Top Denver Outdoor Activities

This Denver day trip starts with a city tour that takes you past Denver’s highlights like the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Civic Center Park, and Denver Art Museum. We’ll drive by Cheesman Park, the historic Five Points neighborhood, and on down Colfax Ave (the longest street in the country), and take our first stop at City Park, with its picturesque city skyline and mountain backdrop. You’ll view funky murals in the thriving River North (RiNo) Art District, pass Coors Field, and grab coffee and empanadas at a local favorite hotspot. Then, it’s time for a 30-minute scenic drive to the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. We’ll drive through the park, take in the stunning rock formations, and get out to explore the world-famous amphitheater (if open). We finish up with a quick stop at Lookout Mountain for a breath of crisp mountain air and panoramic views of Denver, Golden, and the mighty Rocky Mountains before returning to Union Station.

Climb from the streets of the "Mile High City" to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountains. Weave through small, historic towns and drive over alpine passes, as you scan the horizon for mountain wildlife like elk, black bears, or moose.

Head south from Denver on a small group tour to two of Colorado’s most majestic places. First, visit Garden of the Gods, a unique geological area with colossal red rock formations. Then take a drive up Pikes Peak, which inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” Have lunch and enjoy a bit of free time or shopping in the charming town of Manitou Springs, then take a scenic drive through the foothills back to Denver.

Get a feel for the real Colorado on this day trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Meet your tour guide and load into a comfortable and spacious air-conditioned vehicle. Pass through Boulder on the way to the park, admiring the beautiful brick campus of the University of Colorado's main campus. Once inside the park, look for mule deer, elk, and other wildlife, stretch your legs at a glacial lake, and take photos galore. Afterward, explore the quaint mountain village of Estes Park before heading back to Denver.

Discover the best of the Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided full-day tour. Park entrance, along with round-trip transportation from Denver or Boulder is conveniently included. Set at a moderate pace, the hike is perfect for people with some experience who also want to take time to appreciate the scenery. Stop for a complimentary packed lunch, which can be prepared to accommodate dietary restrictions.

The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a fragrant, floral escape from the Mile-High City, right in the heart of a historic urban neighborhood. Your general admission ticket grants you access to 'living exhibits' of native Colorado species plus plants from around the world. Wander beautifully landscaped trails at your leisure, pop into Offshoots Cafe for a refreshment, and let the kids explore at a rooftop children’s garden.

There are so many great hikes in the Denver area, how can you choose? Let a local do the work—on this guided tour, you’ll get whisked off to the mountains, where you’ll hike at your comfort level (snacks and breaks as needed), learn about the flora and fauna of the Rockies, and get incredible bird’s-eye photos of Colorado. Simply put, you'll get more out of your time spent in the mountains.

Experience the thrill of soaring through a Rocky Mountain landscape on some of the longest ziplines in Colorado! Whiz through the fresh alpine air and admire the scenic landscape below on a series of cables totaling more than 6,000 feet (1,828 m) in length. Soak up some of Colorado’s famous sunshine while you hike between the tracks.

Venture beyond Denver, and discover what Colorado has to offer: on this small-group tour, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Continental Divide, and the ski resort town of Breckenridge, all in one day. Depart in the morning via comfortable vehicle: you'll explore Red Rocks before taking Loveland Pass along the Continental Divide, and stopping for photos along the way. At Breckenridge, enjoy free time to wander, shop, and eat lunch (own expense).

Visit one of the most beautiful parks in the American West on a full-day tour from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Picnic among a summer landscape of thick green trees and wildflower meadows, and drive above timberline on an alpine road with stunning mountain views. Stroll around and look for Colorado wildlife inside the park, with time for a dose of mountain culture in the charming resort town of Estes Park.

This full-day, small-group tour takes you out of the city and into the rugged Rocky Mountains. Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an acoustic masterpiece crafted by Mother Nature; travel through rugged Clear Creek Canyon to the Continental Divide; and visit an old mining town. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the iconic ski town of Breckenridge, then head back to Denver, passing through the Eisenhower Tunnel—the longest, highest, passenger car tunnel in the world.

Enjoy the beauty of a hike in the Rockies without the worry of getting lost or picking an unsuitable trail during this full-day excursion. Plus, save your strength for the hike thanks to round-trip transportation and learn about the wildflowers and wildlife from your guide, something that would be harder to do alone.

Enjoy a new way to jump right into Colorado's picture-perfect scenery when you book this beginner-friendly zipline tour. Choose from multiple start times, from morning to evening, and make your own way to the zipline center, located a quick drive from Denver. With hands-on assistance, you'll navigate 10 different ziplines, will soar over 320 acres (130 hectares) of landscapes, and can even admire Rocky Mountain vistas as you go.

Get a foothold on one of Colorado's most popular outdoor sports with an introductory rock climbing experience in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. An expert guide shows you the ropes, from selecting the right gear to safety practices and basic climbing and descending techniques. After clipping into a harness, put your new skills into practice and gain confidence on real outdoor rock terrain.

Enjoy an introductory visit to the Rocky Mountains—and still leave enough time to continue your Denver sightseeing—on this half-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning, and head out to the foothills to enjoy views of the Great Plains and Lookout Mountain. Drive historic Lariat Loop, and get a glimpse of historic Golden, home to Coors Brewery. In just half a day, you'll see some of the best of the region's scenery.

Discover the best of Denver—and visit neighborhoods that many other tourists miss—on this in-depth walking tour. Set off with just a small group for company, or upgrade for a private tour. Either way, you'll discover many key landmarks, from the State Capitol to the Brown Palace Hotel, all while learning about the Colorado capital's history. Then, head to the trendy LoDo district to see another side of the city.

Explore the grand scenery of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s Wild West history on a small-group bus tour from Denver. Visit the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and encounter descendants of America's last wild buffalo herd grazing in the foothills. Get panoramic views of Denver and the Front Range from atop Lookout Mountain, drive the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway, visit the town of Golden, and more.

Get the lowdown on LoDo on an express tour of Denver’s oldest neighborhood. Both historic and rapidly changing, the district is home to many of the city's hippest bars, restaurants, and hotels. Walk a loop around LoDo’s most important landmark buildings, all while hearing tales from Denver’s Wild West history. Get inside tips on where to dine and drink while in town from a guide who knows the area best.

Get chills down your spine on an evening walk through Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Learn about some of the most haunted dwellings in the city. Let your guide take you through the dark streets, pointing out the haunted mansions, telling tales of historic scandals, and discovering paranormal activity.

Explore Colorado’s natural playgrounds, just a short drive from downtown Denver. Escape the city and head for the Rockies with a guide to handle the road, so you can focus on the stunning scenery of Mt. Evans, Bear Creek Canyon, and beyond. Get a taste of mountain culture in the charming town of Evergreen, check out the dramatic formations of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and hike around serene Echo Lake on this half-day mountain sampler.

Immerse yourself in a world of illumination during a 1-hour light show in Denver. Get swept away through a combination of lasers, guided meditation, and accompanying rock music. Offered hourly seven days a week, the immersive experience is easy to fit into any schedule and perfect for all ages. In addition to the show, your ticket grants you unlimited access to the Church's retro arcade lounge, art gallery, movie theater, and Gandhi Garden, with dozens of Instagram worthy picture spots throughout the Church.

Put your mettle, strength, and agility to the test when you visit the Epic Sky Trek aerial obstacle course, located just south of Denver. Secure your admission before you travel, and upon arrival, enjoy full-day access to the facilities. The Epic Sky Trek is equipped with 120 aerial obstacles, ziplines, and more, soaring up to 50 feet (15 meters) in the air. A smart belay system and harnesses keep things fun and safe.

Eat your way through downtown Denver's ever-changing dining scene on a walking food tour that lets you sample five of the best restaurants in town, all in one afternoon. Discover award-winning eateries, authentic Neapolitan pizza, freshly baked empanadas from a family-owned shop and more. In between bites, learn about Denver's Wild West history and pass landmarks like the baseball field and iconic Union Station.