Explore Denver: Top Sports & Recreation Picks from 2019

Denver is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and sports fans alike, boasting an incredible array of activities and venues. The “Best of Denver 2019” awards recognized many outstanding options across sports and recreation, highlighting everything from scenic hikes and challenging bike trails to lively sports bars and innovative local businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or looking for new ways to enjoy the Mile High City, these award-winning spots offer fantastic opportunities to get active and engaged.

Hiking & Natural Wonders Near Denver

Colorado’s stunning landscapes are right at Denver’s doorstep. For breathtaking red-rock formations and diverse trails suitable for all skill levels, Roxborough State Park is an easy half-hour drive from downtown. Hikers can spot mule deer and even black bears amidst its 4,000 acres.

Closer to the city, North Table Mountain Park in Golden offers medium-difficulty loops with panoramic views of the Front Range and Golden, perfect for a lunch break or post-work trek. For a gentler urban experience, the Clear Creek Trail in Golden combines nature walks with city access, allowing strolls along the bustling waterway near downtown.

Boulder’s iconic Chautauqua Park draws locals and students alike for its stunning Flatirons views and various amenities, while Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides a beautiful car camping escape just thirty miles away.

Recommended Hikes & Parks

Gear Up: Local Shops & Innovations

Preparing for outdoor adventures is made easy with Denver’s specialized stores. For runners, Berkeley Park Running Company offers gear, advice, and a strong community feel. Skiers and snowboarders can find top-notch equipment, rentals, and fast repairs at Lenny’s Supreme Ski & Golf.

If you prefer to try before you buy, Outdoors Geek in Park Hill rents everything from camping to snowshoeing gear, with the option to purchase if you fall in love with an item. And for the health-conscious adventurer, Bobo’s Oat Bars, a Boulder-based company, provides delicious, filling, vegan, and gluten-free energy bars.

Innovation extends to pet safety too, with Fido Pro offering the Airlift, a lightweight, packable backpack designed to carry injured dogs out of the backcountry.

Winter Sports Wonderland

Colorado winters are legendary, and Denverites make the most of them. Silverton Mountain’s Spring Unguided Season Pass was hailed as a no-brainer deal for avid skiers, while Arapahoe Basin Ski Area celebrated its new Beavers Lift, opening up 339 acres of intermediate to advanced terrain. For experts, A-Basin’s Steep Gullies offer challenging double-black-diamond runs and untracked snow.

For those seeking free thrills, hitchhiking Loveland Pass offers technical runs at no cost. After a long day on the slopes, experience the Best Après-Ski experience at Adrift, transforming cold snow days into a warm, island-paradise escape.

Snowshoeing enthusiasts should head to The Loch in Rocky Mountain National Park for a beautiful six-mile round trip past Alberta Falls. The annual Outdoor Retailer Snow Show also brings winter lovers together, showcasing next season’s gear and fostering community.

Denver’s Dynamic Sports Scene

From cheering on professional teams to engaging in amateur leagues, Denver offers a vibrant sports culture. Rockies Opening Day is an annual highlight, celebrating the start of baseball season with high expectations at Coors Field. For an excellent game-day experience, The Rooftop at Coors Field offers a unique party atmosphere with multiple bars and concession credit for an affordable ticket price.

The Denver Nuggets provided an incredible sports ticket value in 2019, showcasing a talented young core and a lively atmosphere at the Pepsi Center. Soccer fans can support the improving Colorado Rapids or check out the authentic amateur action of FC Denver.

For Broncos enthusiasts, cornerback Chris Harris Jr. was the top Bronco to follow on Twitter for his unfiltered opinions, and kicker Brandon McManus’s fashion line offered whimsical, eye-catching Broncos-themed apparel.

Where to Watch, Play & Unwind

Denver’s sports bars and recreational venues cater to every mood. For exceptional food and drinks while watching a game, West End Tap House shines with its addictive “smalls” menu and extensive drink selection. When a long sporting event calls for comfort and affordability, the Dive Inn‘s nautically themed atmosphere, inexpensive drinks, and dry-docked boat offer a unique experience.

For an optimal game-watching experience with multiple screens and diverse telecasts, Stoney’s Bar & Grill is a standout. If you want to get in on the action, Blake Street Tavern’s “Underground Social” basement is packed with arcade games, supersized board games, and more.

Other great spots include Gerard’s Pool Hall, offering a throwback billiards experience, and Candlelight Tavern for a quality, often vacant, shuffleboard court.

Active & Unique Pursuits

Denver’s recreation options go beyond traditional sports. The Triple Bypass Bicycle Ride offers a challenging 120-mile, 10,000-foot vertical gain experience across the Rockies. For speed demons, the Boulder Valley Velodrome hosts weekly races where cyclists reach speeds up to 50 mph.

For social climbers, Movement RiNo combines an impressive climbing gym with Improper City, a cafe and beer garden, creating a vibrant social scene. Yoga enthusiasts can find donation-based classes with Isabel Rotteveel Belliard or enjoy a pint after class with Après Yoga at local breweries. For a truly unique experience, Yoga With the Sharks at the Downtown Aquarium offers poses with marine life as your backdrop.

Skate culture thrives at Death and Glory Skate Shop, specializing in derby and quad skating gear. Mountain biking enthusiasts can conquer Super Betasso in Boulder or appreciate the rock-and-roll inspired bikes from local manufacturer Guerrilla Gravity.

For fishing, Carter Lake is excellent for bass and trout, while Sloan’s Lake offers convenient urban fishing with scenic views. Golfers will love CommonGround Golf Course for its challenging design and great practice facilities, and can grab the Best Breakfast Burrito at a Golf Course at Tin Cup Bar and Grill.

For high-altitude adventures, Mt. Belford offers a challenging but rewarding climb with breathtaking summit views, and the North Arapaho and South Arapaho Peak Traverse provides an epic thirteener experience with alpine meadows and Colorado’s largest glacier.

FAQs About Denver Sports & Recreation

• What are some popular hiking spots near Denver?
  Roxborough State Park and North Table Mountain Park offer diverse trails for various skill levels and are within an hour’s drive.
• Where can I find unique sports experiences in Denver?
  Try Yoga With the Sharks at the Downtown Aquarium, the Triple Bypass Bicycle Ride for a challenge, or the Boulder Valley Velodrome for high-speed cycling.
• Are there good places to watch sports games in Denver?
  Stoney’s Bar & Grill is excellent for watching, while West End Tap House offers great food with your game. The Rooftop at Coors Field is a unique way to experience a Rockies game.
• What local businesses cater to outdoor gear?
  Outdoors Geek rents and sells equipment, Berkeley Park Running Company is great for runners, and Lenny’s Supreme Ski & Golf handles winter sports gear.
• Where can I find social activities combining sports and community?
  Movement RiNo combines climbing with a social hub, Play Mile High organizes coed sports leagues, and Après Yoga offers brewery-based yoga classes.

Denver truly lives up to its reputation as a haven for active individuals, offering an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, community events, and diverse athletic pursuits. Get out and explore!

Denver Top Sports Recreation Picks