Denver walk – Union Station, Photo supplied
| Start/Finish | Category | Distance | Estimated Walking Time |
| Denver Union Station / Cathedral Basilica | Tourism | 3.1 km | 45 min* |
Summary
This hike explores some of Denver’s most popular tourist attractions such as the historic Larimer Square, Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capitol Building.
Public transport
Catch a train to Denver Union Station.
Directions
Starting point – Denver Union Station
The Denver walk begins outside the historic Denver Union Station on Wynkoop St. The station is the main transportation hub in Denver and dates back to 1881 when it was first opened. The station consists of a historic terminal building, an open-air train hall and a bus and light rail station.
From Union Station head in a south westerly direction down Wynkoop St and then left down 16th St Mall. Continue down 16th St Mall and then right down Larimer St.
At the end of Larimer St is Larimer Square. Larimer Square is part of Denver’s first designated local historic district. If you feel like a break this is a great place to explore the local eateries while taking in Denver’s heritage architecture.
Larimer St, Denver
Image: Larimer Street, Denver, photo supplied
At the end end of Larimer St turn left down 14th St. Walk past the Colorado Convention Centre continuing to the end of 14th St. Cross over W Colfax Ave and down Bannock St where you will pass Denver’s City and County Building. The building, which is Greek revival in style was built in 1932 and faces the west end of Civic Center Park.
From here walk through Civic Center Park towards the Colorado State Capitol building located near the western end of the park. The building, which is intentionally reminiscent of the US capitol building was constructed in the 1890’s from Colorado white granite. It has a distinctive gold dome on top. Serving as the beginning of the Capitol Hill district, the building sits slightly higher than the rest of downtown Denver providing a great vantage point to take in the rocky mountains.
Colorado State Capitol Building, Denver
Image: Colorado State Capitol Building, photo supplied by Sarbjit Bahga
Finish – Cathedral Basilica
From the state capitol building cross over E Colfax Ave in an easterly direction until you reach the Cathedral Basilica where the walk ends. The church, which was completed in 1911 is French Gothic in style and is located on the corner of Logan st and Colfax Avenue.
From the Cathedral it is just a short walk to the central business district. Alternatively, you can catch a bus back to the Union Station.
Cathedral Basilica, Denver
Image: Cathedral Basilica, Denver, Photo supplied
Denver walk – GPX file
To access to the GPX file for this walk click on the download button below.
Information on GPX files and how to import them into Google Maps on your phone can be found here.
Denver walk – Map
Start – Outside Denver Union Station
- Denver Union Station
- Larimer Square
- Colorado Convention Centre
- Denver City and County Building
- Civic Center Park
- Colorado State Capitol
- Cathedral Basilica
End- Cathedral Basilica
