Truly wonderful things abound in the magnificent Mile High City, and its close proximity to an abundance of natural wonders is most certainly at the top of that list. There are fabulous state and national parks filled with impressive rock formations, spectacular wildlife, and awe-inspiring vistas hiding just outside the city limits. Even if you’ve experienced them before, here are the seven best natural wonders around Denver that are well worth visiting - over and over again.
On any given morning in the Mile High, you can walk out your door and experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains without ever setting foot outside the metro area.
If getting high is what you're after, there are a number of spots around Denver where you can cross the Continental Divide and reach elevations unknown.
For an unforgettable bird's eye view of the Rockies with a minimal amount of effort, take the quick jaunt to St. Mary's Glacier and its frozen lake and be inspired.
It is truly magical to see the juxtaposition of the dramatic red sandstone against the dreamy white snow at Roxborough State Park, just 20 miles south of Denver.
RMNP is not just for summer, folks. Go sledding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter wildlife watching, and more at this hallowed national treasure less than two hours from Denver.
There’s No Chapel In The World Like This One Near Denver
Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock in Colorado is a historic and resilient chapel known for its stunning stonework and dramatic setting near Rocky Mountain National Park.
For 80 years, the Chapel on the Rock in Colorado -- located at Camp St. Malo -- has endured against all odds, surviving both fire and flood to remain perched atop its sacred rock just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. With the majestic Mount Meeker as its backdrop, Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rock in Colorado is renowned for its elaborate stonework and dramatic setting which makes it one of the most unique chapels both in the state and beyond.
In 1916, Monsignor Joseph Bosetti was on a quest to locate the impact site from a falling star, when he happened upon a large rock formation on the outskirts of the Rocky Mountains. Bosetti was immediately reminded of the scripture Matthew 16:18, which reads: "Upon this rock, I'll build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Bosetti was very moved and envisioned a church rising from this magnificent rock. In 1936, his dream became a reality upon the completion of the St. Catherine of Siena Chapel, affectionately known as the Chapel on the Rock, designed by Denver architect Jacques Benedict.
The land on which the chapel stands was generously donated by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Malo to the Archdiocese of Denver and served as a youth camp until the late 1980s. It evolved and expanded to become the St. Malo Religious Retreat and Conference Center in 1987.
Today visitors continue to flock to this spectacular historic chapel in Denver, which seems to grow effortlessly from the bedrock, reaching ever heavenward.
Although the view of the Denver Chapel on the Rock from a distance is remarkably stunning, a closer examination reveals intricate stonework that is awe-inspiring all on its own.
While the exterior is particularly striking, the interior is just as magnificent and contains impressive statues lovingly carved in Bolzano, Italy, at the Giacomo-Mussner studios.
In 1993, Pope St. John Paul II prayed and blessed the Chapel of the Rock on his visit to Colorado for World Youth Day. The Pope hiked along the trails at Camp St. Malo, which was later named the John Paul II Trail in his honor.
Sadly, in 2011 the 60,000-square-foot conference center behind the church was burned to the ground in a devastating fire; however, the Chapel of the Rock remained unscathed. Another disaster struck in 2013 when 100-year rains produced flooding and a five-mile-long landslide that began atop Mount Meeker and ended at the foot of the chapel.
The surrounding landscape including the historic Pope John Paul II Trail was destroyed, but the chapel was once again miraculously spared and continues to stand proud and tall as a beacon beckoning passersby.
The Archdiocese of Denver has plans to restore Camp St. Malo to its former glory, but they could use your help. Please donate to the cause if you feel inclined to help preserve the rich heritage and history of this sacred site.
Visit the fascinating Chapel on the Rock in Denver, Colorado in this video from Shiloh Documentary Films:
Have you ever visited this famous Denver landmark? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experiences in the comments section. For a fun weekend getaway in Allenspark, CO, stay at this cozy cabin on five acres of beautiful land near Mount Meeker.
Sometimes it seems like everywhere you turn here in the Mile High City, you have the opportunity to take in a spectacular view. Whether it's the beautiful Denver skyline or the majestic Rocky Mountains, the panoramas here in Denver do not disappoint. There are, however, a handful of specific spots where the views stand out above the rest. While you might have to take a little trek to get to these viewpoints, the sights you will take in will take your breath away in the best possible way. Read on to learn where you can experience the best views in Denver!
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1. Anschutz Family Sky Terrace at Denver Museum of Nature and Science (2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205)
Make your way up to the 4th floor of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to the 5,000-square-foot open-air terrace that overlooks the Denver skyline with the gorgeous backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
2. Sloan's Lake (1700 N. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80219)
You can walk, jog, or bike around the approximately 2.5-mile loop around Sloan's Lake (which is also one of the best waterfront trails in the city). Here, you will be treated to not just one, but two outstanding Denver views. Looking east over the water, you can take in the city's skyline, and to the west, you get a spectacular look at the mountains. Another great option is to pack a picnic and find a spot to take it all in.
3. Red Rocks Amphitheatre (18300 W. Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465)
You just couldn’t talk about the best mountain views in Denver without mentioning the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. While this open-air amphitheater with perfect naturally-occurring acoustics is known for being an unbeatable music venue, you won't be disappointed in the panoramic view either. Sitting at over 6,000 feet in elevation, make your way up the approximately 380 steps for a truly remarkable experience.
There's nothing quite like watching a Rockies game while sitting at exactly a "mile high" in that row of purple seats at Coors Field. Taking in a spectacular sunset view is just the icing on the cake.
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5. Ruby Hill Park (1200 W. Florida Ave., Denver, CO 80223)
While Ruby Hill Park may be well-known for its wintertime perks (one of the top sledding hills in the city as well as the terrain park for skiers and snowboarders), it also offers a magnificent view to the northeast year-round. Located just five miles south of downtown Denver, this hill sits at 5,390 feet, but climbing to the top promises a rewarding view.
Make your way to the 27th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel to Peaks Lounge for a cocktail, dessert, and one of the most well-known panoramic views of Downtown Denver and the surrounding Rocky Mountains (as a matter of fact, it is also one of the best places to get engaged!). Your senses will be on overload as you sit back and take it all in. A Denver city view doesn't get any better than this!
7. Cherry Creek Reservoir (4201 South Parker Rd., Aurora, CO, 80014)
The Cherry Creek Reservoir is a crystal clear 880-surface-acre reservoir situated within Cherry Creek State Park and popular with boaters and anglers, as well as for its beautiful white sand beach. And the views from here are nothing short of spectacular!
8. Inspiration Point Park (4901 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80212)
It's not called Inspiration Point for nothing. A true urban gem, Inspiration Point Park, found 7 miles northwest of Downtown Denver, provides a stunning vista point for both the city and the front range.
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What are some of your favorite scenic spots around Denver where you like to take in the gorgeous views? Please share in the comments below.
Have you ever been to any of these amazing Denver overlooks? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that these are among the best views in Denver? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
If you're interested in spending a weekend or longer in Denver, you might consider a stay at the Element Denver Downtown East.
