The 47 best nature near Denver

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A True Urban Oasis - Stunning Architecture and Vibrant Gardens! The Denver Botanic Gardens is an absolute must-visit! My recent trip was fantastic, and I was especially impressed by the way the Gardens blend natural beauty with thoughtful, modern design. The Science Pyramid is a major highlight—the hexagonal, honeycomb exterior is a striking piece of architecture (as seen in the photos!) that beautifully introduces the concepts of biomimicry and conservation science. It's truly eye-catching and creates a wonderful focal point for the campus. Beyond the architecture, the gardens themselves are a vibrant escape. From the rich green textures of the tropical conservatory (like the beautiful palms and ferns in the images) to the colorful outdoor beds, everything is meticulously maintained. The variety is outstanding, making it easy to spend hours wandering through different biomes. Whether you're a serious botanist or just looking for a peaceful, beautiful afternoon, this place delivers. Don't miss the chance to explore the different water features and the varied foliage! Highly recommend it.

I visited the Denver Botanic Gardens on November 10th, and it was an absolute highlight of the autumn season! The gardens were bursting with vibrant fall colors—reds, oranges, and golds everywhere you looked, creating a stunning natural palette that’s perfect for this time of year. It’s like a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city, where you can escape the hustle and bustle and just immerse yourself in tranquility. I loved every moment of it and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a serene, beautiful escape! We’ll definitely be back.

The Denver botanic gardens is a wonderful oasis in a busy city neighborhood. We love all of the landscape design and attention to detail. While it was crowded on a weekend, there was plenty of room in the beautiful landscaped areas and walkways to see and enjoy this botanic garden. They have a wonderful shop with some beautiful handicrafts and gifts that are nature-themed. It definitely was worth it making a trip to this beautiful garden.

So beautiful. Even if you have no interest in gardening yourself, an oasis of calm and beauty, with a koi pind and water features. perfect for a mini break in your day, with free parking! nice little cafe, too. When its snowing, the green houses are magical. If you do garden, or love houseplants, you will be inspired. I treated myself to a membership. So worth it, because i can stop in for a quick zen break whenever im in the neighborhood .

Came to the Denver Botanic Gardens on my Denver Trip on the 5th November 2025. An absolutely beautiful viewing for all to see! There are a range of plants to come and observe here, I am not a plant expert but I’m sure one of those would have an even better time here than I did. I did go in November so maybe it is better in the summer too? But it was really hot when I went so I had a good time! Worth going to!

Going to a botanical garden in late fall is always a gamble, however I was so impressed by the well maintained gardens. They were organized by theme, and each space inspired a sense of reflection. My absolute favorite part was the orangery which smelled heavenly! I would definitely go back for either the lights or when more plants are growing!

Lots of great exhibits. Indoors and outdoors. I went during the week. The cafe inside was also convenient. Staff was helpful when I had questions on directions. Lots of cool plants/trees

This was our first family trip to the zoo. We enjoyed ourselves. Lots of animals to see. We caught the elephant show so that was pretty cool. The zoo was clean and stroller friendly. It was nice that they had family restrooms. Parking was free and the parking deck allowed us to park in the shade so the car didn't get too hot. Overall we had a great experience.

Was a cool place! Very large and a lot of animals! This is actually the first zoo I've visited that had Hyenas, so that thoroughly pleased me! They had this awesome Lorikeet section where it is possible to feed them and they can fly on you but you cannot touch them, which I understand. The Primates area was pretty cool got to see Gorillas up close, some orangutans, I'm not too sure about the Mandrill section but they seemed sad, plus there was a sign saying they've been expressing strange behaviors. OOHHH and they had an area with an Eye eye that was neat. The zoo is actually so large, it was difficult to navigate around even with a map, but not a negative. They just closed a bit early for my liking. They closed at 4 and we were only about... 75% through the park? Also a bit of construction going on. Oh and another awesome thing was all the squirrels and Rabbits roaming all around the park

🦁 5-Star Experience at the Denver Zoo! ​What an absolutely fantastic day at the Denver Zoo! From the moment we arrived, the staff was friendly and welcoming, setting the tone for a truly enjoyable visit. The zoo itself is beautifully maintained, and it's clear how much care goes into the animal habitats. ​We were especially impressed by the variety and visibility of the animals. Well I was there. The animal was visibly happy, which I loved. The exhibits are designed wonderfully, making it easy to observe the animals in settings that feel natural and spacious. It's a wonderful place for both kids and adults to connect with wildlife and learn more about conservation. ​I highly recommend the Denver Zoo for a day of fun, education, and inspiration. It's a must-visit Denver attraction and a true asset to the city. I can't wait to go back!

Our trip to the Denver Zoo was an absolute blast! The grounds are beautiful, clean, and easy to walk through — you can tell the staff really cares about the animals and the guests. Every exhibit was well-designed, and we loved seeing so many animals up close! The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions. The kids especially loved the giraffes and the train ride! Such a fun, family-friendly day — we can’t wait to come back again soon! 🐘🦁🦒

The Denver Zoo is absolutely amazing! 🐘 Every visit feels like a new adventure. The exhibits are beautifully designed, the animals look well cared for, and the staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable. My son’s favorite part is seeing the elephants - he could stand there for hours watching them! 🥰 It’s such a wonderful place for families, and we love how clean, shaded, and easy to explore it is. There’s always something exciting going on, whether it’s a special event or just a sunny day surrounded by wildlife. As a Johnstown real estate agent, I’m always telling families how special it is to have places like this right here in the heart of Denver, Colorado. The zoo is a perfect mix of education, conservation, and fun - definitely a must-visit for locals and visitors alike! 🦁🌿

We have gone to the zoo twice this month for Boo at the zoo. The first night was great fun. The lights everywhere were amazing. The second night there were some lights but they were mostly turned off. That was disappointing. But, we had a great family and friends outing. The first night not being able to see the animals in the dark was a bummer. The second night we went earlier and we were able to see some of the animals. The seals are my favorite. Since they would only let us go one way around the zoo we didn't get to see any of the seals, penguins etc.

Wonderful zoo. Really enjoyed it. You need to buy tickets for a set time, and make sure you arrive in the allotted window. Staff was super nice. Busy on a Saturday as expected. Fantastic reptile house. Wallaby exhibit is neat but they are super lazy. Zoo is highly recommended.

I went yesterday, July 29, 2025, with my husband. The place is beautiful for hiking and camping, although some young people don't believe in cleanliness and throw trash everywhere, even though the reserve provides them with all the necessary places and trash containers. Nevertheless, the romantic reserve is beautiful, sunny days are available, and water is always available near all the seating areas, and the bathrooms are clean.

I love this lake to fish It's so clean and so many trees and vegetation and animals I've seen dear many times. I also saw big toad. This is my go-to place when I want to relax take my dog out.

We really loved our stay here! It's hard to wrap your brain around the fact that you are in the middle of a city. Massive amount of beautiful, well cared for nature. Very easy to get in and out with our 40' RV, LOTS of trails and space to walk the dogs (would have been perfect for bike riding), enjoyed fires at night and even saw the northern lights! Great laundry area (easy to use app so no worries about finding quarters). Pay showers but I didn't use. There was a large coyote presence so I would be cautious leaving any small dogs unattended but they pretty much kept their distance. We loved hearing them at night. Would love to stay again!

Such a lovely state park. Wonderful trail to walk, it is paved for road biking. There are many bathrooms along the trail too. Also I love the swimmable area in the reservoir. Super refreshing for after a workout! Leave no trace :)

This is a great place to visit for long walks, biking and running/jogging. There is also a campground area, beach, marina! It was beautiful and peaceful when we visited, I can imagine the crowds during summertime. We enjoyed our visit.

Great views for a morning run! The attendant at the East entrance was very helpful. Gave me a map and gave perfect instructions on how to get to Dixon for the trail. I ended my run by the lake. So peaceful. I’m going back tomorrow for my 8 mile run down Cherry Creek Dam.

Beautiful Park close to Denver. Excellent for a day trip! Family friendly and well kept camping areas. Good Vibes all Around!

Peaceful, quiet, easy, blissful.

Awesome trail to ride your bike

I was visiting at the end of March and found this trail. This was a great trail for cycling. It got more crowded as I got closer to downtown so I preferred the more distant sections. There are signs letting you know you are on the trail but the intersections don’t tell you which way to go to stay on the trail. As long as you keep moving in the general direction you’ll meet back up with it if you get off track.

It's a great trail lots of shade and the creek is great for dogs

Huge shortcut home

Dangerous place

I luv it thanks denver city for hard work we love it

This was a delightful surprise! Living in Denver usually means heading to the mountains for holidays, but this Labor Day, we decided to explore the Rocky Mountain Arsenal east of the city. And guess what? We were not disappointed! The refuge was absolutely charming. We took the wildlife drive and spotted a herd of bison grazing peacefully. There were also lots of patient dogs roaming around. We also took a stroll around Mary Lake, which was incredibly relaxing and a very pleasant walk. .

This is a wonderful way to see some amazing large animals, close up. Most of the refuge is seen from inside your car. Don't Get Out of Your Car!!! The bison are very large and unpredictable animals. The males can be very aggressive. Bring binoculars and your camera longer lens are helpful as you will be shooting from inside your car. Many of the animals are used to seeing cars and do get close to the road. Sometimes the bison come up into the road! The deer generally keep their distance, but they get close enough to see them well. The coyotes generally tend to stay away from people and are at some distance away, but these are wild animals, they don't read these reviews or the rule books. Your experience will probably be different than mine. There are areas where you can get out and walk around, trails and pathways to adventure through. Areas where you can view the waterbirds from and bridges through the marsh areas.

I came here thinking we weren’t gonna see much but we saw lots of animals especially the bison/buffalo deer with full fledged antlers (like the ones Santa uses) and tons of badgers!! This place is a must see! Just drive through these fields and you’re bound to see lots of wildlife! We had our car surrounded by bison! It was great!!

First, some tips: 🐌 Take your time, slow down. This is a free opportunity to relax and allow yourself to be surprised by what you can see if you just slow down. Cars coming behind you? Let them pass. The road is one way but plenty wide enough most of the way, so anyone just wanting to rush through can simply go around you. The speed limit is 30; I PROMISE you'll miss things if you do that. 👁👁 Be on the constant lookout. The two types of deer, coyote, certain birds, and the prairie dogs here can be hard to spot unless they just decide to give you a show. Watch for the flick of an ear or tail or a random swift movement, it's actually fun to spot something other cars are passing. 🎧 Put on The "podcast" and pause/play as you go. It's NOT boring and you actually see more (e.g. a bald eagle nest) than you would on your own.... and the facts you learn about the wildlife, land, people, etc are interesting (my fave was the "underground cities"). My review: What a beautiful place; I haven't smiled that hard in a long while... even though we drove through in the afternoon on a very warm day and assumed we wouldn't see a ton of wildlife, we were pleasantly surprised at what we did get to see --- a herd of bison in the distance as well as a few more here and there close enough to photograph, a TON of active and alert prairie dogs, a warbler, mule deer, a ferruginous hawk soaring above, and so much breathtaking land. Go, take your time, enjoy.

I can't express the depth of my love for this place! The wildlife drive is beautiful, the hikes are easy and refreshing, and the information center is intresting and insightful. This is such a fun place to come to to see wildlife thriving in their natural environment! The prairie restoration efforts bring me so much joy and hope for keeping Colorados wildlife safe and healthy, especially in such a dire climate crisis. This is a great place for kids and adults to enjoy nature

Unfortunately the visitor center was closed, due to the government shutdown. The wildlife drive was OK - it was mid-morning, and there was nothing much to see. A few spots where the trees were changing. It would probably be better earlier in the morning. Not sure I would go back again.

Loved listening and learning with the podcast. Only disappointment was bison were not up and no big birds, but plenty of deer and prairie dogs and scenery. For a free detour, totally worth a visit. :)

No water fountains that i saw.Disabled parking fills more than an hour before game starts.Very well organized and courteous people.$23 parking and easy to get out in first 15 Minutes.Bus to transport inside parking but there is a line.One side of stadium be third baseline had shadow whole The rest was baking hot.No long bathroom lines! Very expensive beer $11-15.Ne careful what seats you buy. Disabled people have personal assistants and for those using a walker is very difficult cu hold on to bars when descending on stairs because of wrong spacing of bars.Please Avoid the stairs if you have a cane.

The park was clean and comfortable. All seats provided excellent viewing. Multiple vendors offered a variety of services and prices that were reasonable. I would highly recommend this park of you love baseball.

Coors Field is one of the best ballparks around! The atmosphere is always incredible - from the mountain views to the energy of the crowd, it’s such a fun experience whether you’re a big baseball fan or just there for a great day out. The stadium is clean, the staff is friendly, and the food and drink options never disappoint. As a local real estate agent in Northern Colorado, I love spending time here with family and clients - it’s a perfect example of what makes living in Colorado so enjoyable. If you’re in the Denver area, catching a game at Coors Field is an absolute must! ⚾️🌄

Fun way to spend the afternoon! Even better when the Rockies win! Did you know that you can make reservations for the Mountain Ranch Bar & Grille and for $32 a person you can sit inside/outside in the shade and comfy seats and eat at the buffet. Don’t tell anyone about this cool, secret spot!

Beautiful stadium. We want to a day game so it got pretty hot. If you are attending a day game, consider tickets towards the back of a section that has a cover. Loved that they had sunscreen at the first aid stations and had water refill stations. We enjoyed the view from the roof and by the bullpens before we sat in our seats. I also loved that they had a kids food area with very reasonable prices! It’s right by the playground. Entertainment between innings could be more exciting.

This is a great ballpark. It is gorgeous inside and out. It has a timeless look and feel. It’s so inviting you feel like Babe Ruth played there. It’s located a mile high above sea level and the views are amazing. I would highly recommend and you should buy some merch at the on site store and the food is fantastic and reasonably priced.

Coors Field is one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country. There is truly nothing like the views of the Rocky Mountains from the stands sunset games are unbelievable. The atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and very “Colorado,” and it’s the perfect place to catch a Rockies game on a nice day. Great stadium, great vibes, and absolutely iconic mountain views.

Great place. They are having a great exhibition. It’s really impressive. I loved it. You feel welcomed, all the staff members are really polite. This museum it’s perfect for educational purposes and entertainment. I loved Angkor: The Lost Empire Of Cambodia exhibition, it’s included on the admission ticket to the museum. I really enjoyed my time there. If you are visiting Denver you should check it out this amazing place.

I've been going to this museum for as long as I can remember. I invested in a Young Professional membership and it was one of the best investments of my adult life. The museum is always changing, adapting, innovating and educating. There are new exhibits throughout each year. They offer adult only evenings with cocktails, interactive education opportunities, small bites, music and fun. They offer different programs and lectures for all ages and interests. This museum is hands down one of the best in the nation. I visit at least once a month, often more due to new and exiting lectures and events. DMNS is a can't miss far and above. Oh...and the salad bar in the food area is killer.

We really enjoyed our visit here. There were areas of interest for each member of the family. The kids loved the dinosaurs, space stuff, and lifelike dioramas. Hubby enjoyed the fossils and history. I really loved the minerals and gems. Can’t wait to go back!

I love this museum! They currently have an elephant exhibit that is wonderful!! The planetarium was super cool and just 5 or 6 dollars!! They have a gem collection that is out of this world!! The food is also great! A huge slice of pizza is $5. It was a great day!!!

Absolutely a must-see in Denver. The exhibits are captivating - or at least the few that I saw are. It's quite big and is definitely worth the cost. The absolute best thing is to go the terrace on the 4th floor and look out over the city and the mountains in the back. It's truly a stunning view that I absolutely need to see again!

It was a free day and there must have been a furry convention as they were all over the place and a bit inappropriate.It was very crowded and chaotic, couldn't really enjoy it as I would have liked. We will have to revisit on a less busy day. The parking was absolutely atrocious!! Maybe second time around will work out better!!

Very nice museum. Most exhibits have bilingual signs in English & Spanish (very nice!). Very nice dioramas. Cool tie-ins to local geology and paleontology. Favorite areas: Gems and Dinosaurs. The Space exhibit is very kid-friendly. Several optional "extra fee" experiences also available.

Visiting the Denver Art Museum was a wonderful experience. It has been more than 20 years since we were here, and it's changed a lot. The experience was fabulous. From the Western and Indigenous art to treasures from Asia and Latin America, to Alaskan art, as well as classic European and American art, it's all there! We're so glad we had time to visit this outstanding institution, and we highly recommend it.

Attended the Camille Pissarro exhibit. We liked works from Monet so we assumed we would like these as well. We did!! Also enjoyed learning about the artist Ticket counter only had 2 people. Glad we pre bought ours so we were able to avoid that line. Included a few pics. Well worth the visit!

I’ve been to art museums around the world and this was one of my favorites! The architecture is the star, with interesting angles and nooks that create distinct viewing areas. Wander through without a set agenda and you will be delighted. There are numerous places to pause and sit, allowing you to appreciate the space and have time for reflection. I especially enjoyed the Susan Wick, Sarah Sze, and The Tangled Self temporary exhibitions. Special note - visit the women’s bathroom at the Sturm grand pavilion for the singing sinks!

A beautifully curated museum with amazing pieces of art from various cultures and ethnicities. A wonderful experience in a well-designed space that enriches the soul. Every piece of artwork evokes emotion and captivates the eyes. Definitely a must see, do not miss one of the best museums in the world!

Very fine collection of art from classical to modern; furniture design to sculptures and totem poles. The building, inside and out, makes for an interesting visit with odd angles and non vertical walls. Admission is reasonable. One could easily spend 4-5 hours here.

Nice museum with lots of cool outdoor artwork, solid permanent exhibitions, and usually something special in the travelling exhibition area. The current Pissaro exhibit is world class. Visit this place!

Lots of amazing exhibits here with amazing g history. you definitely need a full day to explore everything. It was pretty awesome to go on the free days. How can you go wrong with that? I don't think I will come back until a year later to see what new exhibits and artists are there!

Larimer Square is absolutely charming — a must-visit when in Denver! The historic buildings, twinkling string lights, and vibrant atmosphere make it feel magical both day and night. It’s the perfect place to stroll, shop at unique boutiques, or enjoy a meal at one of the many great restaurants and cafes. The mix of history and modern energy gives it such a special character. Whether you’re visiting Denver for the first time or have lived here for years, Larimer Square always has something to offer. ✨🏙️

Really pretty area. It's nice to walk through it and bounce store to store. The building exterior has a historic look (brick, painted wood) and there are cafe string lights hanging overhead. Great atmosphere and lots of fun and interesting stores. Really nice restaurants as well.

There’s old buildings, built into modern day restaurants and businesses. This was a fun street, dressed in the Colorado flag. It hosted multiple local jewelry makers, clothing brands, someone who was selling vintage maps of the world, a record seller, and it even had its own DJ that encouraged people to buy local. It was a poppin’ evening down Larimer Square.

Came here on a weekday daytime so it wasn't as lively as I wish it to be. It's a closed-off/pedestrianized street, not very long but it looks like a decent place to hang out, with cafe, restaurants and some stores. Walking distance from nearby car park, Union Station and University of Colorado. Makes for a good walk around the neighborhood.

Larimer Square is the oldest part of Denver - where Colorado capital was initially founded. It's a historic yet very small area with several bars and restaurants, some quaint shops with Colorado state flags above the entire area

A simple street located in the heart of Denver’s downtown where there are restaurants, snacky stores, a thrift store, and more. When I was there, there was a bit of construction but nothing too big to block off a big section of the square. Location is super easy to get to by bus as there are approxiamately 2-3 bus stops near. Honestly nothing special for me, just a small street packed with clothing stores and restaurants.

Definitely a nice up skill place in Denver. You’ll find great food to eat line to drink and even if you vintage shops during the day. There is a few speakeasys in this area that I would love to leave some reviews on, but definitely a great place to stop by and enjoy yourself and spend a little mula

This is one of my favorite spaces on the planet. The art is stunning and thought provoking. To have 93% of Still’s work in one place allows the viewer to begin to understand his modern Impressionism. It’s a wonderful experience every time I go.

This museum is fantastic! Such knowledgeable guides and a wealth of information and experience about Clifford Still; a father of abstract expressionism. They house over 95% of his lifetime of work and regularly change exhibits so that you can always go back to see more of his paintings. Such a wonderful experience. To eat, you must go outside even if you’ve packed your own food. No water allowed inside exhibit halls unless carefully stowed away (and not removed). You can’t get a sense of the enormity of what he did from photos alone. You must visit in person. The architecture was also a lovely experience. Make sure you get the brochure about that too. Enjoy!

My friend and I were just using library passes so we didn’t pay for a tour, but it might have helped us understand Still’s life and work better. The artwork was large and stimulating. There’s a small gift shop area in the front. Wish it had some magnets/stickers with the name of the museum on them. There are some quirky magnets and stickers but I’d love some more basic ones with the museum’s name. Street parking could be found.

Clifford work as displayed in his museum sold me on the value of abstract art. It is incredible to see his progression as an artist over time. The scale of his work is larger than most and gives an incredibly powerful impression. This exhibit on display when I went was curated by children, which only added to the experience. There is a hands on art section. My 10 year old was able to do her own art there while I walked the exhibit. The staff are incredibly kind and thoughtful. A must visit for any art enthusiast.

I had no idea this had been here for so long. I love the way the museum is set up, and you kind of go through the art as he did. It's a gorgeous building, parking was easy, and it's gigantic inside. I think they had a little toddler art class going on while my husband and I were there which was extremely cute.

I once was a volunteer at an event hosted by a company not associated with the museum but being held there. And I was excited because when I have done such events at museums in the past the museums were always very gracious to the volunteers letting them wander around after the event. Not this museum. Actually, the museum workers were so ungracious that right before the event started someone stopped by our table to let us know that as volunteers we were not allowed outside of the room we were in without purchasing a full price ticket. And she said it in a way the brooke no discussion on the matter. It seemed almost rude the way she said it. As if I had asked if I could fondle one of the paintings. I have not purchased a ticket. I will not be purchasing a ticket. I will be telling anyone who is interested or mentions the museum about my experience. Jerks.

The guy was a narcissistic megalomaniac and not even from Denver - they just gave money and a space to house the museum (as were his postmortem wishes). It’s very telling when even the museum *staff* struggle to find kind words about him - ha! Having said that, he was a prodigious producer of art and the building is a very impressive piece of architecture. I’m glad we went and we won’t be back.

The had one of their concerts at the park with local bands And radio dj . Need more vendors for food and drinks more often, especially hot days, and when there are no concerts during weekdays . Please! I love the rapid water bowls to tube down. careful for the undertow and I feel they should expand tubing area make river tube friendly for atleast a half to mile long downstream. And maybe add a playground and a fenced dog park next to water for dog , ball fetching. I enjoy this park allot

We found this beautiful park when we went for a 10km walk/scooter adventure from our hotel one morning in August. Very clean. Never felt intimidated by homelessness or others. The architecture of the local buildings and the design of the river in this area was exceptional!

Confluence Park in Denver is a vibrant urban spot where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River. It’s great for kayaking, biking, picnics, and enjoying city views with a touch of nature. The park can get crowded, parking is limited, and water quality varies, but its mix of trails, green space, and downtown access makes it a must-visit.

What a fun memory. Years ago with my kids yesterday with my grandson was much fun Confluence is always easy fun and free to play and rest in water. Saw a kayaker playin on water was fun to see him manipulate waters. Not deep or fast so small kids are able to play

Great Park to visit in Denver! Located close to downtown, very peaceful walk with easy access to shops, aquarium, REI and places to sit down.

A nice walk along the river, with folks swimming and tubing on a hot day. Scooter and bike rentals nearby if you want to explore even further. Skyline view. Starbucks nearby if you need refreshments, and an REI if you want to mortgage your life away on some really awesome outdoor gear :) Nice way to spend a few hours.

We're from out of state and this was a great place to sit and relax while on vacation, people watch, dog watch, and read.

South Platte River Trail – Urban Nature Done Right If you’re looking for a trail that effortlessly blends urban charm with natural beauty, the South Platte River Trail in Colorado is a must-explore. I recently visited while exploring trails in the Denver area, and it left a lasting impression. It’s the kind of place where you can get your steps in, enjoy some riverside peace, and still feel connected to the vibrant life of the city. Whether you’re a cyclist, walker, runner, or just someone who enjoys the sound of flowing water—this trail has something for everyone. What makes the South Platte River Trail stand out is its accessibility and variety. It stretches over 30 miles, running from the city of Englewood through downtown Denver and beyond, passing parks, art installations, bridges, and plenty of spots where you can pause and soak in the views. The fact that this trail is so deeply woven into the metro area makes it ideal for locals and visitors alike. One of my favorite parts of the trail is how visually dynamic it is. On one stretch, you might find yourself surrounded by nature—tall grasses, cottonwood trees, and the river quietly flowing beside you. On another stretch, you’ll pass under elevated train tracks, beside colorful murals, or near iconic Denver spots like Confluence Park and REI’s flagship store. You can truly feel the heartbeat of the city as you walk or ride along the river. The trail is paved and wide, making it great for bikers, strollers, and joggers alike. I saw everything from families on casual strolls to serious cyclists cruising through. Most people were courteous and followed trail etiquette, which made the experience smooth and enjoyable. While some parts are more open and sunny, there are plenty of shady areas too—especially under the bridges and in greener sections. The river itself adds a peaceful energy to the trail. Even though you’re in the city, the sounds of the water and birds make you feel connected to nature. There are also several bridges and overlooks where you can stop, rest, or snap a few photos. During my visit, I stopped at one of the benches near a quieter section and just watched the water drift by—it was incredibly calming. One important note is that, while most of the trail is very clean and well-maintained, some sections closer to industrial or heavily urban zones may have light debris or graffiti. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of depending on where you enter. That said, the city has done a great job revitalizing and preserving the trail, especially closer to downtown and popular parks. There are also plenty of places to access amenities along the way—cafes, water fountains, bike repair stations, and public restrooms depending on where you are on the trail. If you’re planning a longer outing, I’d suggest bringing water, a snack, and maybe a blanket if you plan to relax by the river. Parking varies depending on the section. Confluence Park, Commons Park, and Fishback Landing all offer good access points with nearby parking lots or metered street parking. Some areas can get crowded on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is best for a stress-free visit. Overall, I’d give the South Platte River Trail a solid 8.5 out of 10. It’s a beautiful, versatile space that combines city life with outdoor adventure in a way that few trails manage to do. Whether you’re biking for miles, walking the dog, or just enjoying a peaceful afternoon outdoors, this trail is an excellent choice. Highly recommend for locals, tourists, and anyone looking for an easy-to-access outdoor gem in the heart of Colorado.

Great place to ride or run. There are usually different animals at different places along the trail. In the spring, you can see geese and their goslings (but may want to stay back they are very protective.) I saw a fox the other day on the north Denver side of the trail.

Great for walking your dog.

Be advised that this trail has encampments with people who are experiencing homelessness, open drug use, and public urination /defecation. It is inadvisable to run this trail alone at night.

A very nice and clean trailhead. Many parks along the way. Occasionally can find workout areas on the trail. Most of the sections are either flat or gradual hills. Many spots give open views of the mountains in the West and south directions. At the cemetery just north of Mississippi Ave, it makes for a very peaceful section for walking. But since it's not cement, but black top, it makes for a very bumpy ride on wheels. In the Northeast area is the Morrison Nature Center near I-70 and Smith Rd. A beautiful place to visit while it's also good for early Bald Eagle sightings. 🚶🚵

Comfortable walk, really nice during autumn!

Nice trail runs along greenwood village and centennial. Quiet a nice break from the city life. . Great for biking or walking or running with your dog or best friends

Long bike ride with an old friend, who picked this trail. Plenty of "elbow room" even with a good crowd out there. Would have liked the section we rode to have more natural or some built shade / shelter, but it's nothing a bit of sunscreen can't solve.

Miles and Miles 🚴💨 of trails to hike 🏃 or bike!! It is nice to be a Colorado Native. 300+ days of Sunshine a year 🌄 !

A real cool Canal that goes through Denver and Englewood and Littleton and Centennial running through many parks and open spaces and a lot of cool things. Go explore the bike path that runs next to it.

Nice trail no matter where you get on. Great for walking, running or biking. Goes for miles!

If you visit Denver, Colorado, visit the 16th Street Mall. There are different food options to choose from, and you can take a nice walk.

This was disappointing. I am a big supporter of pedestrianized streets and place making but this feels like it has failed to live up to it's potential. The center of the wide street is left open, possibly reserved for buses, though we never saw any. While some very nice and cute seating and other features have been created on the sidewalks the failure to utilize the majority of the street leaves it feeling a bit barren. Also the stores along the street are often chains like H&M & Target and not the mix of interesting smaller local shops you'll find on Boulder's Pearl Street or Linden St. in Ft. Collins. Still worth checking out after visiting the Capitol or the great History & Art Museums on the other side of the park as there seems to be some decent dining options, including outdoor dining, but it could be so much more.

16th Street was ok. It’s a Friday and overcast so not much people out. But if you like to drink alcohol there’s plenty of places for that. Good place to take walk.

This is a lovely place to spend a day. I enjoyed all the boutique shops, the restaurants, and even passed through a few places just to people watch for a while. Quite the gatherings here on weekends. But you can visit any day of the week and I guarantee you’ll have a good time. Check out the bowling alley for extra fun.

Denver’s 16th Street Mall is a 1.7-mile pedestrian corridor in downtown, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment. The free shuttle makes getting around easy, and nearby attractions include the Central Library and Paramount Theatre. Renovations have improved the area, though visitors should be mindful of occasional safety concerns.

A little history here before I begin my review. In the 1990s the 16th Street Mall was a hub for social interactions and shopping galore. Many who lived in the Downtown area would enjoy the peace and serenity of the 16th Street Mall at night. The 16th Street Mall has been rebuild and redesign twice now in Denver's history. With that said. Unfortunately, when Colorado legalized marijuana in the 2000s is when the 16th Street Mall became a liability to those that went there. Gangs, homeless drug addicts, and crime increased and many clean and sober hard working taxpayers didn't feel safe unless they were carrying a side arm for protection. One couldn't escape the smell of marijuana that enveloped the Mall from all the smoking done there. Many businesses closed up as a result of less foot traffic meaning customers were far and few. Even tourist dared not travel the Mall at night. From news reports in 2025 that I have read about the rebuild of the 16th Street Mall now just 16th Street. The Mall part was dropped under a $100k ad blitz. My wife and I had to move from Denver to Minnesota in 2019, but do remember the 16th Street Mall of old before marijuana legalization.

Denver hates people actually spending time at this mall. Most of the parking is max 2 hours which is maybe just enough time for a dinner and they WILL give you a parking ticket once it's 1+ minute overdue. I don't know why I keep making efforts to visit downtown just to get tickets when I'm literally 10 minutes late to my car.

Its a great fun place, but it takes like 20 mins to go through the whole thing. So basically spent $1 a min. The tiger was an unexpected surprise and it was not just sleeping. The tanks are FULL of fish and are great, just dont expect to wear your kid out haha. I wish there was a package deal with the children's museum.

Pros: Great indoor activity, elevators, handicap bathroom, wagons allowed, drinks allowed, snack bar with Starbucks, plenty of parking, interactive activities such as touching jellyfish and stingrays. A half day learning adventure great for any age. Cons: the Restroom is downstairs so make sure you use it before going to the second floor, if you have sensitivity to fish smell The Warf smells so walk through quickly, wish there were more signs for each section of fish(like a flip through pamphlet to know which fish are in that specific tank). 8/10 for animal learning activity

Our visit started off with an unexpected and delightful surprise—a wild animal encounter right at the entrance! My son was thrilled to meet Mr. Porcupine, and it was such a fun start to our day. The fish exhibits were adorable, and the shark displays were particularly impressive. While this aquarium isn’t as large as the one in Atlanta, it offered a wonderful, more intimate experience. The highlight for my son was definitely feeding the stingrays—he loved it! We also got to see the tigers, though they were napping, so we didn’t get the best view of them. We didn’t have the chance to check out the restaurant, but we spent a few enjoyable hours exploring in the morning with our little one. You really don’t need a lot of time to see everything here—it’s a manageable size for a leisurely visit. Parking is convenient, with a lot right across the street, and it’s just $8 for the day.

A better-than-anticipated experience good for all ages. Well designed and a treasure trove of marine life. The entire space can be meandered in and hour or so or you could spend all day. Although beautiful and seemingly content and well cared for it was a bit difficult to see the tigers in this habitat that didn't really fit into the marine setting

The Denver Aquarium is such a fantastic experience for all ages! The exhibits are beautifully designed, showcasing an incredible variety of marine life — from colorful tropical fish to sharks, stingrays, and even tigers. Walking through the tunnels and seeing the sea creatures swim all around you is truly magical. It’s not just an aquarium, it feels like an adventure. The interactive areas are perfect for kids, and the mermaid show is a unique touch that makes the visit even more memorable. I also loved the restaurant inside, where you can dine while watching the giant aquarium — such a one-of-a-kind experience. The staff is friendly, the facility is clean and well-maintained, and you can easily spend a few hours exploring without noticing how time flies. Whether you’re visiting Denver with family, friends, or on your own, the aquarium is definitely a must-see attraction!”

I went later in the day at around 6:30 pm, it wasn't packed with people, which I loved. Parking was close to the entrance and we were able to get through the whole thing with the time we had and we got to enjoy the restaurant which was superb! If you get an alcoholic drink with your meal you get to leave with a souvenir glass. I'd say that they need to change a few drinks on the menu but beautiful experience.

A little smaller than I thought but such a cute aquarium! Plenty of open space to weave through the crowds. All of the aquatic animals are beautiful and adorable. We could spend about an hour there and it was so much fun. Definitely recommend buying tickets online since we were able to bypass majority of the lines by purchasing the tickets online on our phones when we got there. Now for my standard comments. This location is clean and well kept.

All tours of Denver should start here. We arrived and were allowed to join a tour that had already started which was nice. The tour moved along at a good pace. My main comments are: 1. The guides should dress in a uniform as the women did in the 1950s, in the state flag colors. It would make it more special. 2. Mr. Brown's Attic, a large long room with poster boards on the walls telling the history, before one goes up to the dome, but which anyone can walk up to even if not on a tour, has great info, and we read every word, and spent maybe 30 minutes in this. 3. They should colorize the B&W photos as I did here with one. 4. They should redo the photo on the dome veranda looking west, which is old and faded, and have lines pointing out differences from then and now. It is poor that they can't allocate money to this. We were there from 12:30 until 2 p.m., but took lots of time. You can see everything without being on a tour, except going up in the dome, but if you are in Mr. Brown's Attic, from where a door goes to the stairs to the dome, you could probably ask a tourguide to tag along and he would say yes.

⭐️ Colorado State Capitol – Denver, CO Spent an afternoon exploring the area around the Colorado State Capitol and really enjoyed it! 🏛️ The building itself is stunning — clean, well-maintained, and full of historic character. Unfortunately, it was closed to visitors that day, but walking around was still worth it. There’s plenty to see nearby — art statues, fountains, shops, restaurants, and bars all within walking distance. 🍽️🛍️ The area feels safe and organized, with visible security presence that gives peace of mind. 🚓 Parking is metered on surrounding streets, usually easy to find if you’re patient. Highly recommend stopping by for great photos, history, and architecture — especially if you’re exploring downtown Denver! 📸🌤️

So far, we've visited more than 30 US Capitols and this one counts in top 5. Likewise many others it's located in the very city center, built in the neoclassic architecture with a dome in the middle - but this one covered with gold leaves. I strongly suggest doing the free tour which starts daily from 10AM on the hour. It lasts slightly less than an hour and passionate guides tell you many informative and interesting facts about the state history, joining the Union, acclaiming the land,... You visit both, the Representative and the Senate House, and after that the attic which is a kind of a small history museum. The cherry on the cake is presented to you at the end of the tour when you're taken to the top of Rotunda and given 10 min to walk around the outdoor terrace with outstanding city views

They offer free 1-hour tours starting at 10 am. If you're into US history and inspired architecture, this is a worthwhile tour. They talk a lot about the different branches of capitol: senate, house, executive. When I went, the legislative process was in session, so I got so see legislature convene to consider bills. The tour also gives you access to the golden dome at the top which gives you a 360-view.

Hello Denver! What a majestic place you are. Here, bright sunshine often gives way to sweet, short rain showers, creating a dynamic sky. Historic buildings stand proudly alongside modern architecture, and art splashes color everywhere you look. It's a truly beautiful, clean city with refreshing air quality, and the lush green of the abundant trees is a sight to behold. Denver is an absolute must-see, even if it's just for a once-in-a-lifetime visit.

Free to enter and visit, good place for kids to understand the government structure and how it works. The museum in the top is great and has lots of educational information. There is also a tour to go up to the dome, but needs to reserve in advance although it's free. A very typical state capitol in US and worth to visit.

Beautiful building with impressive architecture, classic and grand without being overdone. It’s a great place to walk around, take photos, and enjoy a bit of history in the heart of Denver. I visited in late April and was surprised by a light snowfall - picturesque, but I do wish the weather had been a bit warmer.

Fun for the whole family. Air conditioning. Quiet spaces. Open spaces. History Colorado galore. I love it here. There is a diverse, multicultural and more feel here. From exhibits, artifacts, photography and artwork, Colorado history comes alive. I seriously plead for you to visit. You'll be glad you did. Support local museums. This is right in the city.

This turned out to be a really great museum and I strongly recommend a visit. The Sandy Creek exhibit was very powerful and a gut punch, especially once you read the letters of Federal officers who refused to participate and documented in detail the atrocities. The exhibits on Ute, Arapaho & Cheyenne peoples were written from the perspective of and curated by the native people and shared vibrant cultures and history. The exhibits on silver mining (recommend closing the sliding gates and experiencing the mine "elevator" as you enter this exhibit), Japanese internment (take a moment to sit in the cabin), a Black-American holiday resort and Colorado, especially Denver's, evolution and development were also fascinating.

Really enjoyed my time here. Exhibits are well thought out and incredibly informative. I learned a lot and saw some dope artifacts. My favorite exhibit was the one about the Sandy Creek Massacre. Absolutely gut-wrenching to read the perspectives from both soldiers and survivors. I'm happy the museum does such a good job of representing what happened.

The 90s exhibit was great, but could have been so much more. The 90s things in the gift shop were not good at all. But these are all typical complaints for all museums. So over all a good experience.

We came to visit the UA 629 presentation in the three glass exhibits next to the 2nd floor elevator. The exhibit captures the aircraft bombing near Denver, and respectfully honors the victims of that tragic, fatal flight, caused by a criminal's bomb intended to kill his mother. We also saw a piece of that plane in the "100 Object" exhibit on the 3rd floor.

Took my 13 & 15 yr old. Interesting museum and loved the 1990s exhibit. Learned things I did not know in the traditional history areas, which is pretty amazing given all the museums I have visited. Had no idea about drought & dust storms, and the grasshoppers & jackrabbits severely affecting crops and farm life. And, Colorado previously had a Chinatown. 18 and are free. Adults are only $15.

I recently visited the History Colorado Center and spent some time in their “The 90s: Last Decade Before the Future” exhibit. The exhibit strikes a perfect balance between fun throwbacks and thoughtful storytelling. Highly recommend it if you want to relive the 1990s or show the next generation what life was like before smartphones.

The rooftop was the coolest part of it. The architecture of the building was cool as someone else commented and it has A.C. which was really cool! I didn't think there were that many exhibits and what constitutes as art nowadays blows me away. I saw broken glass, water, air, and a dirty napkin on display. It's worth checking out I suppose. You should read the description of the exhibits. They say they change the exhibits every so often so I'll probably go back.

Stopped in while on a layover. Nice that they have lockers to store your stuff while you peruse the artwork. I came during the Suki Seokyeong Kang exhibition. I finished within an hour and had a nice cocktail on the rooftop. I would come for the $5 after 5 since that seems like the best value for what's on offer. Rooftop cafe has games and food and drinks!

Great installations! Extremely contemporary. Roof top bar and food were a vibe in itself!

Very simple and small contemporary art museum. In 30 minutes you will be done. It’s worth the visit if you are in the area and don’t know what to do.

Usually love this museum, always has unique exhibits that change often. I usually use my library card to get free tickets too which is awesome. However, I had secured tickets for today and they were closed for an installation! What a bummer… should have coordinated better and not “sold” tickets you couldn’t honor.

I have to give it zero stars, was on a two hour layover, and couldn't even see some free art without a 5$ cover charge, cover charge should be for strip joints only.

Love this museum! They hooked me with Dirty South and reeled me in for Cowboy. This museum gives airplay for divergent and diverse perspectives with Cowboy and similar exhibitions that feature work from queer, gay, minority and indigenous artists. Thanks for showing us new ideas and ways of seeing our shared world. The signage in the museum is great and the explanations of the art invaluable but maybe the following could be a touch larger? Can’t wait to see what comes next. :)

Bright Nights was a fun event. I just wish they had a better food vendor. There was only one vendor for dinner and the line was long, wait time was long after ordering and the food ended up being served cold (not ideal for brisket or pork) It was sad that they didn't have the meat on the flat top or grill. I also saw the girls working harder than the one guy there to try and help everyone. Not sure if I would be $25 to go again.

Great show! We got there about 6:30 and parking was easy. Beautiful displays and watching the delight of little kids was one of the best parts. I took lots of pictures and we will be back next year.

We love Bright Nights at Four Mile Park. This is our third year attending. This year’s event had fewer exhibits than in the past few years, but it was still magical. Highly recommended.

This place is pretty neat! A bit expensive but a cool experience. I do recommend buying the tickets online and adding the food option (saves a lot of money) There’s lots of lights and things to look at. It is dirt so wear appropriate shoes & grab a jacket. There’s tons of lights and interactive games. All ages enjoy this kind of thing! The food depending on what you get can be good. They had a lot of issues the night we went. We had cold chicken and salty burgers but the fries were hot n fresh!

We went for their Halloween light display. Absolutely fabulous. There so many displays. I have much admiration for the team that organized and set up the month long event. There were quite a few interactive offerings for kids and adults. Our ages ranged from 3 to 70. So much fun. I would next next year, too

Bright Lights is one of mu favorite light shows. A must see for anyone. There are lots of engaging activities for the kids and plenty to enjoy as an adult. Great photo opts and such an enjoyable experience.

Bright Nights is a fun experience with activities for kids as well 😁 our new tradition started last year, with my 1 year old grandson. I can't wait to see what next year brings!

Really beautiful park. Easy hiking trails! Different trails both gravel and concrete. Plenty of parking. Dog friendly. I saw a mini pony on our walk lol. Was so cute! No traffic noise. Lots of birds to photograph and watch. Perfect place for sunset photos!

This is one of my favorite parks in the Denver area. The views change as you make your way around the lake. There are wonderful stop off points where you can stop and enjoy a rest.

Beautiful park with a lot of fun trails for mountain bikes, smooth sidewalk for rollerblading/skating, dog waste baggie dispensers, equestrian trails and corral, and a wildlife sanctuary for migratory birds with a floating walkway through the nesting areas

I absolutely love this park! The wildlife, sunsets, and people walking their dogs all contribute to a very peaceful atmosphere.

This is a beautiful open space Park to go watch the sunset in the evening and get in your evening walk, AKA steps, with a friend or solo!

Awesome walk paths and gorgeous views with picnic tables a few covered as well.

Glad I found this gem.! Nice park to take your dog to, go on a walk or a jog. Very well kept & clean.

Awesome walking trails along side a calm creek. Very peaceful and relaxing.

This place is great! Has lots of open area! Enough people around for the right amount of dog socializing ! Lots of fun bridges, and walkways through the trees, leading to some wonderful waterside trails . Only 1 thing, if you plan to offleash, it is not fully fenced. But for the trained doggo 🐶 😏 no problem. Happy walking!

It's not a bad area for walking, running, biking, or whatever. Lots of trails that run along the creek bed, both paved and dirt. There's not a lot else though and when it's hot out, although there are quite a few shaded tree places, it's still quite warm as the breeze is rare here and even when it does pick up a bit it doesn't seem to help a lot. Bring plenty of water and any means to stay cool when it's hot.

Love this park, but is becoming a bit unsafe. Bike riders have no clue on how to share trails with other people. Used to be safer few years ago, when most bike riders coming from behind you would scream “bike coming on your left/ right”.

What a great experience! We took the trails, and there were a lot of them, to go in all different directions. All depend on what you want to experience, whether it be open, wooded, or even by the creek. I saw nature's creatures in their natural habitat. Like beavers, and ducks in the water, and prairie dogs in the open fields. The park was very busy, and there's loads of cyclists. But they will warn you on the side that they're on, but just stay to the right 👉

Just a while back, my boyfriend and I headed over to Bear Creek Lake for a fishing trip. Let me tell you, it was a sight to behold! The place is absolutely gorgeous, and it's teeming with wildlife. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a snapping turtle during our adventure! The whole experience was simply amazing.

Lots of mosquitoes at sunset and no good place to keep a good view of the sun to the end but there are a few good shots to be found in the tall flowers! There are power lines on the west side as well, kind of in the way. I didn't explore the east side of the park, just the west side and across the road (not the park!) but you can see the prairie dogs and they holes all over that park, especially from the north side road

My favorite park in the entire world You can: Bike Ski Snowboard Mountain bike Concerts Bathrooms And way more I wish I lived at a park like this there is so much to do and so much to see

Lots of criminal activity here, dont worry tho the police aren’t worried about stolen vehicles, more worried about giving out tickets than catching criminals

I was here for Leavitt Pavilion and their free concert series. it's a good venue, and a good nonprofit.

This is a big park which has an outdoors swimming pool. This park also has a big playground. A gazebo for celebrations and parties. A dirt bike area, a place for concerts. I was surprised to see all of the things that you can do there. There’s even a community garden there and the view is pretty beautiful as well. This is a great place to bring your family. If you like this review, leave a thumbs up.

I love this place! I like how it has a dirt jump area with beginner lines to prolines. If you love to ride and you have little ones they can start small and work their way to larger and more skilled lines safely. Then you got the more downhill wide open jumps more for mountain bikes and slopestyle also providing beginner to pro lines again so good for little ones learning and growing their confidence to safely advance to the next level. Super awesome dirt to Wood features! I love this place!

Ruby Hill Park This park is amazing, it start at the South Platter River basin, and takes a step climb. The turf is lush and green. As all Denver parks it is well kept. There are plenty of mature trees with full foliage. It offers two softball parks and a dirt track for bicyclists. I was very impressed with the bicycle track. Beyond that it brings the community together plenty of open space as well as a child's playground. There is some type of pavilion here which I've never experienced. It's a relatively large park and I do believe they have a snowboard run during the winter months. Not just after it snows but, to the best of my knowledge, they actually produce their own snow to keep everybody moving down Ruby Hill. The other great thing about this spot are the views. I have watched fireworks from the top of the hill, over the Eastern part of the city. There is much open space at the park. I often see people with there dog taking a stroll. Lease is required. Ruby Hill definitely has a lot to offer. It's a beautiful park with a lot of space and plenty of views. Always family friendly. This is definitely a staple of the community. Given the chance come check it out for yourself.

I thought this was a surprisingly good park for the amount of things to do and its proximity to downtown! There's a bike park for all skill levels, an play area for small kids, an amphitheater for events, a pool and waterslide, an event shelter with sundial calendar, baseball fields, and plenty of shade.

This is my neighborhood park and it has a special place in my heart. There is a basketball court, a rec center with outdoor pool, baseball field, grass area for soccer or other activities, 2 playgrounds, a covered area with grills, a trail along Clear Creek, and also a makerspace. I think the Clear Creek Trail is what really makes this park stand out. I am not sure just how long the trail spans, but I have biked from Golden to Westminster so it is quite long and, for the most part, well-maintained and pretty. The trail right by Anderson Park in particular is very peaceful and full of vegetation. The park also holds events every now and then such as the Carnation Festival and concerts.

This play ground has some unique swings and play structures, next to a flower garden in summer. Clear Creek is next door to the playground, and there is plenty of seating and shady options. If you cross the field you have a second playground with a zip line type activity. It’s forest themed (cute) and quiet. Next to baseball fields.

Peaceful place during our morning visit. Two things you probably won't see in a lifetime of living in Colorado are rats swimming in the creek and dead blue crabs... No fooling!

Best place for a festival, and the Carnation Festival of Wheat Ridge happens every mid-august and goes on with a parade of of 38th avenue and many bands and booths and carnival rides. A great Park to have fun

Carnation festival is always a fun summertime event. Love the live music!

The park is really nice and there is a swimming pool. I’ve only gone to that park to walk on the Clear Creek Trail. It is a gorgeous walk on a paved path.

Went to a car show, had some not very good and way overpriced food from grammys goodies.

If you enjoy art, architecture, history this is a phenomenal place to visit. The gardens and flowers make it beautiful!

This review is regarding the concerts and shows that are hosted here. The porta potty situation is great, if you’re waiting in line chances are you haven’t walked down far enough, plenty of places to go. The food and drink options are plentiful although there can be a 25-30min queue to order, the food is generally made quickly. The wait isn’t a big deal if you’re at a show with some artists you don’t care to see. Perfect time to refuel and rehydrate. Garbage and recycling is plentiful so it’s easy to conscious. Security and police are plentiful but unless you’re looking for trouble, everyone understands you’re here to have a great time. The grass at the main stage is perfect if you dance without shoes. There is nature around you with dragon flies zooming around. Ride share is a short walk away. The architecture is beautiful. Room temp water bottles are available for free if you are toward the front row, handed out by security, so you don’t have to decide between losing your spot and hydration.

Beautiful, had a great morning volunteering for thr SPARKLES event to clean flower beds before Civic center eats took place. Thank you to Urban Villages for the opportunity to volunteer!

This is a beautiful park located in downtown. The architecture of the surrounding buildings is stunning. There are quite a few homeless people in the area.

I went for the Denver Chalk Art festival and got to see a group chanting and leaving the park. Other than the creeps at the bus stop, is a pretty nice and shaded place to stroll around!

Beautiful area and tons of views! Absolutely worth stopping and seeing. It will take you about 45 minutes to walk the area. It is beautiful and historical.

Lovely part of town during the day. There is a cool vegetable garden project.

This experience was fun. When we first walked in we were greeted and the staff was expecting my husband and I. We were asked to take off our shoes and put on sandles. We were then sat down in the waiting area and then later showed to the various beers and non-alcoholic beverages. They do have complementary banana chips and pretzels. After we chose ours drinks which we were able to sample first we were shown to our room. We got 90 minutes. We started with 15 minutes in the infrared sauna, a cold shower and then the tub. The tub sits at a constant temp but be warned, you're not actually soaking in beer. Its more of an herbal blend. There were multiple products to buy/use in the room. Face mask, cbd bath bomb, hair mask etc. The only reason I took off a star is because they are so expensive!

In town to visit my daughter and we had an extraordinarily fun experience at the Highlands Ranch location. From the knowledgeable and welcoming staff, to the thoughtful and well decorated spaces, our time could not have been better! So many delightful details to enhance the experience… infrared sauna, high end products in the showers, charcuterie, chocolates and champagne in the herbal infused hot tub 👯‍♀️, along with a fantastic choice of brews from the beer wall If you want to feel relaxed, pampered, and restored, this is the place for you. Highly recommend.

Oakwell beer spa was amazing!! My boyfriend and I came for our 1 year anniversary, we booked the couples retreat. We were immediately greeted by Sarah, who walked us through the tap wall, and explained the process thoroughly. The room itself was magical. We loved the freedom and comfort of being able to go from sauna, to shower, to bath, etc. such an amazing experience, we will definitely be back!

We absolutely loved our experience! A unique way to celebrate our upcoming 45th wedding anniversary. We would highly recommend to everyone. I’m not even a beer drinker but enjoyed the orange creamsicle ale. The charcuterie board and chocolates were delicious. The zero gravity massage was fabulous.

For our 20th anniversary, my wife and I were looking for a unique and memorable experience, and Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver delivered! We opted for the couples beer bath package, and it was the perfect way to relax and celebrate. Soaking in the beer bath, which is infused with hops and other herbs, was incredibly relaxing and a fun twist on a traditional spa. It felt like a delightful oasis with a therapeutic beer bath, a sauna, and a rain shower right there. One of the highlights was the self-pour beer wall. We loved being able to sample a variety of local craft beers at our own pace. To cap off the experience, we indulged in the zero-gravity massage, and it was pure bliss. Those massage chairs are absolutely next-level and left us feeling completely rejuvenated. Oakwell Beer Spa is more than just a spa; it's a unique and fun wellness experience that was perfect for our anniversary. We left feeling refreshed, relaxed, and with a great memory. We highly recommend it for any couple looking for a one-of-a-kind date night.

Just go ahead and do yourself the favor. This place is incredible. 🍺💆‍♂️ I was looking for a unique and relaxing way to spend quality time with my wife while visiting Denver for work and booked the Couple's Retreat. From start to finish, it was 11/10. The staff greeted us so kindly and walked us through registration and the impressive beer wall, complete with samples and how to use our cards. We got to choose our herbal enhancement for the hot tub and enjoyed some great craft beer while waiting. The vibe is relaxing and cool, with great music to boot. The spa suite itself was so perfect, complete with dim lighting, perfect music, an ideal temperature for the hot tub, and awesome soap and shampoo in the shower. The addition of a button to ask for a beer refill mid-soak put it over the top. After our 90-minute session, we stayed and enjoyed some more beer and conversation. Clearly, the place is designed for connection, with conversation cards and questions in several spots. Definitely a nice touch The staff was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and helpful, but not overbearing. They made a relaxing afternoon so much better by being so kind and welcoming. Honestly, this spot exceeded my expectations. We'll be sure to return. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was an amazing experience! The entire staff was warm, welcoming, helpful, and willing to help! We showed up a bit early, and we're able to have a couple of beers in insulated mugs. Great selection, plus some snacks as well. When our appointment came time, we were led to our private room, and given suggestions on how to maximize our experience. After out 90 min session, we showered, got dressed and had another beer in the quiet zone to cool down before heading out. It was truly a great experience,

Great spot for photos. They do a lot of fun pop up events during the summer like workout classes and wine walks. Definitely worth popping by in you’re visiting Denver

Dairy Block is a really cool place to hang out in Denver. There are lots of food options inside, and the whole area has a fun, lively vibe. When we went, a surprising number of places inside were closed even though it was during the day, which was a little disappointing. That said, it still seemed to be a busy area overall, with plenty of restaurants and bars around to choose from. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in Denver and looking for a spot with variety and atmosphere.

I love this place. A must visit for anyone visiting Denver. The art throughout the entire space is fun and beautiful.

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Dairy Block, and I must say, it's a fantastic place. The array of restaurants, bakery, and dessert options make it a culinary paradise. The building itself is a unique gem, and the atmosphere is simply wonderful. It's definitely a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts and anyone looking for a great ambiance.

A cute block that always has something new. This week it was sculptures and I absolutely love the food choices. No matter what you feel like eating they’ll have an option. It’s a great place to come and hang out with friends or do homework😜

I visited Denver this past week and stumbled upon the Dairy Block. This spot is a large alley lit up with lights in the shape of milk bottles. Here you can find local business selling food and drinks. I was there on a somewhat cold night but the heaters lining both sides of the walkway kept the chill at bay. The prices are a bit high but I recommend passing through just to see it.

Favorite place to go in Denver when in town for baseball games! Great places to eat and explore with the family! Really nice trandy spots to grab something to eat or drink!

I love this about Colorado you can be in a major USA city ... Then hard core green vibes... Please read signs and be respectful nature is our family !!!!!!

This is an oasis of peace in an urban setting. It's more of a walk than a hike. But between the tree forts, the prairie dogs and the views, it's a place that fascinated my kids.

What an amazing place. So calming and peaceful. You'd never expect this in this location. We saw wildlife, water, forts made of sticks, forts made of tree stumps, forts made of trees, and so much more. It's places like this that show us that we can take care of nature. Be kind and respectful. Take garbage in take it back out. Take care of this beautiful place.

Very beautiful place , with fun things and nature around the trail . A t-pee made of branches that everyone can stop and help build super fun

Great place for short walk, hike, or run. I enjoyed seeing the prairie dogs and bunnies on the trail. The lake was covered in algae which saddened me. Trail is gravel and ADA accessible with designated places for little ones to play. There is one portable toilet with limited water for hand washing on trail and 2 near parking lot. My recommendation to others is to wear a hat and sunscreen as it was still hot and dry at 5 pm. There are also picnic tables near the parking area and plenty of benches to stop and rest if needed.

Neat hikes, lots of bunnies, pretty birds, great scenery. Right in the city, yet feels remote! There’s a beautiful river AND a lake. Great spot to explore!!

A mile walk around buff lake. Great place for walking/jogging. Lots of wild life around including Hawks, prairie dogs, ducks and signs explaining your surroundings. Great for kids over 3, had stick teepees towards the beginning of the trail! Picked up a few pieces of trash by the teepees with a garbage near by, clean up after yourselfs and others when possible please! 😁

Lots of open space to roam and splay a game of ball. There's the big stage they hold concerts on and plently of fairly clean Porta pottys with handwashing stations. The pond is nice to look at. There's multiple playground and pickleball courts. There are two sides to this park so check which side you need to goto before heading there.

Overrun, by wasps! Came here on a Summer Camp field trip and in an hour's time, four children were stung. Fun park for kids to play at, otherwise. City employees came to spray the hives while we were here, so that just made the wasps mad. Probably best done EARLY morning before people arrive!

Good for kids. Fishing is not good there. Flies and lures only if you do try. Strict on fishing license and will ticket for no license. 180 dollar fine for no license.

This is a great space and one of our favorite parks. I've been living in the area for 12 years and it's been in the works for that long - so I'm really glad it has not disappointed. Features: 1. Younger child playground area with clubhouse and very cool slides and toys along with baby swings. 2. Older child area with extensive climbing, zip line, tire swing, and conventional swings 3. Water play area for children where they can experiment with diverting the flow of water various ways with rocks and built-in dam mechanisms. Some parks I'd say bring your kids in suits. This isn't one of them...enough water features for some fun but probably not an hour's worth. 4. Full, clean and generally well maintained restrooms. 5. Adult exercise equipment and community garden to walk through. 6. Shaded picnic pavilions 7. Stocked fishing ponds Cons: So two things to note: this park is surrounded by a LOT of water, and on the north side of the field are some very active train and soon light rail tracks that are fenced off. So while this is an amazing spot it's just worth noting that it's one you need to be perhaps more aware at. There are places where a child can easily climb over the wall and find themselves in a body of water right next to the playground as well.

beautiful scenery. not too busy. no equipment was broken. the park was clean. you've got fishing and sidewalk for walks around the lake. the kiddie park is veggie themed with animals such as caterpillars frogs raccoons and lady bugs. the zip line was super fun. the treehouse theme for the bigger park was extremely fun as well. this was the best experience at a park i have ever had.

This is a small park with unique play equipment that you don't find at every park. It has three covered picnic areas, an area with play house structures and animals for younger kids, a large play structure with a slide for older kids and a zipline. There is also some water troughs and a sand area to play in. The park is right beside a soccer field and a small lake that you can fish in. It also has a small work out are with machines that use your own weight as the resistance, about half of those machines are wheelchair friendly. This park features bathrooms with flushable toilets.

I am simply in love with this gargantuan and beautiful park. It has everything here, a small lake, small houses, ginormous array of park play structures and it’s 24 hours. Which is fantastic for me as I am a night owl to say the least. My bestie and I had a fantastic time at and in one of the structures at the tippidy top. I haughty recommend until I run out of breath! You won’t be disappointed whatsoever!

Cute little park! The pavilion / shelter is big and comes with 8 tables - benches attached. It's right next to the playground, which can be a good thing.

Lots of spinning toys, and it’s very well maintained. The covered picnic areas are clean and the area is quiet. We enjoyed our lunch while the kids had fun climbing, spinning, and looking for pictures in the concrete. There are lots of trash cans and even recycling bins!

Daniel's Park has been one of my very favorite for over 30 years. Beautiful, spacious, always well kept and clean!

VERY well maintained with beautiful grass and flowers. In a convenient, yet tucked-away area. Could use a few more shaded spots and/or picnic areas. Park has nice tennis courts, fairly modern playground and a baseball field. Also looks like there are some nice trails to check out.

This is another great little park. But its got alot more on the other side for different kinds of play. But the actual park is great . nice well kept equipment and a big gazebo to have a party under.

Beautiful peaceful park with a great playground, tennis courts, kickball fields, and tons of space. It also has accessible parking spots, frequent benches, and paths wide enough for wheelchairs.

What a nice park. The grounds are in great shape with tennis courts and two baseball fields with a concession stand and restrooms.

We have been going to this park for years; plenty of areas to explore. We ridden bikes on trails, walked our dogs, explored with my kids and now my daughter and I enjoy trails with our horses. Close place to go riding. Two horse corrals and if you need water you can go inside the nature center and they will unlock the water for you for the horses! Beautiful nature in the city. Seen beaver, deer, coyotes, foxes and all sorts of birds.

Amazing place, something for everyone. Trails are dog, bike, and horse friendly. We walked in from the big airport road, but there's also a parking lot. There's a small trail near the nature center with no horse, bike or dog access that is more kid friendly. Staff is amazing. Whether you live nearby or have a long layover (like I did), give this place a try and say hello to the wonderful staff!

Cute park with beaver activity. If you get lucky you can see some of the beavers. Walking paths are great for adults and kids. It’s mostly flat. The trails can be confusing, but since the park is small you can’t really get lost.

I found this gem when I moved to the area and have enjoyed it for years. Shaded paths are the best! It has everything you could want, shade, trails, creek, beavers, crayfish, and a fantastic nature center.

A great half-mile wetland loop. Perfect for small children. It also connects with the the Sand Creek and Highland Canal trail systems. The Morrison Nature Center is also a huge plus. It was nice to cool down after a nature walk in 90+ degree heat. Plently of wild life and trees to climb, too.

Had some time to spare before our flight out so we looked into a couple of city parks. Star K was a nice park with trails and a small observation area. Several hikes were available but we were just looking for a break from the traffic and it was a great free way to spend some time

The place is nature's marsh. If your into birding this is a good place. I was able to see a deer, two turtles, a fish mating ritual and dozens of birds. Orioles, starling, cranes, finches, etc.

This park could be nice—spacious, some decent green space—but I felt extremely unsafe the entire time I was there. There were homeless people everywhere, some openly fighting, and I even found drug paraphernalia and dirty needles on the ground. The environment felt chaotic and aggressive. I honestly felt like I was at risk of being assaulted just walking through. This is not a place to bring your kids or come to relax. It’s a shame, because the park has potential, but it’s completely overshadowed by the violence and lack of safety. Avoid.

It’s so cute! Great little water play area for any age, the sand pit is awesome so be sure to bring some extra clothes and towels. Great play equipment, lots of seating, fun places to climb rocks and run in the grass. We had a little impromptu birthday party here and our kids had a blast!

Large sitting area (restrooms are under it - walk around) with a shade, grill. The water feature is clean, shallow (about 15 inches at most), making it perfect for kids of any age. The sand area has nice clean sand and a water fountain, The kids are happy making rivers all day long. A natural playground made out of wood and ropes right next to it, I wish there was a fence as it is close to the road, so watch the little ones. The playground is next to a walking/biking trail. The parking lot is somewhat small but there is additional parking along the road too. Great place to spend the day. Will be back!

Love this park! Such a great integration of nature into play and AMAZING water area

What an awesome park! The kiddos loved the sand,(next time we'll bring buckets and shovels) slide, log/rope course, and climbing rocks. Can't wait to come back in the summer when the splash pad gets turned on! Lots of shade, handicap accessible, bathrooms, clean and a beautiful creek not far away for the nature lovers.

This place is very cool. It has sand for the kids and a water feature they can play in. Beautiful park. Grass areas for a picnic and an area for parties

This nature park is very new, and a great option for kids of all ages. The bridges, boulders, sand pit area with fossils, and small cement slide are great for littles. The log climbing area with nets and ropes is great for advanced climbers and older kids. The long, steep cement slide is really fast and gives a little thrill! There are picnic tables and bathrooms under construction. The pavilion is up, but I didn't see tables under it yet. Lots of space to ride bikes, too. What a great addition to Westminster! Hop on the light rail for easy access from Denver or Arvada.

This is a nice area for exploring nature in the city. There are dead trees that are safe for climbing. Infact the whole area is for climbing and getting that built up engery out. Lots of room for running as well. Know this before you go and these are just what I saw when I was there today. I didn't see any public restrooms or Johnny on the spots there. There are no picnic tables. There are not slides or playgrounds for small children. If you take the bike path there you will have a detour as the bike path it under construction. Also the street next to this park is called Jason Street and it looks well not the best place. There is about 5 campers parked next to the park and they look rugged. There is a good amount of trash around them. I believe one has been in a fire. Just be careful and safe if you are going here and plan ahead.

Me and the family go here pretty frequently. It's a beautiful park, we love the proximity to the river and all of the rocks. The only thing that sucks about it is the graffiti on the play equipment and park signage, between that and the sun exposure to them you really can't read any of the signs. I think it could use some other security measures to prevent that and the homeless around the park that congregate around and after sundown, but other than that would really recommend visiting.

Great park. We were there on a Saturday and I was shocked there weren't any other kids. Road noise from 25 is a bit loud.

The playground is fun and the rocks near the river were fun but there are downfalls to this park. It smells like marijuana due to the shop across the street and it’s in a sketchy area with signs of homeless community usage. River is super dirty and nearly complete covered in slim/algea

Based on the reviews and pictures, this park looked promising. However, we were very disappointed. There are no picnic tables for lunch, but even if there were, I don’t know anyone who wants to eat with a view of beat up, disgusting camper trailers. Totally ruined the experience. These things must go.

A nice green space with a playground but the construction near by (as of late 2022) makes it less enjoyable. The park is by the South Platte River trail so I appreciate the porta potty!

Really enjoyed the trails and the history tied to this place. Took my kids and they enjoyed every moment of it. Will definitely have to visit some time soon.

Nice and clean outdoor area downtown. Walkable. However, not much to see. Lots of chains, Walgreens, CVS, Ross, and maybe some chintzy souvenir shops with a dozen sushi places. Good to have and hopefully the construction leads to more variety and more interesting shops.

This place was awesome when I visited in 2017 and even cooler now

We thank the staff for their tremendous efforts to restore the 16th as before, celebrations, entertainment, and for the best, God willing, and the 16th is considered a breath of fresh air for visitors and tourists🌹

Certain areas open now! Very welcoming and fun. Great place to check out shops and gourmet dining everywhere

This is a nice, city center, walkable street with many places to grab a bite and/or drink. There are many hotels along this route as well. We stayed at the Sheraton and visited this area several times for eats and drinks. Overall, it’s a decent spot.

I'm always downtown, and I love swinging by and stopping into shops

16th street has changed a lot. It used be a cultural melting pot. It had changed a lot. It is not as crowded as it used to be. 16th street does not feel safe now. Lot of developmental construction happening all around. Wish it could recover its lost glories.

I went in late October. Had I gone in the spring or summer, my four star rating might gave been five stars. In late October a lot of plants had died and dried up. There was still some nice areas to view. My visit was rushed because the gardens were closing early for a Halloween function. The bonsai trees were my favorite area with the Japanese gardens coming in second.

Went there in the middle of winter and still plenty to look at indoors. The orchids were insanely beautiful and diverse! Also huge tropical forest under glass which was humid and warm (very welcoming in the winter!)

I've visited probably 6 different botanical gardens in different cities. This is by far my favorite to date. It is a huge property. So many different themed areas. You can spend hours wandering around. There are several greenhouse/tropical areas. It was a really great experience. Highly recommended well worth the visit

First time to visit. It made for a very nice day. Great place to relax

I have went here with my family and I have been here probably like 5 times this year. You should definitely bring a camera because the plants are just amazing and beautiful! I would just overall say that this place is very beautiful and you should bring your family here and have a good time.

Such a pretty botanical garden! Lots of space to walk. You could spend all day here. **Bring water!**

Such a beautiful jungle to walk through. My god. Could have stayed here for hours!