2017-12-15 07:09:16
Denver is an excellent hub for exploring the state beyond the city limits. LAKEWOOD Light-rail-connected Lakewood makes a good homebase between Denver and the mountains. The Lakewood Cultural Center hosts performances and events in pedestrian-friendly Belmar, which is home to shops and restaurants. Take advantage of a few close-to-civilization campgrounds and 40 West Arts, a Certified Colorado Creative District. Drive: 15 minutes GOLDEN The historic downtown is packed with Wild West attractions and shops nudged up against dozens of mountain parks and hiking/biking trails. Drive: 25 minutes CASTLE ROCK The Outlets at Castle Rock and upscale Promenade at Castle Rock are big draws, along with The Barn’s antique and specialty shops, 44 miles of trails, the new year-round Castle Rock Zip Line Tours and Epic Adventure Tower (where you scale 40-foot climbing wall, zip and jump from a 42-foot platform or choose to free-fall from a 75-foot platform) at PS Miller Park, pedestrian-friendly downtown, galleries, golf courses, bistros and coffee houses. Castle Rock has year-round hiking and biking trails and spectacular views from on top of The Rock — the historic namesake for the community. Stop into the visitor center for ideas on exploring the area and beyond. Drive: 35 minutes EVERGREEN Acres of forest and open space surround this vibrant downtown. The foothills community boasts miles of hiking and biking trails and an in-town lake packed with ice skaters each winter. Drive: 45 minutes AURORA Seek out seven beautiful golf courses, unique museums, U-picks, breweries, shopping at Southlands, Aurora Fox Arts Center in the Cultural Arts District and much more. Check out the new Stanley Marketplace, a collection of independently owned places to eat, drink, shop and play. Drive: 25 minutes LITTLETON This historic, treelined downtown somehow combines the sophistication of a relaxed urban center packed with local eats and unique boutiques with small-town charm. To get there, bike the Platte Riverside trail or take the RTD light rail. Drive: 23 minutes BOULDER With 200 miles of trails, a laid-back vibe and the Pearl Street Mall — a charming outdoor shopping and dining locale — it’s easy to see why visitors fall in love with Boulder. Drive: 30 minutes CENTRAL CITY & BLACK HAWK Home to 24-hour casinos, top-notch opera and gorgeous scenery, these two historic mining towns have burst to life recently. Drive: 45 minutes COLORADO SPRINGS Iconic Pikes Peak is Colorado Springs’ showpiece, which features dozens of attractions, including the famed Garden of the Gods. Drive: 1 hour, 30 minutes SUMMIT COUNTY A popular snow-sports destination in winter, this region attracts visitors year-round with quintessential mountain towns and scenic vistas. Drive: 1 hour, 30 minutes ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK One of the nation’s top outdoor destinations, this natural wonder boasts 350 miles of trails, unparalleled wildlife sightings and Trail Ridge Road. Drive: 1 hour, 40 minutes
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