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Planning a Denver Botanic Gardens Trip in 2023 [local tips]

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The Denver Botanic Gardens are a fantastic place to spend an afternoon in Colorado.

It’s the perfect place for an educational experience, a romantic destination, or a break from the urban jungle.

The Gardens are a fun and floral place to explore throughout the year, and offer so much more than just a stroll through the garden.

Read on to find out how you can make the most of your visit to the beautiful and historic Denver Botanic Gardens .

Grab Your Ticket to Denver Botanic Gardens 🤩 4.7/5 stars (150+ reviews)

Visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens in 2023

Visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens will look a little different this than previous years. To ensure the safety of all the visitors and their staff, new guidelines have been implemented.

But there are still awesome events happenings and amazing things to do at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

Purchase tickets in advance

Tickets to the Denver Botanic Gardens must be made in advance either online or over the phone. Tickets are available two weeks at a time and will not be available to purchase onsite.

Access is limited

Many of the buildings are currently closed with limited access only to the restrooms. Visitors capacity is limited with entry being timed in 30-minute blocks.

Masks are required

If you want admittance to the Gardens, masks are required to enter and must be worn at all times. This rule is being enforced for anyone over the age of 2 years old except while eating and drinking only.

Bring your own…

Plan to bring your own water as the outdoor drinking fountains are out of commission. In addition, plan to bring your own strollers or wheelchairs as the checkout for these items is temporarily closed.

For full details of the Denver Botanic Gardens phased reopening plan, head over to their website.

What are the Denver Botanic Gardens?

In 1951, the Colorado Forestry and Horticulture Association formed the Denver Botanical Gardens.

The Gardens were originally located on 100 acres in City Park, but in 1958 they were moved to York Street, where they remain today!

Planting began at the new location in 1959. This is the same year that the Waring York Street Mansion was donated, which now houses the administration for the Gardens.

The Denver Botanic Gardens were among the first to practice many waste prevention techniques, such as water conservation and biological pest management.

The Gardens currently occupy a 23-acre site comprising 43 unique gardens.

You can stick to the main, wide paths connecting each garden, or wander through the meandering paths within each garden.

Among the notable themed gardens are the 7 gardens featuring plants from Colorado and neighboring states.

These include the Japanese Garden called Shofu-en, the Garden of Wind and Pines, and the Dryland Mesa.

The Dryland Mesa in particular is a garden based on the 7 Principles of Xeriscape which include drought-tolerant plants from the arid West and Mediterranean areas.

Also featured in the Gardens is the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory, a massive concrete structure designed in 1964.

This became a Denver Landmark in 1973.

In addition to the Denver Botanic Gardens, the organization also owns two larger facilities at Chatfield Farms and Mount Goliath.

Membership to the Gardens also includes access to these other locations.

Where are the Denver Botanic Gardens located?

You will find the Denver Botanic Gardens at 1007 York Street Denver, CO 80206.

They are located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood of Denver, just east of Capitol Hill on York Street.

To visit the Gardens, head south on York Street, the Gardens will be on your right.

If you are looking for more things to do near the area, the Denver Botanic Gardens are also 10 blocks south of the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science .

What time does the Denver Botanic Gardens open?

The York Street Denver Botanic Gardens are open daily from 9am to 7pm with the last admission at 6pm. Only pre-purchased tickets or member passes will be accepted.

Chatfield Farms hours are from 9am to 5pm daily with last admission being 4pm.

The gift shop at the gardens is open from 10am to 5pm daily. The Gardens are closed for holidays like New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

It’s important to know that on certain days the Gardens will be closing early due to special events or maintenance.

You can check their website for early closure dates .

Where can you park at Denver Botanic Gardens?

Limited free parking is available in the parking complex between York and Josephine streets during regular operating hours.

This parking is only for Gardens’ visitors. Street parking is also available in Cheesman Park or Congress Park, where posted.

Be sure to follow all posted traffic and parking signs!

Note: RVs and other large trailers are not permitted in the parking complex.

How much are tickets to the Denver Botanic Gardens?

As you begin planning your trip to Denver, we highly recommend including a trip to the Denver Botanic Gardens!

While members can enter free with a current membership, tickets for a one-time visit to the Gardens are pretty affordable too.

At the time of this writing, adult tickets are $15 each and child (ages 3-15) and student tickets (with ID) are $11.

Discounts for seniors and military or veterans tickets (with ID) are available.

Denver Botanic Gardens Free Days

Denver Botanic Gardens also hosts free days throughout the year. No ticket is required for admission to Free Days events but they are only available during regular hours.

On these specific days you can expect the Gardens to be extra crowded, but they are still a fun and frugal way to explore!

Click here to find the next scheduled free day .

Note: Due to COVID-19 concerns, Free Days have been temporarily suspended.

How to get discounted ticket for Denver Botanic Gardens

If you are visiting from out of town, and plan to visit multiple attractions during your stay, you may want to invest in a Denver CityPASS.

This customizable ticket offers discounted admission to 3, 4, or 5 major attractions around Denver. It includes access to the Downtown Aquarium, Denver Zoo, and of course, the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Create your perfect tour around Denver and choose among the 8 available attractions.

The CityPASS is valid for 7 consecutive days, and is delivered instantly to your phone for an easy-to-use mobile ticket to the city!

How to get a Denver Botanic Gardens membership

For Colorado locals looking to save some money while visiting the Gardens multiple times in a year, consider buying a membership!

This is a great way to support the core programs including horticulture, education, research and conservation.

We have purchased a membership every year since moving here, and we enjoy using our free admission often!

There are multiple membership levels suitable for any size family or group.

1. Individual membership

Individual memberships cost $55 per year and include 1 membership card and 1 person admitted per visit.

This tier comes with 3 one-time use guest passes, entry to the Members Mornings, quarterly magazine subscription, and monthly newsletter.

2. Individual Plus membership

Individual Plus memberships cost $65 per year and include 1 membership card with 2 people admitted per visit.

This is a great option for a young couple with no kids.

This tier comes with 3 one-time use guest passes, entry to the Members Mornings, Garden’s magazine subscription, and monthly Botanic newsletter.

3. Friends & Family membership

The Friends & Family membership includes 2 membership cards and up to 6 people admitted per visit.

Like the previous tiers, this membership comes with 3 one-time use guest passes, entry to the Members Mornings, quarterly magazine subscription, and monthly Botanic newsletter.

If you are passionate about supporting the Gardens, become a Supporter or Patron !

All members can claim guest passes, get advanced ticketing for Summer Concert Series and other special events, and are invited to Member Mornings on select Saturdays and Sundays.

4. Corporate gift matching

Ask your employer if they will make a matching gift for your new or renewed membership!

Denver Botanic Gardens also has reciprocal memberships with over 300 participating gardens, arboreta, and other cultural sites around North America.

The Denver Botanic Gardens membership also makes a fantastic gift. Consider giving the gift of nature to the ones you love!

If you are already a member somewhere else, you can review this list of participating gardens and guidelines to see if yours participates in the Reciprocal Admissions Program.

Special events hosted at the Denver Botanic Gardens

The Gardens host multiple events and have special programs going on throughout the year.

From spring to summer through fall and winter there is usually something fun happening at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Music at the Gardens Concert Series

Another popular event is the Music at the Gardens concert series. Members get advanced ticketing to music inside the Botanic Gardens’ amphitheater.

Enjoy music from local artists and bands, connect with small business sponsors, taste yummy food, and enjoy a gorgeous outdoor setting.

The concert series is hosted on various evenings from June-August in 2022.

Glow at the Gardens

In the fall, we highly recommend attending the Glow at the Gardens , a nighttime festival of pumpkins and Halloween delight!

There are hundreds of carved pumpkins, gourds and jack-o-lanterns that line the walkways.

In addition, every year there are massive sculptures made completely out of pumpkins.

Last year there was a pumpkin sculpture made into the style of “Blucifier” in honor of the statue that can be seen from the Denver International Airport.

Setup, carving and volunteering opportunities start getting underway as early as August every year.

This is a great activity for kids and families in October! And don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume.

Tickets to Glow at the Gardens costs about $40 for non-members but adult members can get access for just $32 each.

Important: this event sells out every year so grab your tickets early!

Educational programs

In addition to these special events, the Gardens offer a range of educational programs for visitors of all ages.

From hands-on workshops to certificate courses, to lectures for the public to professional development, the Gardens focus on programs for science and research.

These classes make this a fantastic destination for homeschool families, school field trips, and adult education as well!

Learn more about their programming here .

Blossoms of Light

Every winter, we make it a point to attend the Blossoms of Light .

The event starts after Thanksgiving Day and continues through the New Year.

It’s a beautiful event where you and your family can celebrate the holiday season with a dazzling and ever-changing display of color and lights!

Many of the pathways are lined with thousands of colorful lights and different holiday displays.

One of our favorites is the Solarium which is a glass house tucked away in one part of the Gardens. One year it was decorated like the 12 Days of Christmas .

Tickets to the Blossoms of Light cost about $30 for non-members but adult and senior members can get access for just $24 each.

Important: this event sells out every year so book your tickets early!

Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms

A new feature that started in 2021, is the Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms hosted by the Denver Botanic Gardens.

And it’s actually an event that we like to attend every year! This event takes you along a winding path that’s illuminated with hundreds of lights along the Colorado countryside.

Holiday music plays while tunnels and pathways sync up with the sound to make a unique lighting display along the trails.

Check out the website for ticket details and times.

Chatfield Farms is located at 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, Colorado 80128.

Members-only events

If you want to visit the Gardens while avoiding crowds of people, Member Mornings are the perfect solution.

This is a day when only members are granted early access to the Gardens starting at 8am every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day.

Tickets are in limited quantities so reservations are required. Secure your ticket online via their website or by calling customer support at 720-865-3500.

We hope this guide to the Denver Botanic Gardens is helpful in planning your next Colorado vacation or staycation.

Professional Writer & Travel Blogger

Carrie Smith Nicholson is one of the co-founders of Hashtag Colorado Life. After living in Texas for her whole life she moved to Colorado 7 years ago. As a travel blogger and entrepreneur for the past 11 years, her writing has been featured on NBC News, HuffPost Live, Glamour Magazine, Inc Magazine and many other media outlets. When she's not writing about new travel locations, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and trying new foods. You can follow her outdoor adventures on Instagram, @hashtagcoloradolife.

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Denver Botanic Gardens

About This Tour

Denver Botanic Gardens is home to several pieces in the Denver Public Art collection spanning more than a century, from our oldest piece “The Boy and a Frog” (1898) to one of our newest pieces “Flower Girl” (2016). Next time you visit, take a moment to explore the art nestled among the gardens.

Flower Girl

Feature Fountain

The Scripture Gardens

Reflections

The Boy and a Frog

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Denver   Travel Guide

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17 Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

While Colorado is known for its outdoor offerings, its city life isn't one to pass up. Denver is home to numerous must-sees from museums and galleries to restaurants and breweries. Spend a few hours in Meow Wolf to experience an interactive and

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Denver Botanic Gardens Denver Botanic Gardens

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit in the fall for Glow at the Gardens, a Halloween festival complete with stunning (and spooky) light displays and epic pumpkin art. – Leilani Osmundson

The Denver Botanic Gardens' 24 acres feature a whopping 50 gardens for visitors to explore. This expansive facility in downtown Denver's Cheesman Park treats travelers to a variety of different environments, from a traditional Japanese garden (complete with bonsai trees) to the South African Plaza blooming with exotic plants like asparagus fern and torch lilies. Meanwhile, art aficionados will also appreciate the gardens thanks to the numerous sculptures that grace the grounds; the facility also plays host to touring exhibits that have included works by such artists as Stephen Talasnik and Dale Chihuly.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watching a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an essential experience in Denver. There's no such thing as a bad seat, either; in fact, the best views are in the back, where you can see stunning sunset views over the red rocks and city skyline. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

With its excellent views of the Rocky Mountains, miles of hiking trails and cinnamon-hued sandstone cliffs, Red Rocks Park is a big draw for outdoors enthusiasts. Occupying 700-some acres, this impressive park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the fascinating geographic transition between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. If you only have a short amount of time here, stretch your legs along the Trading Post Trail; this nearly 1 ½-mile-long path weaves through the rust-colored buttes, making for some spectacular scenery. Before you head out, travelers recommend stopping by the visitor center, which features information on the park’s history and trails.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Denver Museum of Nature & Science

With exhibits featuring everything from dinosaur bones to Egyptian mummies, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science inspires learning in the young and young at heart. This impressive facility houses artifacts pertaining to a variety of scientific areas, including anthropology, zoology, geology, health sciences, paleontology and space science. Some of the more popular displays include the wildlife exhibit, which includes more than 90 habitat scenes containing information on animals from around the world, from Alaska to Australia. Meanwhile, the hands-on Space Odyssey area introduces travelers to the outer reaches of the galaxy and beyond. 

Recent visitors said the Denver Museum of Nature & Science was a great place for families. A few reviewers who were not traveling with children said the museum may not be as engaging for adults as it is for kids because of the elementary nature of the displays. Many recent travelers were particularly impressed with the gems and minerals exhibit, which features artifacts like an 8-pound nugget of crystallized gold discovered in Breckenridge in 1887.

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U.S. News Insider Tip: Have breakfast at Snooze (a local chain), but get there early – there's almost always a line because the food is that good. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

Denver's Union Station serves a dual purpose: it's a working public transit station and a highly-praised dining and shopping center. The station was a huge success when it first opened to the public in 1881, providing railroad service until the center of the building caught fire in 1894. The architecture from the 1914 redevelopment remains, and today, it's home to an Amtrak hub and a bus concourse. Located in the hip Lower Downtown neighborhood (aka LoDo), the station also houses multiple dining options and boutiques, as well as  The Crawford Hotel .

Meow Wolf Denver Meow Wolf Denver

U.S. News Insider Tip: Plan to spend several hours (at least two) here if you're hoping to see everything, and remember as you explore that there is an underlying storyline that connects all the exhibits and includes a mystery for visitors to unravel. – Leilani Osmundson

If you’re a fan of immersive art installations, you’ll probably enjoy Meow Wolf Denver, which is best described as a contemporary art museum, a haunted house, an amusement park and a film set all rolled into one 90,000-square-foot space. There are several Meow Wolf locations around the U.S., including Las Vegas and Santa Fe, New Mexico . Denver’s iteration is spread across four stories and features more than 70 distinctive installations that feature colorful lights, sounds and interactive displays. The largest permanent installation is the Convergence Station, a “multiverse transit station.”

Denver Zoo Denver Zoo

Modeled after a Kenyan nature preserve, the Denver Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, including tigers, black rhinos, kangaroos and orangutans. Sprawling across 80 acres of City Park, this impressive facility boasts a number of ways to view our furry, feathered and reptilian friends. Head to Predator Ridge, the recreated African savanna, to see hyenas, lions and African dogs roam, watch monkeys swing from tree branches at Primate Panorama or catch a glimpse of colorful critters like Panamanian golden frogs and green tree pythons at the Tropical Discovery center. You can also overload on cute during a visit to the nursery and take on a ride on the zoo's train and carousel.

While you're here, many travelers highly recommend timing your visit around feeding times, during which staff offers educational lectures about the zoo's residents. Keep in mind that this is a large facility; you'll want to budget plenty of time to see all the animals.

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Downtown Aquarium Downtown Aquarium

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pay attention if you're in the flash flood simulation room – you might get wet! – Leilani Osmundson

Visit the AZA-accredited Downtown Aquarium to see more than 500 species of animals across a variety of ecosystems both underwater and on land (including tigers). In addition to the exhibits, the aquarium also boasts a Stingray Reef touch tank, a 4D theater, scuba and snorkel experiences, a shark cage experience, and in-person and virtual animal encounters. Kids can participate in a plethora of activities from a fun overnight stay to a five-day summer camp. Day programs for children include "Marine Biologist for a Day," which includes encounters with exotic species from the deep sea, as well as "Zoologist for a Day," where kids can learn how to handle and train animals that live outside the ocean.

Denver Art Museum Denver Art Museum

With galleries showcasing more than 70,000 works by famed artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Winslow Homer, the Denver Art Museum houses one of the most impressive collections of art between Chicago and the West Coast. Spread across two buildings, the museum's holdings range from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary displays with such mediums as painting  and sculpture represented. One of the highlights of a visit to the Denver Art Museum is its extensive assembly of western American art, which includes paintings, sculptures and works on paper related to the West going back two centuries.

Past visitors raved about the Denver Art Museum, praising its diverse and varied collections, especially its collection of western American art, and the museum's ability to appeal to kids through interactive activities. If you don't make it here on your own, you'll find that the museum is a popular stop on many of the best Denver tours .

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U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit Skyline Park (located at 15th and Arapahoe streets) in the summer for draft beers at Skyline Beer Garden and the winter for outdoor ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink. – Leilani Osmundson

Walk along this mile-long pedestrian mall for restaurants, shops, entertainment and more. Described as "the spine that connects all of downtown," the mall starts with Union Station on the north end and the Colorado State Capitol on the south end, with attractions like the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions – a shopping and dining complex with multiple movie theaters and pop-up events – along the way. If you've worked up an appetite walking around, you won't go hungry: There are more than 40 outdoor cafes throughout the mall, as well as plenty of casual, upscale and international eateries.

Coors Field Coors Field

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Take a seat in row 20 – the only purple row in the stadium – and you'll be sitting exactly one mile above sea level! –  Leilani Osmundson

Named for Denver's famed beer, Coors Field in Denver's LoDo district is home to Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. The stadium occupies a whopping 76 acres and has the capacity for more than 50,000 fans. Of course, the main reason to come to Coors Field is to catch a game, but there's more to this stadium than a diamond. Whether you're traveling with children or alone, be sure to spend some time at the Interactive Area, where you can test your skills in the video batting cages and the Speed Pitch area. And if you've left the kids at home, take the opportunity to sample some of Denver's local brews on the Rooftop, a 38,000-square-foot platform with fantastic views of the field and downtown Denver. If the weather isn't cooperating, pay a visit to the on-site SandLot brewery instead.

Washington Park Washington Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  It's not the easiest to find parking in Denver, but don't worry -- Wash Park has plenty of street parking, and it's easy to find a spot even during events. –  Leilani Osmundson

Located south of central Denver, Washington Park is consistently praised by Denverites and visitors alike for its ample facilities and enjoyable atmosphere. Occupying 155 acres, this immense park boasts miles of jogging paths, two massive lakes and two formal gardens, one of which is a replica of George Washington's Mount Vernon gardens. Wash Park, as it’s called by locals, is a popular weekend hangout spot thanks to the variety of things to do here. You can spend your time simply relaxing on the grass, or you can take advantage of the park's 10 tennis courts, boat rentals and recreation center, which houses a pool and offers scheduled fitness classes and swim lessons.

Larimer Square Larimer Square free

In 1858, a group of settlers struck gold at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Their discovery soon spread back to the East Coast, prompting people to pick up and move west. The site of the original pioneer camp (known back then as Auraria) soon grew into the charming area now known as Larimer Square. Although the city has since expanded, this historic neighborhood remains the heart and soul of the Mile High City, and according to some, it's the place to start your Denver experience thanks to its variety of restaurants, bars and shops. It's also a featured stop on many of the best Denver tours . 

Before venturing to Larimer Square, you may want to pay a visit to the Larimer Square  website . Here, you'll find a listing of all the local businesses and upcoming events, not to mention maps that can help orient where specific dining, shopping and entertainment options are.

Empower Field at Mile High Empower Field at Mile High

Football fans won't want to pass up the chance to spend some time on the Denver Broncos' home turf. Empower Field at Mile High can hold more than 76,000 NFL fans and is notable for its elevation, which sits at 5,280 feet above sea level. That, combined with the view of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Denver skyline to the east, makes it a unique venue to visit.

If you can swing it, try to catch a home game. Ticket prices vary by game and availability, and you'll want to purchase your seats well in advance to ensure availability. If you can't make it to a game, you can tag along on a guided tour of the stadium. Led by employees from the on-site Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum (one of the stops on the tour), these 75- to 90-minute tours take participants to the visiting teams' locker rooms, the end zone as well as into the network television production compound and the TV and radio broadcast facilities. Recent visitors described the tour experience as incredible thanks to the knowledgeable guides.

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Molly Brown House Museum Molly Brown House Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Though you can explore the museum on your own, a guided tour is vastly more educational. Register for a late morning tour and then walk to The Corner Beet after for tasty juices and brunch options. – Leilani Osmundson

Nestled among the contemporary architecture of the Capitol Hill district is the Molly Brown House Museum, an eccentric example of Victorian life and design that no history buff should miss. Once the home of the "unsinkable" Margaret "Molly" Brown (Kathy Bates' character in the film, "Titanic,"), this museum offers a glimpse into Denver's history and the life of one of its most fascinating residents. On a guided tour of the house, you'll learn about Brown's experience aboard the Titanic, as well as her role in the women's suffrage movement and her endeavors in Colorado's mining industry.

Elitch Gardens Elitch Gardens

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit the park in winter for its Luminova Holidays event and don't forget to bring your camera; there are plenty of beautiful holiday light displays for photo opportunities, and some rides are open as well. – Leilani Osmundson

Open first as actual gardens as well as a zoological park in 1890, the long-running Elitch Gardens now boasts a theme park, a water park, entertainment and more. At the theme park, fly 17 stories above Denver on the Star Flyer swing ride, or dive and spin at 50 mph speeds on the Mind Eraser coaster. If thrills aren't your thing, you'll find plenty of more relaxing rides and activities in both the theme and water park, such as the Commotion Ocean wave pool and Castaway Creek lazy river.

United States Mint United States Mint free

Even if you hate the sound of excess change rattling around your pockets, you'll find a tour of the Denver branch of the United States Mint to be an interesting way to spend an hour or so. Having opened in 1863, its purpose was to transform the Gold Rush's findings into coinage. Today, the U.S. Mint in Denver can produce up to 50 million coins a day.

A free guided tour of the U.S. Mint in Denver will allow you the opportunity to learn more about each stage of coin production, from the design and sculpting of each piece to the cutting of each type of coin. Some recent visitors marveled at the coin-making machines, but say that not all travelers will likely find it enthralling.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Housed in a hangar on the former Lowry Air Force Base in eastern Denver, this museum has more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space that explores the history of the base's role in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and the Cold War. A variety of iconic aircraft, space vehicles, artifacts and military uniforms are on display. The collection includes bombers from World War II, reconnaissance aircraft and commercial planes. One of the most iconic symbols of the Vietnam War – the Bell UH-1M Iroquois “Huey” – is among the displays. 

Past visitors enjoyed seeing the variety of aircraft and especially the replicas of “Star Wars” spacecraft. About 20 miles south of the museum is its sister location, the Exploration of Flight, which offers visitors a more immersive experience. They include a pilot simulator and actual flights in vintage and modern aircraft. The 15-acre site is located at Centennial Field, about 20 miles south of downtown Denver.

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11 Reasons To Visit The Denver Botanic Gardens Any Time Of Year

Sandi Barrett

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Slowly stroll through an oasis of cooling greenery, aromatic blooms, reflecting ponds, and striking statuary. The Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG) is where you can escape from the frenzy of the city and enjoy a refreshing, rejuvenating walk in nature. Even when the gardens have lots of visitors, you can still find yourself a quiet spot for reflection or to just enjoy a beautiful plant.

Established in 1951 , the Denver Botanic Gardens offers the Denver citizens and visitors a beautiful oasis in the heart of this Rocky Mountain city. The DBG calls two locations home. The York Street Gardens are 24 acres of botanic beauty located in the heart of Denver where you will find the tended gardens, art exhibits, and most of the major events. The DBG is supported by a 750-acre suburban nature preserve, Chatfield Farm, where you will find unique outdoor experiences away from the city center.

As cities grow, interesting history develops, and land usage shifts out of necessity. The plot of land the York Street Gardens sits on was once a Catholic cemetery. Through the years, the city bought up the site and moved most of the bodies to their new resting place. It is estimated that there are still several hundred bodies under the gardens. As they are unearthed during reconstruction projects, they are moved to a more respectable spot. Wouldn’t having an eternal view of an ethereal bamboo forest be a beautiful place to rest, though?

York Street has five distinct gardens. Each is particularly special, so we have listed them individually below, along with additional reasons you should take time to enjoy DBG any time of year.

1. Gardens Of The West

The Gardens of the West is a collection of 18 arid gardens with plants that are indicative of Colorado’s climate. These arid-tolerant and xeriscape plants provide a softness against the harsh and hardscrabble Rocky Mountain terrain.

This collection includes fascinating gardens like the Green Roof, where more than 100 drought-tolerant plants grow on a roof. The Ornamental Grasses garden is filled with gracefully flowing ornamental and prairie grasses. The Roads Water-Smart Garden is a living experiment of bringing flowering drought-tolerant plants from around the world together and grouping them by watering requirements for a more ecologically friendly garden scape.

Growing and blooming in the Wild West requires extremely hardy plants that can withstand harsh conditions while continuing to thrive. You will certainly find a hardy plant type or two that you can add to your own garden while exploring these interesting plantings.

2. Internationally Inspired Gardens

The Internationally Inspired Gardens offer visitors a peek into gardens from Japan, China, South Africa, and the tropics. The Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion and Tea Garden house artistic Bonsai that require years of delicate pruning and care. Depending on the season, the Bonsai can be an indoor or outdoor exhibit, but either way, the tiny trees invite close inspection of the horticultural artwork. A walk through June’s Plant Asia Garden takes you through a bamboo forest where towering delicate plants bend and sway in the soft Denver breeze. These peaceful bamboo pathways wrap you in soft greenery and impart a zen-like ambiance.

3. Ornamental Gardens

The Ornamental Gardens show off plants we may have in our home gardens like irises, daylilies, roses, and other flowering plants and herbs. The highlight of the gardens is The Ellipse in Honor of Nancy Schotters anchored by Chihuly’s Colorado. The Gloria Falkenberg Herb Garden is packed with culinary and medicinal herbs, some you may grow in your own kitchen garden. Take time to explore the Orangery, a French-inspired greenhouse where you will find many tropical and citrus plants potted for your sensory enjoyment.

4. Shady Gardens

The Shady Gardens include all kinds of shade-loving plants. The Woodland Mosaic garden displays a multitude of low-light evergreens punctuated by a solarium that glows with an aged patina. Walk through Shady Lane to experience a profusion of blooms in a cooling, shaded garden setting.

5. Water Gardens

The Water Gardens are made up of only two individual gardens, but they are the most photographed gardens at DBG. The Monet Pool takes you right to the heart of Giverny where you can feel the soft sunlight of Monet’s brush strokes. The Four Towers Pool takes a bit of searching to find but is well worth the effort. The pool is fed by the waterfall towers that are instrumental in the water conservation and recirculation process. Where beauty and function meet is a picture-perfect crossroads.

6. Year-Round Events

The DBG Event Calendar is chock full of events for every interest. Listing tours, botanical classes, writing series, and the gardens showstopping classics, the calendar is a wealth of planning information. There is a neverending catalog of events at the DBG, and it is worth checking their calendar for a little pre-visit planning to ensure you don’t miss something amazing. I’ve highlighted three of their many classic events below.

Orchid Showcase

Held during January, the Orchid Showcase is a riotous display of fun tri-petaled flowers proudly showing off their funky tropical colors.

Blossoms Of Light

During the December holiday season, the gardens twinkle with thousands of colored lights to delight guests and capture the imaginations of children.

Summer Concert Series

The summer concert series brings musical artists together to perform in the gorgeous outdoor setting surrounded by the garden’s beauty. The DBG offers about 15 concerts per year. This year’s schedule is starting to take shape and you can view it here .

7. Chihuly Sculpture

Central to the Ornamental Gardens in the Ellipse in Honor of Nancy Schotters is the brilliant red, yellow, and orange work of Dale Chihuly . The enormous glass sculpture, Colorado, stands as sentry near the York Street entrance. This amazing installation is breathtaking. If you have never viewed a Chihuly exhibit, this is a chance to get an up-close look at one of his signature works.

Chihuly’s glass work is mind-bendingly magical, fanciful and thought-provoking, and drenched in vibrate color. The contortion of glass and methodology of his artwork is a master class in color and form. If you ever get a chance to visit a Chihuly exhibit, grab it and enjoy.

8. Guided Tours

Any time of year you can visit the DBC is a good time to visit. Docent-led, seasonal tours show off the gardens at their best as they evolve and change with the seasonal weather. Your knowledgeable tour guide holds all the garden’s secrets, knows what is showing off its prime blooms, and can point out what is just beginning to peek through the ground with promises of things to come.

Private, customizable tours are available so you can explore the garden at your own pace with a focus on exactly what you want to see. You can arrange your own personal tour for a very reasonable rate. Click here for information about the Denver Botanic Gardens’ guided tours.

9. Butterflies At Chatfield Farms

The Butterfly House at Chatfield Farms is a seasonal habitat for hundreds of butterflies. Open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day, visiting a butterfly house is an adventure every nature lover should experience.

While you wander through the greenhouse setting, you are submerged in the sweet aroma of colorful flowers in bloom. Observe the butterflies as they sip the sweet nectar from the blossoms dancing delicately as they float from one to the next. You can only stare in awe of their vibrant beauty. Experience firsthand the types of plants you can keep in your own yard to attract butterflies like swallowtails, monarchs, mourning cloaks, and painted ladies.

10. The Art

Works of art are strategically placed around the gardens, enhancing the beauty of the gardens and providing central focal points.

Additionally, indoor galleries and pop-up outdoor galleries showcase renowned and up-and-coming artists from around the world. The exhibit schedule changes frequently, so there is always something new and exciting to see.

11. It’s Affordable

Parking is free — isn’t that crazy? — and the entrance fee is less than the cost of a movie theater ticket. Whether you visit for the opportunity to walk among the beautiful gardens or are looking for a peaceful place to write in your journal, you will love the DBG and all it has to offer.

Pro Tip: Any time of year is a good time to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens. To avoid a crush of visitors, try to go early or late on a weekday. Keep in mind, during wedding season, there is a steady stream of ceremonies and photography sessions on the weekends taking up the best photography spaces.

Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told.

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Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods Tour

Adventure awaits, and you don’t have to go far to enjoy most spectacular regional scenery. The tour takes you through the jewels of Colorado and allows you to be inspired by the beauty of nature.

Guests (Ages 8+ Only)  $199/person

Adventure awaits, and you don't have to go far to enjoy some spectacular regional scenery. Pikes Peak tour from Denver tour takes you through the jewels of Colorado and allows you to be inspired by the beauty of nature. Whether you just want to take in the mountain views or you're hoping to spot some prairie falcons and scrub jays, our Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods tours are certain to elevate your passion for Colorado's serene natural spaces.

What's the plan?

Discover Garden of the Gods. Located in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is a public park. Its impressive rock formations inspired some of the earliest European explorers to the area in the late 1850s, who declared that it would be an excellent place for the gods to congregate. The Garden of the Gods tour from Denver provides a chance to view petroglyphs left by the Native Americans who lived and traveled through the area. Don't miss the opportunity to snap a photo near Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels formations.

Visit Pikes Peak. Many people believe that Pikes Peak inspired the "purple mountain's majesty" line in America the Beautiful. Located in Pike National Forest, its summit reaches 14,115 feet. As the highest point in the southern section of the Rocky Mountains' front range, Pikes Peak is snow-covered almost every day of the year. As you get close to the mountain, you'll be surprised to discover that it's pink.

The pink granite gets its color from the potassium feldspar. While touring Pikes Peak, look for blue columbine, the state flower of Colorado. Pikes Peak is home to a large herd of bighorn sheep, and you may also be lucky enough to spot an occasional bear, mountain lion or snowshoe hare. Listen for the yellow-bellied marmot, which whistles when it senses danger.

Enjoy the Drive Through Iconic Manitou Springs. After descending from the mountain, our tour continues with drive through Manitou Springs, a small resort town to the west of Colorado Springs. The town was founded in the late 1800s to be a health spa centered on the eight natural mineral springs in the area.

Please note that Pikes Peak Highway is open year round, and in case the summit is not accessible due to weather conditions, constrictions, and other road closures we will drive to the highest point possible.

Information:

- Round Trip Distance: approx. 160 miles

- Length: 8.5 hours.

- Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, Lunch and water

- Wildlife viewing likely but not guaranteed

What do I bring for my tour?

- Wear layers (shed them if you are hot or bundle up if you are cold)

- Comfortable shoes

- Sunscreen

- Your required medication

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much is Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour from Denver? $199 per person.
• How long is the Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour from Denver? 8.5 hours from 9:30am to 6:00pm.
• What ages can participate? Ages 8+; If you have participants under 8 years old choose a private tour option please, and car seats will be provided at no additional cost.
• What is included in the price of the tour? Transportation, guide, entrance fees, lunch, and water refill (bring a reusable bottle).
• Where the tour departs from? Flagpole outside of Union Station at 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
• What should I bring for my tour? Wear layers and Comfortable shoes. Don’t forget a camera, sunscreen, and your required medications.
• What is cancelation policy for the tour? 24-hour free cancellation.

OUR CLIENTS SAY

Related tours, mount blue sky & red rocks tour, rocky mountain national park tour, denver foothills tour.

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Vita, vino, e viaggio!

Review of the Denver Botanic Garden’s Ghosts in the Gardens Tour

Every year I go on a Denver ghost tour when October rolls around and this year my sister and I went on one that was solely focused on the Denver Botanic Gardens. It was a thrilling, chilling good time and if you’re thinking of booking a unique ghost walk in a historic part of Denver, this could be the right tour for you.

A review of the ghost tour at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Only offered in October, this tour is led by former and current staff members, many of whom have their own ghostly encounters to share. The tour starts with a movie that shares the history of the Botanic Gardens and how it used to be a grave site, how the bodies weren’t all moved, and then how the gardens came to call this area home. Then, it shows security staff footage from some of the things they’ve caught on tape or retelling their ghost sightings.

After the movie, you’re split into smaller groups and then head out to explore the property. We started inside and then moved out into the gardens, before finally coming to the Waring House. Honestly, knowing we could go inside this house was 90% of the reason we booked the tour. We’ve heard of the Waring House on our other ghost tours in Denver, but it’s not open to the public – except on this tour. There are some dark spirits that lurk in the shadows of the Waring House and we wanted to hear some first-hand tales about it. I was sufficiently spooked and ready to leave by the time we were wrapping up the tour.

Some of the ghosts we learned about along the way included:

• Wade: A former staff member who likes to smile and wave at current staff members
• Darth Vader: A shadowy figure that walks the perimeter of the property
• The Girl in White: A young girl who’s particularly attached to a certain spot on the grounds
• Jack: A childish spirit who likes to play
• The Lady in White: A spirit that’s assumed to be a bride who killed herself on her wedding day

There were many others that were talked about and our guide said each tour is a bit different depending on which guide you get.

Our guide, Kyle, was head of security at the Gardens and has plenty of stories from his years of working there. He also talked about writing some history books of Denver and takes his research into the history of the land, the buildings, and the people that were laid to rest here. He was a great guide and was authentic in how he shared his stories with the group. He also developed the ghost tour for the gardens and wrote the script for other guides, but letting them add their own stories to change it up a bit.

We paid $31 for our tickets ($27 if you’re a member), and it was worth it. The tour is about two hours long, but ours went a bit longer so we definitely got our money’s worth from the experience. Plus it was cool seeing the gardens at night with no one else around.

Overall, it was a great ghost tour even though it solely focused on one property. Most of the ghost tours we do cover several buildings or streets but this one was focused on just the spirits in the Denver Botanic Gardens, both naughty and nice.

Have you done a ghost tour at the Botanic Gardens? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below!

Hey, I'm Stephanie! I'm a copywriter living in beautiful Denver with my husband Rick, and our dog Rocco. I love traveling, writing, reading, and being outside as much as possible - unless I'm on the couch binge watching Stranger Things with a glass of wine! Thanks for reading and being a part of the adventure with Back to the Passport! ❤️

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5 Best Pikes Peak Tours from Denver + What to Know (2024)

Looking for highly-rated and stress-free Pikes Peak tours from Denver? If you’re keen on escaping the bustling cityscape of Denver, a top-notch experience I highly recommend you consider is journeying to the summit of one of Colorado’s legendary 14ers, Pikes Peak with one of the guided tours below! Along the way, you’ll not only get to take in the breathtaking views from the top of America’s Mountain but also wander through the enchanting red rock formations that adorn the Garden of the Gods! Truly, this an experience you won’t want to miss.

🏔️ No Time? Here’s the Best Pikes Peak Tour from Denver

Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods — This tour has been taken by over 1450+ guests and includes a convenient meeting point downtown, seeing the Garden of the Gods, taking the scenic route to Pikes Peak, and leisure time in Manitou Springs!

To help you out, this post will include the 5 best Pikes Peak tours that are worth checking out as well as helpful insights and mistakes to avoid based on my personal experience. So with that, get ready to explore the great outdoors! 🤠

🚨 PRO TIP: If you’re pressed for time and prefer a brief overview of the tours I’ll be discussing, feel free to skip ahead to the recap section . There, you’ll find a table summarizing the five Pikes Peak Tours I’ve covered.

5 Best Pikes Peak Tours from Denver (2024)

1. small group tour of pikes peak & the garden of the gods from denver.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 1375+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods From Denver includes:

• Easy pick-up from a meeting point near Union Station
• Visiting Garden of the Gods & the famous Balanced Rock
• Driving the scenic route to Pikes Peak
• Exploring the quaint town of Manitou Springs
• Snacks, water, & entrance fees included
• Small group tour limited to 14 guests

🤠 Looking to get a lot of bang for your buck? Explore Pikes Peak with ease on the most popular and highly-rated tour from Denver ! It also happens to be one of the most affordable tours out there, which means you get a lot of value for your money! Over approximately 8 hours, you’ll join a small group of fellow travelers and experience the breathtaking beauty of Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Pikes Peak, & Manitou Springs! Plus, with a convenient pick-up in downtown Denver and your super knowledgeable guide navigating the roads, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful, *stress-free* day trip! I mean, there’s a reason 1400+ people have opted to go on this tour ! 😉

“I loved this tour! Our tour guide Jeff was super knowledgeable and kept us entertained with fun facts and an awesome playlist on the road. The views were amazing and we had plenty of time at each stop to take in the scenery and take some photos. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone passing through Denver!” – Rachel G. ( See More Reviews )

2. Private Pikes Peak Country and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 130+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Private Pikes Peak Country and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver includes:

• Direct pick-up from your housing accommodations in downtown
• Traveling in a comfortable minibus or minivan
• Exploring the famous sights around Garden of the Gods
• Spend time walking the streets of Manitou Springs
• Driving Pikes Peak Highway to the summit
• Private experience with up to 14 guests

🚗 Looking for a more exclusive viewing of Pikes Peak? With almost all guests leaving 5-star reviews, this is the most popular private tour option that takes guests from Denver to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Along the way, you’ll discover the Garden of the Gods’ captivating sandstone formations, wander around the little town of Manitou Springs, and take in the picturesque views on your drive to the summit of Pikes Peak! Not to mention, with this being a private tour, scheduling is much more flexible and customizable to what you want to see 🙂 Thus, if you want to avoid car rental hassles and opt for a personalized experience with only your group, check out this private tour to Pikes Peak !

“The best part of the trip was experiencing the summit of Pikes Peak. We also checked out Manitou Springs and walked around the Garden of the Gods. The tour guide was superb. He knew all about the history and natural features and was hilarious. He also has a great travel playlist. Tried and true tour guide. We loved it!” – TINA M. ( See More Reviews )

3. Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 90+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8.5 hours

The  Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver includes:

• Accessible pick-up location near Denver’s Union Station
• Visiting inspiring landmarks around Garden of the Gods
• Driving the scenic Pikes Peak Highway to the top
• A sandwich lunch in the resort town of Manitou Springs
• Small group tour limited to 14 people

⛰️ Keen on spending extra time in the area? With near-perfect reviews, this is another tour to Pikes Peak that’s worth checking out. Much like the first tour I mentioned, this tour includes a convenient pick-up near Union Station. You’ll then have the opportunity to visit different spots around Garden of the Gods before journeying to Pikes Peak. The difference is that this tour includes a sandwich lunch and gives you an extra 30 minutes for exploring! So, whether the first small-group tour option is completely booked or you don’t want to worry about figuring out lunch, consider this hassle-free tour !

“It was a wonderful day with Ernie! Garden of the Gods was beautiful and trip up to pikes peak was absolutely amazing!! Ernie was so knowledgeable and provided very tasty and large sandwiches!! I can’t recommend Ernie enough!” – sheila A. ( See More Reviews )

4. Private Tour to Pikes Peak & Garden of Gods

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 90+ % 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Private Tour to Pikes Peak & Garden of Gods includes:

• Direct pick up from your housing accommodations in Denver
• Admiring the panoramic views from the top of Pikes Peak
• Spending an hour strolling through Garden of the Gods
• Roaming around Manitou Springs before heading home
• Personalized tour in a private vehicle

🌄 Looking for an alternate private tour option? Experience Colorado’s famous ‘fourteener,’ Pikes Peak, and the beauty of the surrounding Colorado Springs area on this private tour from Denver . First, You’ll be directly picked up from your housing in downtown Denver. Then, you’ll have time to marvel at the sweeping vistas from the summit of Pikes Peak, admire the sky-scraping sandstone formations in Garden of the Gods, and check out Manitou Springs! With a private vehicle and personalized attention, this tour ensures an intimate, flexible, and memorable Colorado experience that’s great for families and first-time visitors!

“Steve picked us up at our hotel. We spent the day at Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs. The Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are simply stunning scenery. Steve was personable, relating to each member of our group. We appreciated the pictures he took of us – and driving to these beautiful locations so we could just enjoy our day. Thanks, Steve!” – Debra M. ( See More Reviews )

5. Pikes Peak Regional Wonders Full Day Tour From Denver

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – almost all 5-star reviews ! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  9 hours

The  Pikes Peak Regional Wonders Full Day Tour includes:

• Meeting point at Union Station in downtown Denver
• Travel up the gorgeous Pikes Peak Highway to the summit
• Lunch and free time to wander historic Manitou Springs
• Touring through the majestic Garden of the Gods park
• Water, snacks, and transit in a comfortable van
• Can accommodate up to 12 guests

🏔️ Ready to spend a full day exploring the area around Pikes Peak? If you’re looking for an extensive and comfortable tour to Pikes Peak from Denver, this is one of the longest available, ensuring a comprehensive experience. During the tour, you’ll travel along the stunning Pikes Peak Highway, taking in the sweeping views from the top. Then you’ll have some free time for lunch and walking around in historic Manitou Springs. Finally, to cap off the day, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the spectacular rock formations scattered through the Garden of the Gods park! This is also one of the most affordable Pikes Peak tours from Denver available. Therefore, if you’re working on a tight budget, this is your best option!

“Definitely one of the highlights of our vacation in the Denver area. Will was very knowledgeable and a great guide. Very fun day!” — Renee C. ( See More Reviews )

Pikes Peak Tours from Denver Comparison

Tips for visiting pikes peak.

For a more enjoyable experience, here are some mistakes to avoid and general tips to keep in mind as you plan your Pikes Peak day trip from Denver!

• ⏰ Plan Ahead: Once you know your travel dates, book your Pikes Peak tour in advance as this incredible experience often fills up quickly.
• 🥶 Dress in Layers: Check the forecast and bring a warm coat or two!! My guide was wearing a parka and was all nice and toasty. Meanwhile, I only brought my Patagonia Nano puff jacket, and I was freezing my toes off!
• 💧 Stay Hydrated: High elevations can lead to dehydration and altitude sickness, so be sure to drink plenty of water. I even recommend some OTC medicine if you think you’ll get a headache.
• 😎 Bring Essentials: The restaurant food is ✨very overpriced✨. Save yourself some money by bringing your own fruit snacks, granola bars, sandwiches, etc. I also recommend packing basics like sunscreen, sunglasses, cash for tipping your guide, and your camera!
• 🚂 Cogwheel Railway: If you decide to take the cogwheel up, reserve your ticket at least a week in advance. They almost always sell out. And for the best views, I recommend you reserve a window seat on the 3-seater side!

Where to Stay in Denver

Unsure where to book your stay in Denver? Here are some recommendations for you to check out based on my research. They are all well-rated and conveniently located in downtown Denver. You can also explore options on a specific platform using the buttons below. Or to see housing accommodations with location in mind, try using this interactive map.

Low-Cost Stay

• Comfy rooms w/ in-bed outlets, storage, & privacy curtain
• Near the convention center, has an on-site restaurant, & pet-friendly

Mid-Range Stay

• Located near the Art Museum & tasty on-site restaurant!
• Has a restaurant, bar, pool, gym, & self-parking available

Fancy Stays

• Near lots of restaurants downtown, comfy rooms, & fun atmosphere
• Spa service, outdoor pool, massive rooms & top-notch service!

Feel free to use the map below or click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.

Other Awesome Things to Do in Denver

If you’re staying in the city for a few days and looking for other awesome things to do in Denver, here are my top 7 recommendations! And they are basically from a local because my brother lives here, so yah girl visits often and gets all the insider tips. 😉

• Explore the Culinary Scene: For a fun foodie adventure, take this wildly popular 3-hour guided tour through 5 local restaurants serving award-winning dishes. You’ll eat authentic Neapolitan pizza and delectable empanadas, delve into Denver’s Wild West history, and see iconic landmarks like the baseball field and Union Station!

🍕 ✅ Check rates & availability for this epic food tour through Denver!

• Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: Spot everything from deer and bison to prairie dogs and coyotes in their natural habitat at this expansive refuge! View location that’s 20 minutes outside of Denver.

• Denver Botanical Gardens: Observe a diverse array of beautiful plant life and marvelous outdoor art installations. You can grab your ticket here .
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Visit the closest National Park for unparalleled outdoor adventures, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking mountain scenery 🙂 You can explore tour options here .

⛰️ ✅ Check rates & availability for this fantastic full-day tour to Rocky Mountain NP from Denver!

• Meow Wolf: Step into a surreal, immersive art experience at Meow Wolf , where visitors explore fantastical, interactive installations that make your head spin.

• Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Visit this crowd-favorite museum that sparks inspiration and curiosity through fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and a planetarium.
• Ziplining: If you’re a thrill seeker like me, I recommend ziplining! You can soar along Colorado’s longest ziplines in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

🚀 ✅ Check rates & availability for this adrenaline-pumping adventure!

Pikes Peak Tours from Denver: FAQ

Pikes Peak tours range from $159 to ~$220 USD per person. That said, the private tour options can be on the pricey side if you only go with a couple of people instead of a larger group.

In my biased opinion, a Pikes Peak tour from Denver is well worth it! They’re great if you appreciate the convenience of a knowledgeable guide, desire a hassle-free experience, and want to admire the gorgeous panoramic views from the top of one of Colorado’s famous 14ers! Plus, most of the tours take you through the Garden of the Gods, which is equally incredible to see!

The best time to visit Pikes Peak is between May and October when the weather is milder. But, if you want to see the beautiful Aspen trees changing colors, I recommend going in the fall! Just remember, Pikes Peak is pretty cold no matter what time of the year you go.

Pikes Peak’s elevation stands at 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) above sea level.

On a relatively clear day, you can see Pikes Peak from Denver! The distinctive mountain peak is visible on the southwestern horizon, providing a stunning backdrop to the Denver skyline.

A guided tour is the easiest way to see Pikes Peak. This is because there are no public transportation options from Denver to Manitou Springs. Alternatively, you can explore at your own pace by renting a car and driving there . You can check car rental options with pick-up at the Denver International Airport here .

Wrap-Up: 5 Best Pikes Peak Tours from Denver (2024)

Visiting Pikes Peak is always an awe-inspiring adventure, and for those exploring Denver without private transportation, an amazing guided tour is the ultimate solution. With the convenience of experienced guides and their wealth of knowledge, you can make the most of your time as you discover this iconic peak and its magnificent surroundings! So, let the experts lead the way as you embark on an unforgettable journey to one of Colorado’s most breathtaking destinations! Because truly, it’s a must-visit beauty that everyone should witness at least once and the view is truly mighty fine from up top! 😉

Read More About the United States

• 🎰 Las Vegas, NV: If you’re traveling to Las Vegas, a fun excursion to do is exploring Red Rock Canyon! This National Conservation Area can be explored on horseback , ATV, car, electric bike , or even electric scooter!
• 🏄‍♀️ San Diego, CA: America’s finest city is known for its miles of picturesque beaches and perfect surf , mouthwateringly delicious food , and year-round pleasant weather! Learn how to best navigate the city I used to call home!
• 🌲 Seattle, WA: Planning a trip to the Emerald City ? Learn about the local wine scene , visit the mesmerizing Amazon Spheres , or do a day trip to this nearby, adorable Bavarian town!

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

Things To Do | Things to do this weekend: pozole festival,…

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Things To Do

Things to do | things to do this weekend: pozole festival, parking-lot shakespeare and colorado wine, your best bets also include an all-business closing day at echo mountain.

Soup’s on

Saturday. Denver’s Westwood neighborhood continues to be one of the best places to dine on and learn about the cuisine of Mexico and other Latin American countries as it hosts festivals celebrating everything from tamales to salsa to mole. Today, Cultura Chocolate and Hecho en Westwood host their fourth annual Festival del Pozole , featuring more than 15 pozoles from both professional and community chefs in the Denver area.

Made from hominy (a form of dried corn), pozole is a soup-like dish that typically includes chicken or pork, along with a spicy sauce and toppings like avocado, lime, cabbage, peppers and radishes. The festival takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. at 3950 W. Morrison Road. Each sample costs $3, or you can get a discount on 10 samples in advance. Get tickets and info at hechoenwestwood.com.

Pickup lines

Saturday. You’ve heard of Shakespeare in the park, but how about Shakespeare in the parking lot? The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has already kicked off its springtime community tour of its popular Shakespeare in the Parking Lot program. The second of six weekly shows will be on Saturday, April 13, at noon in Arvada’s Olde Town Square .

“These stripped-down productions are centered around a pickup truck ‘set’ that travels” to various schools and other locations around metro Denver, according to a press release, and the Denver Center recorded its 700th performance earlier in April. Today’s play is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which will be performed again on May 11 in the River North Arts District and on May 18 in Lafayette. On April 20 and May 4, the actors will do “Romeo and   Juliet” at two Denver locations. All shows are open to the public. For more information on dates and locations, go to denvercenter.org .

Red, white and you

Sunday. If you love Colorado-made wines, check out the fourth Colorado Wine Walk, which hosts a grand tasting event on April 14 in the Dairy Block alleyway at 1800 Wazee St. There will be 12 of Colorado’s urban and Western Slope wineries in attendance for both sampling and purchase, according to organizers at Blanchard Family Wines.

Tickets, which start at $50, include unlimited wine samples, a commemorative wine glass, discounts on wine purchases, and the ability to chat with winemakers and winery owners. There are two different sessions, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Get info at coloradowinewalk.com .

Closing day

Sunday. “Are you tired of typical closing days focused on silly pond skims instead of KPIs and pivot tables? Well, good news! With our 360° approach to customer satisfaction, we’re going to parking-lot those ideas and take a 10,000-foot view … because our closing day is ALL BUSINESS.” That’s the tongue-in-cheek windup to Echo Mountain ski area’s last day of the 2023-24 ski and snowboard season on Sunday, April 14.

The ski resort, the closest one to Denver, is offering half off of lift tickets if you show up in business attire, along with food and drink specials and, yes, an actual CPA on hand to answer tax questions in advance of April 15 (tax day). Echo Mountain is located at 19285 CO-103 near Idaho Springs. Get more information at echomtn.com .

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Aerosmith announces rescheduled 2024-25 farewell tour dates. Get tickets

No need to “Dream On” much longer.

Aerosmith has finally announced the rescheduled dates of their ‘Peace Out’ farewell tour with special guests The Black Crowes and Teddy Swims on select dates.

The 40-concert jaunt will take the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to arenas all over North America from September 2024 up until February 2025.

Notable shows include stops at Newark, NJ’s Prudential Center on Saturday, Dec. 28 and New York’s Madison Square Garden on Feb. 23, 2025.

Their last gig is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2025 at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center .

This upcoming trek will be the second attempt at rescheduling the tour; Steven Tyler sustained vocal cord damage at a Sept. 9, 2023 concert in Long Island — just three shows into their run — and the band had to postpone indefinitely.

“All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled shows,” Aerosmith shared on Instagram .

If you haven’t gotten tickets yet and want to sing along to “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” “Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” and so many more hits one last time, tickets can be scooped up for all ‘Peace Out’ concerts as soon as today.

Although inventory isn’t available on Ticketmaster until Friday, April 12, fans who want to ensure they have tickets ahead of time can purchase on sites like Vivid Seats before tickets are officially on sale.

Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event.

A complete calendar including all rescheduled ‘Peace Out’ tour dates, venues, and links to buy tickets can be found below.

The original Aerosmtih lineup won’t be fully intact on this run of concerts.

Yes, lead singer Steven Tyler, guitarist Joe Perry, bassist Tom Hamilton and rhythm guitarist Brad Whitford are slated to perform at all shows.

However, drummer Joey Kramer will be sitting this run of shows out to “focus his attention on his family and health” according to  AP News .

Kramer, 72, will be replaced by John Douglas who has drummed with the band since 2019.

Aerosmith got three shows deep into their ‘Peace Out’ Farewell Tour before postponing.

For a closer look, here’s what they played at a recent live show courtesy of  Set List FM :

01.) “Back in the Saddle”

02.) “Same Old Song and Dance”

03.) “Rag Doll”

04.) “Livin’ on the Edge”

05.) “Janie’s Got a Gun”

06.) “No More No More”

07.) “Cryin’”

08.) “Adam’s Apple”

09.) “Hangman Jury”

10.) “Seasons of Wither”

11.) “Movin’ Out”

12.) “Love in an Elevator”

13.) “Stop Messin’ Around” (Fleetwood Mac cover)

14.) “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”

15.) “Rats in the Cellar”

16.) “Sweet Emotion”

17.) “Toys in the Attic”

18.) “Dream On”

19.) “Walk This Way”

On all dates except their opener when they’ll perform with Teddy Swims, Aerosmith will be joined by  The Black Crowes aka Rolling Stone’s “best new band of 1990.”

The band, known for mega hits “Hard To Handle” and “She Talks To Angels,” is also conducting a solo tour of their own this year including a show at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on April 27.

If you want to see them live, click here to see The Black Crowes’ complete 2024 tour calendar.

In 1973, the 25-year-old Tyler was given guardianship of 16-year-old Julia Holcomb so the two could live together.

After a tumultuous three-year relationship, the two broke up.

Nearly 50 years later, Holcomb — who now goes by Julia Misley — filed a lawsuit in December 2022. In the suit, she claimed Tyler sexually assaulted her, forced her to abort their child, and convinced her to drink and take drugs after he promised to serve as her guardian.

In the trial, Tyler alleged the relationship was consensual and had immunity because of his guardian status.

Legal experts have since said “caregiver immunity” does not exist if you sexually abuse the person you’ve taken in.

“The lawsuit came in the final days of California’s Child Victims Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to come forward with their allegations,” Consequence of Sound reported.

Jeanne Bellino, another minor that was sexually abused by Tyler in the 1970s, also filed a lawsuit against him; US District Judge Lewis Kaplan threw the case out this February because she “had waited too long to sue Tyler under a New York City law protecting victims of gender-motivated violence,” Reuters wrote.

“(Kaplan) said Bellino did not qualify for a two-year window to pursue claims that would otherwise extend beyond statutes of limitations, because she did not allege that Tyler’s conduct posed a “serious risk of physical injury.”

Many of the biggest acts that defined the sound of the ’70s and ’80s are back on the road this year for another spin.

Here are just five of our favorite classic rockers you won’t want to miss live these next few months.

•  Rolling Stones

•  Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

•  Neil Young

•  Bob Dylan with Willie Nelson and Robert Plant

•  Electric Light Orchestra

Need more classic rock in your life? Check out our list of the  52 biggest classic rockers on tour in 2024 to find the show for you.

Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase.

Watch CBS News

Rescheduled Aerosmith Denver tour date to happen this fall

By Jesse Sarles

Updated on: April 11, 2024 / 4:58 PM MDT / CBS Colorado

Fans of the band Aerosmith in Colorado have been patiently waiting for the classic rockers to bring their tour to Denver. This week they learned they'll only have to wait about 7 more months.

Last fall's concert that was supposed to happen at Ball Arena was postponed with no reschedule date announced at the time.

This week singer Steven Tyler, guitarist Joe Perry and their rocking bandmates announced that the Ball Arena concert in will finally happen on Nov. 18.

The ticket purchases of fans who previously bought tickets to the Denver tour stop will be honored at the new concert.

This tour is called the Peace Out tour, and The Black Crowes will be the opening act for all of the tour dates. Tickets can be purchased on aerosmith.com .

In the past 5 years Aerosmith has been forced to call of or postpone some of its concerts because Tyler has had issues with damaged vocal cords and also at one point had to enter a substance abuse treatment program .

Jesse Sarles manages the content and operations for CBSColorado.com. He writes articles about Colorado news and sports in and around the Denver area . Meet the news team or contact CBS News Colorado .

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Spirit Guides Outdoor Art Tour

Experience the wonder and awe of Spirit Guides in the gardens on this tour that explores the outdoor sculpture exhibition as well as related plant themes.

The fantastical creatures, inspired by the natural world and Zapotec astrology, are created by Oaxacan artists from the studio of María and Jacobo Angeles. Join a knowledgeable guide to learn more about their process and the rich biodiversity of Mexico flora.

Price: $16, $8 member, $5 student

Special instructions: Please bring booking confirmation (printed or viewable on a smart phone). Tours meet in Boettcher Memorial Center.

Notes: Prices include admission to the Gardens. Tours with low registration are subject to cancellation.

Dates + Times

May 3 Friday, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Audience Adults Register

May 5 Sunday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Audience Adults Register

May 5 Sunday, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Audience Adults Register

June 2 Sunday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Audience Adults Register

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June 7 Friday, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Audience Adults Register

June 9 Sunday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Audience Adults Register

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June 14 Friday, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Audience Adults Register

June 16 Sunday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Audience Adults Register

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June 21 Friday, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Audience Adults Register

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July 19 Friday, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Audience Adults Register

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‘Is She Sure?’ How the Breeders Joined Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Tour.

The ’90s alt-rock icons hit the Madison Square Garden stage for the first time Friday night, after the 21-year-old pop star invited them to join her on the road.

By Jenn Pelly

Olivia Rodrigo remembers her life in two parts: before she heard the Breeders’ “Cannonball,” and after, she told the crowd at Madison Square Garden on Friday night, when her Guts World Tour arrived in New York.

And that is how the ’90s alt-rock idols came to play the New York arena for the first time last week, 31 years after that song from their platinum 1993 album, “Last Splash,” charted on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Rodrigo’s camp initially approached the Breeders in September about opening some dates on the tour supporting her second album, “Guts .” “My first reaction was, Wow, that seems kind of odd,” the band’s bassist, Josephine Wiggs, said in an interview. “But after I’d thought about it for a while, I thought, ‘That’s actually really genius.’”

Kim Deal, the singer-guitarist who leads the band with her twin sister, Kelley, said she was surprised when they got the invite. “I’d heard ‘Drivers License,’ and I liked that a lot,” she said, referring to Rodrigo’s breakout 2021 smash.

Kelley wondered if it might be a mistake. “I thought, ‘Is she sure? Do they really mean us?’”

But Rodrigo made her enthusiasm clear when the shows were confirmed, reaching out personally to share her excitement. “She texted each one of us individually,” Kelley recalled.

“And said, ‘Really happy to hear that you’re going to do this,’” Wiggs added. “Very classy.”

Aside from Kim, who played Madison Square Garden in 1992 when her earlier band, Pixies, opened for U2, no one in the group had ever performed at the venue before. Kim hadn’t been back since, and said she had no memory of that previous gig: “I usually remember the bad shows, so it’s a good thing that I really don’t remember that one.”

With the first date in the books, the Breeders spent part of Saturday afternoon glimpsing Rodrigo’s soundcheck — she was belting “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl” to an empty arena — and then briefly chatting with her. “So easy to talk to!” Kim reported as the Breeders headed up to the stage to adjust their own amps and pedals. The lights were up; two men vacuumed the previous night’s pink and purple star-shaped confetti.

“How about we do a piece of ‘Cannonball,’ like when everything comes in?” Kim asked the band, which also includes the drummer Jim Macpherson. They had already tested the distorted ahh-ooohh-ahh vocalizations that open the song. Kim blew a whistle to emulate the record’s microphone feedback.

Rodrigo was born a decade after the release of “Cannonball,” but the 21-year-old heard it as a teenager and remembers “instantly falling in love with the Breeders,” she wrote in an email. “I thought Kim was the coolest girl in the world,” Rodrigo said. “I’m very inspired by them and everything they stand for. They are absolutely iconic, and playing these shows with them has been a surreal honor.” (The Breeders have joined the tour for four shows at the Garden that wrap on Tuesday, and four more at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles later this summer.)

Mischief, wryness, confidence and camaraderie feel encoded into the poised riffs and bass line of “Cannonball,” and it’s easy to imagine girls gently headbanging along to it for eternity. Rodrigo went louder and crunchier on “Guts,” long inspired by artists who are “not trying to recreate a version of rock music that guys make,” as she told The New York Times last year.

Soundcheck proceeded like a supercut. “Should we do half of ‘Do You Love Me Now’?” Kim asked before crashing the song open and letting its twin harmonies ring out. “A little piece of ‘Drivin’ on 9’?” signaling the aching country tune. “Should we throw in ‘Gigantic’?” Kim asked before unleashing the titanic anthem she co-wrote and sang as a member of Pixies. (She dedicated its “big, big love” to Rodrigo during the show.)

Earlier, the band sat in a green room processing its Guts experience so far. Kelley had been impressed by the emotional arc of Rodrigo’s songs the previous night. “I was texting somebody, ‘I’m so empowered right now!’” She later reached out to praise Rodrigo’s voice as “really special,” observing, “Her tone and control are spectacular!”

“She performs with a really good sense of humor,” Kim added.

Wiggs said she could hear some Breeders commonalties in a Rodrigo chord progression, while Macpherson detected a bit of the band in “Jealousy, Jealousy,” from her first album, “Sour.” “The bass riff was almost like a ‘Hag,’ ‘Hellbound’ -ish kind of thing,” he said.

The Breeders expressed shock at how young Rodrigo’s fans were, and the collective decibel of their screams on Friday night. “You’re going to be surprised by how loud it was,” Kelley said. Weren’t their own amps loud, too? “Not louder than 30,000 tweens,” she said.

Kim roasted her bandmates for withholding stage banter the night before. “Looking out at the sea of 7- and 8-year-olds, I had no idea what to say,” Wiggs said, deadpan. “I could just about manage to say something to people who are obviously teenagers. I was like, OK, maybe I’ll try to make eye contact with the dads.”

The Deal sisters are no strangers to parental accompaniment at gigs. “My dad used to have Ray Charles in his headphones, watching us play, when he drove us around in the r.v. with Nirvana,” Kim said, referring to the band’s 1992 tour with what was then the biggest band on Earth. “He’d have his cassette Walkman,” Kelley added. “He was a big supporter, but he’d heard us a million times.”

In Kurt Cobain’s liner notes to Nirvana’s 1992 compilation “Incesticide,” he detailed the recent life experiences that had meant the most to him since “becoming an untouchable boy genius,” including “playing with the Breeders” on the list. “Nirvana and Foo Fighters would really curate their opening bands, which is I think what Olivia is doing in a way, curating new music that she wants fans to get to know,” Kelley said.

Most of the young people watching from the front rows on Saturday were not familiar with the Breeders — who are all in their 50s and 60s — though there were exceptions. “My parents know who they are!” exclaimed an 18-year-old fan named Mack. “My dad said they had some jams back when he was younger. He didn’t know if I would like them, but I trust Olivia.”

Another fan, Elle, 16, was with her father, who saw the Breeders at Lollapalooza alongside Smashing Pumpkins and the Beastie Boys. “For me, this was really cool,” he said. “I don’t know the tour’s other openers as well, but I’ve loved the Breeders since ’94 when I saw them last.”

Rodrigo’s fans were decked out in sparkling skirts, purple bows and platform boots in honor of their heroine, who took the stage in a series of short, glittering skirts. The Breeders are known for more understated sartorial choices. Had they given any thought about to what to wear?

“I sent out a ‘help’ text to a friend of mine,” Kelley admitted. “I said, I’m trying to upgrade my look from my T-shirt and jeans that I typically wear, but staying in my comfort zone. He said, ‘I find glitter or sequins to always be the answer.’ I just waited for him to laugh or something. That was no help to me at all. So I went with a T-shirt and jeans.”

“Like she’s been dressing since seventh grade,” Kim said.