If you've ever longed to go skiing or snowboarding after work or hit the slopes on a school night with kids, we have found the place for you. Ruby Hill Rail Yard is a one-of-a-kind urban snowsports terrain park in southwest Denver that has found a way to bring the mountains to the city.
This urban oasis for winter sports enthusiast is made possible through the collaboration of Winter Park Resort and Denver Parks and Rec.
Volunteers from Winter Park Resort bring smowmaking equipment and a snowcat to Ruby Hill and build the park, install the features (there are 13 boxes, rails, etc. this year), and complete the initial grooming. From there on out, Denver Park and Rec volunteers take over the maintenance of the park.
advertisement
Ruby Hill Rail Yard has just over an acre of snow that is initially 2-3 feet deep. It is typically open during the months of January and February (all depending on Mother Nature, of course).
Entrance to the park is completely free, but you must bring your own equipment. There is no chairlift or rope tow available, so you do have to hike up the 250 ft. hill for your next run, but you'll soon discover that it's definitely worth the effort.
Ruby Hill Rail Yard is the country's only free urban terrain park based in a city. This year marks their 12th season.
Lights were added in 2008 and make it possible for added fun in the snow from dusk until 9 p.m. each night.
Ruby Hill Rail Yard is just waiting for you to come check it out. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. It can be found at the intersection of S. Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue in Denver.
Watch the video below to see a bit of the action at Ruby Hill Rail Yard:
Have you had the chance to ski or snowboard at Ruby Hill Rail Yard? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below.
There are miles and miles of mazes for Mile Highers to get lost in from now until Halloween, and we've narrowed it down to the eight most awesomely elaborate corn mazes around Denver. From mini-mazes for youngsters to haunted fields of terror for adults, these fall attractions boast acres of winding paths to be traveled day and night by those seeking fun and fright. Be bold, be BOO-tiful, go forth, and be brave! Here are some of the best corn mazes around Denver:
Anderson Farms is the proud home of Colorado’s longest-running corn maze and pumpkin patch and is located just 45 minutes north of the city. Each year's maze design is different from the previous year's. Their corn maze and fall fest will run from the third week of September through the end of October. Visit the Anderson Farms website to learn more about one of the best corn mazes near Denver.
Take a look at this video on how the corn maze is cut by @AndersonFarmsCO:
This 4th-generation family-owned farm and pumpkin patch near Fort Collins has so much for you to do and explore, including a 2-acre corn maze, corn cannon, hay rides, farm animals, and a charming country store with cider, home-grown popcorn, and other fall snacks and goodies. They are open from the third week of September through the end of October, Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Visit the website for Something From the Farm for more information.
Chatfield Farms in Littleton boasts a 7-acre Corn Maze perfect for kids and families as well as a mini-maze for children under the age of 10. (Fun fact: The maze can be viewed from two 15-foot-tall illuminated bridges.) The mazes are open on various days and times between mid-September and the end of October. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens website for more information on one of the best Denver corn mazes.
This Colorado farm has been around since 1949, and from now until the middle of November, they will host their annual Fall Harvest Festival, featuring a corn maze, hay rides, a petting zoo, and more. They also have Haunted Adventures after dark that are utterly spooky! Visit the Miller Farms website for more information including dates, hours, and admission cost.
Since it began in 2000, roughly 350,000 people have made their way through Fritzler's Corn Maze, one of the largest and most elaborate in the state. There are nearly 2 miles of trails as well as plenty of other fun and haunting activities like go-carts, an obstacle course, a pumpkin patch, haunted attractions, a haunted corn maze, and "Scream Acres." Open select days and hours from mid-September through the end of October. Visit the Fritzler Corn Maze website to learn about one of the most exciting corn mazes around Denver!
Your worst nightmares will come to life at this terrifying attraction located on the notoriously haunted Riverdale Road. As you blindly stumble your way through the 16-foot-tall cornstalks, you'll be confronted with all sorts of frightening beasts and ghouls sure to make you scream! Open on select nights only from the end of September through October 31st. Visit the website for Haunted Field of Screams to learn more and to purchase tickets.
Take a look at this trailer video for a previous year's haunted corn maze by @HauntedFieldofScreams:
Cottonwood Farm's 2-acre corn maze is the real deal, with narrow paths cut by hand (not by tractors), and the best part is...it's FREE! They also feature a straw bale maze with two raised platforms perfectly suited for cheering on and taking snapshots of your little explorers. Open daily from the third week of September through through October 31st. Visit the Cottonwood Farm website for more information.
Enjoy a day of family fun in beautiful Broomfield at Rock Creek Farm, which boasts over six miles of corn mazes, 100 acres of pumpkin fields, and a whole lot more. They've even got ponies, donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, and other farm animals your tiny tikes will love to love on. Oh, and did I mention the yummy baked goods and caramel apples? Mmm hmm! This Denver area corn maze is open daily in October. Visit the Rock Creek Farm website for more information.
advertisement
Have you been to any of these incredible corn mazes around Denver? Let us know! Looking for a fall getaway? Check out these cozy cabins for the ultimate fall getaway near Denver.
We all know the Mile High City is like no other. But, what makes our city so unique? Check out these 9 things found in Denver that you simply can't find anywhere else.
advertisement
1. Is there any other place in the world where you are greeted at the airport by a 32 foot tall, 9,000 pound demonic horse? I didn't think so.
Wynkoop Breweries Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout started out as an April Fool's prank, and turned into an truly Coloradan limited edition local brew for brave and bold beer lovers to try.
advertisement
9. You can dine at a historic restaurant serving exotic meats (think alligator tail) that was founded by a friend of Buffalo Bill.
