Denver is known for its active lifestyle. It’s easy to be active with so many scenic places within the metro area. There are more than 40 state parks in Colorado. There are more than 500 miles of trails and 4,000 campsites, plus city parks, and each is a little different. Here are some unique facts about just a few of the recommended destinations in or near the city of Denver for you to explore.
Four Mile Historic Park
This 12-acre park on Cherry Creek is a farm setting right in the middle of the city that is open year round. Included in admission are historic reproduction buildings and barns, a Miner & Trapper area, an opportunity to do gold panning, see Native American tipi, and have a guided tour of the Four Mile House Museum.
The restored Four Mile House Museum is Denver’s oldest standing structure having been built in 1859. It was the last state stop for those continuing on to Denver along the Cherokee Trail. The arrival of the railroads in 1870 eventually ended most of the stage and freight business, but Millie Booth, one of the area’s first female entrepreneurs, built a thriving farm and added to the family income with honey and butter production. In 1975 the City of Denver purchased the property and designated it as a Denver City Park. The Four Mile House, itself is a Denver landmark and is on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Visitors can tour the historic house, learn about the craftsmanship of the buildings, and say hello to the farm animals.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
This is just a short drive southeast of downtown Denver and has over 2,000 acres of beautiful panoramas, easy to moderate level hiking trails, one mile of trail accessible to horseback riders, flowers, cacti, great wildlife, and lots of birds including the largest turkey vulture population in the state.
Chatfield State Park
Just outside the Denver metro area and nestled in the rolling foothills, there is boating, 197 campsites in four campgrounds with over 30 sites with detached tent pads all within walking distance of the lake, water skiing, jet skiing, 26 miles of hiking and biking trails with 12 of them paved, 24 miles of horseback riding trails, abundant wildlife, and other recreational opportunities in the summer months as well as a floating restaurant and a marina. Great winter activities include continued fishing with permits, and snowshoeing.
Roxborough State Park
This is the crown jewel of Front Range State Parks and has been designated a National Natural Landmark. There are more than 3,000 acres that feature stunning red-rocks, hiking trails, and all kinds of wildlife. It is only open for day use and does not allow camping. In the early 1900s, Henry S. Persse built a stone house near the red rocks and wanted to turn the area into a resort, but his idea didn’t come to fruition.
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