There’s something timeless about a good picnic.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date, catching up with friends, or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy Colorado’s sunshine, a picnic is one of the easiest ways to make the most of summer. And luckily, the Denver area has no shortage of beautiful places to spread out a blanket with some sandwiches and a charcuterie board.
From iconic city parks to creeks and scenic mountain overlooks, here are our picks for the best picnic spots in and around the Mile High City.
1.) City Park
If there were a “classic Denver picnic” starter pack, City Park would probably be on top of that list.
As Denver’s largest and most recognizable urban park, City Park offers nearly everything you could ask for in a big city picnic destination. Wide-open lawns, towering shady trees and Ferril Lake provide countless pristine places to set up shop, while the Denver skyline and Rocky Mountains create one of the city’s most iconic backdrops.
After eating, take a stroll around the lake, rent a paddle boat, or simply enjoy some people watching. If you’re looking to turn your picnic into a full-day outing, both the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are located within the park, making it easy to pair lunch with an afternoon excursion.
2.) Clear Creek / Golden
Around 25 minutes west of downtown Denver, the banks of Clear Creek in Golden offer a completely different picnic experience.
Instead of city streets and skyscrapers, you’ll find the relaxing sounds of rushing mountain water, views of North Table Mountain and the wild west charm of historic downtown Golden. Pick up a famous wood fired pizza from Woody’s, a coffee and some ice cream along Washington Ave. before walking a few blocks to the creek, where there are ample grassy areas and shaded benches to settle down.
If you’re looking for a little adventure to accompany your picnic, this is the spot for you. During the summer, Clear Creek becomes one of the most popular outdoor destinations along the Front Range. Join in with the kayakers braving the whitewater rapids, tubers floating downstream and families wading in the creek. With how hot this summer has been, it’s a great way to cool down.
3.) Evergreen Lake
If your ideal picnic includes mountain scenery without venturing too far from Denver, making the trek up to Evergreen Lake is your best bet.
Located just 30 miles west of the city off Highway 74, this picturesque lake offers a peaceful setting surrounded by pine forests and the small mountain town of Evergreen. Wide stretches of grass along the shoreline, especially along the west side of the lake, provide plenty of room to spread out a blanket and relax, while the calm water creates an amazing backdrop for an ideal Colorado afternoon.
During the warmer months, the area is also a favorite for wildlife watching. Cozy up with a charcuterie board and keep an eye out for some of the local residents, including elk, beavers, foxes and even the occasional bald eagle, all of which are frequently spotted around the lake.
4.) Hudson Gardens
Moving on from the mountains and back to the city, Littleton’s Hudson Gardens is perfect for those looking to unwind in a beautifully landscaped setting.
The 30-acre botanical garden, just south of the city, is one of the Denver metro area’s best-kept secrets. Better yet, admission is free from sunrise to sunset on most days (be sure to check the online calendar for special event closures), making it an ideal spot for a scenic and non-traditional summer picnic.
During your visit, you can stroll through the rose gardens, stop by the turtle pond, explore the vegetable garden and discover a variety of themed landscapes along the way. Whether you’re planning a romantic afternoon or simply looking for a quiet place to enjoy lunch outdoors, Hudson Gardens offers a peaceful escape.
5.) Atop Castle Rock
I might be a little bit biased because I grew up there, but there’s no picnic spot in the state that beats having eating on top of Castle Rock.
Located in the heart of downtown Castle Rock, the iconic butte that gives the town its name offers one of the best views along the Front Range to accompany your lunch. The hike to the top is relatively short—less than a mile each way—but levels out before opening up to panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains, including a picture-perfect sightline of Pikes Peak.
While space at the summit is more limited than at a traditional park, there are several benches and rocky overlooks, along with a handful of wooden picnic tables, where you can sit down and soak in the scenery. The elevated perches make the experience feel more like a mountaintop adventure than a typical afternoon picnic.
After making your way back down, spend some time exploring downtown Castle Rock’s many local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and boutiques. My personal favorites are Yolanda’s Tacos and Wild Blue Yonder Brewing. Both options are affordable and delicious, if you’re still hungry.
Head to your local supermarket and grab some cheese, salami, fruit, pastries and lemonade (or hard lemonade) before you make your way to one of these five spots! Trader Joe’s is my favorite place to stock up because their food is so affordable, but any other supermarket in your neighborhood will do just fine.
Next time the weather calls for blue skies and a slight breeze, skip the restaurant and bring your meal outside instead. You might just discover that the best seat in the house isn’t at a table, but on a blanket with a mountain view instead.
Happy picnicking, Bucket Listers!
Do you have a listicle in mind? Any ideas can be sent to ryland.c.scholes@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in our area.
See you next Tuesday with another Bucket Listicle.
Ryland Scholes
Production Manager & Senior Reporter/ Bucket List Community News
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