Top Picnic Spots Around Denver

Whether you’re a Denver native or simply passing through momentarily, here’s a handy list of just a few scenic spots to sit and eat your lunch. (This really is only the tip of the iceberg, though; drive nearly anywhere out of the city, park up your car and you will have found a beautiful view!)

·      Rocky Mountain Arsenal

This is a National Wildlife Refuge quite close to the airport, and although the location might not sound appealing, the panoramic views of the mountains with tiny Denver sitting in front are undeniably stunning. Due to its combination of prairie, wetland and woodland habitat, there is an amazing opportunity to view the wildlife, and miles and miles of hiking trails.

·      City Park

Arguably the most handy picnic spot for anyone working in the city, City Park sits mere minutes from the city centre yet provides incredible views of the mountains and cityscape. With sprawling grass and trees, a beautiful lake, fountain and lake-house, and the Nature & Science Museum and Denver Zoo nestled around it, it’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch break.

·      Georgetown Lake

This is the ideal spot if you’re stuck in crawling I70 traffic and suddenly need to stretch your legs and eat some food. Situated just off the I70 and about an hour’s drive from Denver, Georgetown Lake is a beautiful deep green lake that completely freezes over in winter (so much so that car races take place on the lake’s icy surface). Historic Georgetown is well worth a visit too!

·      Red Rocks

Another ideal picnic location if you don’t want to stray too far from the city limits. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is not only an infamous concert venue, it also makes the perfect picnic spot to sit and catch up with friends, bask in the sun’s rays and absorb the breath-taking scenery.

·      Chautauqua Park

Located in Boulder, Chautauqua Park has countless hiking trails making it an extremely popular spot on the weekends. With its lush meadows, leafy forests, craggy boulders and stunning views of the Flatirons, numerous spots throughout the park make for a perfect picnic spot.

·      Green Mountain

A mesa in William Frederick Haydn Park in Lakewood, Green Mountain is easily accessible and a short drive from Denver. There are numerous hiking trails, and the summit offers incredible views on both sides; the mountains rise for miles in one direction, and Denver and flat plains sprawl in the other.

·      Garden of The Gods

The unique red rock formations jut out from the earth in the shadow of Pike’s Peak, making Garden of the Gods well worth the drive down south from Denver. Although a little far just to pop down for a picnic, the park has countless trails and options, and an amazing informative visitor centre.

·      Lookout Mountain

A foothill just out of Golden, Lookout Mountain is the ultimate picnic location. The panoramic views of the Rockies are unparalleled, and the summit can be driven right to the top, so it requires no hiking. There is an amazing nature centre, and Buffalo Bill’s grave and museum are right nearby. The café at the Buffalo Bill shop sells the best homemade fudge, so is definitely worth a trip!

·      Plymouth Mountain

The summit can be found in Deer Creek Canyon Park in Littleton, and the hike to the top is moderate (6.3 miles with a steady climb). Once you reach the top, though, the climb will be all but forgotten. There are huge rock formations, which can be sat on to eat lunch and admire the unbelievable views that reach as far as the eye can see.

·      Rocky Mountain National Park

One to save for a weekend, as the park is a significant drive from Denver, but one of the most beautiful places to visit for a hike (as relaxed or challenging as you choose), and infinite picnic spots to choose from throughout the park. Whether you like to sit and relax in front of lakes, mountains or in forests, the park offers all of those and more so is bound to please everyone.

·      Hanging Lake

Again, this is a lengthy drive to Glenwood Canyon from Denver, but once again well worth the travel time. The hike to the lake is unavoidable and strenuous, but short in length despite the steep ascension. The lake is like no other, with crystal clear waters, beautiful waterfalls, stunning plants and trees, and chipmunks galore.

·      Top of Pike’s Peak

Last but by no means least, one of the top picnic spots in Colorado (if not the world) is the peak of a fourteener. Although any mountain offers incredible views, Pike’s Peak is included on this list as it is the most accessible for people who are unable to hike up a mountain but still wish to reach a summit. The cog railway is an unforgettable experience, and the train weaves to the top through drastically changing landscape. There is a shop and café on the summit that sells incredible hot chocolate and doughnuts to eat whilst taking in the views from the top of America’s Mountain. (If you prefer your summits a little more wild and less populated but you’re a new or inexperienced hiker/climber, try Mt. Bierstadt, which offers equally incredible views and is an easy drive from Denver).