The Greatest List of Outdoor Activities in Denver You Will Ever Need

Your passion is located outdoors. Fresh air, open spaces, and going after your own kind of thrill—whether taking a leisurely hike or tackling the churning challenge of whitewater rafting. Whatever it is, you can find it in Denver, CO, the mecca for recreationalists. Here’s the greatest list of outdoor activities in Denver you will ever need.

What are Some of the Best Ways to Spend Time in the Denver Outdoors?

The Mile High City is known for its Rocky Mountains. Some people like to hike or mountain bike up and down the hillside trails. Others want to scale the mountainsides or soar down the trails on skis or a snowboard. From way up high to down low, there’s so much more to explore in the Denver outdoors. 

Cross the Continental Divide

Of the 3,100 miles of the Continental Divide Scenic Trail, 28 of them wind through Rocky Mountain National Park in Denver. You might want to pace yourself if you intend to cross the entire trail, because you’ll be hiking at heights between 10,500 and 13,000 feet. The air is thin up there…but the views of the valleys, river, and lakes below are legendary!

Go up and away in a hot air balloon

Float above the Denver countryside in a hot air balloon, experiencing unparalleled views of the Denver outdoors, across the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. In the open air of the basket, you’ll fly close to the lakes and rivers, climb above the tree lines, and bask in the serenity of the early morning Denver sky.

Swim with the sharks

Do you dare get up close and personal with a shark? At Denver’s Downtown Aquarium, you can dive into the Sunken Shipwreck exhibit where you encounter 10-foot sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and zebra sharks, as well as a variety of other large fish. Or you can climb into a shark cage to come face to face with these sharks and other species.

Zip it

Take a leap of faith when you attach to a zipline and soar across the ground below, from heights that will get your adrenaline rushing. You might even try zipping upside-down. Ziplining is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Denver, and you’ll have your choice of courses.

Ride the rapids

Master the power of Colorado’s rushing rivers in a white water rafting experience. Just 35 minutes from Downtown Denver, Clear Creek in Idaho Springs is a popular destination for people of all skill levels, from beginning to Class V. Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Royal Gorge in nearby Colorado Springs can also give you an exhilarating experience near Denver.

No business like snow business in Denver

Of course, skiing and snowboarding are requisite among outdoor activities in Denver. Winter Park, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Eldora, and Loveland are ski resorts near Denver. Each location delivers its own kind of on-snow experience, from downhill to backcountry.

Take a walk on the wild side

Take a safari on foot at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, CO, 30 miles from Denver. As you stroll along the 1.5-mile-long elevated walkway, you can view lions, tigers, bears, wolves, jaguars, leopards, and other species of wild animals in open habitats—not cages or small enclosures. These animals have been rescued and brought to the sanctuary where they can live freely.

Red Rocks Park is a must

Denver’s best known park is a favorite route for cyclists and hikers. There’s tough terrain and some trails are just 30 inches wide. All along the 6-mile loop, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views.

At night, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the favorite things to do in Denver! This outdoor music venue hosts audiences of up to 9,000 fans who enjoy live performances that range from music across all genres to comedy. 

Pursue your paddle passion

Denver is a natural destination for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout the region present inviting waterways. Confluence Park, Berkeley Lake, Ferril Lake, Rocky Mountain Lake, Sloan’s Lake, and Smith Lake are welcome locations in the great Denver outdoors. 

Go on a scavenger hunt

Do you love a challenge that’s more a test of your problem-solving abilities than physical prowess? Embark on one of the scavenger hunts that nudge you through Denver. Choose something for history buffs, trivia masters, or even ghost hunters. You’ll see parts of the city you might otherwise miss and uncover new places to visit. 

Take root in Denver’s natural beauty

Denver’s natural beauty isn’t limited to the mountains, rivers, and valleys. Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street provides 24 acres of lovingly curated gardens, with plants from around the world. The botanical artistry of the gardens inspires some of the works in the art gallery within the Freyer-Newman Center at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Exhibits, classes, films, and special events present an unending list of reasons to include this destination among your favorite things to do in Denver.

Dream Finders Homes hopes you’ll treat yourself to the ideas on the greatest list of outdoor activities in Denver you will ever need. How about giving yourself year-round access to even more things to do in Denver by buying a home here?

Browse our Communities

Dream Finder Homes builds communities of new homes for sale near Denver, CO, including Arvada, Aurora, Brighton, Broomfield, Littleton, and Strasburg. 

Are you thinking about buying a townhome with an urban feel? Plan a visit to Baseline at West Village in Broomfield, CO.

Maybe something that surrounds you with sweeping views of the countryside and mountains is more to your Colorado dream. Ascent Village at Sterling Ranch could make that dream a reality.

Geos, in the popular Denver suburb of Arvada, has a village vibe with walkable streets, parks, and community gathering places. 

If a townhome fits your lifestyle, Dream Finders Homes has communities throughout the Denver area: Harmony and Argenta in Aurora, Prospect Village at Sterling Ranch in Littleton, and Baseline at West Village in Broomfield.

When you purchase a new construction home instead of a used resale, remember that you’re increasing the return on investment. Everything in your home—inside and out—is brand new and under warranty, from the foundation to the roof. You don’t have to budget for repairs and replacement. Plus, your new home is constructed to the latest standards for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, design trends, and technology. When you compare the total cost of ownership of a new home versus a used one, buying new delivers value, comfort, convenience, and safety.

Contact Us Today for the Best Homes for Sale Near Denver