Navigating Denver: Your Gateway to the Rockies

Denver is a user-friendly midsize city situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. While Colorado’s capital leans heavily on cars, it boasts an efficient light rail and bus system, making travel without a vehicle a piece of cake.

Walking and biking are fantastic options, particularly in Denver’s vibrant downtown areas. Just a heads-up: Denver is known as the Mile High City for a reason, perched at 5280 feet above sea level. Until you acclimate to the altitude, you might find yourself a bit breathless if you opt for these human-powered modes. Scooters and rideshare services are plentiful, too.

Planning a visit to Colorado soon? Here’s what you should know about navigating Denver.

Lower your environmental footprint by opting for the bus or train

Denver’s public transit system is clean, efficient, and user-friendly—and more importantly, it connects travelers to many of the city’s top attractions. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates the light and commuter rail lines as well as buses, including the complimentary MallRide shuttle on the pedestrian-only 16th Street Mall.

Public transit can take travelers throughout Denver and into nearby suburbs and cities, such as Arvada, Boulder, and Golden. You can also catch the light rail from Denver International Airport to downtown and back, making it a convenient option to forgo a rental car.

The easiest way to navigate your route via bus or light rail is through RTD’s free trip-planning tool, Next Ride. Fares start at $3 for local trips, $5.25 for regional journeys, and $10.50 for rides to the airport. RTD also provides various multi-ride ticket books and day passes for those planning extensive travel.

Experience neighborhoods up close by walking

With shady, tree-lined sidewalks and bike paths, many of Denver’s neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly. Walking is not only free and eco-friendly, but it also allows travelers to appreciate the city’s historic architecture, with some buildings dating back to the mid-19th century Gold Rush era. Plus, if you're heading west, you might catch glimpses of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in the distance.

The car-free 16th Street Mall, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment options, is one of Denver’s most popular walking destinations. Designed by renowned architect IM Pei, this mile-long pedestrian promenade also offers horse-drawn carriage rides.

Experience the sights on a bike or scooter

Biking is a favored and safe way to get around for both locals and visitors. The city boasts over 850 miles of paved trails and 137 miles of dedicated bike and scooter lanes on the streets.

While in town, you can take short trips using electric bikes and scooters through Denver’s shared micromobility program, managed by Lyft and Lime. For longer excursions, consider renting a bike from local shops like Evo Denver or Wheel Fun Rentals.

Discover the suburbs and mountains by car

Denver is a car-friendly city, surrounded by a vast landscape of suburbs encircling the downtown area. Renting a car is useful for exploring nearby areas like Lakewood, Aurora, Littleton, Centennial, and Highlands Ranch.

Another compelling reason to drive? Exploring the Rocky Mountains to the west of Denver. While some public transit options exist—primarily the regional Bustang routes operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation—they only take you so far. Once in the mountains, a car is often necessary to access remote trailheads and campsites.

Denver International Airport hosts nearly a dozen rental car companies on-site, so no matter your preferred brand, you’re likely to find it here: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty.

Denver features various public and private parking lots and garages, along with on-street parking. If you’re staying at a hotel, be prepared: valet parking can be quite expensive, typically ranging from $30 to $60 per night.

If you prefer to avoid parking and rental fees, you can easily book a ride through services like Uber and Lyft, both of which are widely available in Denver. You'll also find several taxi, limo, and charter bus options.

Accessible transportation in Denver demands a bit more planning

For travelers with disabilities, navigating Denver is achievable but may require additional research. Several accessible transportation companies, including Mobility Plus, Metro Cab, Dashabout, and Mobility Transport Service, operate from Denver International Airport, but most require advance notice of 24 to 48 hours, necessitating careful planning for those with mobility issues.

To explore Denver, travelers with disabilities can utilize several public transit options. All RTD buses and rail vehicles are designed to accommodate riders using mobility devices such as walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, electric scooters, and Segways. Additionally, RTD trains its bus and rail operators to assist passengers with disabilities.

Moreover, RTD offers a service called Access-a-Ride, which caters to visitors who cannot use the agency's fixed-route public transit. However, this option requires significant preparation, including a written application, a medical verification form, an in-person interview, and a transportation assessment.

The theaters and concert halls at the Denver Center for Performing Arts strive to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors with disabilities. They offer accessible seating (which must be requested when booking your ticket), accessible restrooms, wheelchairs, and assistive-listening devices. The city is also home to various organizations that provide accessible sports and outdoor activities, including curling and rock climbing.

While Denver is mostly flat, the condition of its sidewalks can vary, which may pose challenges for those using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. In winter, sidewalks can become slick and uneven due to ice and snow, particularly on north-facing paths or those shaded by buildings.