Kids and adults alike are suddenly planning their summer around the places where they can find the most Pokémon. The app has topped 15 million downloads in the U.S. (and counting). Fortunately, Pokémon Go stops are clustered in some of the coolest spots around Denver, so you can stroll around scenic areas while finding gyms and Pokéstops doused in pink petals, luring Pokémon themselves.
Here are the ten best places to go Pokémon hunting in Denver.
10. Auraria Campus
Ninth and Curtis streets
It's as if the Pokémon Go creators knew from the start that students would become obsessed with the new game: The Auraria campus, which houses Metropolitan State University of Denver as well as the University of Colorado Denver and the Community College of Denver, is a hotbed of Pokémon activity. There are stops every couple of yards near the center of campus, as well as two high-level gyms. Keep your eyes peeled for a lot of Parases near Tivoli Brewing Company.
9. Cherry Creek Shopping Center
3000 East First Avenue
There are a ton of Pokémon around Cherry Creek North, as well as many rare Pokémon located in the neighborhoods to the east of the mall itself. Look for a Bulbasaur by the Pulaski Park tennis courts; by the river, across from Pulaski Park, you may find a Psyduck. In front of the Kavod Senior Life buildings, keep your eyes peeled for a Tauros, as well as an Electabuzz at First Avenue and St. Paul Street.
8. Cheesman Park
Eighth Avenue and Franklin Street
Cheesman has already hosted several Pokémon Go meet-ups in the short time that the game has been a phenomenon. There are Pokéstops along the path and driveway of the park, as well as a gym in the center. If you're lucky, you could run across a 469 CP-level Riachu — but we suspect that the CP (combat power) level of Pokémon you run into will align with your trainer level.
7. City Park
17th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard
You can catch a lot of Pokémon at City Park. There are plenty of Magnemites and Eevees, as well as Spearows, Pidgeys and Ratatas. Many lures pop up, turning the spot into a Pokémon free-for-all. You may even spot a Pikachu, Charmander, Caterpie, Weedle, Electabuzz or Dugtrio in the mix.
6. Washington Park
Kentucky Avenue and Franklin Street
The scenic setting of Wash Park is a great place to find Pokémon. It has a bunch of Pokéstops set up along the path around the lake, as well as by plaques on benches, at the Washington Park boat house, even at the ditch memorial. The Lutheran church adjacent to the park also happens to be a gym. Wash Park has also seen its fair share of Pokémon meet-ups, including one this past weekend with a reported 2,600 attendees.
Keep reading to find five more of the best Pokémon spots in Denver.
5. Civic Center Park
Broadway and Colfax Avenue
Tucked between the Capitol building and the City & County Building, Civic Center Park is a very active Pokémon hideout. Be on the lookout for a Rhyhorn by the Seal Fountain, and there's a chance you'll find a little Seel Pokémon near a central bench (but not by the Seal Fountain, ironically). There are about five Pokéstops at the park, which makes this a very worthwhile stop.
4. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
If you have good phone service, Red Rocks is one of the most lucrative Pokémon Go places on the outskirts of the city. There's also a Pokéstop on Dinosaur Ridge, just as you pull off the highway and head toward Morrison. Don't be surprised if you run into a lot of fighting, rock-and-fire-type Pokémon on the rocks: This place is crawling with Mankey as well as Growlithe.
3. Denver Zoo
2300 Steele Street
There might be more animated Pokémon animals than live ones at the Denver Zoo. You can expect to see a large number of Ponyta, Magnemite and Drowzee; you also might find some rare Pokémon, such as an impressive Onyx, floating above the camel exhibit. Other Pokémon at the zoo include the elusive Ghastly.
2. Union Station
1701 Wynkoop Street
Union Station is a treasure chest of Pokémon, and even has a gym situated in the center of the terminal. A Pokéstop at the Thirsty Lion had a lure on it for the majority of this past weekend, making it an exceptionally easy spot to find the Pokémon of your heart's desire. Look for a bunch of Ponytas, Machops and Rhydons.
1. 16th Street Mall
1001 16th Street
The 16th Street Mall boasts a wealth of Pokéstops and gyms. Look out for a Meowth trying to hop a ride on the free shuttle, plus a high-level Rhydon waiting for a muffin in front of the Corner Bakery.