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10 Days in Denver: A Mile-High Adventure

Douglas Deming

Douglas Deming

22 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling 10-day journey through the vibrant city of Denver. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, explore fascinating wildlife, and indulge in the rich culture and art scene. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Mile-High City!

Trip to Denver

Day 1Aquatic Wonders and Thrilling Rides
+

$107

Downtown Aquarium
Sprawling complex with a state-of-the-art aquarium housing 500+ species, plus a restaurant & lounge.
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
$31
12 - 17 min

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Directions

Elitch Gardens
Amusement park with roller coasters among other thrill rides, plus arcade games & shows.
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
$75
Day 2Serene Lakes and Urban Oasis
+

$13

·

$ 6

Barr Lake State Park
Lake & wetlands with miles of nature trails, birdwatching, boating & fishing, plus a Nature Center.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$13
37 - 45 min

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Directions

Confluence Park
Placid riverside park featuring benches, grassy lawns, biking & walking trails, plus a kayak run.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Clear Creek
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
Day 3Lakeside Bliss and Wildlife Encounters
+

$0

·

$ 3

Sloan Lake
Fishing & boating in a city lake encircled by a public park with a trail for cycling & walking.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
19 - 28 min

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Directions

Sloan's Lake Park
Denver's 2nd largest park, with jogging paths & grassy spots around a boating-friendly lake.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
34 - 41 min

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Directions

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Open lakes, wetlands, prairie grasslands & woodlands home to more than 330 species.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
Day 4Trolley Rides and Artistic Delights
+

$32

·

$ 3

Denver Trolley
Seasonal open-air trolley offering scenic rides along the South Platte Greenway & Downtown Denver.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$6
9 - 11 min

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Directions

Coors Field
76-acre home of the Colorado Rockies with some seats offering views of the Rocky Mountains.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$25
11 - 16 min

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Directions

RedLine Contemporary Art Center
Stark, modern nonprofit space with art exhibits, artists in residence & public education programs.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Free
Day 5Botanic Gardens and Prehistoric Treasures
+

$25

·

$ 6

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
Working farm offering trails & bird-watching spots amid wildflowers, plus seasonal butterfly house.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$13
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Harriman Lake Park
Upland prairie park with a central lake used for fishing & a 1.4-mile interpretive hiking trail.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Dinosaur Ridge
Paved trail with dinosaur tracks & fossils, plus a visitors' center with exhibits & a gift shop.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
$13
Day 6Parks Galore and Nature's Splendor
+

$13

·

$ 6

Chatfield State Park
Biking, hiking, camping & boating with scenic views of the foothills & Platte River Valley.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$13
20 - 24 min

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Directions

South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center
Spanning over 880 acres, this park offers 5 lakes for fishing, extensive trails & nature programs.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
26 - 32 min

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Directions

Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
Indoor & outdoor exhibits & tours dedicated to the history, culture & natural wonders of Lakewood.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free
Day 7Parks with a View and Outdoor Fun
+

$13

·

$ 9

Robert F. Clement Park
Suburban park with a 60-acre lake offering sport courts, games, picnic areas & playgrounds.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
23 - 28 min

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Directions

Ruby Hill Park
This hilltop park offers views, trails, play areas & terrain designed for skiers & snowboarders.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
22 - 27 min

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Directions

Cherry Creek Park
Creekside greenspace offering relaxed walking & bicycling paths & some tree cover.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Denver Firefighters Museum
A 1909 fire station houses galleries & exhibits on the history of the Denver fire department.
No time set
$13
Day 8Conservation Centers and Scenic Trails
+

$13

·

$ 9

Plains Conservation Center
Natural area with a reconstructed prairie homestead & Cheyenne camp, hiking trails & public events.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$13
20 - 24 min

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Directions

Centennial Center Park
11-acre city park with a kids' water playground, nature areas & an amphitheater.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Paved walking/biking trail connecting city & state parks, plus a reservoir & other scenic areas.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Free
18 - 22 min

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Directions

Bluff Lake Nature Center
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Free
Day 9Canal Trails and Outdoor Art
+

$13

·

$ 6

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Cherry Creek Reservoir
Mountain views are offered from this reservoir with boating, a sandy swimming beach & bike trail.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$13
18 - 22 min

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Directions

Museum of Outdoor Arts
Sophisticated venue offers modern art exhibitions, an outdoor sculpture garden & education programs.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
Day 10Gardens, Parks, and Serenity
+

$19

·

$ 6

Denver Botanic Gardens
Horticultural library at Denver Botanic Gardens including rare books, seed catalogs & other items.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$19
16 - 20 min

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Directions

City Park
This expansive greenspace has amenities such as a zoo, museum & golf course, plus areas for hiking.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Belleview Park
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $298 In total

Activities & Food:$244
Transport:$54