Best Vistas for Fireworks: Denver, CO

The Fourth of July is a time to gather friends and family together for that most American of pastimes: watching things explode. It may take some time for us to work out our proclivity for things that boom, and there’s no better place to reflect on human nature with a beer and a buddy than some windswept pinnacle or an inner-city, outdoor outpost with a view of the city skyline and the spectacle that occurs every year when we celebrate our independence from tyranny. We Americans take our independence very seriously, and the West’s biggest cities are no exception. Here are some of the best places to relax and catch the show.

There are three shows in Denver, and all of them take place in the downtown core. Elitch Gardens sets off at 10 p.m., Green Valley Ranch hosts a show that starts around 9:30 p.m. and the Colorado Rockies host a fireworks game at Coors Field. All of these shows would be spectacular from the mountains due west of downtown Denver, and viewpoints in that area should give a vantage of all three displays.

• The Lookout Mountain Trail offers fantastic views of the Denver metropolitan area, and being due west of the city, should be an ideal viewing location.
• William F Hayden Green Park, located just southwest of the downtown core, is relatively clear of foliage that might obstruct the view. Given its proximity, it would be wise to arrive early for the best spots.
• North Table Mountain Park’s 15 miles of trails and wide open spaces northwest of the  city, offer stunning vistas of downtown Denver.
• Castle Trail is an alternative to the southwest with beautiful views of the city skyline, albeit somewhat distant.