Pack a picnic, pop the bubbly, and toast to a colorful Colorado sunset.
With views ranging from Denver’s skyline to the Flatirons to the Rocky Mountains, the Denver Metro has stunning vistas as the sun dips below the horizon.
Boulder
Chautauqua Park, located at Baseline Road and 9th Street, is just a quick walk or bike ride from downtown Boulder and offers views of the iconic Flatirons without leaving the city. In addition to beautiful views, this National Historic landmark also has a full slate of concerts and special events and cottages and lodges available for stays.
Venture to the western edge of Boulder and travel four miles up Flagstaff Road to Realization Point. Keep your eyes peeled for cyclists on this popular route. There are two areas to park and access to a network of trails for an invigorating pre-sunset hike or bike. Don’t miss Panorama Point for a photo opportunity.
Take a relaxing walk or hike around Walden Ponds, a wetland habitat with ponds and marshes and three trails to explore: Wally Toevs, Cottonwood Marsh, and Heatherwood. Leashed dogs are permitted, and this is an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic at one of the covered pavilions.
Colorado Springs
Just west of Interstate 25, Ute Valley Park is a dog-friendly area with gorgeous western views over the mountains from the top of the ridge. You’re likely to see other hikers as well as mountain bikers and wildlife on the Park Loop Trail, which is a moderate 3.7 mile option for exploring. Visitors can park at the Ute Valley Park entrance on Vindicator Drive, and make sure the dogs are on leash at all times.
Garden of the Gods is a national landmark that offers over 1,300 acres of rock formations and trails to explore. The dramatic landscapes and endless views are best viewed from the Mesa Road Overlook north of the Garden of the Gods Club. This area brings in almost 4 million visitors annually and offers scores of photo opportunities.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is east of Colorado Springs and boasts wide mountain views and colorful rock formations. Located near Calhan, the park spans almost 750 acres with stunning geologic features including hoodoos and spires. The 3.4 mile path provides an easy hike to explore the park, which is open from dawn until dusk seven days a week.
Denver
Take me out to the ball game! Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies and in addition to a fun downtown venue for professional baseball, it offers beautiful sunsets. Check the schedule; regular season games last through the end of September. Don’t miss The Rooftop, a 38,000 square foot area with exclusive VIP seating, pre-game entertainment, and food and beverage options.
Just two miles from Golden, Lookout Mountain is situated at an elevation of 7,377 feet with spectacular views of the Denver skyline from the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. The 110-acre area is popular with hikers, bicyclists, and rock climbers due to its easy access from Denver. It’s also home to Buffalo Bill’s grave site, and the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve hosts interactive ecosystem tours, educational events and naturalist programs.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, located west of Denver near the town of Morrison, is situated on 738 acres and is renowned for its sandstone formations including the two 300-foot monoliths around the venue. Construction of the amphitheater, which is built into the existing rock, began in 1936. Whether you’re attending a concert, hiking the surrounding trails, or enjoying a yoga class, this unique location offers something for everyone.
Admission and parking are free to visit Red Rocks Park, Amphitheatre, Visitor Center, and Trading Post. On non-event days, Red Rocks is open one hour before sunrise and closed one hour after sunset. On event days, Red Rocks is open one hour before sunrise until approximately 2 p.m. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
Regardless of the sunset vista you choose, you’ll find that Colorado has a bevy of beautiful places to end the day.