Take advantage of Denver’s warm and sunny summers as well as its snowy winters and give these popular outdoor activities a try.

Hiking in the Denver Area

The Denver area is rich with hiking trails whether you’re looking for family-friendly, beginner, or more challenging routes. You can plan a hike that will take an hour or two, or spend the entire day on some of the longer trails.

• Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater features a 1.4-mile-long Trading Post Trail that takes you through the rock formations for some beautiful views.
• The Flatirons Vista Trail is a 35-minute drive from Denver. It’s an easy 3.3 miles with plenty of open spaces, so you can stop for a picnic mid-hike.
• Located in Nederland, Lake Isabelle features a 7-mile hike that’s relatively flat. You’ll reach the lake after about 2.3 miles, so it’s a suitable hike for families with children.
• Mount Falcon Park in Morrison features multiple trails, including the 1.7-mile Turkey Trot trail reserved for hikers and equestrians. There are also historic sites, like the John Brisben Walker castle ruins as well as a wooden tower that gives you a great view of the landscape.
• Roxborough State Park in Littleton features 4,000 acres that include red rock formations and wildlife. The park hosts numerous programs and events throughout the year, or you can hike the eight trails on your own.
• A trip to Denver isn’t complete without visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park. You can explore 355 miles of hiking trails, 77 mountains, and 147 lakes.

Whitewater Rafting

Thrill seekers can plan a whitewater rafting trip near Denver on Clear Creek River. If you’re willing to drive a couple of hours, your options expand to include Blue River, Fraser River, Eagle River, and the Arkansas River.

Many companies offer guided rafting trips, including Clear Creek Rafting Company, AVA Rafting and Zipline, and Raft Masters. Trips require a reservation, so be sure to book in advance.

Zip Lining

Denver Zipline is about 45 minutes outside of Denver and features six different ziplines. The lines range from 850 to 1,900 feet, and you’ll reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The course is in a nature park in the Rocky Mountains, so you’ll enjoy beautiful views while ziplining,  then enjoy meals and drinks at the neighboring tavern.

You can also check out AVA Rafting and Zipline, which offers zipline courses in nearby Idaho Springs and Buena Vista. They even offer packages that include both whitewater rafting and ziplining for a full day of excitement.

Nature Watching

Denver is ideal for grabbing your camera and planning a nature-watching trip. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is just 10 minutes from downtown and is home to more than 330 wildlife species. Watch the bison herd, spend some time birdwatching, or hike the grounds.

You can also spend the day at the Denver Zoo, where you can see Asian elephants, otters, flamingos, rhinos, and more.

Next, stop at the Wild Animal Sanctuary, a 1,214-acre sanctuary that houses large carnivores in natural habitats. It’s about 30 miles from Denver, and the 1.5 miles of elevated walkways give you a unique view of the lions, wolves, and other animals that call the sanctuary home.

Mountain Biking

There are fantastic mountain biking trails in and around Denver. The Green Mountain & Apex Park features fantastic networks of trails just outside of Denver, next to the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Buffalo Creek’s mountain biking trails include some shorter, family-friendly options as well as trails that you can spend the day on. Bear Creek National Park features the Mount Carbon Loop, which is suitable for all skill levels.

Horseback Riding

Less than an hour away in Central City, A&A Historical Trails offers horseback riding tours near Denver, including rides to 1800s cemeteries, casinos, gold mines, and more. You can choose from 60-, 90-, and 120-minute rides to see these sites from a unique vantage point and get an authentic taste of Colorado country. Or, consider the full moon ride, where you’ll ride to Central City casinos in daylight, enjoy dinner and gambling, and then ride back home in the moonlight.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to be challenged by double black diamond slopes, the Denver area is full of mountains and resorts that allow you to ski and snowboard all winter long. Pick your favorite and buy a season pass, or change things up and explore different slopes with each trip.

• Echo Mountain - Night skiing, tubing, and more
• Arapahoe Basin - Multiple difficulty levels, open seven days a week
• Eldora - Ski slopes plus cross-country skiing
• Beaver Creek - Plenty of slopes and luxury lodging
• Aspen Snowmass - Four mountains and more than 5,600 acres of terrain

Move to Denver

Find the best place to call home at one of Brookfield Residential’s communities in the Denver area. Check out Brighton Crossings, Midtown, or Barefoot Lakes, where you’ll be ideally located to enjoy these outdoor activities year-round.

Whether you’re looking for single-family homes or townhomes, our communities bring you close to everything, including desirable amenities such as trails, dog parks, pools, playgrounds, fitness areas, and more.

Our sales team is excited to help you find your dream home near Denver. Explore our communities and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!