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Top 18 Denver Outdoor Attractions and Activities

Denver, the Mile High City, is the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with the majestic Rocky Mountains as a constant backdrop and an endless variety of adventures available in and around the city. Whether you prefer a relaxing stroll through a scenic park, a wild kayak ride down the South Platte River, or a thrilling zip line through the Rockies, the Denver outdoor attractions on this list offer something for every age and adventure level.

Red Roof® properties in the Denver area offer comfortable and affordable accommodations close to the city's best outdoor destinations, making it easy to get out and explore.

Plan your stay at redroof.com and get ready to experience the great outdoors in Denver.

A hot air balloon in the sky
A pond with lily pads and plants in a park
A boy on a water slide

Enjoy Denver's Great Outdoors

A bridge over a river

Kayak Down the River at Confluence Park

Confluence Park is one of the top Denver outdoor attractions for water lovers, offering kayak, river tube, stand-up paddleboard, and canoe rentals through Confluence Kayaks, just a short drive from downtown. The South Platte River features custom-designed chutes for an exciting paddle, and lessons are available for first-timers.

A shark swimming in a tank of water

Swim With Sharks at the Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium's Swim with the Sharks experience puts you inside a 400,000-gallon recreated shipwreck tank alongside Sand Tiger, Brown, and Zebra sharks, as well as sawfish. A professional dive master provides all necessary gear and guidance, with both certified scuba diver and snorkel options available for anyone aged six and over.

A large outdoor amphitheater with trees and red rocks amphitheatre in the background

Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Beyond its legendary concert reputation, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a premier Denver outdoor hiking and biking destination. Trails range from the easy one-mile Geological Overlook Trail to the challenging six-mile Red Rocks Trail. Cyclists can head to nearby Matthew Winters Park for an extensive biking trail system.

A group of people in a raft

Whitewater Raft at the Colorado River

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Denver, Geo Tours offers whitewater rafting journeys ranging from easy-going floats to heart-pumping class III to IV rapid adventures. An experienced guide outfits every participant with all necessary gear, and multi-day trip options are available.

A man riding a bike

Bike Down Cherry Creek Trail

A 40-mile trail beginning at Confluence Park and stretching all the way to Franktown, the Cherry Creek Trail passes through the Cherry Creek shopping neighborhood, parks, greenery, historic sites, and rolling landscape views. Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride or an all-day adventure, Cherry Creek Trail delivers.

A family on a pedal boat

Pedal Boat in Washington Park

Washington Park's 155 acres of outdoor space and two large lakes include pedal boat rentals by the hour on Smith Lake, offering a picturesque and family-friendly water activity in the heart of the city. Picnic areas and landscaped garden walks make for a complete and relaxing afternoon.

A hot air balloon in the sky

See Denver From the Sky in a Hot Air Balloon

Fair Winds Balloon Rides offers a breathtaking hot air balloon tour over Denver, floating thousands of feet above the city with iconic views of the Rocky Mountains. A local guide shares insights throughout the flight, and a celebratory champagne toast and complimentary memorabilia await upon landing.

A man in a harness on a zip line

Ride the Longest Ziplines in Colorado

Just 30 minutes outside downtown Denver, Denver Adventures offers Colorado's longest and fastest zipline journey, with six zip lines ranging from 850 to over 1,900 feet long at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour through Rocky Mountain scenery. A neighboring tavern serves food and local beers after the ride.

A group of hands holding ice cream cones

Get Ice Cream at Little Man

A Denver staple since 2008, Little Man Ice Cream in the Lower Highlands neighborhood serves handcrafted scoops of classic and signature flavors, including 16th Street, space junkie, and purple cow. The landmark 28-foot-tall cream bucket above the shop makes it impossible to miss.

A group of people holding glasses of beer

Catch a Game at Coors Field

A lively day at Coors Field watching the Colorado Rockies is one of the most spirited Denver outdoor attractions. Seating options include the budget-friendly Rockpile section and the social Rooftop with bars, food, cabanas, and TVs, all with views of the Rocky Mountains.

A group of people sitting at tables outside

Hit the Patio

Denver's downtown patio dining scene is a Denver outdoors experience in itself, with rooftop restaurants, streetside cafés, hip microbreweries, and local restaurants offering food, refreshing beverages, live entertainment, and late-night festivities.

A pond with trees and bushes

Visit the Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a peaceful escape through themed gardens and a conservatory, with highlights including a traditional Japanese garden, aquatic plants, desert species, and a simulated tropical rainforest. A gift shop and the on-site Garden Café are available after your wander.

A person pouring a beer into a tap

Do a Walking Brewery Tour

Denver Brew Tours offers a two-and-a-half-hour guided walking tour through some of the city's top breweries, with tastings at each stop ranging from hoppy IPAs to refreshing lagers alongside introductions to the brewmasters and the production process.

A tiger lying on a rock

See the Big Cats at The Wild Animal Sanctuary

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a 33,000-acre facility and one of the biggest carnivore sanctuaries in the world, home to over 950 rehabilitated animals, including bears, tigers, lions, and wolves. A 1.5-mile elevated footbridge allows visitors to observe the animals in their expansive natural-style habitats without disturbing them.

A landscape with mountains and trees

Hike the Garden of the Gods

Located 70 miles south of downtown Denver, the Garden of the Gods is a national natural landmark featuring 21 miles of hiking trails through stunning red rock formations. The full four-mile loop is ideal for families, while the Ridge Trail offers a more challenging panoramic climb for experienced hikers.

A group of kids on a water slide

Make a Splash at Elitch Gardens Water Park

Elitch Gardens Water Park features a massive wave pool, a lazy river, water slides, a splash zone, and a children's play area for a full day of family-friendly Denver outdoors fun. Multiple on-site dining options keep energy levels up throughout the day.

A man and woman sitting in the back of a car with drinks and popcorn

Catch a Movie at the 88 Drive-In

Located about 12 miles from downtown Denver, the 88 Drive-In is the last remaining drive-in theater in the Denver area and has been serving the community since 1972. Watch the featured film from the comfort of your car and stock up on snacks at the historic Snackbar.