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 City pedestrian mall |
16th Street Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 534 6161 http://www.downtowndenver.com/... |
The mall is a mile-long, tree-lined promenade stretching through the heart of downtown. Bustling with street vendors, souvenir shops, clothing and jewelry stores, and a plethora of bars and restaurants, this energetic strip offers plenty of variety. The Denver Pavilions, at the entrance of the mall, is a new open air-shopping plaza filled with trendy chains, including the Denver edition of the Hard Rock Café. The D & F Tower, a 325-foot replica of St. Mark's campanile in Venice, graces the center of the mall. The Tabor Center adds to the shopping enthusiasm. Free shuttles provide transportation up and down the mall, allowing for convenient cross-town sightseeing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Shawn Nestingen  |
 Photo: Travis Gray |
 Photo: Rob Grover |
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 Photo: Cynthia Guajardo |
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 Photo: Wirawan Purwanto |
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 Biking and hiking heaven |
18301 West Colfax (at Heritage Square & US 40) Denver, CO 80401 United States +1 303 271 5925 (Jefferson County Open Space) |
A favorite foothill destination for local mountain bikers, this park, 15 minutes from downtown, boasts a network of intermediate single-track trails with rigorous climbs and intense technical variation. The steep, narrow switchbacks of the Pick-n-Sledge Trail intersect with the Grubstake Loop, where you can reward yourself with a fast descent and yes, more climbing. Watch your speed and beware of loose rocks and waterbars. Hikers travel the trails for the views of Denver and the park is also a popular workout for trail runners. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: facethewolf |
 Bird and mammal observation |
13401 Picadilly Road Denver, CO 80601 United States +1 303 659 6005 |
Home to the Colorado Bird Observatory, this park is an ornithologist's dream. More than 330 species of birds have been seen in the park including white pelicans, great blue herons, owls and eagles. Guided nature hikes and evening astronomy classes are some of the many interpretive programs featured at the nature center. Considering the big boats cannot come here (10 horsepower maximum), it is the perfect place to bring the canoe. Make use of the trails, picnic areas, and boardwalks as you soak up nature. Fees: USD4 daily vehicle pass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dana Beaton |
 Photo: Paul Gana |
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Worth the short drive |
Stagecoach Boulevard Denver, CO 80439 United States |
A short drive out of Denver places you in this popular natural wonderland of open space filled with miles of trails for wildlife seekers, day hikers and mountain bikers. Beginning mountain bikers can enjoy the wide-open, smooth hardpack but must endure the steep switchbacks and steps during the final ascent. Trails tend to be very crowded on summer weekends. To get there drive west on I-70 from downtown Denver to the Evergreen Parkway exit (Colorado 74). Drive through Bergen Park to Elk Meadow Park and turn right on Stagecoach Boulevard. Follow the signs to the parking area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Exclusive shopping and family fun |
3000 East First Avenue Denver, CO 80206 United States +1 303 388 3900 http://www.shopcherrycreek.com/ |
Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Tiffany & Co, and Ralph Lauren anchor the 160 shops at this upscale mall. This indoor playground, designed around a breakfast theme, features slides that resemble bacon strips alongside enormous plastic eggs. The mall also features valet parking, in addition to 5,000 covered spaces in the adjoining free parking garage. Haagen Dazs and California Pizza Kitchen are onsite as is a multiplex movie theater. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Minjung Shim |
 Photo: Doug Grinbergs |
 Photo: nick humphrey |
 Photo: Jane Halley |
 Photo: Sasha Hurlock |
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Recreation haven in the city |
4201 South Parker Road Denver, CO 80014 United States +1 303 699 3860 |
If you need a temporary reprieve from the city bustle, take in a bit of nature at this local state park. The Cherry Creek Reservoir is the focal point of the park and is a haven for fishing, sailing, swimming and skiing. Numerous nature trails snake through the park offering hikers a chance to see wildlife, while bikers, runners and roller bladers utilize the paved trails and roads. Camping and horse back riding are available. The nature center offers various classes in subjects like aquatic entomology and falconry. Fees: USD5 daily vehicle pass, USD43 for annual vehicle pass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Serenity in the city |
East 18th Avenue Denver, CO 80205 United States +1 720 913 0668 |
This 314-acre expanse of gardens, greenery, fountains, ponds and fine sculpture, located just east of downtown, is home to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Built in the early 1900s as part of the popular City Beautiful movement, the park served Denverites as a civic refuge and swimming retreat. The lake beach no longer exists, but the historic boathouse, seen on many area postcards, remains. Three playgrounds, picnic tables, tennis courts and a public golf course are all available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kelly Angard |
 Photo: phil palmer |
 Photo: scott kessler |
 Photo: Karl Gruenewald |
 Photo: Matthew Roberts |
 Photo: Mike Thomas |
 Photo: Mark Shernick |
 Photo: Claudia's puppy Rose |
 Photo: Christopher Bradshaw |
 Photo: Jim Canfield |
 Photo: Patty Simmons |
 Photo: David Group |
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Celebrating Local Art |
City Park Esplanade Denver, CO 80205 United States +1 720 205 6506 http://cityparkfestival.org/ |
An attempt to encourage art in the neighborhood is the reason behind the City Park Festival of the Arts. The local first-timers get to showcase their work alongside the best artists of the city. The rates of the art-work here are definitely cheaper. If you are a foodie, you won't be disappointed as you get to munch on a variety at reasonable prices. There are many fun-events organized for children. There is also live music performed here. This event is perfect for people of all age groups. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lorien! |
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Open space and wildlife |
Castle Pines Parkway Denver, CO 80126 United States +1 303 697 4545 (Mountain Parks Headquarters) http://www.denvergov.org/mount... |
Over 1,000 acres of land can become your exploring grounds for the day when you visit this park, only 20 miles south of Denver. Take route I-25 to the Castle Pines exit and drive three miles to the park. Once there, drive on the road that cuts through the park to experience the preservation area for 50 buffalo. You might also see elk, deer, antelope and coyotes. The views of the mountains are magnificent. Park the car when the mood moves you, enjoy the views, and picnic at one of the designated locations. This is a perfect place for a quiet day trip. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kristal Kraft |
 Photo: anne shaffer |
 Photo: blue.monkey |
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Single-track heaven |
Deer Creek Canyon Road & Cougar Road Denver, CO 80120 United States +1 303 271 5925 (Jefferson County Open Space) |
Deer Creek Canyon, located in the southwestern hills, is 20 minutes from downtown depending on traffic. It presents a variety of challenging single-track trails for the intermediate mountain biker. The Red Mesa Loop, a 2.5 mile thrill ride, offers some of the best biking along the Front Range. The views from the top of the Loop are awe-inspiring and motivate you for the speedy descent down the clay hard pack. Keep an eye out for hikers and pay attention to trail markings because certain trails do not permit mountain bikes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eric Bigoness |
 Photo: Kelly Angard |
 Photo: Jesse Kurtas Bell |
 Photo: Stephen Archer |
 Photo: Jim Berger |
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Quick city escape |
Grizzly Dr Denver, CO 80127 United States +1 303 271 5925 http://www.co.jefferson.co.us |
This diverse park, which includes over nine miles of hiking trails, can satisfy any outdoor fix without requiring a drive far out of the city. The area was once a favorite hunting ground of Ute and Arapahoe Indians. Even Jesse James was a frequent visitor in his later years. The trails are open for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Take C-470 south and exit at Wadsworth. Turn right on Wadsworth then turn right on Deer Creek Canyon road. The park is five minutes on your left. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eric Lessard |
 Photo: Brionne Lafner |
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Oasis in the City |
1005 York Street Denver, CO 80206 United States +1 720 865 3500 http://www.botanicgardens.org/ |
These gardens encompass an impressive 21 acres. Specialized gardens offer visitors a variety of botanical experiences. Seek solitude in the sanctuary of the Japanese Garden, overlooking a pond with goldfish and bonsai trees. Reminisce on your childhood with Dr. Suess, Winnie-the-Pooh and other favorite characters in the Storybook Gardens. The Xeriscape Demo Garden and the Rock Alpine Garden are the places to gather ideas for your own backyard. In all there are more than 30 gardens to explore. Admission: May 1-Sept 15: USD8.50 Adults, USD5.50 Seniors (65+), USD5 Students and Youth (4-15). Sep 16-Apr 30: USD7.50 Adults, USD4.50 Seniors, USD4 Students and Youth. Children under 4 are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vern Southern |
 Photo: Elijah Grayson |
 Photo: Sandra Leidholdt |
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We take our library seriously |
10 West 14th Avenue Parkway Denver, CO 80204 United States +1 720 865 1111 / +1 720 865 1472 http://www.denver.lib.co.us |
This library, a post-modern structure full of turrets and odd geometrical shapes, is a bastion to knowledge. Internally, the academic atmosphere of each study area is indicative of individual moods. Six of the ten floors of the library are open to the public. Keeping with the tradition set in 1894, the library still has a world-class children's facility. The library is a regional depository for government publications. It offers extensive genealogical resources as well as historical books, photographs, art, and memorabilia chronicling the American West. The library also offers fiction and non-fiction texts, periodicals and computers allowing free Internet access. Tours are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laura Crossett |
 Photo: Craig A. Winsor |
 Photo: Jason Wesley Upton |
 Photo: Lisa Harrington |
 Photo: Malia Laughton |
 Photo: Dan Chibnall |
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 Photo: Zach Smith |
 Photo: Sally Gadow |
 Photo: Umar Shah, CA |
 Photo: Holly Goodhead |
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Interactive by nature |
2300 Steele Street (on 23rd Avenue, between Colorado Boulevard and York Street) Denver, CO 80205 United States +1 303 376 4800 http://www.denverzoo.org/ |
Where else can you visit polar ice caps, a tropical forest, the African savanna and a jungle all in one day? The zoo is a state-of-the-art habitat featuring more than 3,500 animals representing 600 species. Visit with sloths, tree frogs, and a moray eel at the indoor 'Tropical Discovery' exhibit. Or wander through the seven-acre 'Primate Panorama Exhibit'. From cold climate penguins to tropical flamingos, 'Bird World' will inspire your appreciation of winged things. It is open 365 days a year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: EyeOfTheJen |
 Photo: Emily Way |
 Photo: pisco |
 Photo: André Delafontaine |
 Photo: Scott Davis |
 Photo: Emily Way |
 Photo: James Harrold |
 Photo: Paul Huber |
 Photo: pisco |
 Photo: Phyllis Rostykus |
 Photo: Heidi Quist |
 Photo: Loveoirs |
 Photo: Dan Colegrove |
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 Photo: Sherry Loveland |
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Outdoor beauty and hiking trails |
Exit 254 off Interstate 70 Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 526 1550 http://www.denvergov.org/mount... |
Although this park is only 20 miles west of Denver, its outdoor beauty and hiking trails create the false sense you have traveled deep into the mountains. There are three good hiking trails for children and adults to look for wildlife such as buffalo, elk and deer. There are also wide-open spaces for playing Frisbee or a game of catch. Picnic tables are available, so be sure to pack a lunch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jamey Turner |
 Photo: Stacie Lewis |
 Photo: J Ted Bell |
 Photo: beeckily |
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Nature getaway just outside the city |
92 Crawford Gulch Rd Denver, CO 80403 United States +1 303 582 3707 http://parks.state.co.us |
A mere 30 miles west of Denver, this 14,000-acre park is a haven for extreme outdoor enthusiasts, weekend frolickers, and leaf peepers alike. Unpaved hiking trails range from easy to difficult and can also be used for both mountain biking and horseback riding. Plan a romantic picnic in a wildflower meadow or make it a weekend and camp. Photo buffs will want to stop by Panorama Point for an amazing shot of more than 100 miles of snow capped continental divide. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob Hamilton |
 Photo: Andy McElwain |
 Photo: Becky White |
 Photo: Michael Pielow |
 Photo: Sam Garland-Renn |
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Thrillseekers paradise |
West Alameda Pkwy & Foothill Dr Denver, CO 80228 United States +1 303 271 5925 (Jefferson County Open Space) http://www.co.jefferson.co.us |
Located only 10 minutes west of Denver, Green Mountain is a haven for mountain bikers, runners and other outdoor enthusiasts. The wide array of single-track trails, ranging from packed dirt to loose rock and boulders, encourages beginners, but offer enough challenge for even the most experienced mountain bikers. The 1.5-mile steep climb up the west side fire road is certainly a test of will and lungpower. The less adventurous can opt for more scenic and leisurely ways to the hilltop and the short climb is worth the hike for the incredible panoramic views of the city. Be sure to watch out for prairie dogs. From Denver, take 6th Ave. West to the Simms Street Exit. Turn Left and drive approximately 1 mile to West Alameda Parkway. Turn right and drive another .5 miles. The park entrance is on the right. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Contemporary culture meets history |
1400 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 534 2367 http://www.larimersquare.com/ |
Nestled in historical lower downtown Denver, Larimer Square occupies a one-block strip of the city's oldest street, dating back to the 1860s. Lined with Victorian brownstones, the area is now a thriving shopping and entertainment district, flowing with activity. Spend the morning combing the ever-changing boutiques and clothing stores; then head over to Tamayo for lunch. For the afternoon, take a self-guided walking tour of the historical district (brochures are located at the information gazebo). In the evening, dine at the Little Russian Café, Josephina's, or the Del Mar Crab House. Then, dance until the wee hours at Lucky Star. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sally L. Ramey |
 Photo: Cy |
 Photo: Sarah Law |
 Photo: Glenn Dickerson |
 Photo: Matt Howry |
 Photo: Katherine Bryant |
 Photo: Alison Roigard |
 Photo: Captainsilver |
 Photo: Tammych |
 Photo: Terin Talarico |
 Photo: tzk333 |
 Photo: Andrew Mi |
 Photo: athena fotiadis |
 Photo: Simon Williams |
 Photo: TIM STACKS |
 Photo: Jenny Pansing |
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Learning by nature |
910 Colorow Road Denver, CO 80401 United States 720-497-7600 http://jeffco.us/openspace/ope... |
If you are heading up to Golden with the kids to visit the Buffalo Bill Museum, be sure to pack a lunch and stop by the Lookout Mountain Nature Center. Located just down the road from the museum, the nature center is 110 acres of open space. Meandering trails wander through Ponderosa pine forests filled with wildlife, and into colorful meadows perfect for picnics. A stunning new facility features a wildlife observation deck and interactive exhibits, and is available for group functions. The Boettcher Mansion is also on-site. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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From dump to refuge |
7200 Quebec St Bldg 121 Denver, CO 80022 United States +1 303 289 0232 http://rockymountainarsenal.fw... |
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a phenomenal open space refuge home to more than 300 species of wildlife. It is the second largest urban wildlife refuge in the country. The arsenal spans 17,000 acres of prairie, and a 1000-acre wetland area also stretches across the terrain. The site is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday and offers over three miles of sightseeing trails and a two-hour wildlife viewing bus ride. The tour is free but requires a reservation. Tours begin at 9a. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: webber0075 |
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Ride the mountain train |
1701 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80248 United States +1 303 296 4754 http://www.skitrain.com |
For 63 years this train has been a Denver tradition. Departing from Denver's historic Union Station, the two-hour ride crosses under the continental divide, passes through 28 tunnels, and provides unmatched mountain scenery as it winds into the high country and drops riders off within 100 feet of the Winter Park ski lift. Riders can choose between the economical coach car or the more expensive club car. The train runs every weekend during the winter, and on a limited basis during the summer. Most trips sell out in advance so reservations are highly recommended. Winter fares: Adults USD45; kids (13 and under) USD20. Tickets: Coach $40, Club $65. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Oscar Vasquez |
 Photo: Nate Beal |
 Photo: Steve |
 Photo: rockymountainroz |
 Photo: Sara Netz |
 Photo: trains_gg1 |
 Photo: eweb101 |
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Wildlife wonderland |
7301 South Platte River Parkway Denver, CO 80120 United States +1 303 730 1022 |
This park encompasses 650 acres of natural area, including a section of the South Platte River. Ecosystems along the flood plain include riparian woodlands, grasslands and wetlands. As a result of this diversity, the area is teeming with an assortment of wildlife. The Theo L. Carson Nature Center, located in the park, offers interactive displays, which detail the history of the South Platte River and its plants and animals. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Canyon trail |
South Wadsworth Boulevard & Waterton Road Denver, CO 80125 United States +1 303 791 7275 |
A popular place for runners and families of bikers, this canyon, located southwest of downtown, offers a little something for all riding skill levels. The six mile dirt and gravel road traversing the canyon along the South Platte River is a gentle grade and offers beginners a chance to learn, families a chance to have some fun, and a more experienced rider a chance to warm up for the real work ahead. Pick up the Carpenter Peak Trail and start climbing a narrow single-track filled with steep switchbacks. Once at the top of the peak, speed down through brush and dense forest into Stevens Gulch, which is a flat stretch with sandy areas, logs, and creek crossings. At mile 10, you will reach an intersection. Turn left and head back toward the damn, via one more short climb. The final edgy decent down a windy drainage back to the road provides white-knuckle fun and poses obstacles for the most skilled riders. Watch out for the three-foot drop at about mile 11.5. Cruise down the easy road and call it a day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Granpa Tom |
 Photo: Shane Kelly |
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Challenging trail system |
West 56th Avenue & Colorado 93 Denver, CO 80441 United States +1 303 271 5925 (Jefferson County Open Space) |
This local's favorite is considered by many to be the best and most difficult single-track mountain biking terrain along the Front Range. From the notorious, heart-pounding climb up rocky Belcher Hill Trail to the thrilling descents down the Maverick or Longhorn Trails, it offers 18 miles of multi-use trails. Hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing are also popular activities. The park also maintains two campsites for backpackers and horse packers. Most riders begin at the east entrance to the park. Take US 6 west to Colorado 93. Go north to West 56th Avenue. Turn left and drive approximately .5 to the entrance on the right side. To get to the west entrance take US 6 to Colorado 93. Go north 1.4 miles and turn left on Golden Gate Canyon. Follow the road 3.8 miles to Crawford Gulch Road and turn right. Continue for four miles to the park entrance on the right. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karlan |
 Photo: treehuggin1 |
 Photo: TG |