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September 2024
September in Denver means the weather is finally getting cooler — and there might even be a random snowstorm in the forecast. But a seasoned Coloradan will tell you that you definitely should not put your shorts away just yet or write off spending as much time outside as possible.
Luckily, there are a cornucopia of Denver outdoor activities during September that both cling to the last vestiges of summer as well as welcome the advent of fall, from epic bike rides to peek at the fall colors in the high country to a challenging running series.
Read on for a rundown of events by region. Click on one of the links below to jump to a specific Denver region:
- 🏙️ Central Denver Outdoor Things To Do
- ⛰️ Northwest Denver Outdoor Things To Do
- ✈️ Northeast Denver Outdoor Things To Do
- 🌲 West Denver Outdoor Things To Do
- ⛵️ Southeast Denver Outdoor Things To Do
Central
Catch the End of the Colorado Rockies Season
Denver
While the Colorado Rockies might have trademarked the phrase “Rocktober” back in 2007, given the current state of the organization, September is probably the last time to see the team in action. It’s also way nicer to hang out in what’s considered one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country when Colorado’s weather is cooler than in the sweltering July heat. Even if you aren’t actually at Coors Field to see baseball, it’s still one of the best outdoor activities in Denver, with gorgeous views of the mountains, the scenic city skyline, and some of the best people-watching in the area.
Denver Century Ride
Denver
Driving around a city is one thing, but there’s arguably no better way to explore any place than by bike. The Denver Century Ride does all that and more, giving the riders the option of the entire 100-mile undertaking or slightly less daunting 25-mile, 50-mile, and 85-mile options. The routes take riders everywhere, from the urban sprawl of downtown Denver and its historic neighbors to the very top of Lookout Mountain, offering a wicked hard climb as well as incredible views of Golden and the entire Front Range. This year’s event is slated for Sept. 28, so it’s time to start training!
Sunnyside Music Festival
Denver
Even though Coloradans, for the most part, love a day of strenuous outdoor activity, that doesn’t mean relaxing just has to happen indoors. The Sunnyside Music Festival gives Denverites a fun, free outdoor activity in beautiful Chaffee Park without having to climb a mountain. This year’s festival is slated for Sept. 14, and the festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with free yoga. From there, multiple local acts take the stage, culminating with a Grateful Dead tribute band (because Colorado) from 6-7:30 p.m. Multiple food trucks will be on-site the entire time, and visitors can also buy alcohol if they choose to imbibe.
Northwest
Ride the BoboLink Trail
Boulder
This relatively easy (and flat!) bike ride offers gorgeous views of Boulder’s Flatirons as well as the chance to hit the South Boulder Creek Trail. Look for wildlife ranging from foxes to mule deer to even the ground-dwelling birds for which this trailhead is named. This ride is largely a choose-your-own-adventure, but at the minimum, plan on completing a 2.5-mile out-and-back. Bonus points if you hit one of Boulder’s many breweries on the ride back.
Hike the Aspen Alley Loop
Nederland
At some 8,000 feet above sea level, Nederland is a haven for fall colors weeks before the trees turn along the Front Range. For one of the best views of fall colors in the area, check out the approximately 2.5-mile Aspen Alley Loop Trail, a riverside hike that takes visitors through a lush grove of trees that turn into a mosaic of colors in the autumn air. Be warned: There is a total elevation gain of around 600 feet, so be prepared for a climb to start followed by a fairly moderate downhill. Since this is Colorado, bring layers, sturdy shoes, and perhaps most importantly, a camera.
Anderson Farms Fall Festival
Superior
September in Colorado might feel like summer in a lot of ways, but if you’re the type of person who basically spends all year looking forward to donning flannel and sipping a pumpkin spice latte, then Anderson Farms is basically your paradise. The fall festival kicks off on Sept. 25 and features wagon rides, a petting zoo, slides, and just general autumn festivities for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are $29 for adults on weekends and $17 on weekdays.
Northeast
Springvale Park Disc Golf Course
Thornton
This challenging disc golf course might be one of the best bangs for your buck when it comes to free September activities in northeast Denver. This 18-hole course is all par three, but it gets significantly more challenging on the back nine when competitors have to circumvent Marshall Lake and then contend with much more elevation and length. There’s even a water hazard on the 12th hole!
Berry Patch Farms
Brighton
The advent of fall means the end of the summer growing season, but in September, there’s still time to pick your produce at this local, certified organic farm that’s been welcoming visitors since 1994. Depending on the weather, visitors can pick strawberries, raspberries, currants, pie cherries, plums, basil, flowers, and pickling cucumbers, as well as buy various other fresh produce in the Barn Store. Keep an eye on the farm’s website for an upcoming September breakfast. Visitors are welcome at the farm from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Fishing at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Commerce City
Now that it’s fall and the Colorado sun is slightly less miserable, why not set up your best camp chair and post up alongside Mary and Ladora lakes in Rocky Mountain Arsenal for some fishing? Try your hand at hooking everything from northern pike to largemouth bass to bluegill amid a scenic wildlife refuge that’s also home to bison and bald eagles. All fishing is catch and release, and anglers 16 and older must have a valid Colorado fishing license.
West
Bear Creek Lake Park Trail Running Series
Lakewood
Now that the weather has finally cooled down, it’s time to chase a PR — and there’s no better place for a fast trail race than Bear Creek Lake Park. Each Wednesday evening in September, runners can test themselves on courses ranging from four to 6.5 miles, with routes traveling along the park’s lush creek as well as its surprisingly steep climbs. People who can’t make it in person have the option to run the same marked courses on their own time, Tuesday through Wednesday, and still be submitted for weekly prize drawings and receive a finisher medal for completing the entire series.
Fall Colors at the Georgetown Loop Railroad
Clear Creek County
September is peak leaf-peeping season in Colorado’s high country, and Georgetown is a gateway to the action. The fall colors train is slated to run from Sept. 20-22 as well as Sept. 27-29, and while stunning views of the state’s fantastic foliage are always included, panning excursions are also available for adventurers seeking a different type of gold. Coach trips start at $38 for adults and $32 for kids.
First Quarter Fridays at the Observatory
Pine Valley Ranch
Even though it’s only 40ish miles from Denver, Jefferson County’s Pine Valley Ranch is far enough away from the urban sprawl where the night sky is truly spectacular. Enter the open space’s historic observatory, built in 1937 and is home to a custom, six-inch refractor telescope that offers a unique view of the cosmos. Visitors are welcome on Friday, Sept. 13 from 7:30-9 p.m. The view requires a short, 0.6-mile hike over uneven terrain, meaning stargazers should bring a headlamp and water, as well as their patience since lines could be possible. Prior registration is required.
Southeast
Railbender Skate and Tennis Park
Parker
Parker’s Railbender Park is home to outdoor activities for both devoted skaters as well as those who don’t have the fortitude to send it off a jump. The 36,000-square-foot lighted skate park has street, plaza, and transition features, as well as two areas for beginners. But again, don’t sweat it if you can’t join the skaters in your life. The park is also home to a children’s playground, six lighted tennis courts, and access to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail.
Model Airfield at Cherry Creek State Park
Arapahoe County
Between the epic dog park, reservoir, and hiking trails, there are already plenty of outdoor activities that make Cherry Creek State Park worth a visit, but the model airfield might just be one of the most unique. What’s known as Suhaka Field has two paved runways, taxiways, and even a pit area for model aircraft enthusiasts interested in everything from war birds to aerobatics to quadcopters and ducted fan jets. Spectators are always welcome, and beginners even have the opportunity to try their hand at being a model aircraft pilot thanks to the Denver R/C Eagles Flying Club.
Editor’s Note: Our articles focus on five metro Denver regions: central, northeast, northwest; west; southeast. Some cities span across more than one region. See map.)
August 2024
Whether you’re a thrill seeker or someone who would rather just hang out on a paddleboard with a beer, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in August in metro Denver.
From exploring the ruins within Castlewood Canyon to bombing down Floyd Hill’s infamous Sluice on a mountain bike to watching Denverites be Denverites in Cheesman Park, here’s a rundown of some of the best outdoor activities for August.
Click on one of the links below to jump to a specific Denver region:
- 🏙️ Central Denver Outdoor Things To Do
- ⛰️ Northwest Denver Outdoor Things To Do
- ✈️ Northeast Denver Outdoor Things To Do
- 🌲 West Denver Outdoor Things To Do
- ⛵️ Southeast Denver Outdoor Things To Do
Central
Cheesman Park
Denver
Nestled in the heart of one of Denver’s most bustling neighborhoods, this 80-acre green oasis provides a dose of the actual outdoors amid an urban jungle. The expansive lawn offers a chance for the thousands of nearby Capitol Hill residents who are typically cooped up in studio apartments to soak in the sunshine. On a busy weekend, most of the neighborhood can be seen lounging on camp chairs in the park with a beer in-hand (which is allowed, as long as it’s in a can). This is a prime spot to people-watch, play frisbee, and catch views of the downtown skyline.
Cherry Creek Trail
Denver
The paved Cherry Creek Trail starts in downtown Denver’s Confluence Park and ends 40 miles upstream in Franktown, making it one of the best trails for biking on the Front Range. It offers everything from views of downtown Denver to an array of street murals to a tour of the region’s unique suburban topography — all at an average grade of less than 5%, making it relatively easy riding for cyclists of all ability levels.
Sloan’s Lake
Denver
One of Denver’s best spots for water sports wasn’t even supposed to exist. The legend says a local homesteader who was trying to dig a water well but struck an aquifer instead accidentally created Sloan’s Lake. More than 100 years later, this lake offers a unique view of the Denver skyline and is a top spot for runners, walkers, and rollerbladers traversing the 2.6-mile path along the water’s edge. Meanwhile, kayakers, standup paddle boarders, water skiers, and the park’s famous dragon boats are known to enjoy the water’s surface, especially on the warm days that dominate August in Denver.
Northwest
Shadow Canyon to South Boulder Peak
Boulder
August is the prime time for Colorado 14ers, but vert-seekers can get their fix without braving mountain traffic on this challenging, 8-mile route with more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain. A popular spot for professional trail runners and weekend warriors alike, the Shadow Canyon Trail provides sweeping views of the Boulder Flatirons and Front Range and, perhaps most importantly, during the summer months, is shaded almost the entire way. Bring lots of water, and prepare to hike uphill … a lot. The good news? The views are worth it.
Valmont Bike Park
Boulder
Valmont Bike Park provides a free, urban mountain biking experience just three miles from downtown Boulder. This 42-acre, natural surface terrain park offers a combination of jumps and berms that allow riders to practice their technical skills alongside a litany of other fellow riders. It is an opportunity for serious mountain bikers to hone their skills and for newbies to learn the ropes in a more controlled setting.
Boulder Canyon Beginner Climbing
Boulder Canyon
A Colorado summer calls for pushing yourself in the outdoors, and there are few activities as difficult — and as rewarding — as rock climbing. Boulder is a mecca for climbers of all ability levels, and Boulder Canyon is consistently listed as one of the top spots for beginners to get comfortable on the ropes and try their hand at evoking their inner Alex Honnold. The crags on the south side of the canyon are often shadier during the summer, and Turtle Rock is considered one of the best spots for kids to get comfortable.
Northeast
Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Commerce City
Just 10 minutes from downtown Denver is a chance to take a trip back into time for a glimpse at just how alive the Eastern Plains once were. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was formerly owned by the U.S. Army, which used it to develop chemical weapons during World War II. Now, it’s a haven for a large population of deer, prairie dogs, coyotes, hawks, and even more than two dozen bison — the only such wild herd that exists near Denver. Visit in the early morning hours for views of the city skyline and active wildlife as the sunrise casts long shadows over the summer prairie tallgrass.
Barr Lake
Commerce City
The cool thing about Barr Lake? There’s something for pretty much everyone who likes to be outside. Fishing enthusiasts can try to catch channel catfish, small and largemouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, and bluegill in the lake’s clear waters. Fitness enthusiasts, meanwhile, can traverse the 8.8-mile trail around the perimeter of the park. Hunters can practice their bowhunting skills at the archery range, and bird watchers can keep their eyes peeled for the bald eagles that happen to make this park home. Everyone, regardless of their preferred activity, can marvel at clear views of the Colorado Front Range.
Fronterra Park Disc Golf
Commerce City
Colorado outdoor activities don’t need to involve danger. Enter disc golf, a relatively relaxing activity that involves taking the simple game of frisbee to the next level. While there are disc golf courses scattered throughout metro Denver, Fronterra Park in Commerce City consistently gets some of the best reviews. This nine-hole course is situated in a tranquil suburban park and is mostly flat and lightly wooded, providing the chance for high scores and intense competition.
West
Big Soda Lake
Lakewood
Big Soda Lake might be one of the best places for a Colorado beach day (yes, that’s actually a thing). This lake, which is just off C-470 near Morrison Road, has its very own white sand swim beach, as well as ample shelters for barbecues and general frivolity. Most of the action, though, is on the water itself, which is a haven for kayakers and standup paddle boarders who are looking for a reprieve from the August heat.
Floyd Hill Open Space
Floyd Hill
Just 15 minutes west of Golden via Interstate 25, Floyd Hill Open Space offers some of the most epic mountain biking close to Denver. The relatively new trail system has roughly 12 miles of singletrack shaped by the expert builders with the Colorado Mountain Bike Association. While hikers are invited on some sections, mountain bikes are the star, and the crown jewel of the entire system is the Sluice, a 1.3-mile bike-only downhill trail that plunges down 700 vertical feet of singletrack peppered with a variety of manufactured features, including jumps, berms, drops, step-downs, step-ups, technical rock lines, and more.
North Fork Platte Tubing
Deckers
During the hot days of summer, tubing might be one of the best outdoor activities in Colorado and beyond. The stretch of the South Platte River near Deckers might be one of the best spots, with relatively calm water and views of the unique rock formations that make this valley southwest of Denver one of the coolest places to check out any time of the year. Be sure to bring two cars and an extra tube to carry your cooler.
Southeast
Castlewood Canyon
Douglas County
With the mountains to the west and the sprawling plains to the east, Castlewood Canyon creates its own unique geology, with Cherry Creek carving through a sprawling canyon floor with plentiful shade and water access for hikers and potentially their pets. Hike the Dam Trail for a unique look at the ruins of the canyon’s dam, which failed in 1933. If that piece of Colorado history intrigues you, stop by Dam Day on Saturday, Aug. 3, to learn more and enjoy kids’ games, food, hikes, and a good Dam lunch starting at 11:30 a.m.
Lone Tree Bluffs
Lone Tree
Lone Tree may seem more synonymous with shopping than hiking, but the bluffs show that in Colorado, there’s plenty of beauty even among the suburban sprawl. The Lone Tree Bluffs are one of the best urban hikes in the Denver metro area, with roughly 3.7 miles of looped trails overlooking the entire Front Range. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a glimpse of the summer sun’s perfect light show.
Hike Roxborough State Park
Sedalia
While Red Rocks and Garden of the Gods might get all the love, Roxborough State Park is part of the same distinctive geologic formation, offering all the views without quite as many crowds. The park has eight trails that traverse approximately 14 miles, with the longest being the 6.5-mile out-and-back to the summit of nearby Carpenter Peak. One thing to note before your visit? No mountain bikes or pets are allowed inside Roxborough.
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(Editor’s Note: Our articles focus on five metro Denver regions: central, northeast, northwest; west; southeast. Some cities span across more than one region. See map.)
