Denver, Colorado – your gateway to some of the most jaw-dropping and thrilling outdoor adventures in the country. Sitting at 5,280 feet with the Rockies in full view, the Mile High City has easy access to some of the best trails and peaks in the country. From trail runs that’ll leave you breathless (and not just from the altitude) to camping spots where you can view the Milky Way, Denver serves up that perfect combo of urban convenience and wild adventure that’ll have you planning your next trip before you’ve even left.

Gear up and stock up like a local

Gear up at FERAL, an independent outdoor goods retail store selling new and used gear. Need your gear repaired? Instead of replacing it, Maddy at Black Bear Gear Repair can fix it up, good as new.

For trail fuel, head to Leevers Locavore in City Park for locally-sourced snacks and bulk trail mix you can customize. Marczyk Fine Foods has two locations with amazing prepared foods and a deli counter – perfect for elevated picnic lunches.

Know Before You Go

Colorado’s weather and wildlife are serious business, and knowing what to expect can be the difference between an epic adventure and a scary one. Check the GOES app to see the weather and wildlife risk levels before heading out so you’re prepared for anything nature throws at you.

a black bear walks amongst a forest floor

Be bear safe

Be prepared for black bears by knowing your best bear safety practices, such as:

Pack bear spray
Avoid hiking alone and make your presence known to avoid alarming an unsuspecting bear
Safely store food and scented items during overnight trips

Prepare for any weather

The weather here changes faster than your relationship status. Especially if you’re going up in elevation, you’ll likely experience a change in microclimates. A summer thunderstorm could roll in on a clear blue day, and high mountain peaks may still have snow on the ground in the summer. So pack appropriate layers and footwear, even if it’s sunny when you leave.

looking over the shoulder of a woman in a plaid shirt and blue cap, she looks down at her phone amongst a scenic backdrop of an alpine lake

Dealing with the altitude

Colorado is home to 58 “14-ers” (mountain peaks about 14,000 ft), which draws many visitors who are looking to get high (in altitude). If you’re visiting from out of state and not used to the elevation, it’s best to arrive a day early to acclimatize.

Symptoms of high altitude illness can kick in as low as 6,000 ft. For every breath you’re taking at these higher elevations, you’re getting less oxygen per breath than you would at lower elevations. You need time to adjust to the thinner air, so listen to your body and go at the pace that feels sustainable, which might be slower than usual.

GOES Tip: Ibuprofen taken 6 hours before starting your ascent can help decrease Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) rates by over 25% (600 mg taken 3 times a day).

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A hike with three people approaching a forest

3 must-try trails

I’m taking it easy: Bear Creek Lake Park Trail
The Vibe: Perfect for easing into Denver’s altitude or when you want nature without the commitment ceremony.
Distance: 1.8 miles
Pro Tips: Early morning visits mean fewer crowds and better wildlife spotting. The lake reflects the mountains beautifully around sunrise – the perfect photo op. Breathe in deep and take your time.
Let’s crank it up a bit: Mount Falcon Park – Castle Trail
The Vibe: Ruins of a never-built summer White House? Yes, please. History meets hiking with killer views.
Distance: 4 miles
Pro Tips : Go on weekdays if possible because the weekends can feel like a trail party. The castle ruins are perfect for a snack break and some epic photos. Summer afternoons bring afternoon thunderstorms, so start early.

Hanging Lakes Trail, CO

I’m up for a challenge: Hanging Lake Trail (open July 2025)
The Vibe : This one’s a pilgrimage with views of turquoise waters that’ll make you question if you’re still on Earth.
Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip (but it’s STEEP)
Pro Tips : Reservations required May through October—book way ahead. This trail is no joke; there’s 1,200 feet in elevation gains over a mile and the rocks can be slippery. Bring more water than you think you need and start ridiculously early to beat crowds and afternoon weather.

GOES Tip: Know your limits with altitude. Keep plenty hydrated while balanced with salty snacks. Listen to your body, and don’t push through headaches or nausea – altitude sickness is real and not worth the Instagram story.

Rocky Mountains and blue sky and clouds reflected in alpine lake with wildflowers in the foreground

3 overnight spots

Backpacking : Indian Peaks Wilderness

Pick a lake, any lake – you really can’t go wrong. The alpine setting is pure magic and will potentially ruin every other camping trip for you. Remember, this is backcountry, so plan accordingly.
Permits required June 1 – September 15

GOES Tip: Even though the lake water seems pristine, make sure you have proper water purification to avoid any illnesses. Practice proper food storage while in bear country. Be respectful and keep your distance from wild moose in the area.

She Roams Wild sits in the open trunk of her hatchback car in the middle of a forest, holding a mug

She Roams Wild recommends: Car camping at Gordon Gulch

Just one hour from downtown Denver, Gordon Gulch (NFS Road 226) winds across the high peaks of Boulder County, offering recreators and car campers alike the opportunity to disconnect from the city, and reconnect with themselves in nature. With access open to cyclists, horseback riding, and motorized use, free, first-come-first-serve camping is available May-December, as snowpack and weather permits.

Getting there: Five miles north of Nederland on Highway 72, NFSR 226 turns East off of CO HWY 72 (½ mile past mile marker 37). Camp in designated campsites within 1.5 miles from the turnoff. Campsites are located off of NFSR 226, 314, 228 and 233 and their off-shoots. 15 sites are available, and camping is limited to 14 days within the forest area. Dogs allowed on-leash.

Hotel/Glamping: Collective Retreats Colorado

For when you want s’mores and stargazing but also heated bathrooms and real beds. Located in Governor’s Ranch near Granby, it’s glamping done right.

Extend the fun with these picks

strawberry springs set amongst Colorado forest in the summer

Standout Pick: Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Located near Steamboat Springs (worth the 3-hour drive), these natural hot springs are clothing-optional after dark and absolutely magical under the stars. Going between the hot springs and a cold river plunge, it’s like nature’s own spa day to soak tired muscles.

bikers bike along a sidewalk path next to a creek lined with grass and trees with a bridge in the distance

More Local Gems

Bike the Cherry Creek Trail for an easy urban nature fix

Washington Park for people-watching and casual lakeside chills

Denver Botanic Gardens when you want nature without the sweat

Union Station Farmers Market (Saturdays) for the best local provisions

a pond with lily pads and gazebo on a blue sunny day

Winding down

Fuel Up: Hit up Root Down in Highland for a nourishing farm-to-table meal. Their rooftop has mountain views that’ll extend your outdoor high. For the ultimate post-adventure breakfast, swing by Atomic Cowboy where their legendary biscuits and hearty morning fare will fuel you up for whatever peak you’re conquering next.

red rock amphitheater

Local Spotlight: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre isn’t just for concerts. Even without a show, the amphitheater offers some of the most stunning geological formations you’ll see, plus hiking trails that connect to the larger Red Rocks area. It’s where music and nature collide in the most epic way possible.

denver skyline at sunset

After soaking in those natural hot springs under a blanket of stars or catching sunrise reflections on an alpine lake, you’ll understand why Denver isn’t just a stopover—it’s a basecamp for life-changing adventures. The Mile High City delivers that rare combination of metropolitan comfort and untamed wilderness access that keeps outdoor enthusiasts coming back season after season. Equipped with GOES, be prepared for any adventure in Colorado’s outdoor playground.

GOES Guide to Denver