Denver, CO

Stop and smell the roses at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The beautiful gardens showcase flora and fauna from around the city, the alpine tundra and places around the globe. The 23-acre park is the perfect place to bask in the Colorado sunshine and appreciate the sights of Mother Nature's finest creations.

Address: 1007 York St., Denver, CO 80206 - MAP
Phone: (720) 865-3500
Web: www.botanicgardens.org

If mountain biking, trail running, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, rock climbing, rafting, and hiking are some of your favorite activities, then Denver Adventures is the place for you. Whether you want to take a calming hike or get your blood flowing with some fast-paced skiing, Denver Adventures is ready to take you on the ride of your life.

Phone: (303) 984-6151
Web: www.denveradventures.com

Cycling enthusiasts, trust the professionals at I Bike Denver to show you the best sights of the city to view from a bike. The route runs about 9.3 miles and on the ride you'll see Cherry Creek, INVESCO Field at Mile High, Civic Center Park, the Colorado State Capitol, the Denver Art Museum and more. Be sure to set aside about three hours for the tour, there's lots to see in such a short time!

Address: 2373 15th Street, Denver CO 80202 - MAP
Phone: (303) 483-5300
Web: www.ibikedenver.com

Make the trek to Rocky Mountain National Park and experience the marvel of a true natural treasure. The park offers 416 square miles of rocky wilderness, with 60 mountains towering over 12,000 feet in the air. The great peaks and beautiful surroundings of the Rockies are truly a must-see natural wonder of the Colorado landscape.

Address: 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517 - MAP
Phone: (970) 586-1206
Web: www.nps.gov

If you're looking for some peace and quiet in the city, Bluff Lake Nature Center is the place to find it. The nature center is comprised of 123 acres that encompass a seasonal lake, wetlands, short-grass prairie, a riparian zone and wetland woodland. A true oasis within the city of Denver, Bluff Lake is home to waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, deer, foxes, beavers and other local wildlife.

Phone: (303) 344-0031
Web: www.blufflakenaturecenter.org

Explore one of Denver's favorite urban getaways at Cheesman Park. Whether you want to take a walk, go jogging, throw frisbees, fly a kite, or just take in another of the city's many natural gems, the park is a local favorite and a must see for visitors. According to folklore, the park sits upon an old cemetery where some of Denver's early inhabitants were laid to rest. If you're feeling brave, read up on some of the park's ghost stories before you visit - we dare you.

Address: 1177 Race Street, Denver, CO 80206 - MAP
Web: www.cheesmanpark.net

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Those aren't the only animals you'll see at the Wild Animal Sanctuary. The refuge houses animals like leopards, cougars, wolves, bobcats, and foxes, most of them having been saved from dangerous or abusive situations. The animals roam their species-specific habitats, situated on 320 acres of open grassland. As the largest and oldest nonprofit sanctuary in the nation, the Wild Animal Sanctuary is surely a sight to see for all animal lovers.

Address: 1946 Weld County Road (WCR) 53, Denver, CO 80643 - MAP
Phone: (303) 536-0118
Web: www.wildanimalsanctuary.org

Have some fun at Washington Park, one of the largest parks in Denver. Some of the park's features include a 2.6 mile jogging trail, two beautiful flower gardens, soccer fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, roller blading areas, a horseshoe court, tennis courts, two lakes, one pond and the busiest recreation center in the city. The 165-acre park is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

Address: 1000 South Downing St., Denver, CO 80209 - MAP
Phone: (303) 698-4962
Web: www.washpark.com

Travel more than one hundred million years back in time at Dinosaur Ridge. The exhibits showcase the archeological findings of prehistoric Colorado, with real dinosaur bones encased in sandstone and over 300 dinosaur footprints resting in the top layers of sand and mudstone. Be sure to explore the Dinosaur Ridge Exhibit Hall for an even closer look at the beasts of the past.

Address: 16831 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465 - MAP
Phone: (303) 697-3466
Web: www.dinoridge.org