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Running in Denver

The Mile High City rewards runners with 300 days of sunshine, mountain views, and some of the most outdoor-obsessed running culture in the country.

Temp Range

15°F to 95°F — wide range, mostly sunny

Altitude

5,280ft — expect to slow down at first

Best Season

September–October (crisp perfection)

Seasonal Gear Guide

Winter (Dec-Feb)

20-45°F

Cold, snowy, but 300+ sunny days means many clear winter runs

What to wear:

Thermal base layerInsulated jacketRunning tightsGlovesBeanie

💡 Snow melts fast at altitude. Cherry Creek Trail is often runnable days after a snowstorm thanks to sun and dry air.

Spring (Mar-May)

35-65°F

Variable — warm days and late snow possible

What to wear:

Layers you can removeLight wind jacketShorts or tights depending on day

💡 Denver spring is unpredictable. Check the forecast — a warm Thursday can become a snow day by Saturday.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

65-95°F

Warm mornings, hot afternoons, afternoon thunderstorms

What to wear:

Singlet or short sleeveRunning shortsSunscreen (high UV at altitude)Hydration vest

💡 Start before 7am to beat heat and afternoon storms. UV is intense at 5,280ft — wear SPF 50+.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

35-70°F

Crisp, sunny, perfect — best running season

What to wear:

Light layersShort or long sleeveShorts or tights

💡 September and October are the best running months in Denver. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, stunning foliage in the mountains nearby.

Popular Running Routes

Cherry Creek Trail

40 mi

Denver's backbone trail — flat, paved, runs from downtown through the suburbs

Washington Park Loop

2.6 mi

Popular neighborhood park with a flat loop and frequent runners at all hours

Sloan's Lake Loop

2.8 mi

Flat lakeside loop with mountain views on clear days

Platte River Trail

15 mi

Connects downtown to the suburbs along the river — varied and scenic

Denver Running Tips

  • •Altitude Adjustment: New to Denver? Expect your easy pace to feel like a tempo for the first 1-2 weeks. Slow down, hydrate more, and be patient — you'll adapt.
  • •UV is No Joke: At 5,280ft you're getting significantly more UV radiation. Wear SPF 50+ on any run over 30 minutes, even on cloudy days.
  • •Afternoon Storms: Summer thunderstorms roll in fast between 2-5pm. Start early, and if you see dark clouds over the mountains, head back.
  • •Trail Access: You're 30 minutes from serious mountain trails. Red Rocks, Mount Falcon, and Waterton Canyon are worth the drive for weekend long runs.

Denver Essential Gear

High-SPF Running Sunscreen

$15-25

Hydration Vest

$60-120

Altitude Running Buff/Gaiter

$20-35

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