Just moved to Denver, or getting back into it after a while? These groups are beginner-friendly and welcoming — no need to be fast, experienced, or know a soul.
Colorado Mountain Club — Denver Group
Year-round, member-led — trips almost every day, weekends & holidays
Rotating Front Range & statewide trailheads
Hundreds of pace-graded trips a year on the Denver Group calendar; membership-based.
Thursdays, 6:15pm · rotating trailhead each week
Rotating foothills trailheads (announced on Facebook)
No sign-up — just show up. Location posted weekly in the Facebook group.
Mercuria Running (HTB Run Club)
Wednesdays, 6:30pm · free 5k or 10k from the Highlands
Highland Tap & Burger, 2219 W. 32nd Ave, Denver
All year, all paces; food and drink specials after. Waiver required.
Wednesdays, 6pm · 60–90 min A and B group rides
New Image Brewing taproom, 9505 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge
Two pace groups (A and B); cancellations posted on the shop page and Strava.
Colorado Front Range Cross-Country Ski Club
Winter · trail and backcountry tours, nordic-center outings, clinics
Rotating Front Range & mountain nordic destinations
Outings geared to multiple skill/fitness levels; clinics and hut trips too.
Year-round, frequent · free member field trips across the region
Rotating Front Range & eastern-plains birding sites
Beginners welcome; trips led by experienced members. Membership is inexpensive.
Colorado Mountain Club — Denver Group
Winter season — classroom sessions plus field tours
American Mountaineering Center, Golden + field trips
Teaches backcountry travel on nordic/AT gear; pairs with avalanche training.
Sunday mornings · rotating trailhead each week
Rotating foothills trailheads (announced on Facebook)
Start time and location vary weekly — check the Facebook group before heading out.
Tuesdays, 5:30pm · relaxed pace at Deer Creek
Deer Creek Canyon Park, Littleton
Weekly LGBTQ+ runs/walks · all paces and abilities
Washington Park & rotating Denver locations
Check the club site/Facebook for the current weekly schedule and meet spots.
Runners Roost (Belmar Run Club)
Weekly · casual 5k fun run with a post-run raffle
Runners Roost, Belmar, Lakewood
Free and social; confirm the weekday/time with the Lakewood store.
Regular member training runs + a low-cost race series
Rotating Denver-area parks & trails
One of Denver’s oldest clubs; races are member-discounted.
Saturdays, 9am (summer) / 10am (winter) · 20–30 mi no-drop
Adventure Cycling, 4361 S Parker Rd, Aurora
Truly no-drop — the group stays together; relaxed, social pace.
Year-round volunteer-led rides at every distance & pace
Rotating start points around Denver
Recreational, commuter, and social rides; see the club ride calendar.
COMBA — Colorado Mountain Bike Association
Seasonal group rides incl. ladies’ rides & VIDA events
Front Range trail systems (see calendar)
Check the COMBA calendar for the current ride schedule.
COMBA — Colorado Mountain Bike Association
Spring–fall dig days · 7,000+ volunteer hours a year
Rotating Front Range trail projects (6 counties)
No experience needed — tools and instruction provided.
Daily rope & bouldering · regular intro and learn-to-climb classes
Movement RiNo / Baker / Englewood / Golden
Day passes and memberships; classes and youth programs at each gym.
Thursdays, 6pm · meet partners and climb together
Movement Englewood
Friendly all-levels meetup; gym entry (pass or membership) required.
Tuesdays, 6pm · meet partners and climb together
Movement Baker, Denver
Gym entry required; great for newcomers looking for a community.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Winter · free eLearning + in-person awareness events statewide
Online + rotating Front Range venues
The starting point before backcountry travel; pairs with a hands-on AIARE course.
Near-monthly · class time plus a field outing
Audubon Nature Center, Littleton + field sites
Beginning Birdwatching course runs each spring and fall migration.
First Wednesday monthly · social hour, business, featured speaker
American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St, Golden
Free and open to the public; confirm start time on the chapter site.
Monthly meetings at Five Points + river/habitat projects
Venture X — Five Points, 2590 Welton St, Denver
Everyone welcome; see the DTU calendar for meeting dates and conservation work.
Spring–summer · multi-session intro to whitewater kayaking
Front Range pools/rivers (Denver metro)
Volunteer-run school; pool sessions then progression onto moving water.
Summer lake/reservoir paddles · winter indoor roll sessions
Area lakes & reservoirs + winter pools (Denver)
ACA membership required; $10 insurance fee lets non-members try a day paddle.
Seasonal · lake paddles to easy whitewater, member-organized
Rotating Colorado lakes & rivers
Open-canoe focused but welcomes kayakers and rafters.
Seasonal guided trips — hiking, climbing, paddling, snow
Depart from CU Denver / Auraria campus
All skill levels; transport and gear included. Gear rental center on campus.