A Denver winter trip, for us, is typically filled with skiing. After all, most people head to Denver in the winter for snow activities (skiing, snowboarding, tubing). The past couple of years we’ve headed to the mountains. But, unfortunately this year, our ski trip was cut shot by a sprained knee. Which left us googling – what to do in Denver during the winter, when you can’t ski?!?! So, from our research and experience, here are our top finds.
Denver Winter Map
As with all of our blog posts, we include a full map of all the activities we researched and tagged for ourselves, shared with you. Below is our complete list of activities in Denver and the surrounding areas. We only listed our top 10 below, so check out the map for more ideas! PS: we keep a running list of our Google Maps on our Travel Maps page.
1. Grab a Beer or Bite at Denver’s Union Station
Union Station, whether in Denver winter or summer, is a must-see. The station was founded in 1858 and though it’s been renovated and well-kept, its still used as a true train station. It can even take you to/from the airport if you like! Lots of yummy foods, bars, and cafes have moved into the station. Our favorite was the Terminal Bar, which serves a guava sour bomber from Golden City Brewery that is our favorite beer to date (for the record, Sylvia doesn’t even like beer).
2. Explore RiNo (Denver Winter Weather-Permitting)
The River North Art District (also known as RiNo) is the perfect neighborhood for a stroll. Fortunately we were there for a 50F February Saturday; I’m not sure we would stroll around on a 5F day. Weather permitting, if you walk down the main street, Larimer, you’ll walk by 10+ murals to check out. We’ve bookmarked the big ones on our Denver travel map for you above!
3. Explore LoDo (Denver Winter Weather-Permitting)
Lower Downtown Denver in Winter (otherwise known as LoDo) is also a great spot for strolling, drinking, or dining. If you’re headed to Union Station, might as well explore the other parts of LoDo as well. We recommend checking out:
- McGregor Square
- Dairy Block
- 16th Street Mall
- Larimer Square/Larimer Street
4. Check out the Red Rocks Amphitheater
If it wasn’t winter, we’d recommend grabbing a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the only naturally-occurring and acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world. Even if you can’t grab a concert ticket, it’s still worth a visit. If you’re into hiking, there’s a few trails that take you around the red rocks:
- Trading Post: a moderate 1.5 mile hike behind the amphitheater, with views of red rock structures and scenes below
- Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trail: a moderate 3 mile hike (check AllTrails to see if its open)
- Geological Overlook: easy 0.9 mile hike with scenic views
5. Hike in Eldorado Canyon State Park
If you want a view of Red Rocks sprinkled with snow, Eldorado Canyon State Park offers a relatively easy (flat) hike called Fowler’s Trail. The trail is an out-and-back, for a maximum of 4 miles and only 410 ft of elevation gain. Considering I (Sylvia) had just sprained my knee, this hike was easy to do even with the busted knee. Bring crampons (paid link) if you’re going in winter!
The views themselves were pretty spectacular, it reminded us of being in Zion, without being in Zion. Admission was $10 and as an added bonus, there’s a bunch of rock climbers you can watch scaling the red rock.
6. Grab Tea in Boulder’s TeaHouse
Boulder is only 30 minutes outside of Denver, and this teahouse is a must-visit! Definitely the #1 food place in Boulder, this teahouse has amazing international cuisine – Ethiopian, Indian, Asian, etc. Their chai tea is famous, so you have to get it as well. Plus, the whole place is decorated and for the IG fans, totally instagrammable.
7. Check out the Flat Irons
Also located out in Boulder, but a short 30-minute drive from Denver, are the flatirons. You can view the flatirons, on a clear day, from Chautauqua Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike 1.7-2.7 miles uphill and through the forest for different views. We recommend doing this 2.7 mile loop on AllTrails. Bring crampons (paid link) if you’re going in winter!
8. Do a Brewery Tour
If you’re a beer drinker, you can’t visit Denver without beer tasting. Denver is very much a hiking/outdoors and foodie town, with plenty of beer options. Coors has its own little brewery tour out in Golden, CO (30 minutes driving from Denver). Otherwise, you can check out Denver’s guide to beer.
9. Grab a Bite or Drink at Denver Central Market or Milk Market
Similar to the TimeOut markets that have been popping up in major cities, Denver has two really cool “market” areas with a collection of bars, restaurants, and a very cool vibe. The Denver Central Market is located on Larimer Street in RiNo, while the Denver Milk Market is located in LoDo (closer to Union Station). Whether you have time for meals/drinks at none, one, or both, it’s still worth a drop-by to walk around and check them out.
10. Enjoy an Evening in Larimer Square
Like we mentioned above, Denver is definitely a foodie town, and Larimer Square has a collection of restaurants scattered on a pedestrian-friendly street. The picture above doesn’t do the square/street justice, as you really need to see it with the lights at night. If you’re into thrifting, there’s a really cool shop called Garage Sale Vintage, that doubles as a thrift store and bar.
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