10 Nature & Parks in Denver That You Shouldn't Miss

July 18, 2021 Weston Hennigan

Get major-city sophistication in a location that is one of the world’s natural wonders. Obviously a hub for those seeking the Rocky Mountain ski slopes, Denver is also home to four major sports teams, major museums and a wide variety of neighborhoods that make the city a destination in its own right.
Restaurants in Denver

1. High Line Canal

Route 121, Denver, CO http://www.denverwater.org/Recreation/HighLineCanal
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

High Line Canal

2. Mount Evans

Denver, CO (303)567-4660 https://www.colorado.com/scenic-historic-byway/mount-evans-scenic-and-historic-byway
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,532 reviews

Mount Evans

Reviewed By lilianc160

I think I've said it all in the title. Getting there from Denver area is a scenic drive in itself. The grove is amazing. Goats can be seen. It is awesome.

3. Bear Creek Park

4901 W Kenyon Avenue, Denver, CO 80236
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Bear Creek Park

4. Denver Zoo

2300 N Steele St Denver City Park, Denver, CO 80205-4899 +1 720-337-1400 [email protected] http://denverzoo.org
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,033 reviews

Denver Zoo

Adventure Awaits! Every day, Denver Zoo seeks to inspire exploration and discovery, and creates connections with people, animals and nature. And every day, we’re working to save animals and conserve wildlife here and around the world. Your visit and support aids in all these efforts- Thank you. Home to 4,100 animals, representing more than 600 species, Denver Zoo is committed to species conservation by bringing science education to life and providing extraordinary experiences that foster human and animal connections. It is the most visited cultural destination in Colorado, serving 2 million people per year. Located in Denver’s City Park, the Zoo is a nonprofit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which assures the highest standards of animal care. With the mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding, Denver Zoo dedicates more than $2 million annually to zoo-led programs aimed at protecting animals within their natural habitats around the world.

Reviewed By kantoinette

This review is mainly for the Holiday Zoo lights as this was my first and only time visiting the Denver Zoo. There are so many beautiful, creative light displays covering the entire zoo. There are also a limited amount of animals on display; I especially enjoyed the giraffes. The grounds were easy to walk and the layout was a loop that ensured that you didn't miss anything. There are a few bathrooms and concession strands throughout the zoo, so you don't have to back track or run around looking for one. The concession tents offered hot chocolate and cider(with the option to spike with holiday spirits), pretzels, churros funnel cake and a few adult beverages(including Rosé in a can). This event sells out quickly every night and the parking lot is usually full, so I recommend taking Uber or Lyft. It's a fun time for all ages and I highly recommended to everyone.... just make sure you bundle up!

5. Washington Park

S. Downing St. & E. Louisiana Ave, Denver, CO 80209 https://www.denver.org/listing/washington-park/6828/
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 600 reviews

Washington Park

Reviewed By lisafB5225HC - Denver, United States

This iconic park has been a mainstay for folks of all ages who live in the city. Residents come from all the blocks around to exercise, socialize, and gather with others. On any given day you will find many Denverites getting some fresh air and taking care of their physical and emotional bodies. You will also find loads of wildlife with geese and ducks as well as squirrels. Parking is limited so try to find another way to the area.

6. Denver Mountain Parks

3000 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80206-5638 http://denvermountainparks.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 290 reviews

Denver Mountain Parks

7. 9th Street Historic Park

1068 W 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80204-4306
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

9th Street Historic Park

8. City Park - Denver

Colorado Blvd. and York St., Denver, CO 80205 +1 720-913-1311 http://www.denver.org/listings/City-Park/6822
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 301 reviews

City Park - Denver

The most popular park in the city, this 320-acre sanctuary offers recreation opportunities galore and houses the Denver Zoo, the Colorado Museum of Natural History and an IMAX Theatre.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

City Park is an urban park and neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, 330 acres in the east-central area of town that is home to the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Ferril and Duck Lakes and a boathouse. To the immediate north of the park is the City Park Golf Course. The largest park in Denver, City Park was established in 1880 and is one of the oldest public spaces in Denver, located slightly more than a mile east of the downtown area. Its boundaries are York Street to the west, 17th Avenue to the south, Colorado Boulevard to the east and 23rd Avenue to the north. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. By the start of the 20th century, Ferril Lake, the Denver Zoo and the landmark boat pavilion, with a Spanish-style design by architects John Humphreys and William Fisher, were all developed in the park. Reinhard Schuetz, a German immigrant who was the head landscaper for Denver, formalized the design of the park by planting formal gardens, laying down carriage ways and creating the East High School Esplanade into the park. In 1908, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science was opened to the public. It was built on the eastern edge of the park, on the highest elevation, and now is famous for its views of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains beyond. Today, the Colfax neighborhood in City Park has become a popular area with many hip restaurants, stores and other businesses, including the Tattered Cover book store and the Twist & Shout record store, Thousands of visitors visit the cultural institutions located within the park. One of the most popular features continues to be the recently renovated Prismatic Fountain at Ferril Lake, which dates to 1908. The park is particularly frantic during the summer wth free concerts, boat rentals and paddleboats. It also is a great place for dog-walking.

9. Harvard Gulch Park

550 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210-5081
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Harvard Gulch Park

10. Benedict Fountain Park

401 E 20th Ave, Denver, CO 80205 +1 720-913-1311
Excellent
40%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Benedict Fountain Park

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