Denver’s Best Excursions

Best Park to Begin a Hike [1]: Boulder’s Chautauqua Park [1] has a historic theater used for summer music festivals, a restaurant, a playground, and cabins, and is also the starting point for dozens of stellar hikes.

Best Get-Smart Hike [2]: The National Center for Atmospheric Research [2] has many scientific displays inside, but also offers the Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail with signs that tell about local weather.

Best Opera Venue [3]: The Central City Opera House [3] is both a historical attraction and an excellent place to see a performance.

Most Refreshing Hike [4]: The Bluebird Lake Trail [4] on the south end of Rocky Mountain National Park passes by Ouzel Falls, Ouzel Lake, Calypso Cascades, and Bluebird Lake. Although it can be a difficult hike, it is the perfect respite from a hot summer day in the city.

Best Red Rocks [5]: Whether you choose to see Garden of the Gods [5] near Colorado Springs on foot, by car, on horseback, or by mountain bike, you will be awed by the natural beauty.

Best Free Drinks [6]: The Mineral Springs [6] are one of the best attractions in Manitou Springs. The spring water trickles from decorative spigots and fountains around the historic town. Anyone can bring a cup or bottle and drink as much of the potentially healing waters as they want.

Best Way to Get to the Slopes [7]: The most scenic and relaxing way to get to the Winter Park Ski Resort is the Ski Train [7].

Best Cross-Country Skiing [8]: Devil’s Thumb Ranch [8], just 15 minutes outside of Winter Park Ski Resort, is a gorgeous and peaceful valley exclusively for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Best Alpine Garden [9]: Billed as the highest botanical garden in the world, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens [9] in Vail are a beautiful example of what grows, blooms, and thrives at a high altitude.

Most Unique Architecture [10]: No matter what your religion, the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya [10] shrine is intriguing and worth the hike.