Explore Denver: A Hub for Sports Enthusiasts and Outdoor Adventurers
Denver, Colorado—famously known as the Mile High City—sits 5,280 feet above sea level and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually. As one of the top U.S. cities for sports and recreation, Denver offers an exciting mix of professional sports, outdoor activities, and adrenaline-fueled adventures. Whether you're a visitor exploring Denver for the first time or a local seeking new ways to stay active, this guide highlights the best sports and recreation activities Denver has to offer.
Top Sports Attractions in Denver You Can't Miss
🏈 Empower Field at Mile High
Feel the energy at Empower Field, home of the Denver Broncos. With a seating capacity of 76,125, this iconic NFL stadium delivers an unforgettable game-day experience. Fun fact: The Broncos wrapped up their 2024-25 season with a solid 10-7 record, securing third in the AFC West!
🏀 Ball Arena
Experience live action with the 2023 NBA Champion Denver Nuggets and the three-time Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche. Hosting over 250 events annually, Ball Arena is Denver's go-to destination for sports and entertainment.
🎶 Red Rocks Amphitheatre
More than just a concert venue, Red Rocks offers Yoga on the Rocks, drawing over 2,000 participants per session. Enjoy fitness and wellness set against breathtaking natural scenery.
Year-Round Sports Events and Leagues for Locals
🏃♂️ Colfax Marathon
Join over 20,000 participants in Denver's largest running event, weaving through scenic neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.
⚽ Denver Parks and Recreation Sports Leagues
Stay active by joining soccer, basketball, or softball leagues through Denver Parks and Recreation, which operates 30 recreation centers and 29 pools across the city.
🍻 Great American Beer Festival
Combine your love for sports and craft beer at this iconic event, which draws over 60,000 attendees annually.
Denver's Major Professional Sports Teams
Denver Broncos (NFL)
Eight-time AFC Champions and Super Bowl 50 winners, the Broncos are a Denver sports icon.
Denver Nuggets (NBA)
Fresh off their 2023 NBA Championship win, the Nuggets bring high-energy basketball to Ball Arena.
Colorado Rockies (MLB)
Catch a game at Coors Field, known for its hitter-friendly environment and stunning skyline views.
Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Three-time Stanley Cup Champions (1996, 2001, 2022), the Avalanche offer thrilling hockey action.
Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Experience Major League Soccer at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, accommodating over 18,000 fans.
College and Amateur Sports in Denver
University of Denver Pioneers
A powerhouse in collegiate hockey with 33 NCAA championships, the Pioneers' women’s basketball team also shined in the 2024-25 season.
University of Colorado Boulder Buffaloes
Enjoy NCAA Division I football at Folsom Field, where the Buffaloes electrify fans.
Must-Visit Outdoor Recreation Spots in Denver
🚴♀️ Cherry Creek Trail
Explore 40 miles of scenic biking and running trails connecting vibrant Denver neighborhoods.
🏞️ Mount Falcon Park
Take in panoramic views of Denver and Red Rocks Amphitheatre while hiking or mountain biking.
🧗 Eldorado Canyon State Park
Challenge yourself with world-class rock climbing routes.
🌳 City Park
Covering 330 acres, City Park is home to the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature & Science.
Best Winter Sports Destinations Near Denver
⛷️ Vail and Breckenridge
Less than two hours from Denver, these premier ski resorts offer top-tier skiing and snowboarding experiences.
🎿 Loveland Ski Area
Located just 53 miles from the city, Loveland is perfect for quick and spontaneous winter getaways.
Colorado's Outdoor Economy
Outdoor recreation supports over 404,000 jobs statewide, underscoring Colorado's reputation as a winter sports hub.
Water Sports and Lakeside Relaxation in Denver
🚣 South Platte River
This growing hotspot offers urban whitewater boating and fishing adventures.
🏄 Cherry Creek Reservoir & Sloan's Lake
Enjoy paddleboarding, boating, and lakeside relaxation in these scenic waters.
High-Adrenaline Outdoor Adventures
🌲 Idaho Springs Ziplining
Soar through the treetops at speeds of up to 60 mph for a thrilling aerial experience.
🪂 Lookout Mountain Paragliding
Get your adrenaline pumping with panoramic views while paragliding over Denver.
🌊 Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting
Tackle Class III-IV rapids for an unforgettable river adventure.
Stay Fit and Active in Denver
🧘 Yoga on the Rocks
Join free yoga sessions at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and embrace fitness with stunning views.
🏞️ Denver Parks & Recreation
Explore over 250 parks and 80 miles of trails, perfect for year-round fitness and relaxation.
Plan Your Ultimate Denver Sports and Recreation Adventure
Denver offers something for everyone—from cheering at thrilling sports events to exploring breathtaking outdoor spaces. Whether you're a sports fanatic or an outdoor enthusiast, the Mile High City guarantees unforgettable adventures.
Ready to explore Denver? Start planning your sports and recreation adventure today!
College and Amateur Sports in Denver
University of Denver Pioneers
A powerhouse in collegiate hockey with 33 NCAA championships, the Pioneers' women’s basketball team also shined in the 2024-25 season.
University of Colorado Boulder Buffaloes
Enjoy NCAA Division I football at Folsom Field, where the Buffaloes electrify fans.
Must-Visit Outdoor Recreation Spots in Denver
🚴♀️ Cherry Creek Trail
Explore 40 miles of scenic biking and running trails connecting vibrant Denver neighborhoods.
🏞️ Mount Falcon Park
Take in panoramic views of Denver and Red Rocks Amphitheatre while hiking or mountain biking.
🧗 Eldorado Canyon State Park
Challenge yourself with world-class rock climbing routes.
🌳 City Park
Covering 330 acres, City Park is home to the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature & Science.
Best Winter Sports Destinations Near Denver
⛷️ Vail and Breckenridge
Less than two hours from Denver, these premier ski resorts offer top-tier skiing and snowboarding experiences.
🎿 Loveland Ski Area
Located just 53 miles from the city, Loveland is perfect for quick and spontaneous winter getaways.
Colorado's Outdoor Economy
Outdoor recreation supports over 404,000 jobs statewide, underscoring Colorado's reputation as a winter sports hub.
Water Sports and Lakeside Relaxation in Denver
🚣 South Platte River
This growing hotspot offers urban whitewater boating and fishing adventures.
🏄 Cherry Creek Reservoir & Sloan's Lake
Enjoy paddleboarding, boating, and lakeside relaxation in these scenic waters.
High-Adrenaline Outdoor Adventures
🌲 Idaho Springs Ziplining
Soar through the treetops at speeds of up to 60 mph for a thrilling aerial experience.
🪂 Lookout Mountain Paragliding
Get your adrenaline pumping with panoramic views while paragliding over Denver.
🌊 Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting
Tackle Class III-IV rapids for an unforgettable river adventure.
Stay Fit and Active in Denver
🧘 Yoga on the Rocks
Join free yoga sessions at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and embrace fitness with stunning views.
🏞️ Denver Parks & Recreation
Explore over 250 parks and 80 miles of trails, perfect for year-round fitness and relaxation.
Plan Your Ultimate Denver Sports and Recreation Adventure
Denver offers something for everyone—from cheering at thrilling sports events to exploring breathtaking outdoor spaces. Whether you're a sports fanatic or an outdoor enthusiast, the Mile High City guarantees unforgettable adventures.
Ready to explore Denver? Start planning your sports and recreation adventure today!
Best Winter Sports Destinations Near Denver
⛷️ Vail and Breckenridge
Less than two hours from Denver, these premier ski resorts offer top-tier skiing and snowboarding experiences.
🎿 Loveland Ski Area
Located just 53 miles from the city, Loveland is perfect for quick and spontaneous winter getaways.
Colorado's Outdoor Economy
Outdoor recreation supports over 404,000 jobs statewide, underscoring Colorado's reputation as a winter sports hub.
Water Sports and Lakeside Relaxation in Denver
🚣 South Platte River
This growing hotspot offers urban whitewater boating and fishing adventures.
🏄 Cherry Creek Reservoir & Sloan's Lake
Enjoy paddleboarding, boating, and lakeside relaxation in these scenic waters.
High-Adrenaline Outdoor Adventures
🌲 Idaho Springs Ziplining
Soar through the treetops at speeds of up to 60 mph for a thrilling aerial experience.
🪂 Lookout Mountain Paragliding
Get your adrenaline pumping with panoramic views while paragliding over Denver.
🌊 Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting
Tackle Class III-IV rapids for an unforgettable river adventure.
Stay Fit and Active in Denver
🧘 Yoga on the Rocks
Join free yoga sessions at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and embrace fitness with stunning views.
🏞️ Denver Parks & Recreation
Explore over 250 parks and 80 miles of trails, perfect for year-round fitness and relaxation.
Plan Your Ultimate Denver Sports and Recreation Adventure
Denver offers something for everyone—from cheering at thrilling sports events to exploring breathtaking outdoor spaces. Whether you're a sports fanatic or an outdoor enthusiast, the Mile High City guarantees unforgettable adventures.
Ready to explore Denver? Start planning your sports and recreation adventure today!
Water Sports and Lakeside Relaxation in Denver
🚣 South Platte River
This growing hotspot offers urban whitewater boating and fishing adventures.
🏄 Cherry Creek Reservoir & Sloan's Lake
Enjoy paddleboarding, boating, and lakeside relaxation in these scenic waters.
High-Adrenaline Outdoor Adventures
🌲 Idaho Springs Ziplining
Soar through the treetops at speeds of up to 60 mph for a thrilling aerial experience.
🪂 Lookout Mountain Paragliding
Get your adrenaline pumping with panoramic views while paragliding over Denver.
🌊 Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting
Tackle Class III-IV rapids for an unforgettable river adventure.
Stay Fit and Active in Denver
🧘 Yoga on the Rocks
Join free yoga sessions at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and embrace fitness with stunning views.
🏞️ Denver Parks & Recreation
Explore over 250 parks and 80 miles of trails, perfect for year-round fitness and relaxation.
Plan Your Ultimate Denver Sports and Recreation Adventure
Denver offers something for everyone—from cheering at thrilling sports events to exploring breathtaking outdoor spaces. Whether you're a sports fanatic or an outdoor enthusiast, the Mile High City guarantees unforgettable adventures.
Ready to explore Denver? Start planning your sports and recreation adventure today!
Plan Your Ultimate Denver Sports and Recreation Adventure
Denver offers something for everyone—from cheering at thrilling sports events to exploring breathtaking outdoor spaces. Whether you're a sports fanatic or an outdoor enthusiast, the Mile High City guarantees unforgettable adventures.
Ready to explore Denver? Start planning your sports and recreation adventure today!