Sports & Recreation

Christmas wishes come true at the North Pole, an enchanted family theme park centered around Kris Kringle. From May 20 through December 24, visitors are greeted with nostalgic Christmas tunes as they wander through Santa's Workshop, a magical village consisting of eight quaint shops and restaurants stocked with unique holiday gifts and classic American food. The highlight, of course, is visiting Santa's home, where children are invited to share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself as his helpers snap photos. Don't forget to swing by the Post Office, where park-goers can send mail to the North Pole. Beyond the village you'll find dozens of rides, including the up-down-and-around Christmas Tree Ride, a Candy Cane Coaster, the Peppermint Slide and an exhilarating zipline. Classic amusement-park jaunts are also available, including pony carts, an antique carousel and spinning cups .

The folks at Coors Field prefer to use the term "holding rooms" rather than "jail cells" to describe the enclosures to which stadium security personnel takes fans who may have edged over the line of acceptable rowdiness. But they're definitely not places where anyone would like to hang out, especially during a game. The spaces are small and narrow, with the main decor being a metal bench. And while there are no locks on the doors, people placed in the rooms aren't going anywhere, as they're routinely handcuffed to a bar until Denver police can arrive and spirit them off to real jail. Anyone who spends time there will definitely think twice about returning.

Don't just take your kids out to the ball game — take them inside of it, with an eighty-minute, mile-long major-league romp around the Rockies' 76-acre facility. Kids get the most thrills exploring the dugout and getting an eye-level look at the massive field. Adults enjoy exploring the premier floors and suites, like the Wells Fargo Club Level and Coors Clubhouse, and geeking out over memorabilia that's scattered throughout the stadium. During baseball season, tours run Mondays through Saturdays, and times vary based on the game schedule. Younger kiddos (and superfans) might prefer a 45- to 60-minute private showing.

When Coors Field opened on April 26, 1995, one of the stadium's best features was the Rockpile, a section of seats to straight-away center that were available on game day and cost a single dollar. More than two decades later, that amount has gone up, but not outrageously: Tickets generally sell for between $4 and $8, depending on the date and opponent. That means that fans can still watch two Major League Baseball squads go at it in person for less than the price of going to a first-run movie. Better yet, folks in the Rockpile tend to make great company. They're not as jaded and/or bored as some season-ticket holders, nor are they more interested in partying than in the doings on the diamond, like a lot of those who hang out on the Rooftop. Rockpilers may not have much of a chance to snag a home-run ball, but they can catch the game itself in a great atmosphere.

Readers' Choice: The Rockpile

Once upon a time, Mile High Stadium was known simply as Mile High Stadium, a name embraced by every true sports fan and concert-goer in Colorado and beyond. But then came the unfortunate trend of big-bucks deals for corporate naming rights, leading to the venue's being christened Invesco Field at Mile High and, later, Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Now, following Sports Authority's bankruptcy, the Denver Metropolitan Stadium District and the Denver Broncos are looking to find a new firm willing to pay a hefty annual fee to place its logo on this beloved pile of bricks. But it will always be Mile High Stadium to us, and we'd love nothing more than for the name to stay that way permanently.

Even though John Elway and Peyton Manning have both retired and the Broncos missed the playoffs last year, demand for tickets to see the squad defend Mile High Stadium continues to be astonishing: The streak of sell-outs dates back to 1970 and is now at just shy of 370. But thanks to a clause in the operating agreement for the construction of the facility, the Broncos make 2,000 half-price tickets available for each game. Team reps confirm that this deal will be repeated again this season, probably in either June or July, giving ordinary locals who bleed blue and orange a chance to experience the spectacle live. But be ready to act fast, because the bargain tickets go very, very quickly. Last year, the entire season's allotment was gone in just twenty minutes.

Readers' Choice: Colorado Avalanche

Von Miller isn't just a Super Bowl MVP. He's also the most valuable player on social media. But while he's a master of every platform, frequently posting hilarious or weird items on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, he saves his best moves for Snapchat, where he chronicles his crazy adventures (like essentially trailing Drake on tour for weeks) with a loony enthusiasm that's positively infectious. Whether he's dancing, posing or embarrassing teammates and fellow celebrities, all of whom seem to know and love him, he provides just as much entertainment value during the off-season as he does bringing the thunder to opposing quarterbacks.

Facebook.com/Broncos58

@Millerlite40 (Twitter)

@vonmiller (Instagram)

millerlite40 (Snapchat)

No excuses, pal. Time to ditch that Flip or Flop marathon and check out these hour-long strolls with real physicians, offered at area parks on a monthly basis (and sometimes more frequently). Rain or shine, the walks are great cardio and open to everybody, with free blood-pressure screenings, free refreshments, and wide-ranging medical advice on everything from anxiety disorders to bowel health.

303-398-1355
nationaljewish.org/walkwithadoc

If you're like most dog people, you work hard to keep your pooches in chew toys and don't always have time to lead the pack on a proper workout. No mere dog-walking service, Hike Doggie offers a range of excursions in the Jefferson County Open Space system for canines of varying activity levels, from a casual stroll-and-sniff to a serious energy burn, on an individual basis or with a team of like-minded leg-lifters. Clients are transported to the trails in a comfy "Zen Den," receive a post-hike wash and towel-dry, and are then returned to their owners — dog-tired, perhaps, but eager for their next encounter with the great outdoors.

hikedoggie.com

With its 420 acres of trails, dog swimming ponds and panoramic views of the Front Range and Standley Lake, Westminster Hills Dog Park is popular with pooches and peeps alike. From the wide-open dirt entrance that's perfect for pups who want to play ball and socialize to the miles of winding, singletrack-style paths and wider, gravel-lined Jeep roads, the partially fenced park also features a dog drinking fountain and shaded benches for tuckered-out owners, who can walk, run or bicycle alongside their canines. Periodic volunteer days keep the park clean, and trash cans and bags are conveniently posted near the entrance.

Readers' Choice: Cherry Creek State Park

Landlocked Colorado may lack an ocean, but it still has a surprising number of beaches. Not only can you boat, fish, water-ski and jet-ski at Chatfield State Park, but you can also just soak up the rays on the sweet swim beach, a half-mile stretch of soft sand sloping into the reservoir. The area, which is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, also has restrooms, a concession stand and a first-aid station — amenities you won't always find on either coast. The day-pass fee is just $8 per vehicle; pack a cooler and don't forget the sunscreen.

Readers' Choice: Bear Creek Lake Park

Necessity is the mother of all invention, and nowhere is that truer than at Arapahoe County's South Platte River Run Park. When the cities of Littleton, Englewood and Sheridan needed flood mitigation and drainage-fixing, they dreamed up the $15 million park, a mile stretch of outdoor fun along the Platte in Arapahoe County that will solve their water woes — and treats residents to splash-tastic fun. Although the entire park won't be finished until 2018, one of its more unique amenities opened last year: man-made waves on the Platte for surfers. The finished park will include a playground and protected habitat for wildlife, so you can hang ten in a totally environmentally chill way, brah.

Thanks to its location in the center of the city and its huge variety of recreational options, Washington Park is one of Denver's favorite places to gather — and people-watching can be even better from the water. Wheel Fun Rentals, the park's nautical concessionaire, provides plenty of ways to float, including kayaks, double kayaks, canoes and even stand-up paddle boards. But our favorites are the pedal boats, available at reasonable hourly rates in both two- and four-seat models. They're easy to maneuver even for landlubbers, and give peddlers a great angle on Denver at play. Explore the possibilities at wheelfunrentals.com.

Weir Gulch takes the urban wanderer on a trek encompassing many gorgeous west Denver working-class 'hoods, including Westwood, Barnum, Barnum West, Villa Park and Sun Valley. Sections of the trail are secluded thanks to mature trees and tall grass, while other parts of the hike include crossing busy streets aboveground as water travels below street level in concrete pipes. Catch views of the mountains to the west as the pathway ambles through tracts of low-slung homes, or take in the cityscape as seen at the crest of Barnum Park, where Federal Boulevard and Sixth Avenue cut up the green space. The route is dotted with playgrounds and basketball courts, shaded areas for resting and a handful of public restrooms. This unique combination of wooded expanses, lush greenbelts and metropolitan elements makes Weir Gulch the perfect trail for understanding and enjoying Denver's mountains-meets-rural-meets-urban geographical personality.

West Center Drive and South Sheridan Boulevard to the Platte River

denvergov.org

It's hikers-only on the Mount Galbraith Loop near Golden, a moderately strenuous, 4.9-mile lollipop trek that gains about 1,100 feet in elevation and features fab views of Denver, Golden, the Front Range, Golden Gate Canyon and Clear Creek Canyon. Start out on the Cedar Gulch trail, and on hot days head for shade right away by turning right onto the Mount Galbraith Loop; the trail is lined with ponderosa pines and spruce. Climbs in and out of several ravines and rocky sections make it a little more challenging. Dogs on a leash are allowed, and they can be helpful in alerting you to the bighorn sheep clambering around the canyons.

Readers' Choice: Red Rocks Trail

Everyone knows about the Maroon Bells — most photographed, most famous, most iconic, etc. — but not everyone has successfully climbed them. Many try, but because of the peaks' location next to Aspen, in the heart of Colorado tourist country, most of the attempts are by beginners who have never been on a Fourteener in their lives. That's what makes this an ideal trek for that hotshot know-it-all relative who succeeds at everything. Maybe he'll make it, maybe he won't, but if he does, he'll talk about it for a year, and if he doesn't, it's likely to be a very public humiliation. Of the two summits, Maroon Peak (Class 3; 14,156 feet) is a little easier than its sister less than half a mile away, North Maroon Peak (Class 4; 14,014 feet), so the chances for making it are better. The views from both are spectacular.

Readers' Choice: Longs Peak

In 2008, Vail closed Minnie's Lift, which had been getting skiers and snowboarders to the Back Bowls since 1972, including the advanced terrain in Sun Up Bowl, as well as the China Bowl complex and Blue Sky Basin. Now that lift is back and better than ever: Renamed the Sun Up Express (#9), this Leitner-Poma lift is a high-speed quad, replacing Minnie's triple chair, and has reopened access to 1,285 acres of skiable terrain. Vail estimates that the ride to the top of Sun Up Bowl now takes less than four minutes, which is plenty of time to scout your lines.

vail.com

Readers' Choice: Keystone gondola

Not only will Granny find Mount Sherman to be a walk-up, but truth be told, you can get so close to the trailhead in the car that she could probably throw an orthopedic hiking boot at the summit. The hike is really a mere five-mile stroll that gains 2,100 feet in elevation, but there's so much more to enjoy: The mountain is named after General William Tecumseh Sherman, and so there's history to chat about on the way, along with old mining buildings and abandoned mine shafts near the trail to explore. Add in sprawling wildflower meadows and the fact that Mount Sherman is only about seven miles from Leadville, one of Colorado's famous mining towns, and this could turn sweet old Meemaw into a hard-core peak-bagger.

Mosquito Range, near Leadville

14ers.com

Readers' Choice: Mount Bierstadt

Skiers and snowboarders can't just drop into Winter Park's Dark Territory; you have to be "pre-certified," which puts enough people off that the place is often empty. But that's just silly, because pre-certification is easy: Watch a twenty-minute video, sign a liability waiver, pay $20, and then you're good to go for the rest of the season, ready to take on the extremely advanced and technical terrain. The section, located in lower Rail Yard, hosts all the biggest features, with better rail lines and big drops on the jumps, including a stair rail, multiple replicates, and 55- and 60-foot set-downs. And it's only experts like you, cheering on each other's comps and trying out some tricks minus the input of looky-loos. Don't want to take the time to get certified? There are six other terrain parks in Winter Park for all skill levels and interests.

winterparkresort.com

Readers' Choice: Ruby Hill

Speed demons flock to Whispering Jesse at Snowmass for its prudent grooming and well-varied terrain. The steep and rolling cruiser — which shares its name with a John Denver song — starts at the top of the Big Burn and makes its way alongside several gladed sections, between which it opens up with enough space for skiers and snowboarders to let 'er rip. The wide-open boulevard means beginners can take it slower, picking up the pace during the less-steep sections, while serious screamers just lap it, stopping for a breather at the picnic area located on the upper part of the run.

aspensnowmass.com

Billed as the steepest man-made, lift-served run in the lower 48, the aptly named Rambo at Crested Butte Mountain Resort is brutal, unrelenting and usually somewhat terrifying to the uninitiated. A standout on a mountain already known for its abundance of double-black-diamond trails (Crested Butte is host to many an extreme-skiing championship), Rambo offers a sustained pitch at between 50 and 55 degrees. The view from the top is often enough to turn away all but the most confident, but once you let go, you're in for slightly less than two miles of teeth-clenching, quad-cramping fun, complete with unexpected ledges, rocks and bushes, with plenty of time to practice jump turns and a few trees along the side for the truly fearless.

skicb.com

Readers' Choice: Prima Cornice, Vail

There's no question that Crested Butte Mountain Resort is one of Colorado's best ski areas, and it's one that relatively few ever check out. A great incentive for taking on the mountain's epic steeps, though, is the Gunnison-Crested Butte Getaway deal from the resort and the town of Gunnison, which sits just a half-hour's drive away (and you have to pass through there, anyway). Starting at $69 per person per night, you get lodging at one of eight properties and a lift ticket — and considering that lift tickets are usually $111 a day for adults, this is pretty sweet. Added enticements: Kids twelve and under ski free early- and late-season at CB, and there's a free round-trip shuttle from Gunnison to the mountain.

gunnisoncrestedbutte.com

Readers' Choice: Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus

Beautifully maintained fairways — especially for a municipal course — and three different nines with varying difficulty make it tough to get bored at Fox Hollow at Lakewood. Greens fees are reasonable — less than $50 during peak season for eighteen holes — and the Meadow/Canyon eighteen-hole option plays like a championship course. Meanwhile, your backdrop is downtown Denver on one side and the Rockies on the other, and the fact that the course abuts Bear Creek Lake Park means it's quiet and pretty, with lakes and streams inviting wildlife to stop by. In addition, on-site restaurant the Den sports a patio that looks out at the mountains and serves three meals daily, including a really good burger.

lakewood.org/foxhollow

Readers' Choice: Legacy Ridge Golf Course

Taspen's Organics is all about the healing, and if there's anything that needs a little restoration, it's the travel experience. From tinctures and creams for things like arthritis and migraine relief to non-toxic sunscreen, anti-anxiety tea and aromatherapy sprays that will scent the funk right out of your surroundings, the Colorado-based mini-chain makes organic and natural remedies for so many things that ail us when we take a trip. Not headed out of town anytime soon? There's a Taspen's Wellness Center in Conifer, and a restaurant, Taspen's Cosmic Kitchen, in Aspen Park.

A, B and C Concourses
303-816-0429
taspens.com

Readers' Choice: Tattered Cover

Besides the fact that your ball flies farther in our thinner air, the best reason to golf in Colorado is for the views. At River Course at Keystone, the first tee offers up the Continental Divide, seemingly at eye level from the 9,300-foot vantage point, and the Snake River winds through, as well. That altitude will also buy your balls some mileage on this sagebrush-dotted, wildflower-carpeted course designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, who endeavored to maintain migratory patterns throughout. Don't be surprised if an elk or two ask to play through, and be sure to have a smartphone handy to take a photo of Lake Dillon on that last hole. Bonus: The elevated tees and hilly switchbacks offer quite the workout.

keystoneresort.com/golf/the-river-course

Readers' Choice: Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks

Herons and foxes and muskrats, oh, my! You're likely to see them and much more at the Wetland Park, the Heron Pond, Bluff Lake Nature Center and the Morrison Nature Center, all of which can be found alongside the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, a fourteen-mile trail that goes from Commerce City to Aurora via Denver and Stapleton, with parking at either end and several points along the way. With connections to the High Line Canal and the South Platte River Greenway, Sand Creek is paved in parts and lined with gravel in others, which makes for a serene and scenic nature ride, in sections running right next to its namesake waterway. Check the website for navigation details — this is an urban trail, so construction occasionally calls for detours — and keep an eye out for joggers and horses.

sandcreekgreenway.org

Readers' Choice: Cherry Creek Trail

Lucky Bikes is the local hub for Trips for Kids Denver Metro, part of a national string of nonprofits providing bike-related opportunities for young people. Trips for Kids keeps at-risk youths ages ten and up rolling in several ways: first, by sending them on daylong mountain-biking adventures; second, by teaching them bicycle-maintenance skills and safety rules in order to rebuild and earn a bike of their own; and third, by employing high-school students in the shop. Along with being a training ground, Lucky Bikes is also a used-bike store, offering repair services and refurbished wheels to the public. What goes around comes around.

There's no denying that Denver's B-cycle bike-sharing program is a boon, but what if, instead of B-cycle's somewhat pricey, one-size-fits-all model, you could borrow a bike that's just your size and style and ride it for free for the first two hours? That's the difference at Visit Golden's bike library, located at the downtown Golden Visitors Center, where your whole family can hop on a bike from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays during the summer and fall months. Daily rentals beyond the two-hour period top off at $10, and there are provisions to return bikes after hours if you want to stop for dinner. Each bike comes with a helmet, a lock, a free water bottle and a golden ticket offering discounts at Golden businesses. And even if it's more of an amenity for tourists and not really intended for use by hard-core daily commuters, a deal's a deal.

Bike shops can be chilly places where dude-bro hipster mechanics make customers feel stupid. Fancy chocolate shops can be snooty, too. Ski and snowboard stores — you guessed it, the same. Fortunately, cyclists, skiers, snowboarders and chocolate gourmands alike have a home at Chocolate Spokes, an unpretentious Five Points shop where community-minded decency reigns. As you wait for your bike or skis to be fixed, you can nosh on creative chocolate made in the U.S. The mechanics are skilled and friendly, whether helping you fix a flat tire, tuning up your rusty old bike, waxing your board or making major repairs; they'll treat you like a real person while offering first-rate service.

"People come in and say something like, 'I just want to ride [a bike] to work, ditch my car. I want to ride it to the restaurant or the bars,'" says Urban Cyclist owner Darrin Duran. "Two things will happen: Either they just use it for that, or they turn into complete fucking bike nerds." The Urban Cyclist isn't a bike shop; it's a lifestyle. The unique and oh-so-Denver shop cultivates a commuter, fixie lifestyle. Urban's Pac Man machine welcomes you to the RiNo warehouse space, which is a decked-out, bustling bike heaven. The large warehouse walls are covered in every color rim, accessory, frame, cruiser, chain, pedal and seat you can imagine. You won't find any cliché hipster decor or arrogance from employees. Instead, you'll be welcomed into a healthy way of life and leave inspired to ride your bike everywhere.

For 46 years, Turin Bike Shop has been a reliable and outstanding specialty bike shop for all types of riders, mountain or road, and has offered a healthy selection of imported gear. The oldest bike shop in the Mile High City is actually a transplant: Turin began in Chicago in 1965 and rode into Denver in 1971. Original president Alan Fine still runs things, but what makes Turin truly special is all the crazy imports from Italy and the great customer service. Its best-selling road bikes are Italian performers Bianchi (known as the "best bike in the world" and the oldest: The company was founded in Milan 125 years ago) and Wilier Triestina, among others.

The Denver Bicycle Cafe sells and repairs bikes, but this shop is special because it serves up so much more: coffee, local brews and baked goods here and there, to be specific. Yes, there are beards everywhere, but you'll love the speed at which these bike repairmen work. No matter how busy it gets, you're always treated kindly and taken care of quickly. The bike shop is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 to 5 on Sundays. The cafe is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day and transforms into a beer hall from 3 p.m. to midnight, catering to damn near every kind of human, making it a popular hangout in the Uptown neighborhood. Bike, beer and coffee snobs come together as one, and if that isn't Denver, we don't know what is.

Tight switchbacks, long, slow, steady climbing, challenging steps and water bars, technical rocky sections through the trees — all hallmarks of a great gonzo mountain-bike ride. Bergen Peak is a 9.4-mile (round-trip) Jeffco open-space gem with a little bit of everything. It makes riders work hard for the rewards, which include killer views of the surrounding mountains from the flat stretch at the top, and a very, very fast descent. In addition to the Bergen Peak Trail itself, there are about a half-dozen other trails that can be linked up for more mileage and fast fun. But keep your head up: Elk and deer are everywhere here.

Elk Park Trailhead on Stagecoach Parkway, Evergreen

Readers' Choice: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

Not only does Esters Neighborhood Pub serves some of the best pizza in town, but it's also designed to maximize the enjoyment of sports, with TVs visible from every vantage point and a hip neighborhood feel. Need a break from the cheering? Head out to the inviting deck for some fresh air and the quiet of the surrounding Virginia Village neighborhood. And if you have a big group and want some private time, the back room, called Sully's, has eight TVs and communal tables — perfect for a party. Brunch is the bomb, with a killer plate of chicken and waffles, and beer is the preferred beverage here, with 22 craft versions on tap.

1950 South Holly Street

303-955-4904

Readers' Choice: Blake Street Tavern

Watching the game puts us in a competitive mood, so when there's a break in the action, we like to be at Gibby's, which not only has pool tables, air hockey, shuffleboard and video games, but also a nice selection of board games. Out in that big back yard, there's volleyball, soccer, cornhole and beer pong. It all feels like a get-together with friends from the neighborhood. No matter where you are inside, you can see a TV, and the pub-grub menu — including a top-notch Cubano and shards of deep-fried onion and jalapeño called "toothpicks" — go well with the twelve beers on tap.

Readers' Choice: Blake Street Tavern

When we're watching the big game, we don't need fancy grub and a wine list that looks like a copy of War and Peace. All we want is a nice, juicy burger and homemade onion rings, maybe some spicy, crispy wings or nachos with the works and, of course, good, cheap beer. Spot Bar & Grill has all of that and more, including TVs mounted everywhere and a welcoming neighborhood vibe — and $2 Coors Banquet bottles and generous $5 Jameson shots all day, every day. Also, about those wings: Spot offers several sauce options, but the smoked wings slathered in a sweet, earthy barbecue sauce are amazing.

Readers' Choice: Blake Street Tavern

If you like results, high-fives and post-exercise beers, head to Project Rise Fitness for a high-intensity workout suitable for seasoned athletes and newbies alike. Owner Caleb Sommer delivers a brutal but fun cardio program drawing on aerobics, gymnastics and strength training. Sweat sessions are coupled with nutrition coaching, too, for a comprehensive approach promoting long-term health. Forget about fitness plateaus: Like snowflakes and Lady Gaga's hairstyles, no two Rise workouts are exactly the same. Variety is good, but it's the unique community of fitness enthusiasts that'll keep you coming back for more. Between wine-workout parties, weekend partner drills and Friday night sweat sessions with catered food and beverages, Rise is more than a gym — it's a close-knit clan of welcoming wellness junkies.

Way out west in the Four Corners region of Colorado lies the town of Mancos, a cultural gem on the edge of Mesa Verde National Park that's not only a gateway to several of the nation's most treasured archaeological hot spots, but also a real, working cowtown situated in the valley made famous by the Westerns of Louis L'Amour. To counter that, it's also a town of artisans and summer balloon fests and art fairs. And Mancos is a stop on two of Colorado's designated scenic byways: For a true Rocky Mountain adventure, make your way to Mancos via the breathtaking San Juan Skyway, rolling past mining towns and hot springs and over the cliff-hanging Million Dollar Highway, or opt for the Trail of the Ancients, a Four Corners loop with stops at Mesa Verde, Lowry Pueblo, the Anasazi Heritage Center and Hovenweep.

mesaverdecountry.com

The Colorado grasslands aren't for everyone. Their lush periods are slight while the dry spells are brutal, but if you fine-tune your eye (which has probably been spoiled by all those mountain vistas) to the more subtle charms of the plains landscape, visiting them is well worth the drive. Find out what the fuss was all about when the U.S. Army tried — and eventually failed — to expand its Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site by encroaching on the grassland ten years ago: There are dino tracks preserved in the canyon along the Purgatoire River (anglicized to "Picketwire" by its American denizens), the ruins of the Dolores Mission to explore, and petroglyphs and tipi circles in Picture Canyon. Wildlife runs the gamut from prairie chickens and pronghorns to collared lizards and roadrunners, and you can even follow the Santa Fe Trail, imagining yourself crossing the plains in a covered wagon.

visitlajunta.net/comanche

Rich in mining lore, Texas-sized belt buckles and beautiful scenery, the Silver Thread Byway follows the Rio Grande River out of South Fork, passing by the Collier State Wildlife Area on ancient Ute Indian lands on the way to historic Creede, a mining town reinvented with art galleries, eateries and a famed summer repertory theater on Main Street. In spite of its charming new directions, you can still revisit Creede's mining past firsthand at the Underground Mining Museum or on side trips into the hills above town before heading over steep Spring Creek Pass and past Lake San Cristobal to picturesque Lake City, a Victorian aerie perched high in the San Juans. From there, it's on through high-walled canyons to Gunnison — and back again.

colorado.com

You can add to or take away from this extensive loop by stitching together a variety of scenic byways and national heritage areas, but whichever route you commit to, you're going to gain a new appreciation for northern Colorado — and especially for its rugged scenery, from the Poudre Canyon to the headwaters of the Colorado River. Highlights range from the de rigueur Trail Ridge Road and Rocky Mountain National Park to the pristine and nature-heavy beauty of North Park and Walden, the Rawah Wilderness and the Medicine Bow and Never Summer Mountains.

northcoloradolooptour.com

Daniels Park is in a part of Douglas County dominated by gated communities and homes beyond the means of the 99 percent. But you don't have to be stupendously wealthy to enjoy this spectacular slice of Colorado. The 1,000-acre property was donated to the City and County of Denver by Miss Florence Martin more than eighty years ago, and since the early days, an 800-acre preserve for a buffalo herd has been among its grabbiest attractions. But there's a lot more to see than just bison: On a clear day, visitors can experience one of the great views in the state, stretching from Pikes Peak to Long's Peak, as well as gorgeous hiking and picnicking areas. And despite the park's location, there's no admission fee.

Tired of hearing your kids whine, "Are we there yet?" Mount Falcon Park is a Jefferson County gem that sits a mere twenty miles from downtown Denver, but it still offers all of the topographic variances, tucked-away treasures and sweeping panoramas of a more remote trek. Park at the east entrance (3852 Vine Street in Morrison) and hop on Castle Trail, which links up with Turkey Trot Trail after a 2,000-foot elevation gain for a rigorous-but-doable loop boasting views of Red Rocks and the LoDo skyline. Take Castle Trail farther west, and you'll stumble on the historic Summer White House Trail, leading adventurers to stone remnants of an early 1900s home, the cornerstone of a would-be summer White House for presidents. There are over twelve miles of trail between the east and west entrances at Mount Falcon Park, and picnic tables, shelters and restrooms are accessible from both entries.

Belly Bliss founder Lauren Williams makes the daunting task of parenting a little bit more blissful with a center devoted entirely to pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. We recommend dropping in for a family yoga class. Offered weekly, these hour-long sessions include games, music and partner poses, along with flowing asanas and a few challenging postures, too. Parent-child yoga delivers the same mental and physical benefits of regular yoga, like peace of mind, relaxation and increased flexibility, but the perks don't stop there. Family Yoga is a time for parents to truly connect with their babies, toddlers and children in a calming yet playful environment — and to meet other parents, too. No previous yoga experience required.

Nestled between iconic red sandstone formations and majestic mountains, Great Wolf Lodge is an all-inclusive getaway suitable for wolf packs of all ages. Not many hotels are created specifically for kids and their parents, but Colorado's latest travel addition, which opened in Colorado Springs in December 2016, is one of those unique properties. Everything's under one roof: a 50,000-square-foot aquatics center, a 20,000-square-foot indoor entertainment complex, pristine rooms and six eateries, some boasting locally sourced, scratch-made grub. Water-park access is included with lodging, and your kiddos are sure to sleep soundly after exploring three pools, obstacle courses, a multi-level treehouse-slash-water-fort and twelve water slides, including two-story body slides, the four-story Alberta Falls, and Howlin' Tornado, a six-story funnel. Kiddie chutes are available for wee guests, along with the zero-depth-entry Cub Paw Pool. Free activities — yoga, wildlife walks and storytimes — are offered on site daily through the Great Wolf Kids Program.

Who says you have to spend a fortune on your next family getaway? YMCA of the Rockies delivers two fantastic destinations at Snow Mountain Ranch and its Estes Park Center. At each site, guests are greeted with a robust lineup of year-round activities; the experience is a little bit like camp for the whole family. In addition to hiking, horseback riding, archery, swimming, crafts and miniature golf, each site boasts its own unique entertainment: There's fishing, a summer tubing hill and llama treks at Snow Mountain Ranch, and concerts, guided hikes and a spectacular zipline at Estes Park Center. When night falls, gather 'round the campfire for a marshmallow roast, then hunker down in a lodge room or cabin — or in one of Snow Mountain Ranch's new yurts.

In the era of being plugged in 24/7, there's something indulgent about spending an autumn day with family and friends wandering through a humongous corn maze. There's plenty of agrotourism in Colorado, but we think Maize in the City's twenty-acre labyrinth takes the cake. This family-friendly destination engages visitors during the fall with a variety of attractions, including a mini-train, a petting zoo and pony rides. Youngsters can even navigate their own mini-maze cut from shorter stalks. At sundown, the maize morphs into an insanely terrifying Haunted Field of Screams that'll have even the most devout Children of the Corn fans practically peeing their pants.

Spread out over forty-plus acres in Clear Creek County off I-70, Lawson Adventure Park is not only easy to get to, but it's also tailored to active families looking for new and exciting ways to exhaust themselves, all in one place. Amenities include climbing walls suitable for all ages, zorbing (kind of like tobogganing down a hill in a hamster ball), bungee trampolines, Frisbee golf, rock-climbing and rappelling adventures, Water Walkerz and other accoutrements of endless outdoor fun, along with camping sites and cabins (coming soon: cushy yurts!). Winter activities like winter zorbing and tubing will also eventually blossom at the park.

This underrated Denver park has an impressive amount of attractions that will keep active families busy year-round, from dusk until dawn. When the sun's shining, do a few bike tricks at the Ruby Hill Bike Park before exploring trails and open fields or swinging the bat at the baseball field. Younger kiddos can romp around a massive playground located at the park's peak. Come winter, you'll find plenty of sledding hills throughout Ruby Hill Park, and when the snow really starts accumulating, check out the Ruby Hill Rail Yard, an urban terrain park that draws thousands of folks annually. Bring a sack lunch and take a break at the picnic tables while taking in some great views.

We appreciate a city that champions constructive activities for its youth. So we have to give big ups to Golden, which last year allotted nearly $1 million to redevelop its 24-year-old Ulysses Skate Park. Since the park reopened in December, skaters of all ages and skill levels have enjoyed its mid-sized bowl with pool coping, a snake-run-type flow bowl, a "street" area with rails, ledges and banks, and quarter- and halfpipes galore. There's even a full pipe that's a replica of Montreal's revered Big O. Nestled in the Ulysses Sports Complex, which features an off-leash dog park, five baseball fields, a fitness loop, restrooms, soccer fields and beautiful views of the Platte Valley, the skate park can keep the whole family entertained (not that you'd want to be seen with your parents).

Readers' Choice: Denver Skatepark

The gym rules are simple: Be on time, get better, take care of your partner. That's all Topeira Boxing Club needs to be the best community gym in Denver. The gym's owner (and only coach), Joaquin Romero, has equipped Topeira Boxing with everything his members need to be successful: a full-sized ring, two speed bags, eight heavy bags and affordable rates. Membership rates are $50 for monthly unlimited level-one classes, or the coach will let you in for a $10 drop-in rate. The gym has strong ties to its Athmar Park neighborhood and a community vibe overall, and Romero's style of teaching reflects that. Everyone is welcome to join the Green Team. The motto? "We up, we workin'."

What started as semi-organized pickup kickball games and an opportunity to meet new people has morphed into a hard-rolling league that nonetheless doesn't take itself too seriously. Nonprofit recreational leagues are scarce these days, but the rowdy Denver Kickball Coalition manages to play some of the hardest kickball in town, drink beer and kick ass at around $20 a head for the season, which goes to uniforms, equipment and charity. League scores and standings are regularly updated online during the season, and team names can get a little crazy, like last year's Fighting Moose Knuckles, Pitches Be Crazy and Balls Deep. The DKBC also participates in charitable events throughout the year, donating to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and hosting an all-women tournament whose proceeds go to Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver. The season starts in April and ends in August; sign up by sending DKBC Kickball a message on Facebook.

denverkickball.wordpress.com

Rude Park Rec Center is a gem hidden within the often overlooked west Denver neighborhood of Sun Valley. Unlike many newer buildings in our quickly changing city, this modern structure actually takes full advantage of Colorado's sunny disposition: Windows adorn virtually all sides of the athletic multiplex, allowing light to pour in from every angle. The weight room has some of the best equipment found in the city's rec-center network, but it's the soaring panes of glass running along the length of the spacious workout area that make it outstanding. The indoor swimming pool is also awash in sunshine, surrounded by windows that face the downtown Denver skyline. Visitors to Rude Park get a view of the confluence of Lakewood Gulch and the South Platte River, as well as a dash of park greenery, a glimpse of cityscape and, of course, a little sight (and sometimes smell) of that good old Denver riverside industrial-plant wasteland, a gentle reminder that the Mile High City is both a beauty and a beast.

What type of runner are you? Are you a distance runner, focused on your feet connecting to the pavement and the pace you're maintaining? Or are you more of a fun runner, the type who's there more for the company than the marathon? Whichever category you fall into, Boulder Running Company's Greenwood Village store offers the best free outdoor workouts. On Saturday mornings, start your day with long runs that vary in distance but always start and end at the store. On Tuesdays, the weekly 3.1-mile group meets for "Pub Runs," with beer, brats and sometimes store discounts and demos. Lace up and decide what kind of runner you want to be this week. (Bonus: Check the Boulder Running Company's Facebook page for free pop-up fitness workshops!)

Working out can be the worst, but Brewery Boot Camp founders Paul and Lindsay Chavez know that the best way to get through it is to work toward a beer. Brewery Boot Camp is a $10 total-body workout held at breweries throughout metro Denver. The philosophy here is "Train hard, play hard," which means that after an hour of Bulgarian split squats and kettlebell swings on the taproom floor, you're rewarded with a happy hour. Participating breweries, including Dry Dock Brewing North Dock, Lone Tree Brewing Company and Rackhouse Pub, are spread out to serve the camp's large fan base. Brewery Boot Camp updates its website and Facebook page regularly so you can find your next boozy workout hassle-free.

brewerybootcamp.com

Chuze Fitness, a growing chain from California, made inroads into metro Denver in 2016 with new outposts in Westminster, Thornton and Littleton. Designed to be a multi-purpose fitness haven rather than a mere gym, Chuze offers such amenities as child care and Kids' Club activities, lap pools, hydro massage, numerous classes and — hard to find but at the top of everyone's list — ultra-cleanliness and reasonable prices. But the Chuze Cinema feature takes it over the top by providing a place to use fancy, state-of-the-art exercise equipment while you watch movies, which is way better than spinning in front of the TV in your basement. No Chuze in your neighborhood? Two new locations are expected to open in Broomfield and on South Monaco Parkway this summer.

You can always go to quieter courts like the ones at Eastmoor or Bible Park to practice your jump shot and work on your off-hand in peace, but if you're looking for a pickup game or are trying to be king of the court for a day, it's time to test yourself at Washington Park. Denver's most popular hangout in the summer is packed thanks to its volleyball nets, but there are many days from March to October when it's just as hard to get on the basketball court. Show up early, preferably with a group of five so you can keep the same team, and see how long you can last before someone runs you off. Practice your shot in your driveway if you're scared of getting dunked on.

With trails spread across thousands of acres in the Roxborough Park area, nestled up against the foothills, Chatfield Stables offers horsey experiences for riders of every skill level, from kids who've never climbed aboard a pony that wasn't coin-operated to the most experienced hands. Since the Platte River runs through the area, there are water features aplenty, as well as forest terrain that often brings visitors into close proximity with the vast array of wildlife that calls Colorado home. As a bonus, the outfit's website includes a "Meet Our Horses" page, so you can get to know the steeds before you saddle up. If you'd prefer someone else take the reins, Chatfield offers a hay ride with a horse-drawn carriage. Get detailed directions to the stables on the same website.