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Great Outdoor Activities Close to Denver, Colorado

Colorado Via Ferrata Idaho Springs

Looking for a day trip away from the mile high city?  We’ve put together a list of some of the best outdoor activities within a short distance of Denver, Colorado.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

This popular 14,264 foot peak in Colorado is just 60 miles from Denver and will give you breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and the front range.  Usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can drive your car to the very top of Mount Evans, letting you take all generations in your group out to enjoy the day.

Colorado Via Ferrata

Set on the cliffside in Idaho Springs just thirty minutes west of Denver, this introduction to mountaineering is a perfect afternoon getaway from the front range.  You’ll traverse the cliffside, try some assisted rock climbing, rappel down a 70-foot rock face, and zipline back down to the outpost to conclude your adventure.  Try out AVA’s Via Ferrata the next time you want to indulge in Colorado’s great outdoors.

Roxborough State Park

This state park in Douglas County south of Denver sits on almost 4,000 acres of land and has incredible rock sculptures, a wide variety of plants, and a multitude of wildlife.  Dogs, mountain bikes, and horses are not allowed here, as Colorado is trying to conserve the area as much as possible.

Cliffside Zipline

Suitable for a large range of people, AVA’s Cliffside Zipline in Idaho Springs will send you soaring among the tree tops and catching great views of the surrounding mountain vistas.  This 6-line course incorporates unique elements such as a Surf Zip, Dual Race line to challenge your friends and family on, a 50-foot free fall, and multiple suspended log bridges to cross.

Horsetooth Reservoir

Though it’s about an hour and a half north of downtown Denver, the Horsetooth Reservoir is a hot spot in the summer months.  Just west of Fort Collins, this large body of water is surrounded by almost 2,000 acres of public land.  Hit up one of the hikes in the area first, then boat or float on the reservoir to cool off on a hot summer day.

Denver Zoo

This 80-acre facility is home to a plethora of animals.  The Denver Zoo has nearly everything from kangaroos, giraffes, and red pandas to komodo dragons, penguins, and tigers.  Whether you’re looking for a family outing or just an afternoon with your plus one, the Denver Zoo is a great destination for all ages.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

One of the most famous outdoor amphitheaters in the country sits just west of downtown Denver in Morrison, Colorado.  The venue has massive scarlet rock structures framing it which makes for a jaw dropping setting to enjoy a concert.  With a full line up of well known artists nearly all year long, and activities such as yoga and Film on the Rocks, Red Rocks should definitely be on your bucket list when visiting Colorado.  You can even just go hike around and explore the area when there aren’t any events going on.

Still wondering what to do?  Call AVA Rafting & Zipline for some ideas!  With our Idaho Springs outpost just thirty minutes west of downtown Denver, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from!  Raft some whitewater sections of Clear Creek, zipline along the cliffside, or try your hand at mountaineering… the possibilities are endless!

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