Colorado Activities Close to Campus
Being close to both Denver and the Rocky Mountains means there’s always something to do. Here are 25 things, close to campus, to get you started on your adventures.
Outdoors
1. Go backpacking or hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado's #1 attraction.
2. Climb or hike in the picturesque Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs.
3. Snowboard or ski at one of the 25+ nearby resorts such as Aspen, Vail, or Breckenridge.
4. Cruise on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway to view Echo Lake and Mount Evans on the highest paved road in North America—which peaks at 14,130 feet!
5. Climb or “bag” one of Colorado's fifty-three “14ers” — peaks that reach over 14,000 feet in elevation.
6. Be inspired as you take in the variety of flora and visit the Japanese Garden in the Denver Botanic Gardens — an urban oasis in the heart of Denver!
7. Raft or kayak down Clear Creek Canyon.
8. Enjoy 300+ days of sunshine each year!
Local sights
9. Ride a roller coaster or water slide at Elitch Gardens, located in the middle of downtown Denver.
10. Go exactly one “mile high” above sea level on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol.
11. Explore the architecture of downtown Denver, home to two million people.
12. Visit the Denver Aquarium, the largest of its size between Chicago and California.
13. Enjoy "Free First Saturday" at the Denver Art Museum.
14. Visit the grave of Wild West legend Buffalo Bill.
15. Befriend an animal at the Denver Zoo, ranked Top 10 Best Zoo's by USA Today.
16. Visit the US Mint, which produces 40 million US coins per day.
Music and theater
17. Experience a concert underneath the stars at Red Rocks Amphitheater or at one of the many free summer outdoor concerts in the area.
18. Climb or hike in the picturesque Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs.
Sports
19. Cheer on the Denver Broncos (football) at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium.
20. Catch a Denver Nuggets (basketball), Colorado Avalanche (hockey), or Colorado Mammoth (lacrosse) game at the Pepsi Center.
21. Root for the Colorado Rockies (baseball) at Coors Field.
22. Watch the Colorado Rapids (soccer) at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Food/Shopping
23. Visit one of the 17 coffee shops in less than a five-mile radius from CCU.
24. Discover local goodies at one of the nearby Farmers’ Markets throughout the summer.
25. Shop department stores in the Cherry Creek Shopping District.