Denver is a ridiculously gorgeous city. It’s set right in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, it gets nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, and with its mile-high elevation it’s got a ton of scenic views.

Visiting Denver soon? Then you’ve got to make the most of its scenery. Here’s how to see it all in this Rocky Mountain Colorado city!

Take a stroll through Denver’s urban parks

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Denver has a reputation for being outdoorsy, so it’s no surprise that the city is filled with parks. In fact, Denver has 2,500 acres of urban park area. That’s a lot of green space!

If you’re interested in seeing amazing skyline views, take an afternoon walk through Confluence Park. Located in Denver’s bustling LoDo district, this park was originally an encampment during the Colorado Gold Rush. For a better view of the mountains, head over to Inspiration Point Park just northwest of downtown. Here, you’ll be able to see the Rocky Mountains behind the northern suburbs.

Get in the water!

Of the many small bodies of water scattered throughout Denver, Sloan’s Lake offers perhaps the best views of the city and mountain skyline. Nestled just west of downtown, Sloan’s Lake presents a perfect summertime retreat for boaters and jet skiers. The waters often freeze over during winter—so you can’t go swimming!—but the snow-capped mountain views from the ice are still amazing. If you’re interested in a faster water ride, you can always test your kayaking skills in the South Platte River. Class II rapids are accessible downtown at Confluence Park.

Hike up those trails

Simply put—you have to go hiking while you’re in Denver. The city’s surrounded by gorgeous, mountainous terrain. Go exploring!

Within 40 minutes of downtown, you can find several excellent trails that offer wonderful views of the Rocky Mountain State. If you’re in the mood for an easy morning hike, head out to Red Rocks Park. The 1.4-mile Trading Post Loop weaves through 10 of the park’s most famous rock formations. Mount Falcon Park, a 20-minute drive south from Red Rocks, offers several longer hikes with great scenic views of Denver.

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Go skiing on Denver’s snow-capped slopes

Who can imagine Denver without some snow-capped mountains in the background? When booking flights to Denver, don’t forget to pack your skis or snowboard! Echo Mountain offers three lifts and 15 trails. Not only is it less than an hour away, but it’s also one of two resorts in the state to offer night skiing. Seriously cool! Those interested in a larger resort with great views and well-groomed runs should try Winter Park Resort. The scenery atop Mary Jane peak at 12,000 feet will take your breath away.

Take a leisurely, scenic drive

There’s no shame in not being the outdoorsy type! If skiing and hiking aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the Colorado landscapes from the comfort of your own car—air conditioning included!

Located about 20 minutes from Denver at the foothills of the Rockies, Lookout Mountain Park offers some wonderful panoramas of the city and its surrounding ranges. Simply drive up the mountain and enjoy the views! You can also check out the Lookout Mountain Nature Center if you’re interested in learning more about the area.

Amazing scenery is a huge part of Denver’s cultural identity. Are you headed to the Rocky Mountain city anytime soon? Let us know which views you’re most excited about in the comments!