With over 150 breweries spread across the metro area, Denver has earned its reputation as the Napa Valley of Beer.
Whether poured in sleek taprooms or industrial garages, the city’s craft brews range from traditional ales to experimental infusions. The craft beer trails of Denver guide locals and visitors through hoppy journeys defined by community, creativity, and cold pints.
Denver’s beer trails are not just bar crawls—they are curated paths through a culture where hops meet craftsmanship and tap handles tell stories.
Colorado’s brewing legacy stretches back to the 1800s, but Denver's modern craft beer explosion began in the 1990s. Favorable laws, access to clean Rocky Mountain water, and a culture of independent entrepreneurship helped the city flourish as a beer mecca.
Home to the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the Brewers Association, and some of the nation's most decorated breweries, Denver is both historic and innovative, drawing brewmasters and beer lovers from around the world.
One of the most accessible trails, the Downtown Denver Beer Trail winds through LoDo (Lower Downtown) and the Ballpark District, with over 20 breweries within walking distance.
Key stops include:
This trail is perfect for first-time visitors, offering both variety and proximity.
North of downtown lies RiNo, a former warehouse district turned art and brew hub. The area blends murals with malt, as graffiti-lined streets host some of the most experimental and design-forward breweries in the city.
Highlights include:
RiNo is ideal for those seeking variety, innovation, and walkable exploration.
Venture beyond the core to neighborhoods like Highlands, Baker, and Platt Park, where breweries blend into Victorian storefronts and quiet corners.
These spots reflect the hyper-local character of Denver’s beer scene—where each pint tells a story tied to its neighborhood.
Denver’s beer trails can be explored on foot, by bike, or via guided tours. Companies like Denver Microbrew Tour and Brewery Boot Camp offer immersive experiences combining beer tastings with storytelling and city history.
For cyclists, the South Platte River Trail and Cherry Creek Bike Path provide scenic routes that connect breweries with mountain views and urban parks—making beer-and-bike adventures a favorite among locals.
Many Denver breweries prioritize sustainability, using solar power, local ingredients, and water-saving technology. Breweries often collaborate with food trucks, artists, and non-profits, reinforcing the city’s community-oriented brewing ethos.
Beer in Denver isn’t just a product—it’s part of the local culture, identity, and economy.
Denver’s craft beer trails offer a flavorful escape through some of America’s most diverse and award-winning breweries. From downtown classics to RiNo’s innovators, every trail pours a new experience into the city’s pint glass.
There are over 150 breweries in the metro area, with dozens concentrated in central neighborhoods like LoDo, RiNo, and Highlands.
Downtown Denver and RiNo are the most walkable, offering a high density of breweries within a few blocks.
Yes. Multiple companies offer guided walking and biking tours, many of which include behind-the-scenes access and tastings.
No. While IPAs are popular, Denver brewers craft a wide range including porters, sours, saisons, lagers, and barrel-aged ales.