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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 |
 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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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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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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A place of pilgrimage and prayer |
20189 Cabrini Boulevard Denver, CO 80401 United States +1 303 526 0758 http://www.den-cabrini-shrine.org |
This shrine serves as a place of annual pilgrimage and prayer for thousands of visitors. Built in 1954, it pays tribute to Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Here, 400 steep steps meander to the top of Mount Sacred Heart. Spectacular mountain and city scenery await those who reach the summit. For others, the shrine offers a peaceful stroll through the convent and the beautiful flower gardens. Comfortable shoes are a must. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dan Reust |
 Photo: alvin pastrana |
 Photo: Phlip Kosloski |
 Photo: Michael Atienza |
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Famous amphitheatre carved from rock |
18300 West Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80465 United States +1 303 295 4444 http://www.redrocksonline.com/ |
Located in a 640-acre park, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geologically forged, 9,000-seat amphitheatre set in the foothills only 15 miles west of Denver. Deemed by the music world as the the best outdoor venue in the country, it has provided perfect acoustics for musicians since the early 1900s. A pair of 300-hundred-foot sandstone pillars, Creation Rock and Ship Rock, bookend the amphitheatre and give the park its surreal, natural setting. An impressive view of the Denver skyline adds to the park's visual drama. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Hilt |
 Photo: Gabriel L. Willey |
 Photo: Ken Bergman |
 Photo: Amie Robertshaw |
 Photo: YAN ZHANG |
 Photo: Theresa Gray |
 Photo: Chris Chikes |
 Photo: Michał Mikulicz |
 Photo: Gary A. Taylor |
 Photo: Tim Buckingham |
 Photo: aklink |
 Photo: Sarah |
 Photo: © Brandon Remler 200 |
 Photo: flingjore.com |
 Photo: amy kunz |
 Photo: Aubrey Livingston |
 Photo: yikada |
 Photo: flyfisherman_78 |
 Photo: Jeff Mendon |
 Photo: willowcreek photo's |
 Photo: Amber Johnson |
 Photo: wellingtonwireless |
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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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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 |