Outdoor Activities in Aurora, CO

HORSEBACK RIDING

Located inside Cherry Creek State Park, discover the Colorado wilderness differently with 12 Mile Stables. Open year-round; visitors can enjoy more than 3,000 acres of open space as they wander along 27 miles of riding trails. Perfect for groups, riders can choose their own adventure with one to two-hour-long rides in different parts of the state park. For families, book a pony ride to introduce your little ones to the love of riding. Pairing dinner and riding is always a good idea. Couples and adults are welcome to try their Sunset and Dinner rides which include BBQ beef brisket, chicken, and more homestyle foods on the open range. Explore this blog for more horseback riding locations around Colorado.

WATER SPORTS

Soak up the sun on a sailboat or head out for paddleboard yoga at dusk. Quincy Reservoir is best for kayaking and canoeing, just bring your own. The Aurora Reservoir has on-site paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals. Visitors can also use non-motorized boats on the waters. If you’re looking for tubing, water skiing, and more – head over to Cherry Creek State Park. They have on-site paddleboard, kayak, canoe, and boat rentals. Check out this blog for more water activities including pools and lazy rivers.

WILDLIFE VIEWING

Vast prairies and mountain vistas are home to native creatures and mammals in Aurora. Located in the High Plains, Aurora’s elevation plays a key role in the habitat for many animals. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge has more than 15,000 acres of protected land for viewing bison, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, and more! Read this blog to discover other wildlife viewing places.

GOLF

Nothing’s better than a day on the course. We’ve hand-selected five outstanding Aurora golf courses bound to challenge your game while showcasing some of Colorado’s finest views. Murphy Creek Golf Course is the ideal combination of taking a step back in time but bringing along all the modern amenities we’ve come to love. The wide-open spaces are what keep golfers coming back. Springhill Golf Course is an 18-hole course comprised of short and walkable holes, is perfect for the casual golfer or the early learner. Read this blog about more golf courses in Aurora.

BIKING

Aurora is home to hundreds of paved and semi-paved bike trails. Discover popular locations for riding or even walking. The Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a hidden gem – 28+ miles of paved biking trail that runs from Aurora, Denver, and Commerce City. Start near the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge and connect to the South Platte Trail. Uncover more bike trails with this blog.

FISHING

Cast your line at a few places in and around Aurora. Home to three separate reservoirs (and two locations that are seasonally stocked with native fish), you’ll find what you’re looking for. Quincy Reservoir is well known among metro-area anglers for trout, largemouth bass, perch, and crappie. This calm, locally loved reservoir has a soft pack walking trail and is stocked with fish every season. The Aurora Reservoir has clear blue water and white sand beaches (no joke!). Enjoy fishing in the spring, summer, and early fall in this stocked location. Cherry Creek Reservoir is 880-acres of freshwater and is home to a diverse population fish of and creatures.

HIKING

Discover Aurora’s natural landscapes and Rocky Mountain views on a number of these hikes. Wetlands Loop & Creekside Trail at Star K Ranch give visitors a good sense of Aurora’s natural prairies. Or head out on the Piney Creek Trail, a 10-mile semi-paved trail located in the southern portion of Cherry Creek State Park. Check out this blog for more Aurora hikes. Read this blog for more hikes in Aurora and beyond.

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