Photo by: Natalie Pipe

For many college students, the countdown to late October festivities is reserved solely for Halloween. While the holiday remains dear in the hearts of the DU population, many more of us have a different date in mind: ski season’s opening day.

Now approaching the end of the long summer season haul, it’s time to ease our waiting pains, quit our moaning and savor the other outdoor activities that warmer Colorado has to offer for the last time. Fortunately for us, this isn’t easier said than done.

If you’re just looking for ways to be more in touch with the outdoors around DU and in Denver, try taking advantage of living in one of Bicycling.com’s most bike-friendly cities and explore some of our 850+ miles of paved off-road bike trails. Popular trails include the Cherry Creek Trail, the Greenway Trail and loops around Wash and Confluence Parks.

If you don’t own a bike, rent one on campus or take the high road and try running the paths. Also, there’s still time to get some off-roading hiking and biking.

While you may not have the luxury of a chair lift come early October, there is plenty of mountain biking to be done in the foothills not far from campus. Jefferson County is home to Waterton and Deercreek Canyons, Falcon Mountain and Dakota Ridge,  all of which are bikeable (hikeable and runnable, too) if you beat the snow.

For those seeking out a more intriguing geological adventure, venture an hour south to the renowned Garden of the Gods. Rock climbers and spectators alike find allure in this nearby sanctuary of red rock and greenery. Farther north, visit a spectacular panorama of city, flatland and canyon at Lookout Mountain. Also home to a nature center, this location is a one-stop shop for those new to exploring the Colorado landscape. 

If escaping student housing for a night or two sounds appealing (understandable), try bundling up and camping in one of Colorado’s numerous state parks. Boyd Lake State Park and Genesee Park are two options offering spectacular mountain views and outdoor recreation.

If you’re not afraid of some sky-high adventure, you might throw caution to the wind and go hot-air ballooning or sky-diving. The Rocky Mountain view from far above is tough to beat.

While some of these escapades may seem out of reach to the typical time and money-strapped student, keep in mind the great resources DU has to offer its students.

Rent a car, rent a bike and find a group of kids on campus interested in the same outdoor adventures as you.

After all, more than half the student population came to Colorado from out-of-state for a reason.