver?
Hiking at Red Rocks Park. Free entry, free parking, stunning scenery, and multiple trail options from easy to moderate difficulty. Just 20 minutes from downtown.
Can you do outdoor activities in Denver in winter?
Yes. Denver's mild winters (averaging 40s-50s°F during the day) allow hiking and biking most days. Snow typically melts quickly in the city. Skiing is an obvious winter option at nearby resorts.
Best outdoor activity for visitors with limited time?
Red Rocks Park if you have a car, or the Cherry Creek Trail from downtown if you don't. Both give a taste of Denver's outdoor culture in 2-3 hours.