Denver - The Mile High City

Denver got its nickname because the 13th step of the State Capitol building is exactly 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level. The city was founded in 1858 during the gold rush when people came looking for gold in the nearby mountains. Today, Denver is famous for having over 300 days of sunshine per year and some of the cleanest air of any major city. The South Platte River flows right through downtown, creating beautiful riverside parks and trails where families can walk, bike, and play. Denver has more than 200 parks within the city limits, including the famous City Park with its zoo and museum. On clear days, you can see the Rocky Mountains stretching across the western horizon, and the city serves as the gateway to some of America's most beautiful mountain wilderness areas.