{"id":13071,"date":"2026-05-15T19:38:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T19:38:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=13071"},"modified":"2026-05-15T19:38:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T19:38:32","slug":"what-to-do-in-and-around-denver-while-youre-here-for-outside-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=13071","title":{"rendered":"What to Do in and Around Denver While You\u2019re Here for Outside Days"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>Explore the Mile High City before or after the festival for all kinds of outdoor adventure<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/p>\n<p class=\"fp-leadCaption py-tight text-left font-utility text-utility3-size leading-utility3-line-height text-secondary\">Denver skyline.<!-- --> (Photo: Captain Colorado Photography)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published May 15, 2026 01:15PM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>There\u2019s a reason the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/outsidedays.outsideonline.com\/\">Outside Days<\/a> festival is in Denver. The Mile High City has long been considered the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Not only does it serve as a launchpad for alpine adventures, there\u2019s also plenty of outdoor fun to be had close to town. So make a trip of your visit to Denver by exploring everything the city and the surrounding areas have to offer, from hiking to fishing to quaint mountain towns.<\/p>\n<p>Inspired by the amazing music at Outside Days? Check out <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/visitdenver.com\/events\/concerts-live-music\/red-rocks-amphitheatre\/\">Red Rocks<\/a>. The iconic outdoor amphitheater is a must-see when visiting Denver, offering everything from concerts to <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redrocksonline.com\/yoga\/\">yoga<\/a> to <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redrocksonline.com\/film\/\">movie screenings<\/a> to scenic <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gaiagps.com\/hike\/poi\/united-states\/colorado\/red-rocks-park\/red-rocks-and-amphitheater\/\">hiking trails<\/a>. And don\u2019t miss <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/visitdenver.com\/blog\/post\/dinosaur-ridge\/\">Dinosaur Ridge<\/a>: an outdoor museum dedicated to the geological and natural history of the area.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2740954\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Red Rocks\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2740954\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Denver_inline_1-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Denver_inline_1-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Rock formations in the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado.<\/span> (Photo: Ron Buskirk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to bag your first fourteener, there are several peaks within a stone\u2019s throw of Denver that are as accessible as they are stunning. The <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"http:\/\/v\">Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway<\/a> is the highest paved road in the United States and will take you almost all the way up to the mountain\u2019s 14,264-foot summit and the surrounding hiking trails. Note: This peak is popular for a reason, so make sure you snag a timed entry reservation before heading out.<\/p>\n<p>Bonus: Want something a little more challenging? Just beyond Mount Blue Sky, Grays and Torreys Peaks can be summited together on a difficult <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gaiagps.com\/hike\/230903\/grays-peak-loop\/\">11.2-mile round-trip trek<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2740955\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Gray's and Torrey's\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1709\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2740955\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Denver_inline_2-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Denver_inline_2-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Grays and Torreys Peak sit just an hour west of Denver.<\/span> (Photo: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And if you\u2019re more interested in trekking to the brewery instead of the mountaintop, try the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/visitdenver.com\/plugins\/maps\/map\/denver-beer-trail\/5af5b78e302b93ab9b82a2c3\/\">Denver Beer Trail<\/a>. The city has the most breweries of any city in the country, and in true Colorado fashion, there\u2019s a way to hike them all.<\/p>\n<p>Colorado\u2019s rivers have some of the best <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/visitdenver.com\/things-to-do\/sports-recreation\/fly-fishing\/\">fly fishing<\/a> in the world, and you don\u2019t have to travel far from Denver to access it. The Denver South Platte is a 26-mile urban stretch of the Platte River that\u2019s full of trout, bass, walleye, and catfish and is the perfect place to cast a line. If you\u2019re looking to venture further into the wilderness, the Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park and Blue River near Breckenridge boast an abundance of scenic beauty and fish alike.<\/p>\n<p>Note: Fishing permit required.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2740956\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Fly fishing\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2740956\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Denver_inline_3-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Denver_inline_3-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Colorado is one of the most sought-after destinations for fly fishing in the world.<\/span> (Photo: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If Denver is the gateway to the Rockies, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/visitdenver.com\/head-to-the-mountains\/estes-park\/\">Estes Park<\/a> is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. But before checking the National Park off your bucket list, make sure to enjoy all the local charm that this small town has to offer. From historic hotels like the Stanley to abundant wildlife to hiking and biking trails, you might just find it hard to leave.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2740957\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Elk\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2740957\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Denver_inline_4-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Denver_inline_4-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">An elk wandering through Estes Park, Colorado with the iconic Stanley Hotel in the background.<\/span> (Photo: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Head west along I-70, just 45 minutes from downtown Denver, to explore the old mining town of Idaho Springs. Here you can find a quaint main street full of antique shops, Old West history, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beaujos.com\/\">Beau Jo\u2019s<\/a>, where you can try Colorado-style pizza. Plus, there\u2019s a brand new <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/mightyargo.com\/\">cable car<\/a> that takes you high above the town with breathtaking 260-degree views of the Rocky Mountains.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><i>Celebrating 117 years of promoting the Mile High City, <\/i><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/visitdenver.com\/\"><i>Visit Denver<\/i><\/a><i> is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/adventure-travel\/destinations\/north-america\/what-to-do-in-and-around-denver-while-youre-here-for-outside-days\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the Mile High City before or after the festival for all kinds of outdoor adventure Denver skyline. (Photo: Captain Colorado Photography) Published May 15, 2026 01:15PM There\u2019s a reason the Outside Days festival is in Denver. The Mile High City has long been considered the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Not only does it<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13072,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-13071","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-wild-living"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13071"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13071\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}