Top Denver Outdoor Activities

The Denver foothills are packed with some of Colorado's best sights, from Red Rocks Amphitheater to Lookout Mountain and scenic Lariat Loop. Over the course of this half-day tour from Denver that explores the scenic foothills, get panoramic views of the mountain surroundings and stroll through small, historic towns before stopping in Evergreen for drinks. It's a quick escape from the big city buzz and a taste of life in the mountains, and one you can easily fit in a day when touring the "Mile High" City.

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.

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.

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.

Combine a visit to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak with a trip on the Cog Railway with this tour from Denver. Your driver will pick you up at Union Station and take you to the Garden of the Gods, where you'll explore for a bit before taking the railway up to Pikes Peak. You'll then have time to visit Manitou Springs before returning to Denver.

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.

See for yourself why Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the United States on a day trip from Denver. Let a guide handle the winding mountain roads while you soak up views of dozens of peaks surrounded by alpine forests, lakes, and meadows. Cross the Great Divide on soaring Trail Ridge Road, look for abundant Colorado wildlife, and get a glimpse of the legendary Stanley Hotel — the inspiration for Stephen King’s ‘The Shining.’

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).

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.

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.

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.

Get your first taste of the Rocky Mountains, and maximize your limited time in Denver. Meet your guide in downtown Denver, 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. This 4-hour morning tour leaves you free to explore the city in the afternoon.

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.

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.

Folks have been drawn to Denver for over a century -- find out why on this downtown adventure exploring the Queen City of the Plain’s rich past, glinting with the promise of gold and other “riches” of the Rocky Mountains. Join our team of local guides a mile high up and take in the fascinating stories, beautiful architecture, and modern food-and-drink scene on this orientation tour of Colorado’s capital 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 natural amphitheatre at Red Rocks, 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, and pay tribute to one of the great showmen of the early West at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on this easy half-day escape.

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 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 and driver to handle the road, so you can focus on the stunning scenery of Mt. Evans, Bear Creek Canyon, and Squaw Pass. Get a taste of mountain culture in the charming town of Evergreen, check out the dramatic formations of Red Rocks, 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.

Colorado's Front Range is home to unique rock formations that make for great climbing conditions, whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced climber. On this exciting, adrenaline-filled adventure, head to the outskirts of Denver (transportation not included) for 5 hours of rock climbing in an inspiring natural setting. Just show up ready for a good time, since all climbing equipment is provided, including ropes, harnesses and shoes, and snacks and water.

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.