Denver ’s Parks and Recreation facilities include over 100 miles of trails and parks cover up more than 20,000 estate of outer space . But what on the nose does that mean for you ? essentially , that finding somewhere to exercise in the Mile High is as wide-eyed as walk outside your doorway . Which may explain why this urban center is one of the fittest in the nation . Before you shell out cash to join a putrid , humid , over - crowded gym , check out these altogether free spots to workout at ( and get that summer bod on point ) .
Civic Center MOVES
Civic Center ParkYoga , cardio , strength education … whatever sort of workout you ’re look for , you’re able to probably see a form offer byCivic Center MOVES , a fitness series that runs April 25th through October 6th , 2016 . With morning , lunchtime , and evening options , there are no self-justification for pretermit out on these free session . Each class is candid to anyone of any physical fitness level . All you need to do is show up ready to meet some new people and bump a travail .
Denver Public Libraries
All over DenverDid you know that you could find fitness course of study there for barren here ? From yoga to Zumba , you never know what you ’ll find on the agenda , so check it frequently . Most classes do n’t even require registration or advanced observation , so all you demand to do it throw on your sneaker and channelise out for a healthy Zen of eye - pumping .
Cherry Creek Reservoir
Aurora / Denver Tech CenterYes , it cost money to get into Colorado ’s State Department parks , but we make out Cherry Creek State Park because of its near proximity to residential areas . This means you’re able to easily park and avert the entry fee by entering on foundation ( or bike , or hair curler skates … or whatever you ’re into ) . Once you ’re in , you ’ve got access code to a 4,200 acres natural oasis which also includes Cherry Creek Reservoir . In the winter , trails can also be used for transversal - country skiing , and in the summer , you may swim in Cherry Creek Reservoir ( but plan your swimming session for the other morning to obviate the crowd of kids ) .
Red Rocks
MorrisonYou probably love that Red Rocks is the prototype of amazing concert venues , but for anyone who ’s golden enough to last nearby , it ’s also a mecca for free fitness . At 6,400 ft above ocean story , it ’s more than a mile high above ocean level make an already problematical physical exertion even more challenging . Whether you hike the trails that surround the amphitheater itself or opt to hit the 380 pace in front of the master microscope stage , you ’re in for one of the most breathtaking ( literally and figuratively ) workouts of your life .
Washington Park
Washington ParkFrom pre - dawn to late Nox – no matter the weather – you will always see people jogging at Wash Park . Sure , some are biking too … or shooting hoops … or meeting up for a hebdomadal volleyball game game , BUT runners in particular flock here , and you should be join them . Why ? The main trail around the park is about three miles , a respectable but not - crazy - intense loop , there are plenty of non - porta - stool bathroom , and the mass - watching opportunities alone will keep you entertained mile after sodding , sweaty mile .
Cherry Creek Trail
Confluence Park to FranktownA stumble down the entire stretch of this 40 mile - retentive trail will take you from the bosom of downtown straight through the southerly suburbia to Franktown , a modest residential area in the south of Parker that many Denverites have never stake to . The path is heavily used to get around the central part of town , but as you move toward the Cherry Creek Reservoir , expect to find a turn more solitude along with some wildlife as animals like coyote and deer make veritable appearances . Whether you pedal , jog or walk , this trail gives you a glimpse of Denver ’s diverse landscapes .
Denver’s Running Clubs
Various LocationsAll right , so this is less about where you ’re exercising than who you ’re exercise with . Maybe you ’re more of a lone wolf - eccentric , and that ’s totally fine … because then there ’s more food and beer for the rest of us ( yeah , that ’s right , food and beer ) . Denver ’s catch long ton of running clubs that are entirely loose to join , but our favorites derive with special incentives like theDenver Beer CompanyRun Club which forgather for a 5 K every Tuesday before a free pasta dinner and DBC brew , or the Wednesday nightHighland Tap Run Clubwhere everyone enjoys free pasta and a salad plus disregard beer afterwards .
Waterton Canyon
LittletonWhile you have to give to get to the nearby Chatfield State Park , Waterton Canyon offer a free alternative for anyone looking to break a exertion . The popular six - and - a - half mile dirt lead to Strontia Springs Dam was closed in early 2016 due to flooding the former year , but repairs have been made , and it ’s back to being open everyday . Biking and hike are the most common activities here , but the bonus is the riverbank sentiment and frequent sightings of bighorn sheep and mule deer along the room . And as the Denver endpoint of the 486 mile - long Colorado Trail , you could theoretically journey all the means to Durango … if some variety of weird , wild wanderlust overtakes you .
City Park
City ParkWith Downtown perspective that ca n’t be beat , this is urban practise at its good . The 330 - acre parkland is also home to the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature and Science , but you’re able to visit those after you take a ride ( or run , or walk ) on the 3.1 - mile trail that loops around the park and its two lakes . Or perhaps after you slay up the baseball , football , or soccer fields . Or how about a biz of tennis , or a yoga school term in the shade under the tree ? Just do n’t be surprised if you also run into a fete , out-of-door market , or wedding ceremony along the fashion since this is also a democratic spot for summertime events of all kind .
Manitou Incline
ManitouThough it ’s not in Denver , this physical exercise is more than worth the drive . Here ’s the challenge : a one - mile incline that win almost 2,000 ft in elevation . There ’s no fomite access at this former cable car track turned physical fitness destination , so be sure you ’re in the correct physical pattern to take on this before lead up . It can take as little as 30 minutes or as much as an 60 minutes plus to make it to the top , but either agency a salient view wait . This exact road will be closed afterwards this class ( August 22nd through December 2nd , 2016 ) for repairs , so if you ’re contrive on tackling the climb , do it soon .
South Platte River Trail
Englewood to ThorntonWith 17.8 mi of paved pathway that traverses some of Denver ’s most urban areas , this trail is ideal for urban center - dwellers looking to get some brisk air without venturing too far . Though the track carry you through some industrial zones , the way of life steers absolved of street so you do n’t have to deal out with dealings while riding , running , or walk . If you wish discontinue along the elbow room , this lead also pass by plenty of Denver ’s urban parks including Skateland Park , the area ’s largest skateboard complex .
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Molly Martinis a independent writer in Denver , Colorado who prefers workouts with a view . See where she ’s breaking a sweat this summer @mollydbu onTwitterandInstagram .
Civic Center MOVES
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