Places

Denver, Colorado Metro Area

Looking to get outdoors and immerse yourself in nature? The Denver metro area is home to some of the most beautiful natural habitats around! From dry grassland plains to riparian areas along the South Platte River, Cherry Creek and their tributaries, there are plenty of amazing sites for you to explore. You can connect with nature right outside your door! Visit this website for more information about the beautiful plants and wildlife you can find in the midst of the metro area.

shallow river through natural area — South Platte River

Catch Up With Local Plants and Animals in Denver

Majestic Plains Cottonwood Trees

The Plains Cottonwood tree is a large, dominant tree found along stream and river beds…

Cattails

Cattails are plants with long flat leaves that are found in marshy areas around ponds….

American Plum Shrub

The American Plum can grow in either small tree or shrub form. It has…

Willow Spring Open Space

Discover the hidden secrets of Willow Spring Open Space! Take a fresh look at nature with every season, find out what birds you can spot in your neighborhood and identify native plants by sight. An exciting adventure awaits!

White Blooms in the Colorado Plains

Here are some of the plants with white blooms that can be found in the…

Mallards

Mallards are ducks which frequently are seen in pairs. That’s helpful, because the female…

Blue Mustard flowers

Blue Mustard plants are annual herbs that are among the earliest blooms in the Willow…

Colorado Mountain Forests

Experience the magical forests of Colorado’s mountains. You can expect a wealth of beauty, from majestic pine trees to serene aspen woods. Explorers will find plenty to admire in each season with varied blooms such as pink wild geraniums and blue columbines providing bright spots of color on the ground, while birds can be heard overhead. Read up to learn about the unique wildlife and wildflowers in the wonderful mountain forests.

Blue and white flower among green trees — Colorado Blue Columbine

Explore nature in the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains

The Importance of Native Plants

Native Plants are those plants that have evolved to live in a certain place and…

Red-tailed Hawks

If you see a large bird soaring above the Willow Spring Open Space, chances are…

Brown owl with prominent feathers sticking up like horns

Wise and Wonderful Great Horned Owls

Great Horned Owls are surprisingly hard to find given that they are so large. …

valley in mountains with small town along river — Bailey – nestled in the Platte River Valley – view from Mt. Bailey

Bailey

Come explore the mountain town of Bailey, Colorado! At 7,700 feet above sea level in the Platte River valley and just 40 miles southwest of Denver, it’s a great launching point for your outdoor mountain adventures. Whether you’re looking to hike on stunning trails or snowshoe and cross-country ski in wintertime, there’s something for everyone here. In between adventures, visit local restaurants, shops, brewpub and winery too!