The Denver Wanderer

Tag: colorado

  • Denver Winter Is Basically Spring Right Now! Actual Things You Can Go Do This Weekend!

    Denver Winter Is Basically Spring Right Now! Actual Things You Can Go Do This Weekend!

    Denver’s fake spring winter is officially here. The sun is out, patios are full, and everyone is suddenly remembering they like being outside again. If you’re wondering what to actually do (not just “go outside”), here are real activities and events around Denver you can put on your calendar right now.

    🌞 Outdoor Things That Feel Like Spring

    Walk + Coffee at Wash Park
    Start your morning with a lap around Wash Park and grab coffee after from nearby cafes on South Gaylord Street. Weekend mornings feel like a mini festival when the weather warms up.

    Red Rocks Stairs + Sunrise Workout
    Locals take advantage of mild mornings by hiking or running the stairs at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Go early for fewer crowds and unreal views.

    Cherry Creek Bike Ride
    Rent a bike or just walk part of the Cherry Creek Trail! It’s one of the best ways to soak up sunshine without leaving the city.

    🍹 Sunny Happy Hours & Social Plans

    RiNo Brewery Hop
    Spend an afternoon bouncing between patios in RiNo Art District. Easy route: Ratio Beerworks → Our Mutual Friend → Improper City (great outdoor space when it’s warm).

    Union Station Patio Drinks
    Grab a drink or snack and people watch at Union Station. Warm winter afternoons here honestly feel like April.

    Midweek Trivia Nights
    Many bars ramp back up when people want to leave the house again. Check trivia nights at neighborhood cocktail bars and breweries for easy weeknight plans.

    🎨 Events & Experiences Happening Around Town

    Immersive Art Night at Meow Wolf
    Spend an evening exploring the surreal rooms at Meow Wolf Denver, Convergence Station. It’s perfect when temperatures drop after sunset.

    Denver Botanic Gardens Winter Stroll
    Even in winter, Denver Botanic Gardens is peaceful and surprisingly green on sunny days, fewer crowds and great photo spots.

    First Friday Art Walk (RiNo & Santa Fe)
    If you hit the first Friday of the month, galleries open late with live music, food trucks, and pop ups throughout RiNo and the Santa Fe Arts District.

    🛍️ Casual Day Plans

    Cherry Creek Window Shopping + Brunch
    Walk around Cherry Creek North, grab brunch, and enjoy the rare winter day you don’t need gloves.

    Farmers Market Style Pop-Ups
    Warm weekends often bring small vendor markets and pop ups back earlier than expected, keep an eye on local Instagram event pages because they appear fast when weather turns nice.

    🐕 Dog Friendly Plans

    Dog Park + Beer Combo
    Head to Skiptown Denver where dogs can play while you grab a drink, basically peak Denver energy on a sunny winter afternoon.

    🏔️ Bonus: Do Both Seasons in One Day

    Here’s the ultimate Denver move: brunch and a walk in sunshine, then a sunset drive west toward the mountains for snow views. Winter and spring in the same day!

  • The 5 Best Hikes Near Denver for Your Next Outdoor Escape

    The 5 Best Hikes Near Denver for Your Next Outdoor Escape

    Living near the mountains has its perks — and in Denver, one of the biggest is easy access to world-class hiking. Within an hour or less from downtown, you can find everything from alpine views and pine forests to waterfalls and dramatic rock formations.

    Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want to stretch your legs and soak in some nature, here are five of the best hikes near Denver that deliver big rewards without a long drive.

    1. Mount Falcon Castle Trail – Morrison

    🥾 Distance: 3.7 miles (loop)

    ⏱ Drive Time from Denver: ~30 minutes

    A hike with history and views? Yes, please. The Castle Trail at Mount Falcon Park takes you through wide open meadows, shady pines, and past the ruins of a 1900s-era mansion built by entrepreneur John Brisben Walker. On clear days, you’ll catch sweeping views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and downtown Denver in the distance.

    🌟 Why We Love It: Easy to moderate, dog-friendly, and full of Colorado character.

    2. St. Mary’s Glacier – Idaho Springs

    🥾 Distance: 1.9 miles (out & back)

    ⏱ Drive Time from Denver: ~1 hour

    This short but iconic hike leads to a beautiful glacier and alpine lake nestled in the mountains. It’s accessible year-round, and while it can be snowy or icy (bring spikes in colder months), the views are totally worth it. Once you reach the top, you can explore the glacier, hang by the lake, or just chill with a packed lunch.

    🌟 Why We Love It: Quick payoff, epic scenery, and a chance to play in the snow even in summer.

    3. Chautauqua Trail – Boulder

    🥾 Distance: 3.6 miles (loop)

    ⏱ Drive Time from Denver: ~45 minutes

    Located at the base of Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, Chautauqua Park offers a network of trails for all skill levels. The Chautauqua Trail itself is a moderate loop with plenty of vertical gain and jaw-dropping views of the massive rock formations. Start early to beat the crowds and the heat.

    🌟 Why We Love It: Classic Colorado views, flexible routes, and a great post-hike brunch scene nearby.

    4. Trading Post Trail – Red Rocks Park

    🥾 Distance: 1.4 miles (loop)

    ⏱ Drive Time from Denver: ~25 minutes

    This short loop weaves through the stunning red sandstone formations that make Red Rocks famous. It’s a great beginner hike or a perfect warm-up before catching a show at the amphitheatre. Expect wildlife, wildflowers, and some of the most photogenic terrain in the state.

    🌟 Why We Love It: Quick, beautiful, and right next to one of the most iconic venues in the world.

    5. Bear Peak via Fern Canyon – Boulder

    🥾 Distance: 5.7 miles (out & back)

    ⏱ Drive Time from Denver: ~45 minutes

    Ready for a challenge? This steep and scenic hike to Bear Peak is a local favorite for a reason. It’s a lung-buster, but the 360° views from the summit — including Denver, Boulder, and snow-capped peaks — are phenomenal. Come prepared with water, layers, and sturdy shoes.

    🌟 Why We Love It: A real workout with one of the best summit views near Denver.