Denver Bucket List: 47 Unforgettable Experiences During Your Home Swap

I wasn't supposed to fall for Denver.

My original plan was a quick stopover—three nights during a home swap road trip from San Francisco to Chicago. I'd booked a charming Victorian in the Highlands neighborhood through SwappaHome, mostly because the photos showed a claw-foot tub and I was desperate for a proper soak after two weeks of driving. But somewhere between my first breakfast burrito at Snooze and watching the sun paint the Rockies pink from my borrowed front porch, I realized three nights wasn't going to cut it.

That was four years ago. I've been back six times since, always through home swaps, and I've assembled what I consider the definitive Denver bucket list for anyone planning a home exchange in this ridiculously livable city.

Golden hour view of Denver skyline with Rocky Mountains in background, taken from a Victorian homes

Here's the thing about Denver that nobody tells you: it's not just a gateway to the mountains (though it absolutely is that). It's a city with genuine neighborhoods, a food scene that punches way above its weight, and this infectious outdoor culture that makes you want to wake up early and actually do things. Wild concept, I know.

Why a Denver Home Swap Changes Everything

I've stayed in Denver hotels. They're fine. Generic. You wake up, grab mediocre lobby coffee, and feel like you could be in any mid-sized American city.

Home swapping here? Completely different animal.

When you're staying in someone's actual home in LoHi or Congress Park or one of those tree-lined streets in Wash Park, you're not a tourist—you're temporarily a Denverite. You borrow their neighborhood coffee shop. You figure out which Whole Foods has the better hot bar. You learn that the alley behind their house is actually a shortcut to the best taco truck in the city.

My most recent swap was in a converted carriage house in Curtis Park. The homeowner left me a handwritten note about her favorite running route along the South Platte River Trail, the name of her dog walker (in case I wanted to borrow her golden retriever for hikes—I absolutely did), and a warning about the neighbor who plays saxophone on his roof every Sunday morning.

That saxophone became the soundtrack to my Denver mornings. Honestly? I think about it all the time.

This is what makes building a bucket list through home swapping so different. You're not checking off tourist attractions from a hotel base. You're living a temporary Denver life while exploring everything this city has to offer.

The Ultimate Denver Bucket List: Outdoor Adventures

Let's start with the obvious, because ignoring Denver's outdoor scene would be like visiting New Orleans and skipping the music.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre (But Not How You Think)

Yes, seeing a concert at Red Rocks is a bucket list experience. The acoustics are otherworldly, the setting is prehistoric, and there's nothing quite like watching your favorite band while surrounded by 300-million-year-old sandstone formations.

But here's my actual recommendation: go when there's no concert.

Early morning at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with a solo figure doing yoga on the stone steps, mist risin

The venue opens at 5 AM for fitness enthusiasts, and running those steps at sunrise is genuinely transformative. I'm not exaggerating. The altitude—6,450 feet at the venue—will humble you, but watching the sun come up over Denver while gasping for breath on row 40 is the kind of experience that stays with you.

Free admission for exercise hours. Concerts range from $50-$200 depending on the artist. Pro tip: the Yoga on the Rocks summer series ($17 per session) sells out fast—book the moment tickets drop.

The Hiking Trifecta Every Denver Visitor Needs

I've done maybe 30 hikes within an hour of Denver. These three keep pulling me back.

Mount Sanitas in Boulder sits 45 minutes from downtown, and this 3.1-mile loop kicks your butt in the best way. The rock scrambling near the summit makes you feel like a mountain goat, and the views of Boulder below are the perfect reward. Difficulty: moderate to hard. Free parking if you arrive before 8 AM.

Chautauqua Park to Royal Arch—also in Boulder (I know, I know, but Boulder is basically Denver's adventure backyard). The 3.4-mile round trip delivers one of the most Instagrammed views in Colorado for good reason. That natural stone arch framing the Flatirons? Unreal. Go early—the parking lot fills by 9 AM on weekends.

Mount Falcon Park is only 25 minutes from downtown and offers easier trails with equally stunning views. The Castle Trail takes you to the ruins of John Brisben Walker's summer home, which burned down in 1918. There's something hauntingly beautiful about those stone walls overlooking Denver. Perfect for a morning hike before brunch.

The South Platte River Trail

This is my favorite Denver secret that isn't actually a secret—locals use it constantly, but tourists somehow miss it entirely.

The paved trail runs 30+ miles through Denver, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and some of the city's best urban scenery. Rent a bike from one of the many B-cycle stations ($9 for a 24-hour pass) and spend a morning riding from Confluence Park through RiNo, past the Pepsi Center, and down toward Chatfield Reservoir.

I once did the entire trail in a single day during a home swap. Started at 7 AM, packed sandwiches from Rosenberg's Bagels, didn't get back until sunset. My legs were destroyed. Worth it.

Denver Bucket List: Food and Drink Experiences

Denver's food scene has evolved dramatically over the past decade. This isn't just steakhouses and green chili anymore—though both still exist in glorious abundance.

The Green Chili Pilgrimage

Speaking of green chili—you cannot leave Denver without doing a proper green chili tour. Non-negotiable.

The debate over Denver's best green chili is heated, ongoing, and will never be resolved. But here's my personal ranking after extensive research:

Overhead shot of a smothered breakfast burrito drowning in green chili, with a side of crispy hash b

Santiago's has multiple locations and it's the drive-through spot that locals swear by. Their breakfast burritos run $4-6 and they're legitimately massive. The green chili is tangy, porky, and has just enough heat to wake you up. Cash only at some locations.

Sam's No. 3 downtown has been a Denver institution since 1927. Their green chili is milder but deeply flavorful, and the diner atmosphere is pure Americana. Expect a wait on weekends.

El Taco de Mexico on Santa Fe Drive is where you go if you want heat. Their green chili has a slow burn that builds with every bite. The al pastor tacos are also exceptional.

The RiNo Food Crawl

RiNo—River North Art District—has become Denver's culinary epicenter. Spending an afternoon eating your way through the neighborhood belongs on every Denver bucket list.

Start at Crema Bodega for coffee that rivals anything in Portland or Brooklyn. Walk to Cart-Driver for wood-fired pizza and natural wine (the pink sauce pie is legendary). Pop into Biju's Little Curry Shop for a quick curry bowl if you need something substantial. End at Ratio Beerworks for local craft beer in a converted garage space.

This crawl will cost you roughly $60-80 and leave you happily stuffed.

Craft Beer Culture

Denver has more craft breweries per capita than almost any American city, and the beer culture here is genuinely impressive.

Great Divide Brewing's Yeti Imperial Stout is a Colorado classic. The taproom downtown has a relaxed vibe and excellent people-watching. Cerebral Brewing is for the hop heads—their hazy IPAs consistently rank among Colorado's best. TRVE Brewing is heavy metal-themed with surprisingly approachable sour beers; the aesthetic is intense, the beer is excellent. And Ratio Beerworks deserves a second mention—their Domestica is a perfect easy-drinking golden ale.

Most taprooms charge $6-8 per pour, flights run $12-16.

Denver Bucket List: Arts and Culture

Denver's cultural scene often gets overlooked, which is a shame because it's genuinely world-class in unexpected ways.

The Denver Art Museum

The building itself is worth the visit—Daniel Libeskind's titanium-clad addition looks like a geometric crystal erupting from downtown. Inside, the Western American art collection is one of the country's best, and the rotating exhibitions are consistently excellent.

General admission: $15. Free for Colorado residents on the first Saturday of each month.

Interior of Denver Art Museum showing dramatic angular architecture with natural light streaming thr

RiNo Street Art Walking Tour

RiNo's murals are constantly evolving, with new works appearing monthly. You could hire a guide ($25-40), but honestly? Just wander. Start at 27th and Larimer and let yourself get lost.

Some pieces to look for: the massive "Love This City" mural on the side of Finn's Manor, the photorealistic portraits along Walnut Street, and whatever's currently covering the walls of the Crush Walls festival zone.

Bring your phone charged. You'll take approximately 400 photos.

The Clyfford Still Museum

This tiny museum houses 95% of Clyfford Still's lifetime output. He was one of the most important Abstract Expressionist painters, and he stipulated that his work could only go to a city willing to build a museum dedicated solely to him. Denver won.

The result is an intimate, meditative experience that's completely different from typical art museum chaos. $10 admission, free on Fridays after 5 PM.

Live Music Beyond Red Rocks

Denver's live music scene extends far beyond the famous amphitheatre.

The Bluebird Theater is a 500-capacity venue in Capitol Hill that books incredible indie and alternative acts—intimate, great sound, reasonable drink prices. Dazzle is Denver's premier jazz club with pristine acoustics, strong cocktails, and legitimate talent; cover charges vary ($10-30). Ophelia's Electric Soapbox is part restaurant, part music venue, part bordello-chic fever dream. The Sunday gospel brunch is a Denver bucket list must.

Denver Bucket List: Neighborhood Exploration

One of the best things about home swapping is that you're placed in a real neighborhood, not a tourist zone. Here's how to explore Denver's best areas like a local.

LoHi (Lower Highlands)

This is where I'd live if I moved to Denver tomorrow. The restaurant scene is exceptional—Linger, Root Down, and Dio Mio are all within walking distance—the architecture is a charming mix of Victorian homes and modern condos, and the views of downtown from the pedestrian bridge are spectacular.

Walk across the Highland Bridge at sunset, grab dinner at Linger (built in a former mortuary—trust me, it's cool), and end with ice cream at Little Man Ice Cream. The giant milk can building is unmissable.

Capitol Hill

Denver's most eclectic neighborhood. LGBTQ+ history, dive bars, bookstores, vintage shops, and some of the city's best people-watching. Colfax Avenue runs through the heart of it, and while it's gritty in places, it's also genuinely interesting.

Browse the Tattered Cover Book Store—one of America's great independent bookstores—grab a drink at Wax Trax Records (yes, the record store has a bar), and catch a show at the Ogden Theatre.

Colorful Victorian homes on a tree-lined street in Capitol Hill, Denver, with a person walking a dog

Wash Park (Washington Park)

This is where Denver's young professionals live, and the neighborhood centers around the beautiful 165-acre park of the same name. Two lakes, miles of running paths, and a flower garden that peaks in June and July.

Rent a paddleboard at the boathouse ($20/hour), run the 2.6-mile loop around the park, and grab brunch at Devil's Food Bakery.

Cherry Creek

Denver's upscale shopping district. Not my usual vibe, but the Cherry Creek Trail that runs through it is excellent, and the neighborhood has some of the city's best spa experiences if you need a recovery day. Walk the trail from downtown, browse the galleries along 2nd Avenue, treat yourself at the Woodhouse Day Spa (massages from $145).

Denver Bucket List: Unique Experiences

These are the experiences that don't fit neatly into categories but absolutely belong on your Denver bucket list.

Denver Biscuit Company's "The Franklin"

This deserves its own section. The Franklin is a fried chicken tender, bacon, and cheese biscuit smothered in gravy, and it's one of the most indulgent breakfast items I've ever eaten. There's usually a line. It's worth it. $14.

Meow Wolf Denver (Convergence Station)

I was skeptical. "Immersive art experience" often means "Instagram trap with no substance." But Meow Wolf Denver genuinely blew my mind. It's a 90,000-square-foot psychedelic playground where you crawl through portals, discover hidden rooms, and completely lose track of time.

Budget 3-4 hours minimum. Tickets are $45 for adults—expensive, but you won't regret it.

Casa Bonita

Okay, hear me out. Casa Bonita is objectively ridiculous—a massive Mexican restaurant with cliff divers, a haunted cave, and South Park-level chaos. The food used to be terrible (think school cafeteria quality). But the South Park creators bought it, renovated it, and reopened it in 2023 with actually good food.

Getting a reservation is nearly impossible—they release tickets online and they sell out instantly—but if you manage to snag one, it's a bucket list experience unlike anything else. Tickets are $40 and include your meal.

The Denver Central Market

This food hall in RiNo is where locals actually eat. Green Seed Salads, Vero Italian, Curio Bar—everything is good. Grab a coffee from Huckleberry Roasters, wander the stalls, settle in for a leisurely lunch.

Sunrise at City Park

City Park is Denver's largest park, and watching the sun rise over the lake with the mountains in the distance is free, beautiful, and something most tourists never do. Bring coffee from your home swap kitchen. Find a bench. Breathe.

Making the Most of Your Denver Home Swap

After multiple home exchanges here, I've learned a few things that'll make your trip smoother.

Location matters more than size. A small apartment in LoHi or Capitol Hill beats a large house in the suburbs every time. You want walkability.

Ask your host about their neighborhood. SwappaHome's messaging system makes this easy—send a note before you arrive asking for their favorite coffee shop, running route, and hidden gem restaurant. Locals know things guidebooks don't.

Embrace the altitude. Denver sits at 5,280 feet, and you'll feel it. Drink more water than you think you need, go easy on alcohol your first night, and don't plan a strenuous hike for day one.

Get a car for mountain day trips. Denver itself is walkable and bikeable, but you'll want wheels for Red Rocks, Boulder, and any serious hiking. Turo rentals often beat traditional agencies.

The weather is weird. I've experienced 70°F sunshine and a snowstorm in the same week. Layer everything. Always have sunscreen—the altitude intensifies UV rays—and a light jacket.

A Final Thought

I started this piece talking about how Denver surprised me, and I want to end there too.

The best bucket list experiences aren't always the famous ones. Yes, see Red Rocks. Yes, eat green chili. Yes, hike something with a view. But also: sit on your borrowed porch and watch the neighborhood wake up. Strike up a conversation with the barista who's been in Denver for twenty years. Take a wrong turn in RiNo and discover a mural that stops you in your tracks.

That's what home swapping in Denver gives you—the space to discover the city on your own terms, at your own pace, in your own temporary home.

My next Denver home swap is already booked. A mid-century modern in Congress Park, three weeks in September. I'll probably add another dozen items to this bucket list.

Some cities you visit once and check off. Denver is a city you keep coming back to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Denver for a home swap?

September and October are ideal—warm days, cool nights, minimal crowds, and stunning fall foliage. Summer (June-August) is peak season with higher demand but also the best weather for mountain activities. Winter appeals to skiers, though city exploration is limited by cold temperatures.

How much money can I save with a home swap in Denver compared to hotels?

A Denver home swap saves approximately $150-300 per night compared to downtown hotels. Two-week stays that would cost $2,800-4,200 in hotels cost only your SwappaHome membership and 14 credits. You'll also save on dining by cooking in your borrowed kitchen—easily another $50-100 daily.

Is Denver a good city for first-time home swappers?

Absolutely. Denver's friendly community, safe neighborhoods, and abundance of available properties on SwappaHome make it perfect for beginners. The walkable neighborhoods mean you won't feel isolated, and the active member base ensures responsive communication. Start with a week-long swap in LoHi or Capitol Hill.

What should I pack for a Denver home swap trip?

Layers for unpredictable weather, comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots if you plan outdoor adventures, high-SPF sunscreen (altitude intensifies sun exposure), and a reusable water bottle for staying hydrated. Denver is casual—leave fancy clothes at home. Bring a light jacket even in summer for cool mountain evenings.

Are there family-friendly Denver bucket list activities?

Denver offers exceptional family-friendly experiences including the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Children's Museum of Denver, and Elitch Gardens theme park. Meow Wolf is suitable for kids 8+, and most hiking trails accommodate families. Home swaps with yards or near parks work best for families with young children.