6 Can’t-Miss Activities to Experience with Friends in Denver

Denver is a vibrant city brimming with energy, culture, and an endless list of adventures that are perfect for spending a day outside with friends. Whether you're a local looking to explore more of what the Mile High City has to offer or a visitor wanting to dive deeper into Denver's lively scene, there's an activity for everyone to enjoy. From heart-pumping adventures in the mountains to unique urban experiences like an exclusive vending machine pop-up from Mountain Dew, here are six things you’ve got to do with your crew in Denver.

Mount Falcon is located about 20 miles from downtown and offers nice views of the surrounding foothills and Red Rocks Amphitheater, as well as glimpses of the Denver skyline. Hikers can choose how many miles they want to do, but we recommend the Mount Falcon Castle Trail Loop, which is 7.4 miles, has 1,700 feet of elevation gain, and features a number of different historic sites like the John Brisben Walker ruins. Savvy travelers can stretch their legs in the afternoon before heading to Red Rocks to catch a show at one of the country’s most iconic music venues. 

Hitting a few balls is a great way to have a bit of friendly competition. Located just outside of Denver, Topgolf is a year-round driving range that has over 100 all-weather bays so you can play any day of the year. There’s also an arcade with new and retro games, a bar and restaurant, and a rooftop terrace complete with fire pits. It’s a fun way to spend an evening with friends while also enjoying an activity together. Pro tip: Walk-ins are available, but it’s better to book your session ahead of time so you know you’ll have a spot when you arrive.

Denver is renowned for its craft beer scene, and beer lovers should make time to visit popular local spots like Great Divide Brewing Co., Our Mutual Friend Brewing, Bierstadt, and Cohesion Brewing Co. Each brewery offers a unique atmosphere and a variety of brews to sample, from IPAs to lagers and sours. If you’re in town September 27-29, catch Denver Oktoberfest — one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country. The event features a wide selection of German beers, bratwursts and pretzels, live music, and games.

The 35-mile South Platte River Trail follows the river as it runs from Chatfield State Park, through downtown, and to the northern suburbs. The trail passes a number of parks, open space, industrial areas, and the city’s famous football field. It’s a great way to spend a few hours on a leisurely cruise, or to get a full day of biking in by connecting to other trail systems, like the Cherry Creek Regional Trail in downtown Denver. Plus, there are cafes, botanical gardens, and other fun stops along the way. If you need a bike, rent one from Confluence Kayaks.

Flat biking not your thing? Grab your mountain bike and head to Green Mountain, 20 minutes from downtown, for a seven-mile loop with 1,000 feet of elevation gain on a flowy singletrack trail.

Get your heart racing by ziplining with Denver Adventures. Located 30 minutes west of the city — close to the Rocky Mountains — you and your friends can zip through a pine forest and experience the state’s longest and fastest zipline. The six ziplines at Denver Adventures are over one and a half miles long, hang up to 250 feet above the ground, and deliver speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. If you don’t have a car, you can easily book a shuttle pickup from downtown ($50 per person) and spend a few hours flying through the trees.

Mountain Dew wants to help you get outside and try some of these activities for yourself. From October 5-6, head to Improper City to visit the Mountain Dew vending machine where you can win free, fun prizes including Mountain Dew bottles and Thrillist-curated adventure kits filled with everything you need to have a good time with friends, like a custom hammock and the perfect waterproof picnic blanket. While at Improper City, grab a drink from their expansive beer selection (or a snack from a food truck!) and relax on the large, dog-friendly patio.