Outdoors
in Denver, CO

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There’s nothing better than breathing fresh air and getting in touch with nature. State parks, botanical gardens, trails, lakes, and farms are exactly the place to do it – and this area is full of them.

Take a look at all the options within driving distance – you’ll be surprised at how close your next adventure is. We provide the driving directions, but the sunscreen’s on you!
AVA Rafting & Zipline
AVA Rafting & Zipline

(970) 423-7031

1630 Welton St Suite 1000-C
Denver, CO 80202   Directions Website

At AVA, they are committed to providing exceptional outdoor experiences in Colorado. They have earned a reputation as the premier adventure guide in the state, offering a wide range of activities, including whitewater rafting, zipline tours, rock climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, off-road tours, train rides, hot air balloon rides, cabins, and camping.

With world-class whitewater rafting on eight different rivers throughout Colorado and zipline tours at two locations, AVA will indeed have the perfect adventure for you. Whether you're seeking a thrilling adrenaline rush or a relaxing and scenic experience, AVA has something for everyone.

Adventure Golf & Raceway

(303) 650-7587

9650 N Sheridan Blvd
Westminster, CO 80031   Directions Website

Are you looking for a fun and exciting activity with friends or family? Look no further than Adventure Golf and Raceway. With three unbelievable 18-hole miniature golf courses, The Lost Continent, Adventure Cove, and Buccaneer Bay, you'll have a blast putting your mini-golf skills to the test.

And the best part? Visiting Adventure Golf and Raceway also supports the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District, which uses the revenue generated to fund various community programs and services, including community centers, community pools, after-school/preschool programs, and more.

Bluff Lake Nature Center
Bluff Lake Nature Center

(720) 708-4147

4760 Oakland St Ste 200
Denver, CO 80209   Directions Website

Bluff Lake Nature Center is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace. This nature center spans over 123 acres of land, which includes a seasonal lake, wetlands, short-grass prairie, a riparian zone, and wetland woodland.

Bluff Lake is a true oasis in the heart of Denver and a natural habitat for various wildlife species, such as waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, deer, foxes, beavers, and more. Thousands of visitors flock to Bluff Lake yearly to enjoy the serene surroundings and connect with nature.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Crested Butte Mountain Resort

(970) 754-0005

12 Snowmass Rd
Crested Butte, CO 81225   Directions Website

Experience some of the country's best mountain biking, skiing, hiking, fishing, rafting, and kayaking at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The resort has something for everyone, from beginner to advanced skiers, and offers uncrowded slopes. If skiing is not your thing, you can explore the town of Crested Butte, full of shopping, art galleries, restaurants, nightlife, and unique attractions you won't find in any other ski town.

One of the reasons why Crested Butte is a must-visit destination is its location off the beaten path. The town is well-known for having some of the nation's best lift-served extreme terrain and mountain biking. Additionally, Crested Butte is famous for its quirky costume events and friendly atmosphere, making it a place you want to add to your bucket list.

Denver Adventures
Denver Adventures

(303) 984-6151

26267 Conifer Rd Unit 105
Conifer, CO 80433   Directions Website

Denver Adventures is the perfect place for you if you love outdoor activities like mountain biking, trail running, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, rock climbing, rafting, and hiking. Whether you prefer a relaxing hike or an adrenaline-pumping ski trip, Denver Adventures has you covered.

They aim to provide hassle-free, tailor-made, and adrenaline-fueled adventures. As the one-stop adventure shop in Denver, they take pride in operating Colorado's longest and fastest ziplines. With the location just 30 minutes west of Denver in The Rocky Mountains, they offer various guided activities for adventure enthusiasts.

Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens

(720) 865-3500

1007 York St
Denver, CO 80206   Directions Website

Strolling through the Denver Botanic Gardens is a delightful experience for nature lovers. The sprawling 23-acre park houses various garden attractions, including living and preserved collections that showcase over 250 plant families. After leisurely walking through the gardens, visitors can attend a lecture or grab a bite at the on-site restaurant, Offshoots.

The Denver Botanic Gardens is committed to entertaining and educating visitors while sharing the wisdom of the Gardens through outreach and collaboration. With its conservation programs, the Gardens play a crucial role in saving species and preserving natural habitats for future generations.

Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge

(303) 697-3466

16831 W Alameda Pkwy
Morrison, CO 80465   Directions

Dinosaur Ridge is a must-visit site for anyone interested in prehistoric Colorado. Here, you can travel back in time by more than 100 million years. The open-air exhibits showcase genuine dinosaur bones preserved in sandstone and over 300 footprints of dinosaurs found in the top layers of sand and mudstone. If you're looking for a closer look at the beasts of the past, be sure to check out the Dinosaur Ridge Exhibit Hall.

This site is exceptional because it was here that the world's first Stegosaurus was discovered. In addition, there are more than 250 remarkable Cretaceous dinosaur tracks, dozens of Jurassic dinosaur bones, and many other trace fossils. Dinosaur Ridge is considered one of the best dinosaur track sites in North America and is among the top such sites in the world, according to a board of respected paleontologists. If you're interested in helping to preserve these treasures, please plan a visit to Dinosaur Ridge.

Rocky Mountain Balloon Rides
Rocky Mountain Balloon Rides

(303) 802-7202

12192 Sugar Mill Rd
Longmont, CO 80501   Directions Website

Rocky Mountain Balloon Rides is committed to providing unforgettable hot air balloon rides that exceed your wildest dreams. As passionate adventurers and pioneers of hot air ballooning, they have redefined what it means to take flight, offering the best hot air balloon rides in Colorado.

What sets them apart as the providers of the best Rocky Mountain balloon adventures is their unwavering dedication to creating experiences that resonate deep within adventurers' hearts. Whether you seek a bonding moment with your family or a romantic escape with your significant other, they tailor each journey to reflect your unique aspirations and dreams. At Rocky Mountain Balloon Rides, embarking on the best hot air balloon ride in Colorado has never been easier. From private escapades for intimate moments to shared rides that foster new friendships, each experience is personalized to provide an unforgettable adventure.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

(719) 275-7507

4218 Co Rd Ste 3A
Cañon City, CO 81212   Directions Website

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park offers a breathtaking view of Colorado unmatched by any other place in the state. It is home to the highest suspension bridge in the country, which spans the 1,250-foot gorge known as Colorado's Natural Wonder. In addition to enjoying the view, visitors can also participate in exciting activities such as whitewater rafting and riding on the sightseeing Royal Gorge Railroad.

The region surrounding Royal Gorge is rich in history and has many fascinating stories to tell. From fossils and Native American artifacts to coal mining operations and the construction of the Royal Gorge Bridge, there are plenty of clues to the past waiting to be explored. The geological formations that make up the gorge took millions of years to form as the river carried sediment and pebbles along the ground, carving out the vast depths we see today.

Wild Animal Sanctuary
Wild Animal Sanctuary

(303) 536-0118

2999 County Rd 53
Keenesburg, CO 80643   Directions Website

If you're an animal lover, consider visiting the Wild Animal Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to various rescued animals, such as leopards, cougars, wolves, bobcats, and foxes, all living in species-specific habitats on 320 acres of open grassland.

As the largest and oldest nonprofit sanctuary in the United States, the Wild Animal Sanctuary provides a haven for these beautiful creatures, many of whom were rescued from dangerous or abusive situations. The animals, staff, and volunteers at the Wild Animal Sanctuary appreciate your interest in their work to help solve America's captive wildlife crisis.

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