They call it the Mile High City because Denver is perched in the foothills of the dramatic Rocky Mountain range. It makes for sensational snow-capped backdrops to your views of the city. But don’t neglect the charm of Denver itself – this has become a thriving, bustling centre for culture, food and shopping.
Downtown Denver
The high-rise grid of diagonal streets at the centre of Denver is well worth investigating. One highlight is you’ll find the State Capitol on a green area at the edge of the downtown. The neo-classical domed building is the home of the state assembly and governor. You can take free tours inside, including the dome itself, which actually comprises outer and inner rotundas with plenty of space to walk around between them.
After the Capitol the city’s biggest landmark is the Daniels and Fisher Tower, a 325ft clock tower that was one of America’s tallest buildings when it was constructed in 1910. It’s not even the tallest on the street now but the view from the observation deck is still breathtaking. Listen out for the 2.5-ton bell when it rings across the city.
Not far away there’s the unlikely attraction of the Denver Downtown Aquarium, located at around 1,000 miles from the nearest sea. It’s a fascinating place to visit, with tanks holding over a million gallons of water and species ranging from otters to stingrays.
Shop till you drop
Denver’s shops have to service a vast area so perhaps it’s no surprise you’ll find some great retail therapy here. Browsing opportunities include the upmarket designer stores, boutiques and galleries at Cherry Creek and more quirky stores at the 16th Street Mall. Designed by the colourful architect I.M.Pei, the mall is supposed to resemble a rattlesnake and is a mile long. Out of town there are discount outlet malls full of big name bargains. Colorado Mills is the best, with stores like Banana Republic, H&M and Coach.
Colorado cultivating culture
Amid the glossy new architecture of Denver, you’ll be able to pop into some serious galleries for a culture fix. The Museum of Contemporary Art displays only temporary exhibitions by the big names of world art, like Damien Hirst and David Altmejd, while the Clyfford Still Museum is simply a collection of the American abstract painter’s work in a very contemporary minimalist setting. Step inside the striking exterior of the Denver Art Museum to find a large collection ranging from American Indian art to works by Picasso.
Run for the hills
Denver is already a mile above sea level don’t forget, so you haven’t got far to drive before you’re reaching some serious heights. It’s only a short drive, for example, west of the city to Mount Evans. The road leads to the summit with plenty of stops for photos along the way. You could use this as a base for hiking, mountain biking or fishing, or simply sit down and have a picnic enjoying the view.
Drive to the north-east and you'll be at Barr Lake State Park in a few minutes. There are 12 miles of trails here circling a tranquil lake and forests. You don’t have to be an expert to spot the birds here: more than 350 different types have been recorded.
