Things to Do in Denver Colorado in the Summer
Looking for some things to do in Denver Colorado this summer? Search no further. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite summer activities!
1) Cool off with a Cold Drink at the Grizzly Rose
Our summer schedule is always jam-packed with fun at the Grizzly Rose. If you’re coming in on a weekday, catch one of our specials:
- Tuesday – $1 draft beers with no cover
- Wednesday- Free dance lessons
- Thursday- Ladies drink free
- Saturday- Weekend Party with Live Music
- Sunday- Family Night for all ages
Friday night is the prime spot for our national acts, with artists like Sam Riggs, Billy Currington, Joe Nichols, Walker Hayes and more appearing at the #1 honky tonk in the nation!
2) Catch an Outdoor Concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of Colorado’s most famous concert venues, located completely outdoors just 15 miles south of Denver. You’ll be surrounded by vivid red sandstone formations and the music of the countries hottest acts. The summer concert series in Red Rocks is notoriously star-studded, and you’ll want to visit more than once!
3) Get Festive at One of Denver’s Music Festivals
Denver hosts it’s fair share of music festivals from May to July, including the annual Five Points Jazz Festival and the Westworld Music Festival to celebrate the rich history of music in the West and to feature the rich Colorado music scene.
4) Go Hiking
There are a number of great trails to hike just outside Denver during the summer. These are some of our favorites.
Castle Rock Trail
This mile-and-a-half loop hike leads up to the famed Castle Rock and is mostly easy except for a few rocky parts of the climb. At the top of the hike, you’ll see a breathtaking panoramic view of Castle Rock and the Rocky Mountain range, including Pike’s Peak. Pack a lunch, as you can enjoy the view and a bite to eat from the picnic tables up at the top.
Lake Loops Hike at Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Just 30 minutes northeast of Denver is the expansive Rocky Mountain Arsenal. The Lake Loops Hike is just under 2 miles and allows you to walk along the shoreline of both Lake Ladora and Lake Mary in this wildlife refuge and view the many residents of the park.
North Table Mountain
North Table Mountain glows over the town of Golden, Colorado when the sun rises behind it every morning. This easy trail hike is full of wildflowers blooming in the Springtime, as well as stunning views of meadows, vistas and even chance glimpses of wildlife. The full hike is over 7 miles, which makes it a little more difficult than most easy trail hikes in the area, but the views are well worth it.
Red Rocks Trail at Red Rocks
The Red Rocks Trail is about 6 miles around and is an easy hike through the meadows surrounding the red sandstone formations that also form Red Rocks Amphitheatre. If you climb to the highest point at the Amphitheatre, you’re rewarded with gorgeous views down into Denver.
4) Ride a Bike
Cycling is one of Denver’s favorite pastimes, and you’ll find no shortage of city and wilderness loops and trails to enjoy on two wheels.
Cherry Creek Trail
This 20-mile cycling trail connects Aurora Colorado (slightly southeast of Denver) to the downtown area. The views along the way are not to be missed, revealing historical landmarks, vibrant street art, and bustling city views.
Sloan Lake Trail
An easy-riding bike trail winds around Denver’s Sloan Lake, offering fresh air, water views and a scenic park environment.
Clear Creek Trail
Clear Creek Trail is a road trail that follows the banks of Clear Creek from North Denver to Golden Colorado, ending near Table Mountain.
6) Rodeo
A visit to Denver isn’t complete without enjoying one of the many rodeo events that occur in the city. From National championships and rodeos like the All-Star Rodeo weekend to regional events like the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, there’s always bull riding, barrel racing, roping and bareback competitions to enjoy.
7) Horseback Riding
Several stables around the Denver area offer trail riding services, which are a great way to get out and enjoy the gorgeous Colorado scenery from the back of a trusty steed. Bear Creek Stables in nearby Morrison offers guided rides, as well as 12 Mile Stables and A&A Historical Trails.
8) Fishing
Fishing is one of our favorite pastimes here at the Grizzly Rose. In fact, we’ve identified the best fishing near Denver. Grab your rod and reel and get ready to land some trout!
9) Rock Climbing
Colorado is one of the best destinations for outdoor sport in the nation, and that includes rock climbing! If you’re interested in a day of rock climbing (and have the required skill), we recommend spending a few hours out at the Flatirons in nearby Boulder. These sandstone formations make for great climbing.
If you’d like to get some practice with rock climbing before you try bouldering outdoors, check out one of the rock climbing gyms in Denver, including Tension Climbing, Movement Climbing + Fitness Denver and the Denver Climbing Company.
10) Kayaking
Watersport is also very popular in Colorado, and some of Denver’s best kayaking locations are right in Denver’s backyard.
Clear Creek Whitewater Park
This water recreation space in Golden, Colorado is cleverly divided into sections for different difficulties, from shallow surf waves to roaring rapids. If you need a rental, they have them available!
South Platte River
South Platte River cuts right through downtown and is a local favorite for a quick kayaking session before heading into work. There’s even a Starbucks located nearby in case you need an early morning java!