The end of summer is fast approaching, but never fear - you still have time to conquer this ultimate Denver outdoor bucket list for nature lovers! Have you made the most of your Mile High summer? How many of these 19 outdoor feats have you dominated?
1. Rise for a Mile High sunrise.
You never know what to expect, but you can guarantee that it'll be spectacular!
2. Better yet, get up and at 'em for a Red Rocks sunrise and spend the day exploring your surroundings.
Discover all the goodness that the park, amphitheatre, museum, and nearby town of Morrison have to offer.
3. Whip around town.
Denver boasts roughly 85 miles of bikable trails and 80 Denver B-Cycle stations conveniently located throughout the city, so you can rent and ride even if you don't own.
4. Tube, kayak, or take a dip at Confluence Park.
Confluence Kayaks is located in downtown Denver's historic Platte River Valley and can accommodate anything your little river rat heart desires, including kayaks, SUPs, tubes, and more!
5. Brave the rapids!
Check out outfitters that offer guided rafting trips along Clear Creek and the Arkansas and Colorado Rivers.
6. Enjoy some non-motorized boating at a nearby lake or reservoir.
Options include, Chatfield Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Bear Creek Lake Park, Grand Lake, Aurora Reservoir, the Horsetooth Reservoir, and more. (The state of Colorado boasts about two dozen rivers and 2,000 lakes and reservoirs!)
7. Or lazily drift the day away at Boulder Creek.
8. Hike to a wondrous waterfall.
Many of the closest waterfalls near Denver are nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park (such as Ouzel Falls seen here), but there are also falls in Colorado Spring, Staunton State Park, and beyond.
9. Explore our 4 national parks and 42 state parks.
Whether you choose to wander the wilds on foot or by car, there is always something new and exciting around every turn.
10. Take a ride on one of Colorado's scenic and historic byways.
There are many scenic drives outside the Mile High City, including the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway near Golden, the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway near Greeley, the Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway near Salida, Independence Pass near Leadville, Trail Ridge Road in RMNP, Cache La Poudre/North Park Scenic And Historic Byway near Fort Collins, Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway near Grant, and the Peak To Peak Scenic and Historic Byway near Boulder (pictured here). More Info
11. You can even drive to the summit of Mount Evans over 14,000 feet, on the highest paved road in North America.
12. Or maybe you'd prefer to get high in a hot air balloon ride over the Front Range.
Check out Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights, Adventure Balloon Sports, Boulder Hot Air Balloons, Rocky Mountain Hot Air, and Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides for more info.
13. Go wildlife watching at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
The refuge boasts more than 15,000 acres with over 330 species of wildlife.
14. Visit the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg.
This is the world's largest carnivore sanctuary with over 430 rescued animals on 720 acres.
See lions, tigers, bears, and more!
15. Go star gazing in the mountain wilderness.
16. Glamp like a champ.
17. Try your hand at fly fishing.
18. Enjoy the tranquil dawning of the day at a nearby lake or reservoir.
19. Whatever you do, just GET OUTSIDE and drink it all in!
Find quiet moments of serenity and solitude and reflect on just how awe-inspiring our Mile High summers can be.
What would you add to this ultimate Denver outdoor bucket list?
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