The 12 Best Outdoor Activities in Denver in 2024

The Colorado capital is one of the greatest cities in the U.S. for outdoorsy types. Here are 12 of the best outdoor activities in Denver to convince you.

Denver is an outdoor lover’s dream. And no matter where you stand in the Mile High City, it’s easy to understand why. 

Located on high rolling plains, many call Denver the gateway to the Rockies because of its privileged views of the mountains. But you don’t have to hop in the car to enjoy outdoor activities in Denver. 

From runs with a riverside view at Confluence Park, family visits to the Denver Zoo, or a Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High, there’s no shortage of Denver outdoor activities to enjoy year-round — without ever leaving the city limits. 

If you’re visiting Denver and eager to see everything the city has to offer, here are the top outdoorsy adventures in Denver to add to your bucket list. 

The 12 Best Outdoor Activities in Denver

Yoga at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. A cold beer at one of Larimer Square’s infamous breweries. A simple stroll through the park. Denver residents will always find an excuse to spend time outside, from summer to spring. 

Here are 12 outdoor things to do in Denver, year-round:

1. Bring Out Your Inner Botanist at Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is a living museum full of rare and endangered plants from all over the globe. The 24-acre natural expanse offers a relaxing space to get away from the city, be still, and observe plants and wildlife. 

Take a full day to explore several different themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden and a Cactus House. You can also enjoy outdoor summer concerts and film showings or learn about the extensive collection with a knowledgeable guide.

2. Stroll Through the City’s Public Parks

After the Denver Botanic Gardens, walk a few blocks to Cheesman Park. It’s an 80-acre park centered around a beautiful grassy lawn perfect for throwing a frisbee, biking, or relaxing under the sun. The park regularly hosts concerts and events, including Denver Pride. It used to be a cemetery — but don’t worry about the spooky history. Join a night stroll tour instead. 

The Civic Center Park is another local favorite. In the summer, it hosts stargazing nights and cultural events. Washington Park is another great option in a sought-after neighborhood of the same name. It has winding trails, botanical gardens, and two lakes. 

3. Geological Phenomena and Concerts at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

The Red Rocks are several sandstone formations that naturally form the amphitheater. The venue has been hosting concerts and music festivals for decades, welcoming everyone from Jimi Hendrix to U2. 

And summer in Colorado wouldn’t be the same without Yoga on the Rocks. It’s a fun outdoor activity in Denver hosted every June and July at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre for local (or visiting) yoga enthusiasts. 

4. Cross the Continental Divide at Rocky Mountain National Park

With so many national parks near Denver, it’s hard to choose one. But Rocky Mountain National Park might be at the top of the list. It’s 50 miles outside of Denver and well worth the drive. Just be sure to leave early to avoid weekend crowds. 

Rocky Mountain National Park has more than 200 trails that hike through mountains, forests, and alpine tundra along the Continental Divide. It’s the destination for rock climbing, kayaking, and any other outdoor sport you can imagine. 

5. Enjoy a Day With the Family at the Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo houses more than 3,000 animal species across 84 acres — including a sloth named Wicket. It’s a great resource for young families, who can take advantage of the zoo’s year-round safari camps and nature games. 

Once you get to know the thousands of animals, head to the Downtown Aquarium to enjoy the interactive stingray tank, a 4D theater, and 500 more animal species. 

6. Scan the Skies for Bald Eagles at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal 

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary 30 minutes from downtown Denver. The park is most known for bald eagles, who seek refuge and lay eggs during their winter migration. You can also spot bison, deer, and 300 other species of birds, mammals, and amphibians while walking or driving on several trails. 

7. Raft the Colorado River

Adrenaline junkies can hit the waters and white water raft down the Colorado River. With rapids ranging from mild to wild, it caters to rafters of every skill level, even if you’ve never held a paddle before. Several companies arrange trips down the river, and the closest to downtown Denver is in nearby Clear Creek. 

8. Museum Hop Around Downtown Denver

Art and history lovers have several different Denver museums to choose from, including the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, and the Kirkland Museum. Meow Wolf is another great art space for kids and adults alike. The space features dozens of rooms covered in interactive multimedia installations. 

For lifelong learners interested in nature science, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science has everything — from an Egyptian mummy to a local gem and mineral exhibit. 

9. Drive the Road into the Sky to Mount Evans

The road that leads to Mount Evans, also known as Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, is the highest paved road in North America. From the top, you can view the Great Plains to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west. There are several scenic trails, rappelling tours, and cute western towns to stop in along the way. 

10. Catch a Sports Game

Sports fans never get bored in Denver. It’s the smallest city in the country with four major professional sports teams — the Broncos football, Nuggets basketball, Rockies baseball, and Avalanche hockey teams. Whether enjoying a summer baseball game at Coors Field or braving the snow for a winter Broncos game at the Mile High, you’ll find something to cheer for. 

11. Blend Sports and Nature at Confluence Park

If you’re looking for free outdoor activities in Denver, head to Confluence Park. The park gets its name from — you guessed it — the confluence of the Cherry Creek and South Platte River. It’s an urban playground with endless options for outdoor sports, like biking, kayaking, and tubing. And if you want to have a lazy day under the sun, there are plenty of picnic tables and fishing spots around the park. 

12. Eat and Drink Your Way Across the City

After a long day of outdoor activities, you deserve a great meal. And Visiting Denver isn’t complete without a trip to one of the city’s 150 breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms — many with outdoor seating or fantastic mountain views. 

If you have a hard time choosing from so much craft beer, you can hop around breweries in Larimer Square or attend the Great American Beer Festival, which is the largest beer festival on the planet. And when you need some food to pair it with, explore all the vendors at the Denver Central Market.

In nearby Lakewood, check out Casa Bonita, which was famous long before South Park was included in an episode. Denverites make the drive to this iconic restaurant to enjoy cliff divers, mysterious caverns, and endless sopapillas. 

Ready for Adventure in the Mile High City? 

These outdoor activities in Denver might have you grabbing your mountain bike and making a move. All you have to worry about is packing a good pair of hiking boots and a winter jacket, and Landing will take care of the rest. 

Landing has you covered with fully furnished, flexible apartment rentals in Denver — some with enough room to store a kayak. Become a member today.