Denver’s location on the edge of the Great Plains and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains makes it one of the best urban bases in the country for scenic escapes. Within a short drive, you can transition from bustling city streets to alpine lakes, dramatic red rock formations, and sweeping mountain vistas. Whether you are a local looking for a quick weekend reset or a visitor wanting to maximize your time in Colorado, the variety of accessible landscapes is staggering.
Many of these destinations require little more than a tank of gas and a sense of adventure. You do not need to be an expert mountaineer to enjoy the beauty that surrounds the Mile High City. In fact, some of the most breathtaking viewpoints are accessible by car or via short, well-maintained walking paths.
Understanding the geography helps you plan efficiently. Heading west on I-70 takes you deep into the Rocky Mountains, while heading southwest leads to iconic geological wonders like Red Rocks. If you drive north, you will find yourself in the foothills near Boulder and Fort Collins, offering a different flavor of Colorado’s natural beauty.
Because the altitude changes rapidly, it is wise to pack layers. A sunny day in Denver can quickly turn into a chilly, windy afternoon at 10,000 feet above sea level. Staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen is just as important in the mountains as it is in the city, as the high elevation intensifies the sun’s rays.
The following list focuses on places that offer high visual impact for relatively low effort. We have prioritized destinations that are reliable year-round or have distinct seasonal appeals, ensuring that no matter when you are reading this, you can find a view worth the drive.
Below is a curated selection of the most scenic spots within easy reach of Denver, ranging from iconic landmarks to quiet mountain escapes.
Confluence Park
| Address | 2250 15th St, Denver, CO 80202 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 913-1311 |
Inter City Park on the river front, it was clean, lots of people walking, running, and biking. Take a short train ride is available and enjoy the scene.
The river was really low and I did not see any game fish or kayaks. When the drought is over the fish will come back.
When I was a child the Platt was my play ground and will always have a found memory of it. When I was a child there was no cement trails or peers only railroad tracks, trains, Hobos, auto junk yards (Eliches), warehouses , industrial manufacturing (Fish Aquarium),Fourney Museum (REI), and a faster more polluted river.
Life was much simpler...
As a part of my Sperm Donation World Tour of the USA, I came here on a Wednesday after the Rockies taking on the Marlins and USA defeating Bosnia in the World Cup as I made my way back towards my hotel I was about to cross the bridge when I saw this section of town. Loved the flow of water and the rock formation and bridge structure.
Great place to visit when in Denver. Took some amazing photos here with my wife. Also a great place to run and bike.
very cool part to come to to hang out and watch the sunset and do some grounding or walk your dog or do some exercise play some sports
Clean & long walking path. Many people use it - joggers, cyclists, people walking their dogs. It's very popular. Appears to be safe during the day but I wouldn't use it at night.
Lookout Mountain Park
| Address | 987 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 865-0900 |
For anyone living in or visiting the Denver metro area, Lookout Mountain Park in Golden is an absolute must-visit. Sitting at an elevation of over 7,300 feet, this park offers some of the most accessible and jaw-dropping panoramic views along the Front Range, making it the perfect quick escape from the hustle of the city.
The journey up the mountain is half the fun. Driving up the historic Lariat Loop road provides a thrilling sequence of switchbacks and dramatic drop-offs that will have passengers glued to the windows. For the more active crowd, the winding roads are a famous rite of passage for local road cyclists, and the challenging Chimney Gulch trail offers a fantastic, heart-pumping hike for those who prefer to summit on foot.
Once you reach the top, the payoff is spectacular. On a clear day, you are treated to a stunning dual perspective: looking east, the entire Denver skyline and the vast plains stretch out before you, while looking west reveals the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. The park is also steeped in history. It features the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lore of the Old West, as well as a wonderful Nature Center with interactive exhibits that are great for kids.
The only minor downside is its popularity; because it is just a short drive from Denver, the main overlook and parking lots can get quite crowded on pleasant weekends. However, if you go during the weekday or catch a sunrise, it is a serene and deeply rewarding Colorado experience. Whether you want a rigorous workout, a dose of history, or just a scenic spot to watch the city lights flicker on at dusk, Lookout Mountain completely delivers.
A very accessible park (both to get to and to get around), just W of Denver on Lookout Mountain in Golden, COLO. The views from the top are amazing, but the drive up is just as beautiful. There is plenty of parking and a small museum, and the park is allegedly the site of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody's grave (check out the enduring conspiracy theory, involving conflicting wills, a deathbed final wish, a look-alike ranch hand, a $10,000 bounty for Cody's corpse, the Colorado National Guard, and several tons of concrete, that Cody is not even buried here).
The experience was very nice. The scenery was very beautiful to say the least. Not your typical hike, but worth every step on each trail. There are areas, if your an avid climber, that is open to do so. You'll need your own gear though. Lookup the regulations prior to going. Definitely visit again.
You can look at photos of this place, but it's nothing like seeing it in person. You can see for miles and miles...as long as there isn't smoke from wildfires. Go take a look!!! It's beautiful! Then go see the Buffalo Bill museum. It's pretty cool!!!
Beautiful, accessible park that you don’t have to go too far outside of golden to access! Nice quick accent to the spots and wasn’t too crowded. You may have to park on the side of the road, so best to get there early self or drive an suv
Downtown Denver Lookout
| Address | Zuni St &, W 26th Ave, Denver, CO 80211 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Nice views of the city but not particularly welcoming or peaceful. It a small strip park across from some hotels and there are not many benches. It is accessible by bus but be careful when crossing the street because vehicles come from both directions on a curved road.
I FLIPPIN LUV THIS LOCATION. The view is breath taking. It's like the city is not real... To me this is the best place to bring your hubby or wife...
I walked across the bridge to this area. It is pedestrian friendly. Not much to do or see around the area, but you do get s nice view of the city. It is not an isolated spot and there are people around, so I didn't feel like I was the only one around. It is worth the view because I found it hard to get such a view from any other spot. If you walk or drive to the spot, you will find that it is located in a residential area and a few hotels nearby. I liked walking there and crossing the bridge because I got to see some of the neighborhoods and architecture of homes.
Great view of downtown to snap some pics. It’s just a pathway, and nothing else really is right next-door. But, it’s within about a half a mile of Zuni brewing and Denver brewing Company to just go sit and hang out. I didn’t see anywhere to park, so we parked at the hotel across the street. We were out of the car maybe five minutes and could see it the whole time to make sure it didn’t get towed.
There is no parking and the view is OK. Its FREE haha I dont know if at night is dangerous but during the day is chill.
Sloan's Lake Park
| Address | 1700 N Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80212 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 913-1311 |
This vast stretch of space is the kind of place that promises cinematic sunsets. We experienced a sunset that was quietly glorious. It was foggy, and the mist gave everything a soft, moody charm. It’s one of those feel-good spaces where dog parents exchange easy smiles, and joggers nod in solidarity. There’s plenty of room to breathe, stroll, think, or simply exist. It can get surprisingly chilly by the water. Layers are your best friend here.
Love the unpaved / lower impact walking path. Great views all the way around the lake!! A few times I've seen a bald eagle perched at the top of one of the big cottonwood trees, scoping out the lake. Such a great urban park!
Went to enjoy a Black Box bakery selections from Edgewater Market across the way. Gorgeous day high 57, sunny and breezy and lots of geese! Now the 2 that chatted and joined our tea party were very quiet, demure, polite and attentive. Others around the park a little more noisy. Lake is beautiful, Denver off in the distance, very walkable. Lots of dogs and families. Was a Thursday around lunch time. Made friends with 2 geese who were not aggressive like the Delmarva states area geese. Delmarva is Delaware, Maryland and Virginia for those that dont know. Their geese are aggressive, quite large and bullies. Colorado's Canadian Geese more docile, almost domesticated, polite, smaller, and less aggressive 😅 So many dogs and bicycle riders. Lots of people walking enjoying the sunny Feb 12 day sunshine. Definitely go here just for the free beauty and ambiance.
Nice park for a casual stroll, run or walk! There are large grass fields available for playing.
I used to love walking around Sloan's Lake until they started introducing scooters and bicycles. They go too fast, and they zip in and zip out around you, and it makes me nervous. They used to warn you and say' on your lef't or' on your righ't or ring theirBell,l but they don't even do that anymore. So I quit going there. I now walk at Crown Hill. I like the fact that they have a gravel path or a paved path and you can choose either one. People are more courteous over there they don't zip around you and ride at unsafe speeds.
Wildlife Drive at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal
| Address | Potomac Street, Denver, CO 80239 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (303) 289-0930 |
If you don't see much wildlife, or its very far away, take a moment to enjoy the scenery. The Rocky Mountains behind the park are so impressive. I did the drive twice. Day 1 got there around sunrise saw some bison, very far away, fell in love with the prairie dogs, saw some different birds that aren't in Australia at all, or are rarely seen in Illinois. Day 2, went a little later the bison were a fair bit closer to the road, more prairie dogs. It's a 30-40 minute drive. Just remember, not everyone is going to get to see the bison when they want to see them. They aren't on any sort of schedule. Relax and enjoy the ride.
Also I recommend the visitor center. The staff are super friendly and very informative.
It's free.
Absolutely loved this place- the wildlife drive was so worth it! I highly recommend going on a cooler day when the bison are roaming around or an early morning or evening ride. I happened to go on a cooler day around 10:30AM and got to see a bison cross the road directly in front of my car- coolest experience ever.
Loved to see all the prairie dogs! They must have thousands of them in the park so you will have a lot of options for cute pictures. You might have the opportunity to see bison Really up close, so take advantage of that! 🥰
Went at dusk- perfect timing. You have to drive through the park to get there so don’t be discouraged if you are expecting to see something as soon as you get into the park- just keep driving! I came hoping to see prairie dogs, and they absolutely delivered—one of the first things we saw! so many little cuties popping up! Bonus: lots of bison and deer. Seeing this big guy roadside made it even better.
I had an evening to kill before my flight the next morning and saw this was near my hotel, and it turned out to be such an amazing find! I went in March around 4pm, about 3hrs before sunset. I honestly wasn't expecting to see anything too exciting, and I was so wrong. It was a great drive, and I saw so many animals. I even caught a herd crossing the road in front of my car, which meant I got some great shots and views of the animals romping around. Would definitely recommend this!
Lariat Loop Scenic Byway
| Address | 322-324 Mt Vernon Ave, Morrison, CO 80465 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Gorgeous easy drive if you're visiting Colorado. Little difficult to follow signs since I wasn't using GPS but made for some beautiful detours. Loved stopping at various places and admiring the scenery. End of April was a great time as there was still snow but the roads were good and weather fairly moderate. Would definitely recommend and consider doing again if I'm there!
What a beautiful surprise on our road trip! Highly recommend you drive through and make some stops. Morrison park was a beautiful stream and trail.
Good luck trying to find your way. That was rough for a minute there through Golden.
Once you get to lookout mountain you’re good though heading back down. Stunning views and easy driving once you know where you’re going.
A great drive to see the area. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views. Beautiful homes, trails and scenery.
A beautiful trail, we went with my dad who’s almost 80. Good level trail with easy opertunities to turn around and walk back. Perfect day.
Walker's Dream Lookout
| Address | Summer White House Trail, Morrison, CO 80465 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
I stayed at Old Man Walker's beautiful mansion back in the day. The views were truly breathtaking.
It’s a stiff but fun hike up from the east trailhead; easier from the west. (There is no water available on this trail, and the only bathrooms are at the trailheads.)An interpretive plaque tells us about Walker’s unfulfilled dream to build a Western White House. Great views of Mount Blue Sky, Parry Peak and downtown Denver.
There is more than one way up to Walker's Dream but if you are a beginner hiker and you aren't prepared to push yourself, then this hike may be be difficult for you. I also suggest hitting the trail early because once it starts to warm up there is a good chance you will encounter snakes who are only wanting to sun themselves. I saw two snakes coming back down: One was a bull snake, the other was a rattlesnake. The ruins of the house are gated but there is plenty of space to walk around and among the ruins, just don't expect to walk among the actual walls of the house.
It’s an easy enough hike. The views are spectacular.
Nice views of the mountains to the west and Denver to the east. If the weather cooperates for an afternoon/evening hike, this is a cool place to see the sun set. Worth the hike up from the Mt. Falcon East Trailhead (>1500 vertical feet gain, but a gentle incline over 3 miles).
Rocky Mountain National Park
| Address | Colorado |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (970) 586-1206 |
this park is definitely worth coming to! (even if you’ve seen a lot of mountains)
wildlife: i saw a herd of like at least 100 elk traveling through the forest near the road!!! I also saw a mother moose and her young. a few deer with large horns too. and a sheep near sheep lake in the middle of the day. this may be the best wildlife viewing i’ve been through compared to yellowstone, badlands, and grand teton.
views: the mountain byway is steep & rly amazing to see. you are almost level with the clouds which is crazy! you can see the alpine tundra up close & have plenty of viewing spots.
the only thing i’m not crazy about is having to secure a timed reservation to enter the park & you cannot be a little early. although tickets reset everyday it is still hard to get times in the early morning because the sell out within 5 minutes. also, i couldnt get access to bear lake because the times for that sold out even quicker unless it was late in the afternoon. i understand why there are reservations tho.
Awesome park. This is a beautiful park with incredible mountain trails for all ages and levels with bonus trout filled lakes if that's your thing. Had a blast. Third time here and still planning on going back.
The most beautiful place I've ever been. Absolutely stunning nature everywhere you look from the mountains, lakes, rushing creeks and streams, to the waterfalls. Awesome trails that offer a range of challenges but always reward you with beautiful views.
The park is very popular, so recommend planning ahead and arriving early. Reservations may be required depending on the time of the year.
The Rocky Mountains was gorgeous. I just wish I had more time to be there. We weren't able to get entry until 12:00 p.m. And by the time we made it in we had just a little bit less than an hour before we needed to be at Estes Park for our ATV. So the little bit that we could get to see and drive through was gorgeous.
I just love this park so much. I probably been 20 times and on the same trails multiple times, and nothing ever gets old. It's just a magical place. Also thank you to the staff and Park Rangers for keeping things running so smoothly and keeping things extremely clean! We had to use the timed entry in early August and we were able to secure tickets the night before at 7pm on the dot. We actually got the earliest timeslot and arrived around 5:30am and were able to get parking places at all of the major trailheads!
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
| Address | 6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 289-0930 |
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an awesome place to spend a few hours enjoying nature without having to leave the Denver area. This place is absolutely massive and the wildlife drive alone is worth the visit. You can just slowly cruise through the refuge and spot all kinds of animals along the way. We saw bison, deer, prairie dogs, tons of birds, and wildlife everywhere you looked. It’s pretty incredible how peaceful and quiet it feels considering it’s so close to the city.
The roads were easy to navigate and there were plenty of spots to pull over, take pictures, and just enjoy the scenery. The views of the open prairie with the mountains in the background were beautiful. If you enjoy photography, wildlife watching, or simply going for a relaxing drive, this place is definitely worth checking out. There are also trails and visitor areas if you want to get out and explore a little more.
Best part is that it’s free and very well maintained. Staff and volunteers were friendly and informative as well. Overall, a really cool experience and a great reminder of how much wildlife Colorado still has. Definitely a place I’d visit again.
Such a great experience with so many sightings! We arrived when the preserve opened, and that is when we saw most of the wildlife sightings. As the more when on, we had less sightings of the larger wildlife, but saw a ton of the prairie dogs. It’s a cute little scenic route. We looped it a few times, and even brought lunch with us to eat in our vehicle.
I had the privilege of living just a few minutes away from this incredible place, and it became my safe haven during the years I lived in Denver. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is full of life, breathtaking landscapes, and an amazing diversity of wildlife.
I loved coming here to take photographs, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and watch the most beautiful sunsets. No matter what kind of day I was having, this place always brought me a sense of calm and gratitude.
If you’re looking for a place to reconnect with nature, observe wildlife, or simply enjoy a quiet walk with stunning views, this refuge is truly special. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Such a nice wildlife refuge right in the city. Beautiful wide open vistas and tons of wildlife. Really nice visitor center with exhibits on the history of the area and on the animals. We had to see thousands of prairie dogs. They can blend in but if you slow down or pull to the side and look at the ground you are sure to see tons of movement. Absolutely recommend going here.
Wonderful drive and the audio tour is very informative. Timed it just right first thing in a June morning and got to see the herd moving. The visitor center was a nice stop but the ferrets were no where to be seen. Still worth the attempt. And the price is perfect! (FREE!)
Lookout Mountain
| Address | Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
A quick yet beautiful spot! It was quite a busy time for instagrammers we walked through the path and made the most of the view! I wore my crampons because it was icy and chilly. Gorgeous with the snowy mountains.
It was a fun and very kid friendly , my grandson loved the area they had set up with camping equipment and a tent. The gentleman that was at the front counter was a very nice man and his dog was super sweet.
It's nice to go sit on the rocks !
It was my son's first time hanging out at look out mountin with me and he loved it !
Nice hiking trail and view of golden and denver
Absolutely beautiful place! Several overlook areas to get some really great pics! You can also walk a short path and see Buffalo Bill Cody’s gravesite. Be sure to visit here if you’re in the area!
Lookout Mountain Preserve & Nature Center
| Address | 910 Colorow Rd, Golden, CO 80401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 497-7600 |
Great spot for kids to do a little “Forest Loop” trail - about 15-20 min easy loop. And the nature center is very kid and dog friendly. Lots of taxidermy animals to see up close.
The nature center and forest loop trail was a great place to go with two little ones. The trail was a 0.5 mile loop that took us 20 mins and the nature center had lots of fun kid activities. A carpeted room with books and puppets. Plus an area with a tent and camping toys the kids could play with. Recommend for anyone looking to kill some time or take a break on a road trip. There were plenty of outdoor picnic tables and lots of parking.
Lots of spots to pull over with gorgeous views! Bathrooms, picnic tables, a visitor center mansion and a very short drive from anywhere in Denver; just awesome!!
Beautiful vistas and nicely paved walkway and bridges.
The staff was really friendly, not much of a view though. Pretty and peaceful!
Rocky Mountain Lake Park
| Address | 3301 W 46th Ave, Denver, CO 80211 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 913-1311 |
Beautiful park, convenient parking and a lake within a short distance. The only thing I would be mindful of is the bathrooms are closed. There is a porterpotty in walking distance.
Nice little lake park in the middle of the city. Nice place to walk dog. Or take a run around the park. Play ground for kids. Wild geese. Did not feel crowded, even though Google maps listed the place "as busy as it gets" 2/23/25 2:02 pm
This was one of our first times at Rocky Mountain Lake Park— It’s the perfect spot for a one-hour walk or a quick 30-minute jog. Not too crowded, super spacious and the views are beautiful.
Do keep in mind, this park is very close to a highway. It is gated!
This park was really fun to walk around. It was bigger than it appeared to be at first glance, and had a variety of activities to do—a walking/biking path, a large playground, huge grassy areas, a baseball field, etc.
There were lots of young families here and we enjoyed walking around the lake, even though the highway noise is pretty loud. Lots of geese out!
Not a bad place for a quick stroll around the lake. On site are a few playgrounds many benches for sitting and viewing the awesome scenery. You can see water Lilly's depending on what time of year it is. Lots of birds to see and things to photograph.
Inspiration Point Park
| Address | 4901 Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80212 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 865-0900 |
I always find so many ❤️'s in this area. I love the views for sunsets and just relaxing in a shady spot and reading Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth book.
This place is GORGEOUS! One lap around the cement is about .7 miles give or take and the walk is gorgeous. ONLY FLAW! Is there is no bathroom but besides that it seems like a great place to take the family, take in views and get some exercise. This park is a great relatively hidden gem. Went here on a whim and I was not disappointed
Was in Denver for a very short work trip, no time to do much in the way of sightseeing. This would be as close to the mountains as I would get. A nice little stop to take in the view if you are contrained by time.
Playground review:
Pros: Close parking, toilet area, trash cans, away from any main road, sitting area, swings, small kids area, big kid area, paved walking area, bike tie ups, nature based play. This park is great for climbers, nature play based and free play, kids who like sand, and children who like to climb high.
Cons: may be difficult for young children under two. May be too nature based for sensitive children. Limited seating that is in the shade.
Inspiration Point Park is easy to drive by without noticing but it is worth the stop. You can take a nice walk with great views of the mountains looking west.
Parking is ample and you have a choice of concrete walks or gravel trails to wander around the point. The western point has nice benches along with the best views.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
| Address | 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (720) 865-2494 |
We made a quick stop here during our trip and were absolutely blown away! It is easily the most beautiful amphitheater I have ever seen. Parking was very easy, but if you park at the very bottom like we did, beware..you have a lot of stairs ahead of you! We hiked up using the Funicular Trail, and the incline was insanely steep, but the stunning scenery along the way made the effort completely worth it. As a bonus, the visitor center had clean restrooms, and the free museum was a wonderful surprise. We truly enjoyed our visit and highly recommend stopping by!
I was here for a concert and while there was traffic leaving, it was handled quite well and we were out in less than 20 min. There is wheel chair access but I'm not sure of how much. There are multiple parking lots and plenty of spots. I took a shuttle that's a round trip for the concert and we got there in plenty of time. They had multiple entry points for the Amphitheater and the line moved relatively quick. I got tickets close to the stage but there's really not a bad seat. I highly recommend this for anyone of any age for the park itself and as a venue for concerts.
Wow, just an unbelievably incredible venue. Anywhere is a good view but man is this place special. Get there early for parking. Try not to park at jurassic lot, they take forever with shuttles. The walk hike isn't that bad. Its a good 15-20min walking with purpose. If you're used to hiking it wont matter how steep it is. If youre in heels or dress shoes, youre going to have a hard time.
This is a magical place. You really can't understand the scale of the giant red boulders until you're driving past them, or hiking up a trail that runs between them. Gorgeous views all around. The venue is great and the staff really know what they're doing, so it's very organized entry for events.
This is without a doubt the most beautiful outdoor venue I have ever been in my entire life, magical experience! I was visiting from Austin to see The Strokes and after some venue research I saw pictures from Red Rocks and decided I had to see them here, correct decision, I will be back here for sure, is an amazing experience.
Tip: Even tho is super hot in Denver, I recommend to bring a poncho or a light jacket, cause if it starts to rain, the drops are too big and too wet because of the height, also, it gets super cold because of the same reason.
Cherry Creek State Park
| Address | 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 690-1166 |
Just went here with my 3 yr old. We played in the sand, waded in the water, and I went for a long walk around the entire park. There's a very small playground at the farthest beach. Lots of toilets all around the park. Beautiful place and really nice, paved trail perfect for strollers! Will be back soon!
I still measure my weekends by the moment the skyline shrinks in the rear-view and the first glimpse of Cherry Creek’s water blinks back at me like it remembers my name.
I roll through the east entrance—windows down, bike rack rattling a little hello—and the ranger hands me a map with the same grin I get every time, as if she’s in on the secret that this is my reset button, not just a park.
The paved trail peels away from the lot and I swear it’s been combed overnight; no stray bottle, no rogue wrapper—just the smell of sun-warmed cottonwoods and the distant hush of lapping water. I pedal south, past the mile-marker where I once surprised a mule deer chewing dandelions like they were bubble-gum. She didn’t flinch; we just shared the morning for a breath, then moved on.
By the time I hit the dam I’ve shed the city’s static—no honk, no ping, no endless scroll. I lock the bike, scramble down the riprap, and let my sneakers dangle above the mirror-blue skin of the reservoir. Somewhere out there, a paddle-boarder drifts in slow motion and a red-tailed hawk stitches the sky. I breathe in until my ribs feel roomy, then exhale the week in one long, grateful sigh.
Later I’ll grill near site 137, the one that backs up to the cottonwood with the heart-shaped scar. My dog will circle the picnic table like it’s a campfire story waiting to happen, and when the sun drops behind the ridge, the water turns molten copper and I’ll wonder—again—how this place is still only twenty minutes from downtown Denver.
Cherry Creek isn’t just my favorite park; it’s the mute button on life’s remote, the stretch of trail that keeps my pulse from flat-lining, the lake that reflects a better version of me. I leave with sandy shoelaces, one last lungful of pine, and the quiet promise that I’ll be back before the skyline forgets my name.
My wife and nephew and I went hiking here and really enjoyed it! The entrance to this place is close to main roads but felt like we were in a remote wilderness area after only a few minutes of walking on the trail! Beautiful, lush green woods shade much of the trails, and a lovely wooden bridge crosses a placid creek and offers a peaceful and serene scene surrounded by colorful natural foliage that is easily accessible.
Trail quality: Trails are excellent, some dirt with minimal elevation changes and few signs of erosion, and some concrete pathways closer to the restrooms, about a mile from the entrance, where paths diverge away from the wooded areas. There are clearly marked maps at the entrance to the trail system from the roadside parking lot as well as paper maps available at one centralized map close to the restrooms.
Clothing/equipment recommendations: We did not need hiking boots and were fine wearing tennis shoes for this hike/walk. Bring water and sun protection (sunscreen/hat) if you plan to hike extensively, as parts of the trail system is unshaded.
Summary: Highly recommend for a short, low-intensity day hike that requires little preparation or equipment.
Cherry Creek State Park is a hidden gem. Beautiful well maintained trails both on and off pavement. Plenty of shade, plenty of places to picnic, and the highlight for me as a professional photographer...OMG where do I begin? Eagles, Heron, Pelicans, Ducks, Geese, Seagulls, Sandpipers, Cormorant, and the list goes on an on and on! Plenty of human animals too! Hoping this remains a hidden gem, but if you are reading this, consider yourself an insider. But...as an insider you now owe it to your self to go and enjoy! #timetoyellcut!
Went paddle boarding here with some girlfriends. We had a great time! Easy to find parking and a great beach to launch off of at the swim beach. There are nice bathrooms near by and even a spot to rinse off your feet by the bathrooms.
Tips for Visiting Scenic Places near Denver
To make the most of your time exploring the Front Range, a little preparation goes a long way. The difference between a stressful outing and a memorable adventure often comes down to timing, gear, and knowing how to navigate mountain traffic. These practical tips will help you enjoy the scenery safely and comfortably, regardless of which destination you choose.
First, leave early in the morning, especially on weekends. Mountain parking lots and trailheads fill up fast, and I-70 traffic can turn a one-hour drive into a three-hour ordeal. Arriving before 8:00 AM not only secures you a parking spot but also gives you softer light for photography and cooler temperatures for hiking.
Second, always check road conditions and trail status before you leave. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) provides real-time updates on mountain passes, and many parks post closures due to mud, snow, or wildlife activity. A destination that is accessible in July might be completely different in January.
Third, bring more water than you think you need. The dry climate and high altitude cause dehydration faster than at sea level. A good rule of thumb is one liter of water per person for every two hours of outdoor activity, plus extra for your dog if you bring one.
Fourth, respect the altitude. Even short walks can leave you winded if you are visiting from lower elevations. Take your time, listen to your body, and do not push yourself to reach a viewpoint if you feel dizzy or nauseous. Altitude sickness is real and can affect anyone.
Finally, practice Leave No Trace principles. These scenic places remain beautiful because visitors pack out what they pack in. Stay on marked trails, avoid trampling fragile alpine vegetation, and keep wildlife wild by observing from a distance.
Colorado’s scenic pull is not just about the big-name parks; it is often found in the quiet moments between destinations. A winding road through a canyon, a sudden clearing revealing a snow-capped peak, or the way the light hits the red rocks at sunset can turn a simple drive into a lasting memory.
The best way to experience these places is to return to them in different seasons. A lake that shimmers under a summer sun becomes a frozen, silent mirror in winter. A trail lined with wildflowers in July transforms into a golden aspen tunnel in September. Each visit offers a new perspective, reminding you why Denver remains one of the most enviable home bases in the country for nature lovers.
