Your Guide To Denver's Top Sports Adventures

Denver, Colorado isn't just a city – it's a playground for adventure seekers. This guide will take you on a journey through the best sports-related activities in and around Denver, showcasing the city's year-round appeal. Whether you're carving turns on world-class ski slopes, scaling challenging rock faces, or navigating whitewater rapids, the Denver area offers a four-season adventure buffet that caters to novices and adrenaline junkies alike. So lace up your hiking boots, wax your skis, or inflate your paddleboard – it's time to discover why Denver is the ultimate basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts and learn important information about the places and activities that interest you the most!

Hiking and Trail Running

Red Rocks Park, located just 15 miles west of Denver, is renowned for its stunning red sandstone formations and offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The park features five main trails, including the popular 1.4-mile Trading Post Trail, which loops through spectacular rock formations and meadows, and the Red Rocks Trail, a 6-mile multi-use path connecting to Matthews/Winters Park. Beyond hiking, Red Rocks Park is famous for its amphitheater, which not only hosts concerts but also serves as a unique venue for fitness enthusiasts, offering yoga classes and stair-climbing workouts with breathtaking views.

Mount Falcon Park, 20 miles west of Denver, offers a diverse network of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, with over 12 miles of paths ranging from easy to challenging. The park is renowned for its historical features, including the ruins of John Brisben Walker's early 20th-century castle and the cornerstone of a never-completed "Summer White House," as well as its stunning views of Denver and the surrounding mountains. Hikers can choose between two main trailheads - the easier West trailhead or the more challenging East (Morrison) trailhead, which offers a 2,000-foot elevation gain along the Castle Trail. 

Cherry Creek State Park, just southeast of Denver, offers a diverse range of outdoor activities centered around its 880-acre reservoir. The park features over 35 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with options suitable for all skill levels, including the popular 4.75-mile paved Cherry Creek Trail. Water enthusiasts can enjoy boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and fishing on the reservoir, while the park also boasts unique amenities such as a 125-acre off-leash dog area, a family shooting center, and a model airplane flying field. 

Mountain Biking

Buffalo Creek, located about an hour southwest of Denver, is a mountain biking paradise offering over 150 miles of diverse trails suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. The area is known for its flowy singletrack, challenging climbs, and thrilling descents, with popular trails including the IMBA Epic Buffalo Creek Big Loop (24.3 miles), Little Scraggy Trail (9.4 miles), and the exhilarating Sandy Wash descent. Buffalo Creek's unique landscape, shaped by past wildfires, provides a mix of open areas with expansive views and forested sections, creating a varied and engaging riding experience. The trail system is well-maintained by local organizations like the Colorado Mountain Bike Association, making it a favorite destination for Front Range riders seeking quality trails and scenic beauty close to Denver.

White Ranch Park, located in Golden, Colorado, is the largest park in the Jefferson County Open Space system, offering over 20 miles of multi-use trails across 3,953 acres of diverse terrain. The park features a variety of trails suitable for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding, ranging from gentle paths to challenging routes like the Belcher Hill Trail and the bike-only segment of the Longhorn Trail. With elevations ranging from 6,060 to 7,900 feet, the park provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and offers year-round accessibility, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. White Ranch Park also stands out for its camping options, with two campgrounds (Sawmill and Sourdough Springs) offering semi-primitive, walk-in tent sites, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature for extended adventures.

Apex Park, located in Golden, Colorado, offers a diverse and challenging trail system popular among mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians. The park features approximately 9.5 miles of multi-use trails, including technical singletrack like the Enchanted Forest and Magic Mountain trails, which are subject to directional use rules to improve safety and visitor experience. Apex Park is known for its steep climbs, rewarding descents, and stunning views of the Denver skyline and surrounding foothills. 

Rock Climbing

Clear Creek Canyon Park, located just 20 minutes from Denver, is a premier rock climbing destination offering year-round opportunities with routes ranging from beginner-friendly 5.0s to extreme 5.14s. The canyon features diverse climbing areas like Creekside, home to the popular multi-pitch sport route "Playin' Hooky," and East Colfax, recommended for beginners with routes from 5.0 to 5.4. With its high-quality rock, scenic views, and proximity to water, Clear Creek Canyon provides a variety of climbing experiences, including slabs and multi-pitch routes, catering to all skill levels. The area's accessibility, constant development of new routes, and mix of sun-exposed and shaded walls make it a favorite among Front Range climbers seeking quality climbs close to the city.

Eldorado Canyon State Park, affectionately known as "Eldo," is a world-class rock climbing destination just outside Boulder, Colorado, featuring over 1,000 routes on stunning sandstone walls. The park offers a diverse range of climbing experiences, from beginner-friendly routes to challenging multi-pitch climbs like the famous Bastille Crack and The Yellow Spur. Eldo is characterized by technical face climbing, delicate footwork, and sometimes runout routes, which has earned it a reputation for being "sandbagged" or more challenging than the grades suggest. With its rich climbing history dating back to the 1950s, year-round accessibility, and proximity to Boulder and Denver, Eldorado Canyon remains a cornerstone of Colorado's climbing scene and a must-visit destination for climbers from around the world.

North Table Mountain, located in Golden, Colorado, features a variety of climbing styles, including vertical faces, technical cruxes, bulging aretes, and some cracks, with most routes being closely bolted and relatively short (around 60 feet). North Table Mountain offers year-round climbing opportunities, though summer can be hot due to its southern exposure, making early mornings or late afternoons ideal during warmer months. With its mix of sport and trad routes catering to various skill levels, convenient top-rope access, and stunning views of the surrounding area, North Table Mountain has become a favorite training ground for local climbers and a welcoming spot for beginners.

Kayaking and Rafting

The South Platte River offers diverse kayaking and rafting experiences near Denver, with popular sections including the urban stretch at Confluence Park and the more remote Deckers area. In downtown Denver, paddlers can enjoy several whitewater features, while the Deckers Chutes section, about 90 minutes from the city, provides Class II rapids suitable for beginners and intermediates, with the iconic "Chutes" rapid offering a fun Class II+/III- challenge. The river is typically runnable from spring through fall, with flows often supplemented by releases from Cheesman Reservoir in summer and fall, making it an accessible option for various skill levels. Multiple access points, campgrounds, and picnic areas along the river, particularly in the Deckers area, make the South Platte a convenient destination for both day trips and overnight adventures, though paddlers should be prepared for day-use fees and potentially crowded campsites during peak seasons.

Clear Creek, located just west of Denver, has rapids ranging from Class II to Class V. The most popular section for rafting runs from Lawson to Idaho Springs, featuring a mix of exciting rapids like "Nomad" and "Phoenix," with the intensity varying based on water levels. The creek is typically runnable from May through August, with peak flows in June, and several outfitters in Idaho Springs provide guided trips and equipment rentals.

The Arkansas River, renowned as one of Colorado's premier whitewater destinations, offers diverse rafting and kayaking experiences with sections ranging from beginner-friendly Class II rapids to challenging Class IV and V runs. The river's most popular stretch, Browns Canyon National Monument, provides stunning scenery and thrilling rapids suitable for all skill levels, making it a top choice for families and adventure seekers alike. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, The Numbers section delivers intense rapids set against breathtaking Colorado landscapes. With its accessibility from Denver and a variety of outfitters offering guided trips and rentals, the Arkansas River remains a must-visit for whitewater enthusiasts looking to explore Colorado's natural beauty.

Sailing and Windsurfing

Cherry Creek Reservoir is a premier destination for sailing and windsurfing in Denver, boasting an 880-acre surface and consistent afternoon thermal winds that typically range from 10-15 mph. The Cherry Creek Sailing Club, established in 1953, offers membership options, regular racing events, and youth sailing programs, while Community Sailing of Colorado provides lessons for all skill levels. Windsurfers can enjoy a designated beach on the northeast shore, and equipment rentals for both sailing and windsurfing are available through the Pelican Bay Marina. With its reliable winds, ample space, and proximity to downtown Denver, Cherry Creek Reservoir has become a hub for sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts in Colorado.

Boulder Reservoir, a short drive from Denver, is a popular destination for sailing and windsurfing, offering 700 acres of water surface and consistent winds, especially in the afternoons. The reservoir hosts the Community Sailing of Colorado program, which provides sailing lessons, camps, and adaptive sailing programs for individuals with disabilities. Windsurfers can enjoy the reservoir's designated areas, with rental equipment available on-site during peak season. With its stunning views of the Flatirons, well-maintained facilities including a swim beach and picnic areas, Boulder Reservoir has become a favorite spot for water sports enthusiasts in the region.

Standley Lake, located in Westminster, Colorado, offers a 1,063-acre surface for sailing and windsurfing, with a motorboat-free environment that provides calm waters ideal for these activities. The lake is open for paddling from May 1 to September 30, with consistent winds making it a favorite spot for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. The City of Westminster offers watercraft rentals, including paddleboards and kayaks, as well as unique Oarboard Rowers for those interested in trying rowing. 

Skiing and Snowboarding

Loveland Ski Area, located 53 miles from Denver, is renowned for its abundant snowfall, averaging 422 inches annually - more than any Front Range or Summit County resort. The ski area features two distinct areas: Loveland Valley, perfect for beginners with its separate lifts and gentle slopes, and Loveland Basin, offering diverse terrain for all skill levels, including the challenging Ridge served by Chair 9 that takes skiers to 12,700 feet. Loveland stands out with its free snowcat skiing along the Continental Divide, providing access to exhilarating terrain for advanced riders. With its long season (typically mid-October through early May), affordable tickets, and uncrowded slopes, Loveland has been a local favorite for over 75 years.

Arapahoe Basin, known as "A-Basin", operates from October to June or even July. Located 68 miles from Denver, the mountain boasts a summit elevation of 13,050 feet and offers 1,428 acres of diverse terrain, including the legendary Pallavicini run, one of Colorado's longest and steepest trails. The resort is divided into distinct areas, including the front side with its mix of beginner to expert runs, the steep and challenging East Wall, and the newer Beavers and Steep Gullies areas, which offer some of the most extreme in-bounds terrain in Colorado. A-Basin's unique features, such as "The Beach" parking area for tailgating and its laid-back, local vibe, make it a favorite among hardcore skiers and snowboarders seeking a more authentic mountain experience.

Winter Park Resort, a 67 mile drive from Denver, is Colorado's longest continually operated ski resort, featuring over 3,000 acres of diverse terrain spread across seven territories. The resort is divided into two interconnected areas: Winter Park, which offers a variety of beginner and intermediate runs, and Mary Jane, renowned for its challenging moguls and tree skiing. Winter Park boasts 166 designated trails, a vertical drop of 3,060 feet, and receives an average of 317.5 inches of snow annually, with highlights including the Parsenn Bowl for above-treeline skiing and the Eagle Wind Territory for expert tree skiing. The resort's modern amenities, including a scenic gondola and a vibrant base village, combined with its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to Denver (accessible via the Winter Park Express train), make it a perennial favorite for year-round mountain adventures.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Rocky Mountain National Park is a winter wonderland for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with popular trails like Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge offering breathtaking alpine scenery and well-maintained routes for all skill levels. The Bear Lake Trailhead serves as a gateway to stunning destinations such as Nymph Lake and Emerald Lake, while the Glacier Gorge Trail provides access to Mills Lake, making these trails ideal for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing equipment can be rented in nearby Estes Park, and ranger-led programs are offered on both the east and west sides of the park, providing guided experiences for those looking to explore the winter landscape.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area, located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, is a premier destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering a network of well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels. Popular routes include the Little Raven Trail, Waldrop Trail, and CMC Trail, with the latter two being multi-use trails while Little Raven is designated for skiing only during winter. The area provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and pristine forests, with trails ranging from easy loops around Brainard Lake to more challenging backcountry routes. Access is via the Brainard Gateway Trailhead during winter months, where visitors can find parking, restrooms, and a warming hut.

Eldora Nordic Center, located on Buckeye Mountain about 48 miles from Denver, offers 40 kilometers (25 miles) of trails for classic and skate cross-country skiing, as well as snowshoeing. The center features 24 trails divided into seven easy, 14 intermediate, and four difficult routes, catering to all skill levels and providing opportunities to explore beautiful lakes and forests. Eldora Nordic Center offers equipment rentals, lessons for all experience levels, and amenities like "The Lookout" restaurant with panoramic views. Its high elevation (9,560 feet above sea level) contributes to excellent snow conditions, particularly in March.

Ice Skating

Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park is a beloved seasonal attraction, offering a fun and festive ice skating experience. Open from November to February, the rink hosts special events, themed skate nights, and holiday celebrations. Rental services are available on-site, and the rink provides helpful tips for skaters of all levels. The family-friendly atmosphere and convenient downtown location make it a perfect outing for locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to skate under the city lights and enjoy the winter magic!

Big Bear Ice Arena is a premier facility offering public skating sessions, classes, and group activities. The arena features well-maintained ice rinks and a range of amenities, including a pro shop and snack bar. Big Bear also offers competitive skating programs and leagues for those interested in taking their skills to the next level. Group rates and party packages make it a great venue for celebrations and events.

South Suburban Ice Arena, located in Centennial, Colorado, is a year-round facility featuring two ice rinks with seating capacities of 800 and 300 respectively. The arena offers a wide range of programs including public skating sessions, Learn to Skate classes for all ages and abilities, and As a nationally recognized ice skating complex that has hosted annual state competitions and served as a training ground for Olympic skaters, South Suburban Ice Arena provides high-quality coaching and facilities. The arena also offers amenities such as arcade games, concessions, skate rentals, locker rooms, and skate sharpening services.

Denver is a Mecca for Year-Round Adventure!

Denver's unique geography allows for an unparalleled diversity of sports activities. Where else can you start your day shredding powder at A-Basin's legendary East Wall, grab lunch in a vibrant downtown, and end with a sunset climb at Clear Creek Canyon's Creekside Wall? The region's microclimates ensure that while you're snowshoeing through a winter wonderland at Brainard Lake Recreation Area, you could be rock climbing in t-shirt weather at North Table Mountain just an hour away. This perfect storm of accessibility, variety, and natural beauty, coupled with a community that lives and breathes outdoor sports, cements the Denver area's status as the ultimate destination in the Unites States for adventure seekers. The city provides a lifestyle that celebrates the sports in all its forms, 365 days a year. For more information about how we serve Denver's adventure athletes, please see our Denver page.