We often point you to the hills for the state’s best outdoor activities, but this week is different. With the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, you ought to explore Denver’s urban stretches for long strolls filled with a spectrum of leaves in warm shades of red, orange, and gold. Here, our five favorite fall urban walks.

1. Park Hill’s Montview Boulevard | This neighborhood was platted in the late 1880s, meaning the tree-lined streets have had plenty of time to mature and grow sweeping (and now emptying) canopies.

Fuel Up: Swing by Adagio Baking Company for a scone and cappuccino—to go, of course.

2. Golden’s Clear Creek Trail | Granted, any part of Golden will suffice for leaf-stomping, but this trail, which runs parallel to the water and the trees that line the banks, is particularly grand.

Fuel Up: Stock up on carbs with a sandwich from D’Deli.

3. Seventh Avenue Parkway | A green, tree-filled median separates traffic on this road between Williams Street and Colorado Boulevard. You can stroll on the sidewalk, sure, but we prefer walking in the median’s grass. (Just keep an eye out for unclaimed presents from four-legged friends.)

Fuel Up: Grab a baguette and a wedge of whatever the staff at The Truffle Cheese Shop recommends for a simple picnic stop somewhere along your trek.

4. Streets near 32nd Avenue in the Highland | The busy traffic on 32nd doesn’t make for a quiet walk, but venture a block off the main street and you’ll soon be shrouded by old trees.

Fuel Up: Don’t miss ordering a queso a la plancha (taco with griddled Cotija cheese, avocado, and tomatillo salsa) at Pinche Taqueria’s Highland location.

5. The neighborhood surrounding Old South Pearl Street | The draw to this area is, of course, the shops and restaurants on Old South Pearl Street. We like wandering the quiet streets nearby, though, just as much.

Fuel Up: The pizza and quinoa salad at Homegrown Tap & Dough helped make it one of 5280’s “Go Now” picks. Find out why.

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Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner is a Denver-based writer and the former Articles Editor for 5280.