Best Parks in Denver: A Local’s Guide to Doing It Better

Denver park days are easy to start. You grab coffee, pick a spot, and head to a park, thinking you’ll “just hang for a bit.” Then it turns into more. 

There’s a reason Denverites are so fit: our parks are pretty robust! Sometimes walks take longer than expected at our high altitude, and the sun and wind can take their toll. By the time you head home, you’re not relaxed—you’re exhausted. 

Planning a park day in Denver should be more about rejuvenation, not collapsing from exhaustion. Opting for a relaxing experience like Oakwell Beer Spa after a walk is a great way to rest your bones and enjoy a brew (or non-alcoholic drink) on your own terms. 

Check out this guide to plan a fun day at a park in Denver, including some of our favorite local spots and tips for a perfect day. 

The Best Parks in Denver

There are a lot of parks in Denver. Here are some of our top picks based on the kind of day you’re looking for. 

City Park

Best for: Flexible, low-pressure days

City Park has something for everyone. Depending on your mood, you can walk the loop, sit by the water, or wander toward the Denver Zoo or museum. City Park also has seasonal events that are a must-see. For example, they host jazz concerts in the park in the summer. 

Not only do you get an amazing mountain view at City Park, but the sunset is incredible. It’s one of the best-rated Denver picnic parks, too, so pack a blanket and some sandwiches for a chill time outside. 

If you stayed longer than expected (which you will), this is a good day for something low-effort like a Zero Gravity Massage Chair or a short infrared sauna session. Get out of the sun for a while and recharge with these luxe spa treatments, plus a refreshing drink from the Oakwell taproom. 

Washington Park (Wash Park)

Best for: Active walks or hikes

Wash Park is one of the most popular parks in Denver, Colorado, for a reason. It has big loops and lots of open space, making it a great choice for longer walks or runs. The sunsets here are also jaw-dropping, so try to time your trip an hour before sunset to watch the magic unfold. 

Wash Park always has something going on, especially in spring and summer. Whether it’s pickup volleyball games or busy tennis courts, there are plenty of ways to pass the time. While the Canadian geese population can be a bit of a nuisance, they’re still fun to watch. 

Leg fatigue can get you, though, especially if you take the loops several times. Drinking water and eating a snack can help, but you can always take a dip in a warm herbal beer bath afterward for a true reset. 

Cheesman Park

Best for: A slow, quiet day

If the activity of Wash Park doesn’t sound like your thing, try Cheesman. It’s one of the better options for a laid-back park day in Denver when you’re not trying to rack up steps. 

Locals tend to spread out with picnic blankets, read under the trees, or do low-key yoga sessions, and you’ll usually catch a few friendly dogs trotting by. It’s also right next to the Denver Botanic Gardens, so if the weather cooperates, you can easily turn this into a park-and-garden day with some seriously good views.

Sloan’s Lake Park

Best for: Amazing views

Sloan’s Lake is famous for its skyline views, with the Denver skyline framed perfectly across the water, especially at sunset when the light hits just right. You’ll usually see locals walking, jogging, or cruising by on bikes along the loop, with paddleboarders and kayakers out on the lake when the weather’s warm.

It’s easy to underestimate how much ground you’ll need to cover, though. The full loop around the lake is longer than it looks, so wear comfortable sneakers and socks. 

Confluence Park 

Best for: Water access

If you don’t want to picnic or go on a walk, Confluence Park is an energizing stop worth exploring. Tucked right where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River, it’s an excellent spot for cooling off in the summer. On warm days, you’ll see locals kayaking, tubing, or just wading in to cool off. It’s also dog-friendly! It’s not uncommon to see people kick off their shoes and take a quick dip, especially on hot summer days. 

Red Rocks

Best for: A bucket-list experience

Okay, okay. Red Rocks isn’t in Denver, and it isn’t a city park, but it belongs on any list of the best parks in Denver. The elevation, stairs, and trails make it more physical than people expect—even if you aren’t there for the music. 

You’ll need to either rent a car or take a shuttle to Red Rocks, but it’s worth the trip. You’ll definitely work out your legs climbing the steep inclines and stairs here, though. Give yourself enough time to get back to Denver and soak in a relaxing beer bath, drink in hand, for the full Colorado experience. 

How to Plan the Best Park Day 

A group of friends toasts in the Oakwell taproom after a park day

The biggest mistake people make here is treating the park as the plan. That’s all well and good, but in Denver, that doesn’t always work out. Altitude and moody weather take a lot out of you, especially if you aren’t used to it. If you don’t want to exhaust yourself by 11 am, try something different. 

Follow these rules of thumb to plan a day outside that you’ll actually enjoy.

Pick a Park You’ll Like

Every park has a different vibe and unique features. Maybe you want something close to the action, or maybe you want a functional option with an even running space. Pick the space that best matches your plans for the day. 

Give Yourself Buffer Time

Assume you’ll get caught up in the beauty of the parks; that’s just how it is here in Denver. Don’t overbook your day. Give yourself plenty of time to unwind and take in the sights.

Recover Afterward

Denver is the Mile-High City, and if you aren’t from here, going on a “simple” walk can exhaust you. Even athletes find themselves getting gassed after a visit to the slopes of Red Rocks. 

Sore legs are no fun, so bookend your visit to the best parks in Denver at Oakwell. Our unique spa combines infrared sauna with beer baths, Zero Gravity Massage Chairs, and a self-pour taproom that puts you in control of the experience. 

This Is The Best Way to End a Denver Park Day

Denver parks are all gorgeous and unique. You’ll likely spend more time there than you think you will, so leave your schedule open enough to wander without a care. The best parks in Denver will still challenge you, though, thanks to our altitude, so make recovery part of your plan. 

If you plan for it, a park day doesn’t have to taper off into “we’re just tired now.” It can end the same way it started: intentionally. Whether you need warmth, quiet, or a full-body unwind, Oakwell is the perfect post-park relaxation spot. Book now to end your day on a high note.