Travel to Denver

Travel to Denver

Denver, known as the Mile High City in reference to its lofty elevation, is one of the most beautiful and naturally endowed cities in America. It sits at the entrance of the main highway artery leading to the glorious Rocky Mountains, where some of the worlds best skiing, hiking, mountain biking and rafting can be found in unparalleled abundance. Coupled with the citys attractive Western and Victorian architecture, great nightlife and all-around fun atmosphere, Denver is one city that should be on everybodys short list.

Transportation to Denver

Denver International Airport handles all of the domestic and international flights into the area. Located 45 minutes from downtown by car, the airport is connected to the city by taxi and shuttle bus. Denver also has regular bus connections to nearly every American city, and Amtraks California Zephyr train stops off here en-route to San Francisco. Driving to Denver is also easy, since it lies at the crossroads of several major Interstate highways.

What to see

Besides being one of the countrys best regions for Wild West pioneers, gold-mining and other fascinating Western heritage, Denver has a vibrant contemporary scene to rival the heady days of the gold rush. Its historical museums and restored homesteads provide an excellent glimpse at the early days of this important city. After dark, things get going in the citys thriving bar scene. Microbrews, live jazz and pool halls abound, especially in the lower downtown area (LoDo) and other quirky neighbourhoods in the city centre.

But much of Denvers attraction lies in its proximity to the world-class Rocky Mountains, which form a massive wall to the west of the city. Within an hour, you can be inside the mountain range, exploring an old mining town or hiking among the evergreen forests; the opportunities are endless. When you come back into town, you can be sure of finding something good to eat, as Denvers restaurant scene is one of the best in the country.

Daytrips

The Rockies provide most of the truly great options for daytime exploration. Once you get past the wall of mountains that rise out of the Great Plains, your options are unlimited. There are a number of quaint Victorian mining towns worth checking out, where you can get a sense of what life was like during the gold rush.

Activities and leisure

Denver is a city dominated by the Rocky Mountains and as such, most of the activities around here involve alpine pursuits. In winter, there are a dozen famous ski resorts within a 2-hour drive. During summer, these areas become meccas for hiking, mountain biking and fishing.

Denver also has one of Americas best professional sports scenes. When it's the season, you can catch basketball, football, baseball or hockey games at one of the citys modern arenas. Meanwhile, if you want a moment of quiet solitude without leaving the city, the Cherry Creek Bike Path is the perfect place to walk orcycle along the creek, safely removed from the hustle and bustle of the city above.

Safety issues

Denver has a reputation as a safe and orderly city. There are a few scruffy neighbourhoods which should be avoided, but otherwise, there isnt much to worry about. During the peak seasons of summer and winter, the number of tourists increase, offering an opportunity for the citys petty thieves to ply their trade. It is strongly suggested that you buy some travel insurance before your trip to ensure that any mishaps dont ruin your holiday.