Denver is a gateway to some of the best outdoor adventures in the country, and you don’t have to travel far to get into nature. Here’s a list of top outdoor activities within 1-2 hours of the city:
🥾 1. Hiking
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Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre – Hike trails like Trading Post Loop and check out the iconic venue.
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St. Mary’s Glacier – Short, scenic hike to an alpine lake and snowfield.
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Chautauqua Park (Boulder) – Explore trails beneath the Flatirons with amazing views.
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Mount Falcon Park – Close to town, with panoramic views and castle ruins.
🚴♂️ 2. Rafting
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Gold Rush on Clear Creek – Closest and best white water rafting adventure to Denver.
- Browns Canyon 1/2 Day – Our favorite rafting trip perfect for an exciting and active family adventure.
- Numbers 1/2 Day – Looking for a rafting trip with narrow channels, steep drops, and technical maneuverings? This adventure in Buena Vista is perfect for you!
🚴♂️ 3. Biking
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Cherry Creek Trail – Paved bike path running from downtown to Cherry Creek Reservoir.
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High Line Canal Trail – A 71-mile scenic ride through Denver’s suburbs and greenways.
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Golden Bike Park – Features for all skill levels, just 20 minutes west.
- Breckenridge Peaks Trail – From the top of the BreckConnect Gondola, you can jump on the Peaks Trail, which winds through alpine forests and meadows (best for renting your mountain bikes)
🧗 4. Rock Climbing
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Clear Creek Canyon (Golden) – Dozens of sport climbing routes near the water.
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Eldorado Canyon – World-renowned trad climbing just 45 minutes from Denver.
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Roxborough State Park – Climbing isn’t allowed here, but the rock formations are next-level beautiful for hikers and photographers.
- Idaho Springs – Take in the Rocky Mountain scenery while the guides cover the basics of belaying, rappelling, and setting anchors.
🚴♂️ 5. Ziplining
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Cherry Creek Trail – Paved bike path running from downtown to Cherry Creek Reservoir.
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High Line Canal Trail – A 71-mile scenic ride through Denver’s suburbs and greenways.
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Golden Bike Park – Features for all skill levels, just 20 minutes west.
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Cliffside Ziplining – Fly through the trees on an exciting 6-line zipline course in Idaho Springs.
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Mountainside Ziplining – Fly between towering old-growth pine trees and cliffs, a unique Colorado experience fun for all ages.
🚣 6. Kayaking & Paddleboarding
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Confluence Park – Urban kayaking in the heart of Denver at the South Platte River.
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Chatfield Reservoir – Great for SUP, kayaking, and boating.
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Bear Creek Lake Park – Paddle-friendly lake with rentals available.
- Kayak or Paddleboard the Upper Colorado River – The most fun activities on the river!
❄️ 7. Winter Sports (in season)
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Echo Mountain – Closest ski/snowboard spot to Denver (~1 hour).
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Snowshoeing at Brainard Lake or Golden Gate Canyon – Gorgeous in winter, and quieter than the big resorts.
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Tubing at Fraser or Idaho Springs – Family-friendly fun without the steep price tag.
- Breckenridge – Our favorite mountain resort with some of the best slopes for skiing or snowboarding (reserve your gear).
🏕️ 8. Camping
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Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Just 45 minutes from Denver with awesome campsites and hiking.
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Reverends Ridge Campground – Modern facilities with a backcountry feel.
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Deckers or Eleven Mile Canyon – Combine camping with fishing or kayaking.
🦅 9. Wildlife & Nature Watching
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Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge – See bison, bald eagles, and deer just 20 minutes from downtown.
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Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster) – Technically indoors, but has awesome outdoor gardens and bug-friendly trails.
Whether you’re craving an adrenaline-pumping climb, a peaceful mountain hike, or a serene paddle across alpine waters, the best outdoor adventures near Denver offer something for every type of explorer. With the Rockies practically in your backyard, it’s easy to turn a quick getaway into a memorable experience surrounded by natural beauty. From iconic trails to hidden gems, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments waiting just a short drive from the city. So lace up your boots, grab your gear, and get ready to dive into the incredible outdoor escapes that make Denver a true adventure-lover’s paradise.
