Category: Denver

  • 5 Best Single Day Ski Resorts Near Denver

    It’s no shock that Colorado is filled with a variety of ski resorts, not to mention in the Denver area alone! While taking a ski vacation is awesome, sometimes a one-day ski trip is the best way to stay sane during the cold and gloomy winter months. Below is a list of five of the best ski resorts for a single day trip!

    1. Loveland Ski Area

    Just a 50 minute drive from downtown Denver, Loveland is among the first ski resorts to open and close each season. Although Loveland doesn’t have as much terrain as other resorts in the area, its quick trails and cheap tickets make it a great spontaneous day trip spot.

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    2. Breckenridge Resort

    Easily accessible from interstate 70, Breckenridge resort is known as one of the most family friendly resorts in the area. It features a variety of gentler slopes for beginners as well as one of the best Main Streets where visitors can attend concerts, snow carving contests, and a bunch of different dining options. Breckenridge is a great place for a family day trip to the mountain!

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    3. Arapahoe Basin

    If you’re looking for a great Saturday or Sunday funday experience at the slopes, Arapahoe Basin is your best bet! This resort offers breathtaking views and a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Not to mention there is free parking at the backside of the mountain which is great for tailgating and taking in the majestic views at the end of a long day on the mountain.

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    4. Winter Park Ski Resort

    This ski resort offers 3,000 acres of mountainous terrain which includes six parks and a super pipe. Its a great day stop for the family and ski enthusiasts alike. For those who want the ski resort experience without actually hitting the slopes, Winter Park also offers ice skating, a lodge at the top of the mountain called The Lodge at Sunspot and a couple of dining locations.

    5. Eldora Mountain Ski Resort

    Located just outside of Nederland and West of Boulder, Eldora Mountain Ski Resort is a perfect getaway to the slopes. This resort features primarily intermediate and advanced runs as well as a nordic center for cross country skiing. Although there are no onsite lodges, Eldora’s ticket prices are comparable to Loveland with plenty of eateries and things to do in the area.

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  • Top 5 Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Denver

    While the areas surrounding Denver are home to some of the best outdoor rock climbing sites around, the city of Denver has several great options for those who prefer to climb indoors. Here are the top indoor climbing gyms in Denver.

     1. Denver Bouldering Club

    What makes this gym unique is members have 24/7 access to the over 1,500 square feet of climbing space. Also available here is a media climbing center and an awesome 15-foot bouldering wall.

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    2. Thrillseekers

    This 12,000 square foot facility is known for its abundance of overhangs as well as a 35-foot great roof and five arches. Thrillseekers certainly lives up to its name with all of the challenging obstacle courses and route options that are sure to excite!

    3. Rock’n & Jam’n

    This gym features not only climbing and bouldering routes, but also has weight and cardio equipment onsite. In addition to all the tall, steep overhangs, top rop climbing, lead climbing, there is also a fully adjustable system wall.

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    4. REI Denver

    One of the great things about this gym is the $20 lifetime membership, which gets you free ropes climbing courses among other benefits. This specific REI is located near the Platte River and is a great spot to get started on your rock climbing skills.

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    5. Earth Treks Golden Climbing Center

    Earth Treks is located only 15 minutes from Denver in Golden, Colorado. In addition to the over 28,000 square feet of climbing, this indoor climbing gym offers fitness and strength training areas, a yoga room as well as a fully stocked gear shop. The gym also features a bouldering area with walls up to 48 feet high.

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  • Top 5 Rock Climbs Near Denver

    Colorado offers an abundance of tremendous peaks and rock formations, making it impossible for adventurous rock climbers to not find a great climb. Below is a list of the top climbs near Denver!

    1. Eldorado Canyon State Parks

    Known for its sandstone and natural attractions, Eldorado Canyon serves as one of the top locations for rock climbing in the U.S. Located just 7 miles from Boulder, Eldorado Canyon features awesome trad climbs up to 700 feet tall as well as more than 600 routes. Be sure to check out the canyon’s most famous routes: Rosy Crucifixion, Bastille Crack, Inner Space, and the Naked Edge.

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    2. Garden of the Gods

    Garden of the Gods features sandstone and rock formations with beautiful white, orange, and red jagged profiles. There are 137 routes with options for toprope, trad, and sport climbs.This popular park gets rather busy, especially on the weekends so be prepared for crowds of people!

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    3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    One of Colorado’s deepest and darkest canyons to go climbing in, Black Canyon at Gunnison National Park is definitely not the place for beginner climbers. With more than 140 planned routes and cliff walls up to 2,722 feet high, this park provides tons of challenging options for any rock climbing enthusiast.

    4. Rifle Mountain Park

    Rifle Mountain Park is home to some of the best limestone climbing walls in North America. A local favorite, this park offers 358 long and complex routes with plenty of overhangs, flat holds, pockets, and crimps. Due to regular rains, the lower-angled rock seems to constantly be covered in silt and moss making the routes more difficult to climb. In addition to sport climbing, Rifle Mountain Park has some great ice climbs which vary in difficulty depending on weather conditions.

    5. Clear Creek Canyon

    Situated next to the Clear Creek river, this canyon offers top-quality sport climbing for all levels of experience. There are about 741 total routes with a wide variety of rock and boulder. Of the several crags, some of the most populars are Catslab, High Wire Crag, and Red Slab. Red Slab is also a great route for those looking to climb in the winter.

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  • Best Mountain Biking Trails Near Denver

    All the forested and hilly terrain throughout much of Colorado make this area a mountain bikers paradise. The towns surrounding Denver offer a variety of trails ranging from beginner level to over 450 miles worth of rolling hills. The list below is a great starting point for anyone looking to check out some of the terrain Colorado has to offer.

    1. Colorado Trail

    With 485.4 miles worth of mountain biking trails through the Colorado wilderness, Colorado Trail is sure to inspire anyone who ventures through. The trail is 70% rolling singletrack with lots of rocky, rooted technical ascents and descents. Colorado Trail extends from Denver to Breckenridge and has plenty of opportunities to stop in local towns along the way!

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    2. Buffalo Creek Big Loop

    This 23.6 mile loop actually intersects with the Colorado Trail. It features primarily singletrack with long steep climbs and lots of sandy dry surfaces. Riders like to come to Buffalo Creek early on in the season because it is of the first trails to dry up. This intermediate loop is great for those looking to have fun without any surprises or tight turns along the trails!

    3. Red Rocks, Dakota Ridge

    Rated as one of the most difficult rides in the area, this trail takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes for just 8.8 miles of technical, steep climb. There are multiple ways to complete this ride but a great way to start is at the Zorro trail climb and then make your way to Dakota Ridge. This trail offers 2 foot drops through some rocky parts so make sure to stay alert.

    4. Lair O’ the Bear, Bear Creek Trail

    Bear Creek Trail located in Lair O’ the Bear Park is a great ride for beginners. Although it begins with a short steep climb, it offers plenty of rolling, singletrack terrain. At only 12.2 miles long there are a few tight turns with some obstacles mixed in for fun!

    5. Elk Meadow, Bergen Peak Loop

    This loop begins with a gradual climb on smooth terrain through forest with some rocky sections. Bergen Peak Loop is 8.1 miles of primarily fast fast singletrack and plenty of switchbacks.

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  • 5 Best Day Hikes Near Denver

    Colorado, also known as the Rocky Mountain state, gets its nickname because it encompasses a large portion of the Rocky Mountains. The diverse landscape of mountains, plains, front range and peaks make Colorado one of the best locations for hiking.

    1. Mount Falcon

    Mount Falcon is made up of a variety of trails, which offer sprawling views of Denver, the surrounding mountains, and Red Rocks. A popular option for a quick day hike through Mount Falcon is to combine the Tower Trail, the Meadow Trail and Castle Trail to create an easy 3.7 mile loop. This loop features relatively flat terrain and a great picnic spot along the way up to historic castle ruins and a lookout tower for breathtaking views. This trail is a must for the whole family.

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    2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

    Just 30 miles from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a 12,000 acres of meadows, forests, and mountains with 12 marked trails of varying difficulty. Some of the more challenging trails are Elk Trail, Horseshoe Trail, Raccoon Trail and Snowshoe Hare Trail (yes, all of the trails are named after animals), all of which take approximately 2 hours to complete. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is not only a great location for hiking. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as camping and fishing and explore the meadows, forests, and mountains that the park has to offer.

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    3. Rocky Mountain National Park

    Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. Whether you’re in the mood for a calm walk along the lakes or steep climbs through the mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park has trails options for anyone from beginner to expert. Before attempting some of the more difficult trails, be sure to bring plenty of water as elevations can reach up to 12,000 feet high!

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    4. First Flatiron Trail, Chautauqua Park

    Among the great hiking trails, Chautauqua Park features a variety of amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most popular trails within the park is First Flatiron Trail. This difficult 2.9 mile loop takes about 2 hours to complete and is accessible year-round and is great for hiking as well as trail-running. Feel free to bring your dogs as well!

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    5. Mount Galbraith Loop, Mount Galbraith

    Located in Golden, Colorado, Mount Galbraith offers beautiful views of expansive plains, Golden, and the Continental Divide. Mount Galbraith is made up of 5 miles worth of steep rocky trails including a 1.6 mile moderately difficult loop at the top. This hiking spot is known for the abundance of elk, red-tailed hawk, big-horned sheep, and songbirds that inhabit the area. These hiker only trails are primarily accessible from March through November.

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