Beyond Denver | COME TO LIFE COLORADO CASTLE ROCK DENVER DAY TRIPS Denver is an excellent hub for exploring the state and the outdoors just beyond the city limits. Lakewood RTD Commuter Rail-connected Lakewood is a solid 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. (Colorado Mills Mall is also a hub for retail action.) 40 West Arts is the city’s Certified Colorado Creative District. Two ways to experience it: The new 40W ArtLine, a 4-mile walking/ bike path with interactive art and murals along the way; and First Fridays gallery openings, artist lectures and more. There are lots of ways to get outside, too. Stroll through Kendrick Lake Park’s garden or hit the trails of William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain. Spend a day at Bear Creek Lake Park boating, fishing, swimming and paddleboarding. Meander the 5-mile Discover Alameda bike/walk path’s loops, ponds and birding spots. 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 year-round Edge Ziplines & Adventures (where you scale a 40-foot climbing wall, zip and jump from 42 feet high or choose to free-fall from a 75-foot platform). There’s also the pedestrian-friendly downtown, galleries, golf courses, bistros, coffee houses, a new green space along the South Platte River, and Ecclesia Market — a food hall in a former church. 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, lined with galleries, boutiques, day spas, patio cafes and bistros. The foothills COLORADO . COM GETTY IMAGES. Drive: 15 minutes 97
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 97
