Where are the best RiNo murals? Start at Larimer Street between 25th-27th for the main alley with 20+ murals. Must-see: Love This City angel wings (2623 Larimer), Greetings from Denver postcard (2534 Larimer), rainbow stairs (26th & Lawrence). Best time: weekday mornings 8-10am. Park at Denver Central Market ($3 flat rate).
Main RiNo Alley
The Larimer Street corridor between 25th and 27th Streets holds RiNo's highest concentration of murals—20+ pieces covering every surface. Jeremy Burns' "Larimer Boy and Girl" massive faces anchor the north end. Pat Milbery's geometric hearts, pink blob monsters by DINKC, and constantly rotating new works line both sides of the alley.
This corridor gets mobbed weekend afternoons with tour groups and photo shoots. Arrive before 10am for clear shots and easy parking. Morning light hits west walls perfectly; east walls photograph best after 2pm. Street parking fills by 11am weekends—use the public lot at 26th and Larimer or Denver Central Market ($3 flat rate).
Iconic Photo Spots
Love This City angel wings at 2623 Larimer is Denver's most photographed mural—pink and blue wings spanning 15 feet. Weekend lines form by 10am with 5-15 minute waits. Stand six feet back with arms extended for the full wing effect. Greetings from Denver postcard at 2534 Larimer features vintage-style lettering filled with Colorado scenes—each letter contains a different illustration.
Rainbow stairs between 26th-27th on Lawrence create another popular photo spot—12 steps painted in gradient. Shoot from bottom looking up or top looking down. Less crowded than painted murals with room for multiple photographers. Weekday mornings offer solo photo opportunities at all three before 9am.
Hidden Spots
Walnut Street alley between 28th-29th stays quiet even on weekends. Thomas Evans' massive desert highway scene covers an entire building. RUMTUM's UV-reactive piece reveals hidden elements under blacklight after dark—bring a blacklight flashlight. Free street parking usually available on Walnut.
Denver Central Market's loading dock (2669 Larimer, rear entrance) has five large-scale pieces including Casey Kawaguchi's four-story woman with galaxy hair. Mike Graves' mural includes AR elements—download the Artivive app to see animated overlays. Access through the market or alley behind the building.
Extended Tour
Zeppelin Station (3501 Wazee) features 360-degree mural coverage on every exterior wall—circle the entire building in 15 minutes. Dairy Block (1800 Wazee) has curated alley galleries with quarterly rotating exhibitions plus seven restaurants. Both complexes are 8-minute walks from the main RiNo corridor.
Broadway Viaduct legal wall rotates new pieces weekly—visit Sunday 9am-2pm to watch artists painting live. Ironton Studios (3525 Ironton) is a working artist complex with exterior murals by resident artists. Ring the doorbell on weekday afternoons for possible informal studio tours.
Visiting Tips
Plan 2-3 hours to cover the main Larimer corridor and iconic photo spots. Quick Instagram highlights (wings, postcard, rainbow stairs) takes 45 minutes during off-peak. Comprehensive tour of all locations requires 4-5 hours. Murals change monthly—photograph pieces you like immediately since most last 6-18 months before replacement.
First Friday art walks (first Friday monthly, 6pm-10pm) feature live painting and gallery openings but heavy crowds limit photography. Best parking: Denver Central Market lot ($3 flat rate) or free street parking on Walnut. RTD bus routes 20, 28, and 38L serve the area from downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is RiNo Art District in Denver?
RiNo sits northeast of downtown Denver between Brighton Boulevard and Broadway, from 20th to 40th Streets. The main mural corridor runs along Larimer Street between 25th-29th. Park at Denver Central Market (2669 Larimer) for easiest access.
What does RiNo stand for?
RiNo stands for River North Art District, named for its location north of downtown along the South Platte River. The neighborhood transformed from industrial warehouses into Denver's primary street art district starting around 2005.
When is the best time to visit RiNo murals?
Weekday mornings 8-11am offer best light and smallest crowds. Overcast days eliminate glare on glossy murals. Avoid weekend afternoons when waits at popular walls reach 15-20 minutes.
How long does it take to see RiNo murals?
Main corridor takes 2-3 hours. Quick Instagram highlights (wings, postcard, rainbow stairs) take 45 minutes during off-peak. Comprehensive tour requires 4-5 hours with breaks.
Where should I park for RiNo murals?
Denver Central Market lot charges $3 flat rate and sits centrally located. Metered street parking on Larimer costs $2/hour with 2-hour limits. Free parking on Walnut Street requires 5-10 minute walk.
Do RiNo murals change?
Yes, constantly. Approximately 15-20% of pieces get painted over each season. Iconic works like Love This City wings get maintained for years. Legal walls rotate weekly. Follow @rinoartdistrict on Instagram for updates.