Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Denver, Colorado for its promise of nature escapes and adventure. Located adjacent to the Rocky Mountains, Denver is at the center for nearby outdoor destinations. Here are our top five outdoor adventures beyond Denver, Colorado.
Rock out in the red rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheater. The Red Rocks Amphitheater, which opened in 1931, is a landscape where dinosaurs used to room and a T-Rex was even founded just east at Dinosaur Ridge and is the only naturally occurring amphitheater in the world. Elevated above 6,000 feet and holding approximately 10,000 seats, the uniqueness of Red Rocks Amphitheater is of course, the red rocks, and the musicians that come play. Catch a one-of-kind show that’ll make your ears and eyes awe-struck.
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If you’re looking to tube down a lazy river, Clear Creek is not it! Designed for Class II/III whitewater kayaking, tubing down the river is a rush of adrenaline, and adventure in it of itself. Grab your friends and a tube from Golden River Sports, and soak in the sun while soaking in the waters.
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If you’re sick of crowds at the National Parks, try visiting the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge instead. Located just ten miles from Downtown Denver, it is an easy drive. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Refuge has 20 miles of easy hiking trails and tons of wildlife, including: bison, deer, and coyotes, to name a few.
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Voted best city park in the country, and number two in the world, the Garden of the Gods is a must-see when visiting Denver. Located a short drive from Denver, the garden got its name from a pair of surveyors conversing about its beauty; one of them said the area would be a great location for a beer garden, and the other responded it was a place for the gods to meet, hence the name, “Garden of the Gods.” Sitting at 6,400 feet of elevation and with red rocks creating a mystique about them, don’t miss out on this worldly experience.
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In 2021, 4.4 million visitors came to Rocky Mountain National Park, making it one of the most popular national parks in the country. While there are tons of trails and lakes and parks to explore, don’t miss driving on the scenic Trail Ridge Road, perfect during the summer. It’s the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., reaching up to 12,000 feet, and is 48 paved miles long. The drive offers spectacular views of Moraine Park, Lava Cliffs, Horseshoe Park and more.
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