Sitting a mile elevation from sea level, Denver boasts its nickname at every possible corner
As the capital of Colorado, Denver stands proudly as the Mile High City, earning its moniker due to its elevation exactly one mile above sea level. This distinction not only offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks but also lends an invigorating quality to the city's atmosphere.
Denver takes great pride in its "Mile High" identity, which you can see throughout the city. The term "Mile High" is woven into the names of stadiums, local foods and drinks, and everyday conversations. There are also several landmarks marking the exact elevation where the city stands one mile high.
One notable spot is the Colorado State Capitol, where the 15th step is engraved with the words “One Mile Above Sea Level.” However, in 1969, students from Colorado State University remeasured and found that the 18th step is actually more accurate, and a bronze marker now indicates this spot. Visitors often enjoy taking photos on these steps to commemorate standing exactly one mile high.
Here are some things you need to know about Denver
Denver enjoys 300 days of sunshine each year. Located east of the Rocky Mountains, it has a mild, dry, and sunny climate, with more annual sunshine than San Diego or Miami Beach. Winter is dry, with only 17 inches of annual precipitation, similar to Los Angeles. With an average daily high of 45°F in February, golf courses remain open year-round.
Situated on high plains, Denver is 12 miles east of the "foothills" and near the "Front Range of the Rocky Mountains." From downtown, 200 named peaks, including 32 over 13,000 feet, are visible. State law protects this panoramic view.
Denver's music scene is lively, with venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Mission Ballroom, and numerous smaller spots. The city has produced stars like John Denver and Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as modern acts like Nathaniel Rateliff and OneRepublic.
Kick off your Denver adventure at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, renowned for its natural acoustics and stunning scenery. Enjoy concerts, hike the trails, and explore the visitor center. For more epic outdoor fun, head to Rocky Mountain National Park for jaw-dropping views, wildlife spotting, and hiking. Don’t miss the Denver Botanic Gardens—a 23-acre oasis filled with beautiful themed gardens and seasonal events. Up for a drive? Cruise the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, North America’s highest paved road, for spectacular views and adventure.
Explore the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in a historic hangar, featuring aircraft, space vehicles, and flight simulators. The Molly Brown House Museum celebrates the Titanic survivor’s life in a beautifully restored Victorian home. Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet, offers kayaking, biking, and outdoor events. Don’t miss the Denver Central Market in the RiNo Art District, a gourmet marketplace with a variety of artisanal foods and beverages.
Denver’s downtown is one of the largest and most walkable in the U.S. Within a one-mile radius, you’ll find three professional sports stadiums, the country’s second-largest performing arts complex, several museums, a mint producing 10 billion coins a year, a river with whitewater rafting, the only downtown amusement park in the country, a world-class aquarium, nearly 13,000 hotel rooms, and over 300 restaurants and music venues. The 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian promenade lined with 200 trees, bustling with free electric shuttles, horse-drawn carriages, and pedicabs.
Denver’s more than 200 city parks and 14,000 acres of nearby mountain parks, including Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, make it an outdoor paradise. With over 850 miles of off-street bike paths and 90 golf courses open year-round, Denver is consistently ranked among the healthiest major cities in the U.S.
