There’s just something about getting outdoors and spending some time in a more natural setting that’s just good for the soul. Lucky for us, there are plenty of spots in the Denver area where you can enjoy the great outdoors. These 7 scenic destinations are some of the best parks around Denver that allow you to surround yourself with nature:

1. Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver Cheesman Park)
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
Yelp/ Eric J.
Now you knew we couldn't begin our list of the best parks around Denver without mentioning the jaw-dropping Denver Botanic Gardens, which is open year-round and houses an incredible 23 acres worth of various shrubs, flowers, trees, and more. (Psst... Take our advice and visit this city gem at least once every season!)
2. Confluence Park (Denver LoDo)
Confluence Park, 2250 15th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
Yelp/Cobra K.
For a tranquil oasis smack dab in the middle of the city, check out Confluence Park; a beautiful park in Denver that is hidden by nearby buildings and warehouses, and boasts a small beach plus opportunities to swim and kayak.
3. Washington Park (Denver)
Washington Park, Denver, CO, USA
Yelp/Joshua F.
When it comes to beautiful parks in Denver, you'll have a hard time beating what you'll see at Washington Park. Boasting 160-acre natural oasis. If you time your visit right, you'll get to see all of the enchanting blooms at the Perennial Garden off Downing Street, home to over 50 flower beds and 15,000 flowers!

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4. Cherry Creek State Park (Aurora)
Cherry Creek State Park, 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014, USA
Yelp/Brenda L.
Who says you have to travel south to visit the beach?! The Denver area is home to a sandy beach of its own, thanks to the popular Cherry Creek State Park & Reservoir. In addition to splashing the day away, Cherry Creek is home to a number of other outdoor activities -- like hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
5. Roxborough State Park (Littleton)
Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
Yelp/Justin L.
Arguably the best hiking in and around the city can be found at Littleton's Roxborough State Park, one of the best state parks near Denver. This scenic state park features not only epic wildlife sightings (pictured), but colorful and dramatic red-rock formations as well.
6. Red Rocks (Morrison)
Red Rocks, Colorado 81401, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Another iconic set of Denver-area red-rock formations is that of the beautiful Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, which -- unlike Roxborough -- also offers one of the best concert venues in the country (pictured).
7. City Park (Denver)
City Park, Denver, CO, USA
Yelp/Christian B.
For the best of both worlds in terms of both nature and cityscape, there is no beating Denver's gorgeous City Park, which comes complete with this stunning skyline backdrop! If you think this picture looks cool, you gotta experience this place for yourself.

For even more epic outdoor spots around Denver, check out These 5 Trails Around Denver Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ancient Ruins.

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Best parks around Denver

Jackie Ann | July 25, 2022

Which state parks should I visit in Denver?

Did you know that there are 42 state parks in Colorado, and many of them are near Denver? Golden Gate Canyon State Park is just 30 miles from Denver, and it’s one of the best places to check out the fall foliage in Colorado. Don’t worry, if your visit doesn’t match up with Mother Nature, there are still plenty of outdoor adventures to be had at this 12,000-acre park near Denver, like the 36 miles of hiking trails including biking and horseback riding trails.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Denver?

Introducing the next generation of nature lovers to Denver’s hiking trails is always a good idea, and there are some awesome hiking trails near Denver that the entire family will enjoy. For beautiful waterfront views, check out the Bierstadt Lake Loop Trail in the Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail is just about 1.5 miles long and features beautiful water views and the chance to see some wildlife along the way.

What are the most beautiful hikes in Denver?

There’s no shortage of beautiful hikes in Denver, you are only limited by how much time you have in the day! Hikes like the 13-mile Centennial Cone Trail will take much longer to complete, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning wildflowers and as you gain elevation, you’ll have an incredible view of Jefferson County. For a shorter option, try the 6-mile Mount Flora Trail near Idaho Springs. The alpine lakes and mountain views make this one of the best hikes near Denver, for sure. If you want to combine history and nature, then the Inner Canyon/Lake Gulch Trail Loop is just what you’re looking for. This hiking trail near Denver is just shy of two miles long and is considered an easy hike, giving you beautiful views along the way. It also leads to the abandoned Castlewood Dam that failed in 1933.

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