ON WAYS TO STAY COOL,
9 free or cheap ways to cool off this summer around Denver
Record-high temperatures continue to roll in across the state this week and possibly into the weekend. And the official start of summer hasn’t even arrived, meaning more potential record-breaking heat awaits. Best to have a cooling-down plan at the ready.
Tuesday hit a new daily record high of 101 degrees in Denver, the warmest since 1993. The previous record for
June 15 was 97 degrees.
On Tuesday, the city of Denver announced it was opening 10 free cooling centers for anyone looking for relief from extreme temperatures: Athmar Recreation Center, Eisenhower Recreation Center, Montclair Recreation Center, Highland Recreation Center, Platt Park Recreation Center, Cook Park Recreation Center, Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center, Carla Madison Recreation Center, Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center and Rude Recreation Center. The centers were scheduled to remain open through Thursday.
Temperatures also are expected to reach into the 90s by mid-week and lasting into next weekend, but are not forecast to approach 100 degrees. City officials haven’t mentioned keeping the cooling centers open in more moderate summer heat. Watch for updates at denvergov.org.
Here are some other free or cheap ways to stay cool while still having fun on the hot days of summer.
Public outdoor pools
Despite pool closings due to lifeguard shortages this summer, there are still options for days spent poolside. On June 7, Denver Parks and Recreation reopened eight outdoor pools including those at Barnum Park, Eisenhower and Harvard Gulch. They are all open to the public for lap swimming, open swim, swim lessons and aquatic fitness through Aug. 14. Times for each activity vary; entry is first-come, first-served. General admission for all activities is $2 and free to Mydenver, Mydenver PRIME, Silver Sneakers and Renew Active members. For more information regarding hours, restrictions and daily schedules, visit denvergov.org.
Plan a (lake) beach day
The beaches in Colorado might not have white sands and salty waves, but that’s not to say they aren’t worthy of a day trip. Carter Lake in Loveland is open to the public with options for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and boating. The cost for entry is $9 per vehicle. 4011 S. County Road
31, Loveland, larimer.org
Grand Lake, northwest of Boulder, boasts iconic views of the Rockies. The beach includes a grassy area, sand and a dock for private or rental boats. Enjoy a family-friendly day of swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and picnicking. Nearby camping opportunities are available for those interested in making this trip a weekend getaway. The Grand Lake Town Beach and Dock is on the north side of the lake at 828-1120 Lake Ave. gograndlake.com
Hike a shaded trail
Many of Colorado’s trails are known
for winding through vast open spaces, grassy meadows and rocky canyons. Some, however, provide natural shade on a hot day.
Panorama Point to Bear Creek Trail Loop is a 3.1-mile trip near Kittredge that is rated moderate on the Alltrails website and app. The elevation gain of this frequented forest trek is 652 feet, there’s a river to enjoy and the trail ends with panoramic views. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must remain on a leash at all times. The trailhead is located at Heaven Ridge Trail in Evergreen.
For a more challenging hike, visit Green Mountain Loop in Boulder. This 6.1-mile loop starts in Chautauqua Park, and is rated hard on Alltrails. Due to the level of difficulty, dogs are not allowed. Pay to park at Chautauqua Park, Ninth Street and Baseline Road in Boulder.
Note: To avoid the heat and an overcrowded parking lot, it’s best to arrive early.
Keep in mind that not all portions of these trails are shaded. Wear sunscreen and a hat to prevent sunburn and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Tour Hammond’s Candies
When Carl T. Hammond quit school to work as an apprentice in a candy factory in 1913, his dream of a successful storefront along the Platte River had yet to be born. Seven years later, Hammond established Hammond’s Candy Co. in Denver, where the first original candy, Carl’s Honey Ko Kos, was created. Today, you can visit and tour Hammond’s newest location, where 4,000 pounds of its world-famous candy is produced daily. The tours are free but do require booking an online reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-in tours are based on availability. 5735 Washington St., Denver; 303-3335588
Go tubing in St. Vrain Creek
St. Vrain Creek is a great location for an affordable day of family fun spent tubing. Park at the St. Vrain Creek parking lot and walk down to the creek with your tube. Spend the day floating or making an adventure of the rushing water. Whitewater Tubing and Recreation in Boulder offers tube rentals for $17 per day or you can buy your own for $19.99 at Big 5 Sporting Goods or other stores. Tubing in St. Vrain Creek is not advised for children ages 13 and younger. Boston Avenue, Longmont
Visit an art gallery
Denver is home to many great art museums, including the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s showing “Keith Haring: Grace House Mural,” an iconic ’80s-street-art-style mural. The exhibition originally appeared at Grace House, a Catholic youth center in Manhattan.
Tour the exhibit, among others, right in the heart of downtown Denver between noon and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon and 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The exhibit is showing until Aug. 22.
General admission is $10, and entry is $7 for students, teachers and seniors. It’s free to some visitors (see the website for details). 1485 Delgany St., Denver; mcadenver.org
Go paddleboarding
Combine cooling off with a workout by paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park. The best spot for water recreation is at Gravel Pond, where many balanced members of the community spend their time afloat. Rent a paddleboard nearby at 5280 Paddle Sports for $25 an hour, $35 for two hours, or $65 for four hours. Park entry is $10 for the day or opt to buy an annual state park pass for $80. The main entrance
is located 1 mile south of C-470 on Wadsworth. Enter the park on the left at the traffic light. There is a brown park sign at the entrance.
Dogs are not allowed in the water at Gravel Pond but there is a dog park at the north end of the park where dogs can run off leash and play in the water. cpw.state.co.us
Try an aguas frescas
In Mexico, they call it aguas frescas. The literal translation is “fresh waters” but there’s more to this drink than just pure H2O. At Neveria La Mexicana, they’re serving up aguas frescas for less than $5. These colorful drinks come in a variety of fruity and refreshing flavors, including sandía (watermelon) and cucumber lime. The menu at Neveria La Mexicana also includes a double scoop of helado (ice cream) for $3.99. For days and hours of operation, see yelp.com/biz/ neveria-la-mexicana-denver-2. 7506 E. 36th Ave., Denver and 9509 E. Colfax Ave.
Tour the state Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol isn’t just a place for government offices and politicians. Now open again to the public for tours, it’s also a great place to cool off indoors while polishing your knowledge of Colorado’s rich history. This magnificent building is home to the Colorado General Assembly and the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor and treasurer. The tour is free and admission is firstcome, first-served. Tours are at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily. 200 E. Colfax Ave.
Fun fact: The 13th step of the Capitol’s west steps marks 1 mile above sea level. (It was originally believed that the 15th step marked 5,280 feet, which was engraved with, “One Mile Above Sea Level.”)
Tours will not be available on Thursday, June 24, Friday, June 25, and Monday, July 5, due to staffing issues.