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Hot times ahead: A dozen things to do for free in Denver (and beyond) before the Fourth

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Outdoors

Showing 1 - 20 of 20
A plane drops fire retardant as firefighters respond to a series of lightning-caused fires along the Utah-Colorado border.
Environment

Colorado, Utah mourn 3 firefighters killed in fire outbreak on state border

By McKenzie Romero, Utah News DispatchJune 28, 2026

Nearby communities have received pre-evacuation warnings, according to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.

Wildflowers on Boreas Pass in Breckenridge
Outdoors & Rec

Ten common Colorado wildflowers to spot on your next hike

By Abigail BlissJune 26, 2026

A local naturalist shares when and where to find these interesting, easy-to-identify blooms.

A tick sits on a person's finger
Environment

Warmer temps bring soaring tick populations. Here’s how to stay safe from Lyme disease.

By Lakshmi ChauhanJune 25, 2026

Warmer weather and changes in rainfall patterns now allow ticks to survive in new regions of the country – and for longer periods.

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Hail hits a chair in a Colorado backyard
Weather

Oh hail no: Denver could see severe thunderstorms, hail today

By Sage KelleyJune 24, 2026

Colorado has been pelted with precipitation over the last few days.

Denver lawyer billboard illustration
Business

Lords of the billboards: Why do injury lawyers dominate the Denver sky?

By Sage KelleyJune 24, 2026

From the Strong Arm to a new kid on the block, you cannot escape them.

Parks and Rec
Politics & Government

Denver Parks & Recreation relaunches strategic survey to help plan future initiatives

By Sage KelleyJune 23, 2026

The survey was paused after a shooting at the Montbello rec center.

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Two people holding ice cream cones in front of Little Man's milk bucket-shaped outpost
Denver Life

Sun’s out, fun’s out: Over 100 things to do across Colorado this summer

By Westword StaffJune 18, 2026

These are the coolest events during Denver’s hottest season.

A boulder-strewn valley seen from the Sky Pond trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
Travel

One-tank road trips from Denver worth the drive (and gas prices)

By Abigail BlissJune 17, 2026

The state’s scenic byways lead to dinosaur tracks, ghost towns and a 14,000-foot summit.

The modern exterior of the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center, featuring dancing sculptures
Travel

Ten things to do in Silverthorne this summer

By Abigail BlissJune 9, 2026

Plan a day trip or weekend getaway to enjoy wildflower hikes, riverfront dining and a new creative district.

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Aztlan pool
Politics & Government

Denver pulls plug on rec center pool leaking thousands of gallons a day

By Sage KelleyJune 9, 2026

“We understand this news will be disappointing for the many families, children and residents across Northwest Denver who rely on the pool each summer.”

city park jazz bandstand burned after a fire
Politics & Government

City Park bandstand set for rebuild after fire in March

By Sage KelleyJune 8, 2026

The nearly 100-year-old staple burned down in March.

Film on the Rocks
Film, TV & Streaming

Where to watch movies outdoors in Denver this summer

By Toni TrescaJune 1, 2026

We compiled a list of the best places in the Denver metro area to watch iconic films outside under the stars.

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“Shhh: I don’t want my favorite outdoor bar to get any more crowded!”
Opinion | Reader Response

“Shhh: I don’t want my favorite outdoor bar to get any more crowded!”

By Patricia CalhounMay 31, 2026

Cheers! Opinions spill over regarding our lists of the best rooftop bars, beer gardens and outdoor patios in Denver.

People walk a dog near a lake
Outdoors & Rec

Ten things to do in Sloan’s Lake

By Shannon TuckerMay 23, 2026

The Edgewater/Sloan’s Lake neighborhood is an urban oasis perfect for outdoor lovers and families who want a community feel.

People get off a bus at Red Rocks
Denver Life

Two new shuttles from Denver to Red Rocks launch Memorial Day Weekend

By Kristen FioreMay 22, 2026

One’s free and one isn’t.

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a fence and banner announce the beginning of construction and the closure of portions at Governor's Park
Politics & Government

Denver Parks & Rec has big hopes for Cap Hill

By Thomas MitchellMay 19, 2026

Plans include an amphitheater, movie lawn and 75-foot slide at Gov’s Park, and renovations at a smaller park nearby.

Sombrero Ranch wranglers and guests seated on hay bales, with several horses in the background
Outdoors & Rec

Colorado’s Great American Horse Drive Captures the Spirit of the West

By Abigail BlissMay 15, 2026

Every spring, wranglers and guests of Sombrero Ranches steer hundreds of horses across the Western Slope on an epic sixty-mile ride.

dog in Congress Park
Opinion | Community Voice

Off-Leash Culture in Colorado Parks Is Putting People at Risk

By Dianne SawayaMay 9, 2026

In Denver, the municipal code prohibits dogs from running at large and requires them to be leashed in public spaces.

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firefighter in front of blaze
Environment

Fire Is Transforming Public Lands in the West

By Kyle ManleyMay 8, 2026

The damages include reduced recreation in Colorado.

Environment

Denver to Increase Water Prices Amid Drought. Here’s How It Will Affect You.

By Hannah MetzgerApril 8, 2026

For the first time in over two decades, Denver Water approved the implementation of drought pricing on Wednesday.

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