An Outdoorable Guide to Denver

Sunny’s Personal Connection

“My connection to Denver started with a love for the mountains: I would fly in and out of the city to access the Rocky Mountains, squeezing summit days into long weekends. After meeting my now-husband while scrambling in Boulder, I made the leap and moved to the Front Range in 2017—drawn in by the area’s wild beauty and Denver’s mix of grit, creativity, and sunshine.”

Where to Hike (and Scramble)

Whether you’re looking for mellow loops or thrilling climbs, Sunny’s favorites deliver views, challenge, and classic Colorado landscapes.

• Second Flatiron, Boulder
  
  “Hike (or scramble) to the top of the 2nd Flatiron in Boulder.”
  
  This local-favorite scramble starts just outside Boulder at Chautauqua Park and offers panoramic views from a rugged rock fin. Go early for sunrise and avoid the crowds.
  
  
• Grays & Torreys Peaks
  
  “Arguably among the easiest 14ers, and within easy striking distance from Denver. Grays for plain vanilla hiking, Kelso Ridge on Torreys Peak if you’re experienced and love exposure.”
  
  These two 14,000-footers offer a chance to bag peaks in a single day—just 90 minutes from Denver.
  
  
• Mount Sanitas to Lion’s Lair Loop
  
  “Sanitas is very popular, and for good reason… but Lion’s Lair is incredibly pleasant and much less busy.”
  
  This 5-mile loop gives you classic Boulder scenery without the crowds.
  
  
• Chasm Lake or Longs Peak
  
  “Hike to Chasm Lake or, if you’re wild for altitude and exposure, the very tippy top of 14,259 Long’s Peak.”
  
  Both routes showcase Rocky Mountain National Park’s dramatic alpine scenery—Chasm for a high-altitude lake beneath granite cliffs, Longs for experienced peak-baggers.

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More Outdoor Adventures Near Denver

• Clear Creek Canyon
  
  “Go rock climbing in Clear Creek Canyon.”
  
  A scenic canyon just west of Golden, this is a hotspot for both beginner and advanced climbers.
  
  
• Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly Mt. Evans)
  
  “Drive to the top of Mt Blue Sky, if the road is open.”
  
  This dramatic byway climbs above 14,000 ft and offers sweeping alpine views—and the chance to spot mountain goats.
  
  
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre
  
  “I prefer working out there (it’s freely accessible when there are no events) over concerts.”
  
  One of the world’s most iconic venues, it’s also a legendary local workout spot.
  
  
• Butterfly Pavilion
  
  “Go to the Butterfly Pavilion and meet Rosie the Tarantula.”
  
  A family-friendly interactive zoo in Westminster with hundreds of butterflies and hands-on exhibits.
  
  

When to Go & Altitude Advice

“Denver is your Colorado gateway to the Rocky Mountains, but be aware that the really ‘good’ outdoors stuff is all quite a bit of driving away from downtown.”

Sunny’s pro tips:

• Beat the crowds:
  
  “Boulder and Golden have more immediate outdoor access, but they get busy—avoid weekends and go early.”
  
  
• Plan for elevation:
  
  “Altitude is real. Denver is the Mile High City, and a 2hr drive can take you to Vail Pass (10,666 ft) or even the top of Mount Blue Sky (14,256 ft). Don’t overdo it.”
  
  

Where to Eat, Climb, & Wander

• Lucile’s Creole Café
  
  “Have breakfast at Lucile’s.”
  
  Southern-style brunch with beignets, grits, and eggs benedict—locations in Boulder and Denver.
  
  
• Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs
  
  “Get an unusual hot dog from Biker Jim’s.”
  
  Famous for wild-game dogs (think elk jalapeño cheddar or rattlesnake), this is Denver’s go-to for adventurous eats.
  
  
• Izzio Bakery
  
  “Go to Izzio Bakery for a chocolate croissant.”
  
  Located in Denver Central Market, known for flaky pastries and artisan breads.
  
  
• Denver Central Market
  
  “Central Market is your spot for dinner.”
  
  A gourmet food hall in RiNo with everything from wood-fired pizza to sushi to small-batch ice cream.
  
  
• RiNo Art District
  
  “Walk the RiNo district—don’t skip Central Market.”
  
  Industrial-chic neighborhood filled with street art, galleries, breweries, and creative energy.
  
  
• The Spot Climbing Gym
  
  “Denver for new, Boulder for character.”
  
  Beloved by local climbers. Sunny’s pick for a fun indoor session post-adventure.
  
  
• Colorado State Capitol Tour
  
  “Climb the dome and enjoy the views from up there.”
  
  A free tour with panoramic views and the famous “Mile High” step.
  
  
• Denver Art Museum
  
  “If you’re into art, you have to go.”
  
  Iconic architecture and rotating exhibits, from Indigenous art to modern design.
  
  
• Meow Wolf Denver
  
  “Not my personal favorite but a lot of people like it.”
  
  Immersive art experience in a multiverse of color, chaos, and creativity.
  
  
• Larimer Square
  
  “If you like shopping, check out Larimer Square.”
  
  Historic downtown block lined with indie shops, string lights, and great people-watching.
  
  
• REI Denver Flagship
  
  “Browse the REI Denver flagship store.”
  
  A gearhead’s paradise next to the South Platte River with rental gear and climbing walls.
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Sunny’s Ideal Denver Day

“I would start out with a sunrise adventure scrambling up the 2nd Flatiron in Boulder. Beat traffic, start the day right!”

• Brunch at Lucile’s
  
  “Bonus: Lucile’s also has a location in Boulder if you’re starving after the Flatiron.”
  
  
• Butterfly Pavilion
  
  “Check out the butterflies, and of course, Rosie the Tarantula.”
  
  
• Lunch at Biker Jim’s, then wander Larimer Square
  
  
• Workout at The Spot, then grab dinner at Denver Central Market
  
  

Pro Tips for Planning Around Denver

• Start early – Trails, roads, and parking fill up fast.
  
  
• Rent a car – Most outdoor adventures require driving.
  
  
• Acclimatize – Spend a day in Denver before heading higher.
  
  

“To truly get into the Rocky Mountains, you’ll want to drive 1–2 hours out. Don’t overdo it if you’re coming from sea level.”

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