The Best Denver Disc Golf Courses for Beginners
These 14 free disc golf courses in the Denver metro area are perfect for new players. Plus: the rules and etiquette you need to know.
Pressure Point
A letter from the editor of 5280.
Plan the Perfect Summer Day Trip to Pueblo
A little less than two hours from Denver, the Steel City of the West has more than enough charm to fill this 12-hour itinerary.
9 of Colorado’s Greatest Eating Challenges
Channel your inner Joey Chestnut—the competitive eater who won his 15th Nathan’s hot dog–eating contest last month—to tackle these gigantic dishes, from six-pound burritos to 14-pound pizzas.
Denver’s Top Doctors 2022
For nearly 30 years, 5280 has asked physicians in the Denver area whom they would trust to treat themselves or a loved one. The following 343 doctors—in 100 specialties—were nominated by their peers this year.
3 Late Summer Events for the Design Lover
A new fabric collection, a local architect’s new documentary, and a can’t-miss house tour.
Beer Students at MSU Denver Are Getting a $1 Million Equipment Upgrade
The new Charlie Papazian Brewing Education Lab, set to open in 2023, is named for the ‘godfather’ of homebrewing and one of the driving forces behind the craft beer movement.
21 of Denver’s Best Craft Breweries
From award-winning taprooms to themed watering holes, here are our favorite breweries within the city limits.
Need a Backcountry Guide? There’s an App for That
The VRBO of adventure guides, 57hours is a platform built for those with outdoor escapades in mind.
The Best Colorado Hard Seltzer for Every Vibe
Local breweries are getting into the hard seltzer game in a big way, so we sampled gallons of the bubbly beverages to bring you this list of the best Colorado hard seltzers in a variety of categories.
16 of the Best Northern Colorado Breweries
From Greeley to Fort Collins to Loveland, venture up north to sip some of Colorado’s best craft beers.
Brewability’s New Dance Floor Lets Everyone Groove to the Beat
The brewery and pizza joint, which employs adults with disabilities, unveils a new vibrating dance floor as their newest inclusive innovation.
I Conquered a Via Ferrata—Then Wondered if I Should Have
Iron paths are popping up across the state to thrillseekers’ delight—and it’s both a good and bad thing.
Ice Cream Trucks are Back in Aurora. Here’s Where to Find Them
Aurora just lifted it’s 65-year ban on ice cream trucks. Here’s the scoop on how to snag a sweet treat in and around the city.
Inside the Denver Zoo’s Effort to Save Colorado’s Rare Boreal Toad
The Denver Zoo has partnered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to replenish an ailing population of boreal toads in the state by breeding adult toads then releasing their tadpoles into the wild. Over several months, 5280 followed along to document the zoo’s journey to conserve the Centennial State’s only high-elevation amphibian.
Uproot Teas Wants to Change the Way We Consume the Brew
Cindy Li, founder of Boulder-based Uproot Teas, is committed to selling loose-leaf teas sourced directly from farms that pay their employees an equitable wage.
10 Years After His Son Was Murdered in the Aurora Theater Massacre, Tom Sullivan’s Work Is Still Not Finished
Alex Sullivan was killed in the 2012 shooting, along with 11 others. His father, Tom, subsequently began a career in state politics focusing on issues related to gun violence and safety. In an interview, Sullivan talked about losing his son, the challenges of passing gun-violence legislation, and whether or not Alex would approve of Tom’s musical tastes.
Denver Has Had an Assault Weapons Ban Since 1989—but Does It Work?
The city of Boulder recently passed new gun control laws, including an assault weapons ban, but most people likely don’t know that Denver has one of the older assault weapons bans in the country.
Behind the Denver Metro Area’s Asian-Cajun Fusion Trend
Savor the cuisine—which melds Louisiana shellfish boils with Southeast Asian ingredients and techniques—at restaurants such as Lafayette’s Casian Seafood and Greenwood Village’s Tea+.
Meet Hard Candy Dancers, the Denver-Based Burlesque Company Empowering Audiences at Five Nines
Marquette Carrington and her troupe of more than 40 dancers promote confidence through burlesque and aerial performances around the metro area. 5280 went behind the scenes at their latest residency at Cherry Creek’s new upscale bar.
This Renovated Steamboat Springs Office Proves More Color Is Better
Interior designers Lindsey Jamison and Valerie Stafford reimagine a tired office for a client with a taste for vibrance.
NFTs are the New, Cool Craft Beer Collectibles
As Denver craft beer companies explore the world of non-fungible tokens, here’s what you need to know.
Food Prices Keep Rising. Here’s How to Save at the Checkout Line
Inflation has reached historic rates, and food is more costly than ever. Here are a few tips to keep costs down at the grocery store.
9 of Colorado’s Best New Mountain Bike Trails
Whether you’ve just discovered the two-wheeled bliss of mountain biking or consider yourself a seasoned singletracker, there’s tons of fun to be found on Colorado’s newest trails.
Want to Compete in the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships?
The annual competition draws the best-of-the-best in a range of off-road disciplines, but the actual entry requirements are relatively lax. With this year’s event going down at Winter Park, is it time for you to step up to the challenge?
Meet the Man Bringing Traditional South Korean Eats to Colorado
Over the last 15 years, J.W. Lee of Mono Mono Korean Fried Chicken has opened nearly a dozen restaurants inspired by his homeland.
Take Your Yard Game Skills to Denver’s First Kan Jam World League Tournament
Competitive Kan Jam, aka discflect, is a thing, and you can try your disc-flicking hand at the growing sport at the Kan Jam World League tournament in RiNo on Saturday.
Nearly Three Weeks After The Fall of Roe, Colorado Abortion Clinics are Seeing the Fallout
Local abortion providers have noticed immediate impacts—and worry about the long-term repercussions.
Behind A Boulder Food Truck’s Mission to Create a Less Wasteful, More Resilient Food System
Farm Eats Direct serves seasonal dishes made from locally sourced excess food.
Does Colorado Have a Mega Music Festival Curse?
When Arise Music Festival bit the dust in May, it joined a long list of vanquished predecessors. The grim joke is that Colorado has a music festival curse, but paranormal speculation aside, what’s really going on here?
Everything You Need to Know About Denver’s E-Bike Rebate Program
Applications are now open (again) for the city of Denver’s e-bike rebate program. Here, a guide to e-bike basics, as well as what you should know before investing in one.
The Novice’s Guide to eFoiling in Colorado
Want to catch a wave but don’t have a boat to make one? eFoiling—essentially motorized wakeboarding—is the newest, coolest way to do it.
Colorado Public Radio’s May Ortega Launches a Podcast Highlighting the Everyday Lives of Latinos
The podcast—two-and-a-half years in the making—focuses on the lives of people in the Latino, Hispanic, and Chicano communities. 5280 caught up with Ortega to learn more about ¿Quién Are We?
15 of Colorado’s Best Hotel Bars
Whether you’re planning a getaway or just want to explore your own neighborhood, here are our favorite spots to grab a drink inside Centennial State hotels.
Downhome Cooking, Community Are the Draw at this Family Eatery in Bailey
Rustic Station is one of three restaurants in the petite Park County city, located about 45 minutes from Denver.
How to Throw a Chic and Chill Summer Party
Calli Swofford, proprietor of Berkeley boutique Miller Lane Mercantile, shares her favorite ways to throw together an easy summer night gathering—with a fresh-from-the-farmer’s-market menu, laid-back tablescape, and, of course, plenty of chilled rosé.
The Denver Family That’s Honoring Its Heritage—While Growing Its Businesses
The husband, wife, and daughter behind Lakota Body Care and Corn Maiden Designs make authentic Native goods for everyone.
A New Denver Facility Provides People Experiencing Homelessness a Place to Recover
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’ first-of-its-kind respite care center offers a safe space to recover—while cutting down on health care costs.
How to Make Your Old Bike Ride Like New
Cycling legend Lennard Zinn shares tips and tricks for upfitting your bike.
How Frank Day Built a Food & Beverage Empire in Colorado
From founding the Old Chicago pizzeria chain to revitalizing the Hotel Boulderado, 90-year-old Frank Day has been operating restaurants for more than 50 years—and he isn’t slowing down just yet.
Is Van Life Actually Any Fun?
A rented camper van, 2,500 miles, and 10 days exploring the abyss between Instagram fantasies and open-road reality.
Marshall Fire Survivors Tell Coloradans What They Need to Know to Protect Themselves
Six months after the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history ripped through the Boulder suburbs, we checked in with those who experienced the tragedy. They told us what they’ve learned—and what they think other Centennial Staters should know.
How Do You Rebuild Your Life After Losing Everything in the Marshall Fire?
Stories of love, loss, and perseverance in the face of disaster.
Should Colorado Parents Think Twice Before Sending Their Kids to Wilderness Therapy?
Each year, hundreds of Colorado teens end up in wilderness therapy programs—but should recent calls for reform give parents pause?
Inside the Organized Crime Ring That Stole Nearly $1 Million Worth of Bikes From Denver Retailers
“Operation Vicious Cycle” allegedly hit local bike shops over and over—making off to Mexico with retailers’ rides.
A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Bigfoot in Colorado
We asked a Bigfoot hunting expert (yes, they exist) to share a few squatch-scouting skills to help track the elusive giant.
3 Top-Notch Photography Shows for Local Shutterbugs to See This Summer
Local artists to Georgia O’Keeffe all shine in these exhibitions coming to Colorado.
Top of the Town 2022: Sports, Outdoors & Fitness
Colorado boasts some of the most beautiful and exciting landscapes in the world. These makers and shops will help you experience them all.
Back on Top
A letter from the editor of 5280.
Top of the Town 2022: Shopping
Furniture from the far corners of the globe, plants for the house, and threads and accessories that showcase your style.
Top of the Town 2022: Services
Make every day “Treat Yo Self Day” by relaxing in Colorado’s most epic spa or turning your nails into works of art.
Top of the Town 2022: Culture & Nightlife
Whether you’ve only got time for happy hour or you need a night on the town—we’ve got you covered.
Top of the Town 2022: Dining
From fine French fare to a chicken joint that burns so good, these restaurants are serving up the best bites in Denver right now.
10 Summer Reads Chosen By Tattered Cover Book Store Experts
These new or upcoming releases—some by Western writers, others set in the American West—should be on the table next to your poolside lounge.
Bridge House’s Community Table Kitchen Provides Work-Readiness Training for Those Experiencing Homelessness
The nonprofit, which runs four social enterprise food operations, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Will the Rainbow Gathering Run Roughshod Over Colorado’s Public Lands?
The Rainbow Family will celebrate their 50th anniversary in Colorado, where it all started, while Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests land managers braces for their impact.
What Would Continued La Niña Conditions Mean for Colorado Weather?
As we approach what would typically be monsoon season in the Centennial State, the ongoing La Niña weather pattern we’ve been experiencing is looking as if it will stay put. That could mean worsening drought conditions across Colorado and the Southwest.
Hanging Lake Is Finally Open Again. Here’s What to Expect
The iconic body of water in Glenwood Canyon has had a rough few years, but White River National Forest officials say hikers are again welcome—with a permit—and things are looking up for Colorado’s favorite travertine lake.
It May Be Time for a Permanent Fire Ban. Don’t @ Me.
Campfires are great, but one Coloradan dares to ask, “Are they really worth it?”
Colorado 2022 Primary Election Results: Republicans Spurn Election Deniers (Mostly)
Ganahl to challenge Polis for Governor; O’Dea will face Bennet for a U.S. Senate seat; Caraveo and Kirkmeyer to square off in the state’s new 8th congressional district; and other highlights from Tuesday’s election in the Centennial State.
How to Eat Like A Mexico City–Born Chef in Denver
Zuri Resendiz, the chef behind the new Luchador food truck, shares his favorite Mexican restaurants in the Mile High City and tips on how to eat tacos like a pro.
12 of Denver’s Best Spots for Modern Mexican Eats
Get out of your comfort zone with chef-driven takes on classic fare, from goat cheese enchiladas to chipotle-crab-crested guacamole.
The Ultimate List of Denver’s Top Tacos
We’ve got what you want: 54 of the city’s best tacos.
Never Been to a Neveria? Here’s What You’ll Find
These Mexican ice cream shops have much more to their menus than the name suggests.
New Bayer Center Honors the Father of Aspen’s Art Scene
The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies opened its doors on June 26 as a center for the study of art and culture. The center honors the man behind the mountain town’s distinct design and renowned art scene.
Colorado Avalanche Defeat Tampa Bay Lightning To Win Stanley Cup
After failing to close out the Bolts in Denver on Friday, the Avs won 2-1 to bring home the franchise’s third NHL Championship and first since 2001.
Denver’s Department of Public Safety Defends the City’s Response to Homeless Encampments
Critics argue the city’s Street Enforcement Team, which was created by the Denver City Council last year, isn’t much different from the police. Armando Saldate, who helms the city’s Department of Public Safety, says that’s not the case.
The Best Japanese Fare in Denver, According to A Tokyo-Born Food Historian
Gil Asakawa—author of Tabemasho! Let’s Eat: A History of Japanese Food in America—dishes on his favorite places to eat sushi, ramen, and other Japanese staples in the Mile High City and beyond.
5 Don’t-Miss Events at This Week’s Aspen Ideas Festival
The Aspen Ideas Festival may be known as a confab for the global elite, but anyone can attend—and tickets are still available.
Telluride-Based Mountain Trip Makes Guided Ski Trips Down Denali a Reality
After years of petitioning the National Park Service, Mountain Trip led its first unroped ski descent from the summit of North America’s tallest peak earlier this month.
What Does Your Denver Area Code Say About You?
Not a lot—unless it’s 303.
