Don't Be a Nightcrawler Nightmare: A Guide to Denver's After-Dark Adventures (and Misadventures)
Ah, Denver. Mile High City by day, land of craft beer and dispensary delights. But what about when the sun sets and the neon signs flicker to life? Is Denver a shadowy den of danger, or a nighttime wonderland waiting to be explored?
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But the (Mostly) True Truth
Let's be honest, Denver isn't exactly Gotham City. There's no Batman swinging around to save you from petty crime (although, with some of those rent prices, maybe he should be). Generally speaking, Denver is safe. But like any city, it has its...quirks.
Here's the thing: some parts of Denver at night are like a bustling block party, while others resemble the setting of a budget zombie flick. The key is knowing where to go (and not to go) after dark.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Shining Bright Like a Diamond (District): Safe Zones for Night Owls
- The Highlands, RiNo, and Golden Triangle: Think hipsters, craft cocktails, and enough fairy lights to rival a Christmas tree convention. These areas are generally well-lit and well-populated, perfect for a safe evening stroll (with your overpriced artisanal ice cream, of course).
- LoDo: The historic heart of Denver with a lively bar scene. Just be mindful of the occasional spilled beer or overenthusiastic karaoke singer.
- Larimer Square: Fancy a night of upscale dining and boutique shopping? Larimer Square is your oyster (though, hopefully, you won't actually encounter any oysters).
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| How Safe Is Denver At Night |
Areas to Avoid Like a Spilled IPA:
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
- Colfax at Night (Especially East Colfax): Unless you're on a quest to find the world's most interesting collection of flickering neon signs (and questionable characters), this might be a good one to skip.
- Deserted Alleys and Underpasses: No matter how cool that shortcut looks on Google Maps, just resist the urge. There's a reason Batman uses them.
General Nighttime Navigation Tips:
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- There's an App for That: Ride-sharing apps are your friend. Don't be a hero, use your phone for something good (besides, who wants to walk when you can scoot in a Lyft?).
- Pack Power: A dead phone is a recipe for trouble (or at least, wandering aimlessly). Keep that battery topped up.
- The Buddy System is Alive and Well: There's safety in numbers, especially if your number one buddy is someone who can outrun a rogue possum (trust me, it happens).
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
How to Survive Denver Nights: FAQ
How to dress? Layers are your friend. Mountain evenings can get chilly, even in summer.
How to deal with...interesting characters? A polite but firm "no thanks" usually does the trick. If not, maybe re-evaluate your route choice.
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
How to find the good late-night eats? There's a reason Denver's food scene is famous. Do some pre-emptive Googling and you won't be hangry by midnight.
How to avoid a mountain lion encounter (because, seriously?) The chances are slim to none, but stick to well-lit paths and avoid venturing into remote areas.
How to have the most epic Denver night ever? Explore, be spontaneous, and maybe avoid that third round of picklebacks. Denver awaits!
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