Best Nature Parks In Denver Near Me

Review
"Best nature hang out in the city."

Business: No matter where you find yourself in Denver, you're likely to be only a few steps away from a lush and relaxing green space. Find your oasis.

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:
Lookout Mountain Nature Center staff and volunteer naturalists inspire kids and adults to connect with the natural world. Interactive exhibits take visitors on a tour of the flora and fauna of the foothills ecosystem. Kids enjoy a hands-on play room and observation room. The Nature Center offers free naturalist-led programs in every season for individuals, families, and schools and groups. Visitors can also enjoy a walk through the nature preserve while visiting.


Beaver Brook Trail provides hiker only connections to Windy Saddle Park and Denver Mountain Parks’ Genesee Park.


Jeffco Open Space Educators offer programs throughout the year covering the county’s wildlife, plants, history and more!


Open daily, one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Hiker only.

Beaver Brook Trail is a challenging hiker only trail connecting Clear Creek Canyon Park, Denver Mountain Parks' Genesee Mountain Park, and Windy Saddle Park. View Beaver Brook Trail Map

*Notice: This trail crosses multiple jurisdictions beyond land owned/managed by Jeffco Open Space and may fall under different regulations.

Business: Welcome to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge! Located just 10 miles northeast of downtown Denver, you can step into nature and see the native wildlife that call the Refuge home. Bison, d

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.

Review
"I love nature, I really do."

Business: Denver's park system includes more than 250 urban parks along with off-street trails, historic parkways, natural areas and more. Find all park-related information such as rules and regulations, amenit

4worldlovers:
Find a City and County Denver park with our interactive map.


Find rules and policies for park and facility use, along with frequently asked questions.


Denver's trail system connects neighborhoods throughout the city. Many follow scenic waterways, offering a pleasant route for both cyclists and pedestrians.


Denver Parks and Recreation recently completed a Strategic Acquisition Plan which provides a framework for decision-making when completing and funding future parkland acquisitions. Learn about recent and current acquisition projects.


Learn more about the types of amenities that can be found in Denver parks such as pickleball courts, fountains, disc golf and more.


DPR's Dog Park page offers useful information regarding dog parks around the city, rules and regulations, maintenance and closures, as well as technical updates.


The mission of Denver Park Rangers is to maximize public safety, protect park resources and provide service to visitors.


Several bike parks are available for riders of all ages and skill levels.


DPR uses a multi-strategy approach to reduce damage while assessing environmental resiliency, cost, and most importantly, staff and public safety.

Review
"One of my favorite parks to go relax in nature."

4worldlovers: Paddle boards, kayaks, bo​​​ats, and jet skis are allowed to include during the boating season, which starts April 1.

Please bring your own hand sanitizer. There may be no running water available.

Cherry Creek Reservoir is CLOSED to all boating/watercraft including paddleboards, kayaks and canoes.

To reserve camping, visit CPWShop.com or call 1-800-244-5613 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Please use cpwshop.com to purchase annual passes, dog off-leash passes, fishing licenses, watercraft registrations, or the park's self-service stations to purchase passes for day use.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Welcome to Denver’s natural and spacious backyard playground. There’s so much to see and enjoy. ​Summers are busy and action packed while off-peak times are quiet and laid back. Anchored around a 880 surface acre reservoir, the park offers a natural prairie environment of gentle, rolling hills and complete outdoor recreation facilities, including camping, picnicking and facilities for group events.

See the Cherry Creek Water temperature conditions application for up to the minute water information.

4worldlovers: The Nature Center is the City of Arvada’s environmental education facility. We offer many school and group programs to engage kids with nature. Using the nature trails, wetland areas and prairie ecosystems to explore, we connect thousands of kids with Arvada’s parks to better understand nature.

We also provide programs for everyone with our public programming, from toddlers to adults, to connect all ages in our community with the wonder of nature. From nature art to drop in discoveries to conservation presentations to family campfire series, you can find almost any nature topic. For quick answer, visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

View our calendar of upcoming programs for everyone. From toddler program to adult workshops, virtual and limited in-person programs are available. All state and local safety restrictions apply.

You pick the topic, we bring the fun to your troop, group, or class. Any group can request a program with one of our naturalist. Prices vary, virtual and limited in-person options are available.

Our mission is to inspire environmental learning and interpretive connections with our community.

Attended a program? Please give us feedback so we know what went well and what didn’t!

Review
"Hidden nature park in Commerce City 😲😲😲."

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.

Review
"One on the best parks around."

Review
"Great park, wildlife, & dog approved."

Review
"So pretty, a great place to take young kids to explored nature"

4worldlovers: BLNC educates individuals to be engaged, resilient, and curious; conserves a natural area in the city; furthers equity in outdoor access; and nurtures the health and well-being of communities and ecosystems.

Review
"Great park for family!"

Business: The City & County of Denver Department of Parks & Recreation maintains 250+ urban parks, 80+ miles of trails, 14,000 acres of mountain parks, 30 recreation centers, and 31 swimming pools.

4worldlovers: Come just for the day or spend a week exploring Standley Lake Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge. There's plenty of outdoor fun to experience! Standley Lake Regional Park is a 3,000-acre park located in unincorporated Jefferson County and has been a recreation area since 1970.Popular activities at the park include paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, picnics, walking, bicycling, camping, and wildlife viewing. There is a wealth of history surrounding Standley Lake that dates back over one hundred years.

The water in Standley Lake is jointly owned by the cities of Westminster, Thornton, Northglenn and the Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company (FRICO) and is the primary drinking water supply for all three cities serving over 300,000 people. With 1,063-acres of surface area, Standley Lake is Westminster’s largest body of water. It is also the Denver metropolitan area’s third largest reservoir. Lake access is allowed May 1 - September 30 and requires the purchase of a daily paddle pass or annual paddle permit.

Standley Lake is located at 100th Avenue and Simms Street . Along the south side of West 100th Avenue at Owens Street is a small parking area that provides free walk-in and bicycle access to the park. Another small parking lot that requires no entry fee is located south of the lake at West 86th Parkway and Simms Street. The free parking lots close at sunset (official MST) daily.

Review
"Best park in the city, hands down."

Review
"Has potential to be a great nature park."

Review
"Mother nature is the best"

Review
"The best park in the country"

Business: Denver's premier regional park contains the Denver Zoo; the Denver Museum of Nature and Science; tennis courts; horseshoes; baseball, football and soccer fields; two lakes; historical monuments and st