Whether you've been grinding rails for years or are still trying to identify a fun box, Denver has a skatepark to meet your needs. Here are the best of them.
Denver Skatepark: The largest skatepark you'll come across in Colorado, it's "everything and a cup of soup," says skater Ben Bunte. "I mean, it has a ton of bowls to choose from." Take a dip into the nearly 10-foot kidney or some of the more shallow bowls carved into the northern sect of this 60,000-square foot concrete haven. Rather hit a street course? Move south where you'll find curbs, banks and rails galore. There's something here for all levels. The downside: It's usually crowded, especially after school, and can get rowdy.5am - 11pm; free2205 19th St. (downtown near Commons Park)
Woodward Skatepark: Thirty thousand square feet isn't the only thing this park has going for it. "We're the only indoor skatepark," says manager MaryBeth Andrews. "It's a more controlled environment than outdoor parks." Formerly the ESPN XGames Skatepark, Skatelite Pro riding surface covers all the ramps, including a competitive 13-foot tall vertical and a slew of beginner, intermediate and advanced features. Waivers must be signed or on file.$10/session, monthly memberships are available14500 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood; 303-590-1999
Carson Skatepark at Greenwood Village: The runt of the list, this 10,000-square-foot gem (pictured) doesn't boast loads of every skatepark feature, but everything you need is aptly represented. A couple of bowls -- the deepest at 8.5 feet -- along with multiple ramps, a drop, rail, runway and more create this mellow skatepark. Intermediates will fare best here, but beginners won't be overwhelmed. Located in the Tech Center near City Hall, this park is seldom crowded. Take note: The facility is reserved for kids 12 and under on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.7am - 8pm; free6000 S. Quebec St., Greenwood Village
Aurora Wheel Park: One of Denver metro's most skated spots, this 20,000-square-foot concrete park is epic with tons of rails and boxes for street style. And the all-cement big bowl will either grind you up or get you grinding like a pro. Wheel Park takes care of local BMXers as well with a killer dirt track and freestyle area.Dawn - dusk; free2500 S. Wheel Park Cir., Aurora
Green Valley Ranch: Head northeast from central Aurora and you'll hit this relatively new concrete park with lots of interesting terrain to shred. There's a great variety of stair sets, curbs, rails and ramps for any level of skill, but the mini-ramp is star of the show. You won't catch a lot of air, but its width makes for a fun day of grinds, stalls and slides.Dawn - dusk; free51st Ave. and Argonne St.
Boulder Skatepark at Scott Carpenter Park: It's one of the longest-running and most skated parks in the state. Shred rails, curbs and all-connected concrete banks and bowls under the sun or the park's night lights. A real locals' hot spot, Boulder skaters even helped with design work to make it perfect. Not that designers Shapins Associates and Michael McIntyre needed much help -- they're nationally known for their skate parks.Dawn - dusk; free1505 30th St., Boulder