Best Free Routes In Denver Near Me

4worldlovers:
In early April RTD's Free MallRide service began detouring to avoid construction associated with Denver's 16th Street Mall Project. Construction is occurring in phases, during which time Free MallRide vehicles will detour off 16th Street to operate 15th and 17th Streets to ensure RTD can continue to provide Free MallRide service to the area. The below map outlines the current MallRide route and the temporary stop locations on 15th and 17th Streets. Sign up for RTD Service Alerts for the latest updates, and click here to learn more about Denver's 16th Street Mall Project.


The 16th Street Free MallRide vehicles operate with new electric buses. The 2018 vehicles are powered by battery and are fully electric, and have three doors, 18 seats, two wheelchair spaces, and can hold a maximum of 88 passengers and are air-conditioned!

The 36 new buses replaced the older fleet that is approximately 17 years old and have more than 200,000 miles each. The 16th Street Mall is approximately 1 mile long – that’s a lot of trips up and down the mall!

Traveling from one end of Denver's bustling 16th Street Mall to the other, the Free MallRide runs seven days a week and stops on every block between Civic Center Station and Union Station. The Free MallRide starts running at 4:59 a.m. on weekdays, 5:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 6:30 a.m. on Sundays/holidays. Service continues throughout the day with the last complete round-trip of the night starting out at 1:19 a.m. from Union Station to Civic Center Station.

Free MallRide shuttles run approximately every light cycle during the following high ridership time periods:

All other times, Free MallRide shuttles will run from every 3 to 15 minutes.

Actual schedules are based on traffic cycles. Times shown are approximate and can be affected by construction, weather, boardings/de-boardings of passengers with mobility aids, special events, etc.

We've added a brand new free bus service downtown to complement the Free MallRide: The Free MetroRide. This service offers weekday rush hour service between Union Station and Civic Center Station, making limited stops along 18th and 19th Streets.

16th Street Mall opens as a pedestrian and transit mall with FREE bus service between Market Street Station and Civic Center Station. Construction of the mall was funded by a $75 million grant from the Federal Interstate Highway Transfer Funds and Federal Urban Mass Transit Administration, with RTD providing a local match.

The new transit and pedestrian mall provided transit hubs for RTD buses at either end of downtown, removing more than 600 bus trips per day that traversed up and down 16th and 17th streets, contributing to both air and traffic congestion.

First generation diesel fuel Free MallRide buses used to transport millions of passengers per year.

Light rail service begins operating between 30th & Downing to I-25 & Broadway on October 7. A total of 11 light rail vehicles operate along the 5.3 miles carrying 16,000 passengers per weekday. This section is what is now called the D Line.

Second generation ultra-low emission hybrid-electric Free MallRide buses used to transport more than 13 million passengers a year (2014-2015 ridership statistics).

RTD purchased Union Station and begins developing the master plan for redeveloping 19.85 acres in LoDo.

Light rail begins operating on a 1.8 mile light rail extension to Union Station through the Central Platte Valley (C Line).

4worldlovers: Security wait times are estimates and are subject to change at any time. We suggest arriving at DEN no less than two hours before your boarding time.

4worldlovers: As a non-profit conservation organization, Denver Zoo is dedicated to providing authentic, loving homes for the amazing animals under our care—and their counterparts in the wild. Donate any amount today to join the passionate community of people who make this work possible!

4worldlovers: Dive deeper into art and join us for one of these upcoming classes, events, or programs.

Catch up with the latest news and stories from the Denver Art Museum blog.

Membership unlocks access to more than ever before! As a member you'll enjoy daily free general admission, discounts at the Shop and on ticketed exhibitions, guest passes to share with family and friends, a subscription to our bimonthly member magazine, and so much more.

Become a member today and know that your support helps your Denver Art Museum preserve and share our collection for all to enjoy.

The Martin Building is now home to a brand new dining experience, The Ponti. Open daily for lunch and for dinner on Tuesday evenings, The Ponti combines art with dining, presenting a locally-sourced and seasonally-inspired menu with high standards of sustainability.

Follow The Ponti's Instagram account (@thepontidenver) for information about giveaways, a sneak peek at the menu, and more.

4worldlovers: The theater includes a new lobby entrance with immersive finishes, an impressive new laser projector and sound system, new audio and visual accessibility features, enhanced programming and much more.

The Institute for Science & Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science launches the second season of its award-winning podcast, Water Under Pressure, which investigates the true cost of Colorado’s water.


We are grateful for your support and want to ensure you are aware of what we ask of our staff, volunteers and guests.

Connect with the Museum virtually! Check out our Virtual Science Academy, Indigenous Film Series, classes for kids, adults and families, and much more.

4worldlovers:
Blaine took our fairly large group on an informative walk around the greater downtown area, showed us many landmarks, and shared interesting tidbits about each one.


From the story about the bullet hole in the window of the Beyer-Evans house, to the tale of the blue bear's creation, Blaine kept our attention for the duration of the tour.


He also answered all the questions we could throw at him, with obvious depth of knowledge of this city.

Sherry took us on a GREAT tour of historic and modern Denver. She did it with humor and knowledge (and she's so darn CUTE!)

4worldlovers: Denver may be a world-class metropolis with all the familiar urban sights and sounds, but no matter where you find yourself in the city, you’re likely to be only a few steps away from a lush and relaxing green space.

The Mile High City boasts more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, which include 2,500 urban natural acres and over 300 acres of parks designated Rivers & Trails, plus an additional 14,000 acres of spectacular mountain parks in Clear Creek, Douglas, Grand and Jefferson County that are maintained by the City and County of Denver. Here’s a look at a few favorite parks in Denver.


This expansive, multifaceted park is Denver's version of New York City's Central Park. In City Park 's 330 lovely, landscaped acres, you'll find a public golf course , colorful flower gardens, ornate fountains, placid lakes and rolling green lawns perfect for picnics. City Park is home to some of Denver's most popular attractions, including the Denver Zoo , the Denver Museum of Nature & Science , the Martin Luther King Memorial and much more. From June through August, the park plays host to City Park Jazz, with free concerts each Sunday. It's also got unbeatable views of The Mile High City skyline and the Rocky Mountains beyond.

Adjacent to the 16th Street Mall, Skyline Park offers an easy getaway for the more than 120,000 people who spend their workday in downtown Denver. Located at 15th and Arapahoe streets, Skyline Park is always a fun place to spend a little time, especially during the summer, when visitors to the Skyline Beer Garden can enjoy brews on draft, street food, a family-friendly game area and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. And don't miss the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park every winter, offering free ice skating all season long.


Click on the image below to take a virtual tour of Civic Center Park via Google Street View.

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Civic Center Park is always bursting with life, as tourists and locals take advantage of the beautiful landscaping and vibrant atmosphere of this unique urban park. Many events, such as Cinco de Mayo, Civic Center EATS (a food truck festival Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the summer months), the Capitol Hill People's Fair, Denver PrideFest, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and A Taste of Colorado are traditionally held in Civic Center Park. This spacious plaza, surrounded by monumental government and public buildings, is a stone's throw from a number of Mile High City attractions, including the Denver Art Museum , the Denver Public Library , the 16th Street Mall and the Colorado State Capitol Building .

Where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet and mingle, you'll find the unique and scenic Confluence Park. Watch kayakers brave the rapids on custom-designed chutes, sunbathe on the sandy banks and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Denver. The park is close to the Downtown Aquarium , the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus and Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park . Hop on the Denver Trolley and take a 30-minute scenic ride along the river, plus learn about the area's history. Love a party? Join thousands of revelers at the South Platte RiverFest each June for water sports and live music.

Just steps away from Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park and the South Platte River, the Centennial Flower Gardens are a must-see for anyone with interest in gardening. The gardens are patterned after the Gardens of Versailles, with paths and patterned flowerbeds showcasing native species along with other flowers that grow well in Colorado's arid climate. This is a great spot for a refreshing afternoon stroll.

Commons Park can be found on the banks of the South Platte River in a spot that just happens to be the city's birthplace. It's a pleasing mix of natural and urban influences: Close to 40 percent of the park is covered by native plants, a piece of reconstructed lush "sand prairie" reminiscent of what would have existed in the area originally. Meanwhile, the promenade along Little Raven Street is a tree-lined walkway dotted with many seating areas and entries to connect the park to downtown Denver.

Click on the image below to take a virtual tour of Washington Park via Google Street View.

4worldlovers:
TO-GO with curbside pick-up or delivery options are available. Order online for pick-up here or choose delivery.


Dive into our Shipwreck exhibit with 5 different species of sharks and hundreds of fish in our new shark cage! Learn More

4worldlovers: Woody Creek is a small town situated in west-central Colorado. Originally a mining town, it features a serene setting, breathtaking sights, and year-round outdoor activities.

Woody Creek is located in Colorado's Pitkin County. Situated in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley, it features a distinctly off-the-beaten-path feel despite being only about 8 miles northwest of Aspen.

With a population of just 263 and an area covering only 392 acres, Woody Creek features a remote rural setting. It lies along the Roaring Fork River and the Rio Grande Trail amid a sweeping valley, providing stunning views of lush fields and the surrounding mountains.

This census-designated place and unincorporated town features a small Woody Creek Post Office with its own ZIP code of Woody Creek, CO 81656.

Woody Creek was originally settled in the late 1800s during the Colorado Silver Boom. The town still features an original homesteader's log cabin from that era at the Flying Dog Ranch.

As mining activity slowed following the silver crash, Woody Creek became more of an agricultural community. Some farms focused on cattle while others grew crops like oats, potatoes, and alfalfa.

After WWII, nearby Aspen began to transform into a recreational and resort destination. Over time, those looking for a quieter and more remote getaway discovered Woody Creek. Today, it is home to a modest trailer park, sprawling ranches, and luxurious estates — some of which are valued at over $20 million.

Over the years, Woody Creek has attracted attention from some of its most famous residents. The most notable is Hunter S. Thompson, who spent much of his life in Woody Creek after he and his family moved there in 1967. He established Owl Farm, which he referred to as his "fortified compound." He died there in 2005, and his funeral was held at the compound later that year.

Although Woody Creek is a quiet town, it still has a number of activities to keep residents and visitors entertained. Here are a few of the most popular attractions in Woody Creek.

Open since 1980 and housed in a 1940s log cabin on Upper River Rd, this tavern serves as the social hub of the town, especially since the closing of the Woody Creek Community Center.

It features a casual, cozy atmosphere complete with memorabilia and photos covering the walls and a menu of classic comfort foods, such as burgers, BBQ ribs, fried chicken, and steak. Woody Creek Tavern also boasts an impressive selection of beer, wines, and cocktails, including their legendary margaritas.

There are a number of exciting outdoor adventures to enjoy in the Woody Creek area. Some of the most popular sports and activities here include:

If you're willing to venture outside of Woody Creek, you won't have to go far to find even more attractions. The following are some of the top options within a short drive:

Woody Creek Distillers: Stop by this distillery in nearby Basalt to pick up some of their finely crafted potato vodka, rye whiskey, gin, and bourbon.

Snowmass Village: This area is home to one of the premier skiing destinations in the state and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.

Glenwood Springs: Visit the beautiful hot springs here for some rest and relaxation or enjoy a rush of adrenaline while white water rafting.

Carbondale: Check out the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo held weekly from June through August.

Lenado: Drive through nearby Lenado to see one of the state's many ghost towns.

Planning to visit Woody Creek to experience its stunning natural beauty in person? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Woody Creek doesn't have a motel, hotel, or resort in town. You may be able to find private rentals from homeowners in the area depending on when you plan to visit.

However, there are ample options for places to stay in nearby Aspen and Snowmass Village, both of which are only about a 15-minute drive from Woody Creek. Accommodations here range from modest hotels to high-end resorts.

There are also a number of camping spots available in the nearby White River National Forest. Options include traditional campgrounds, dispersed camping, RV campsites, and cabin rentals.

4worldlovers: The MLB Ballpark app is your mobile companion when visiting your favorite Major League Baseball ballparks. The official MLB Ballpark application perfectly complements and personalizes your trip with digital ticketing functionality, mobile check-in, special offers, rewards and exclusive content.

See the Coors Field interactive stadium map with food offerings, section listings and more, all in the MLB Ballpark app.

Whether you drive, take the RTD, bike, or walk, planning ahead can help make your visit to the ballpark more enjoyable.

Tours of Coors Field provide a behind-the-scenes look at one of the premier ballparks in Major League Baseball.

4worldlovers:
Welcome to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, it's free to visit! Located just 10 miles northeast of downtown Denver, you can step into nature and see the native wildlife that call the Refuge home. Bison, deer, raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, prairie dogs, and coyotes are just a few of the animals you will see on your visit. Take a nature escape and discover the variety of wildlife and outdoor recreational experiences waiting for you.


Refuge Hours: Sunrise to sunset seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's day)


Visitor Center Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 9am - 4pm (closed Monday, Tuesday, and federal holidays).


To purchase/pick up America the Beautiful passes (annual pass, senior lifetime pass, military pass, etc.), schedule an appointment by calling 303-289-0930. Pass sales are by cash or check only.


Check out the Events Page for a list of fun and free nature programs for all ages. Upcoming Programs: Meet the BFFs, Saturday, February 4 from 10:30 - 11:00 am and Valentine's Day Kids Archery, Saturday, February 11 from 10:30 am - noon.


Half a century ago, the bald eagle was in danger of extinction. Conservationists helped lead a remarkable recovery, and in 2007 the bald eagle was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. This article touches on why the bald eagle inspires the awe and respect that it does.


The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban refuges in the country. It is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of busy urban life where time moves at nature's pace. With its expansive views, wildlife viewing opportunities, and recreation activities, it's easy to take a nature escape! The Refuge is open sunrise to sunset daily and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Visiting the Refuge is free!


Drive the 11-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour while listening to the Refuge podcast.


Fish seasonally at Lake Mary and Lake Ladora for a small fee.


Explore the Visitor Center, which includes exhibits, wildlife activities, and Nature's Nest Books and Gifts.


For Refuge and Visitor Center hours see Location and Contact Information below.

Lake Mary: Starting November 14 a portion of the Lake Mary Trail will be closed to expand the concrete trail around the lake. The project will take 2-3 months.

From Quebec Street, turn east on Prairie Parkway. From Prairie Parkway turn north on Gateway Road. Follow Gateway Road to the Refuge entrance.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2004, in part, to protect our national symbol, the bald eagle. The land has a unique story - it has survived the test of time and transitioned from farmland, to war-time manufacturing site, to wildlife sanctuary. It may be one of the finest conservation success stories and a place where wildlife thrives.

One of the best ways to experience this 15,000 acre Refuge is by taking the 11-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour in your vehicle. Listen to the podcast, which corresponds with each mile marker along the way to discover more about the Refuge and its wildlife. The Wildlife Drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete and is free.

Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge

Is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.

At Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge we are working for wildlife to continuously ensure that our natural resources are conserved for current and future generations to enjoy.

4worldlovers: A historic landmark in the heart of the Mile High City for more than a century, Denver Union Station is a vibrant destination for gathering, dining, imbibing, shopping, traveling, and sleeping in luxury at The Crawford Hotel. First opened in 1881, rebuilt in 1914, and revitalized 100 years later in 2014, the Station is at once a preserved monument to the city’s past, a celebrated placemaker of today, and a visionary beacon for Denver’s future.

A luxurious oasis in the heart of LoDo, The Crawford Hotel seamlessly integrates historic details with modern style for an experience like no other.

Delight in Denver’s curated local flavor at our award-winning collection of bars and restaurants — each one unique; all under one iconic roof.


It all happens here. Discover our energetic gathering space pulsing with a sense of community.


Brighten your day with an artfully arranged bouquet, hunt for the perfect souvenir, or browse for your next page-turner in one of the country’s finest independent bookstores.