Hit a Mile High in Denver

Three places to go a mile high in Denver

By Mindy Sink

Staff Writer

Rockies.com

Mile High Step in Denver. Courtesy Visit Denver.

DENVER, Colorado (Rockies.com) – In Denver you can reach a mile high elevation all over the city, but there are three designated places to enjoy the 5,280 feet above sea level altitude.

The most well-known mile high location is on the steps of the gold-domed Colorado Capitol Building in downtown Denver. There have been a few different measurements taken over the last 100 or so years, so there are three steps on the building’s western side that proclaim “One Mile High Above Sea Level.” From here you get a view of Denver’s Civic Center Park and the snow-capped Rocky Mountain Front Range to the west.

Next stop is Coors Field in Denver’s hip LoDo neighborhood (short for lower downtown). The ballpark has a distinctive row of purple seats at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. Why purple? The team colors are purple, white and black and some say Colorado’s mountains have a purplish hue. These may not be the best seats in the house to see the game, but during those long innings the mile high view at sunset can be sensational.

The newest addition is the Mile High Loop, a 5k trail with markers that show when you hit the mile high elevation along the natural contours. The path is open to joggers, pedestrians and cyclists. Insider tip: Even while doing this minimal urban hiking in Denver, always remember to drink more water at altitude and pack plenty of sunscreen.

All three places to go a mile high in Denver offer a different experience for people of all ages and interests.