About Denver

Denver City was originally founded in November 1858 as a mining town during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush.  Mining, ranching and farming were vital to the creation of the city.  Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver's official elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level earned it the nickname "The Mile High City".  Denver is subject to sudden changes in weather due to its location, but overall the climate is mild and sunny, with over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Perhaps best known for its famous ski resorts, Colorado provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities year-round.  An outdoor-lovers paradise, Denver and the surrounding areas boast more than 200 parks, including Red Rocks Park, home to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an open-air amphitheatre that has hosted such legends as John Denver, U2, Neil Young and Dave Matthews Band.  Adventure seekers also flock to the Denver area to attempt to traverse one of the numerous "14ers" (mountains that exceed elevations 14,000 feet above sea level), including Longs Peak, Pikes Peak and Mt Evans.  Other popular outdoor activities include kayaking, biking and camping.

In addition to the beautiful outdoor sights, Denver is home to many nationally recognized museums, including the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  The city has been the setting for numerous TV shows, including Dynasty, The Bill Engvall Show, The Real World and Emergency Vets. 

Still true to its western heritage, Denver's National Western Complex is home to the largest stock show by number of animals, the National Western Stock Show, held every January.  Visitors can learn about legendary western figures at the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Molly Brown House Museum and the Black American West Museum.

Denver skyline                                                                                                                                                         Photo by Rich Grant and VISIT DENVER