Where Is Denver? See Its Map Location and State

Written by Patrick MacFarland
Updated: November 10, 2023
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Denver is one of the most well-known cities in the United States. Nestled near the Rocky Mountains, the city is one mile above sea level and thus has the nickname the “Mile High City.” It is a mountain city fit for a mountain state, but it is also a city full of vibrancy and charm. Several movies and television shows have taken place in Denver, further putting it in the top of the most famous cities in the US.

Many people know about Denver and what the city is known for, but do people know where it is? Can people point to the city on the map and state with confidence, “There it is?” Do people know how far it is away from other major cities in the western US? If you are wondering where Denver is, let’s take a look at where it is on the Colorado map. We’ll also explore Denver’s geography, what the city is known for, its climate, and other facts about the Mile High City.

Where Is Denver Located on the Map?

Denver is a city in the state of Colorado, which is a state in the Western United States. The city is located roughly in the middle of the state, which creates perfect access from other cities in Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are nearby and many people take advantage of the ski season.

But where is Denver on the map? Let’s take a look below.

How Far Is Denver from Other Major Cities Nearby?

Denver is the center of the state, but several highways and state routes pass through the city, which makes it extremely accessible to cities around the Mountain States region. Let’s take a look at how far Denver is from other cities.

CityPopulationDistance from Denver
Boulder, CO105,48527 miles
Aspen, CO6,949162 miles
Grand Junction, CO66,964243 miles
Colorado Springs, CO486,24870 miles
Pueblo, CO111,456113 miles
Santa Fe, NM88,193392 miles
Cheyenne, WY65,051100 miles
Omaha, NE485,153539 miles
Flagstaff, AZ76,989626 miles
Salt Lake City, UT204,657371 miles

Is Denver a Good Place to Live?

Cheesman Park View

Besides being nicknamed the Mile High City, Denver is also nicknamed the “Queen City of the Plains” and the “Wall Street of the West.”

©Joshua Hicks/iStock via Getty Images

Let’s talk about the pros of living in Denver. The best part of living in the city is the picturesque landscapes that you can experience daily. Imagine just looking out the window and seeing snow-covered mountain tops! You can also go on hikes and experience nature first-hand.

Besides that, Denver is a good city to live in in terms of cost of living, compared to other major cities in the country. This low cost of living is good for you because you’ll be able to eat out and enjoy the foodie and craft beer scene that is popular within Denver.

To every pro, there are also cons and every city has cons, so let’s explore them. If you’re not used to high altitude, you’re in for a major surprise. You’re going to have to get used to it, somehow. The housing is slowly starting to increase because of the influx of people coming to live in Denver. This influx has led to other problems like traffic congestion, too. Be cognizant that Denver has experienced this influx not that long ago, so its public transportation isn’t as robust as other cities like San Francisco or New York. Lastly, the winters can get rough and it will be an adjustment if you are not used to cold winters with snow.

What Is the Climate in Denver?

Denver Colorado Skyline in Snow Feb 2013

Denver is named after John W. Denver, who was an American politician and military officer. He also served as Governor of the Kansas Territory and a member of Congress.

©tvirbickis/iStock via Getty Images

Denver has a continental semi-arid type of climate, but it does get four seasons throughout the year. The most rain it receives is from April to August, and during the late autumns and winters, snowfall is common. The summers are hot and can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 100 degrees. Winters can go into the negatives, however, the average is usually about 44 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to averages, the highest recorded temperature in Denver was 105 degrees Fahrenheit on June 28, 2018, and the lowest recorded temperature was -29 degrees Fahrenheit on January 9, 1875.

In terms of natural disasters, most of Denver is relatively safe from tornadoes, which is something that happens more often in the eastern part of the state. The easternmost portions of the city could see some, but they are usually quite weak. Because snowfall is very common in the city, Denver is ranked as the 10th highest city in the United States to experience hail storms.

The Geography of Denver

Denver’s topography is a mixture of the kind of topography it has nearby. Because it’s nestled between the Rocky Mountains and High Plains, the center of the city is plain, whereas the outer corridors are hilly. Denver is called the Mile High City for a reason and that’s because its elevation is one mile from sea level. A landlocked city, the nearest oceanic body of water is the Gulf of California.

What Is Denver Most Known For?

Denver downtown

With a population of 715,522, Denver is the 19th most populous city in the United States.

©photoquest7/iStock via Getty Images

Denver is a well-known city and because of its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, people from all over the country fly to Denver to go skiing in nearby towns and cities. Although the city definitely gives you city vibes, you can also experience the outdoors every day. There are plenty of opportunities to go hiking, birdwatching, fishing, swimming, and participating in other outdoor activities.

Denver has also developed an air of being a sophisticated city with its foodie and craft beer scene, but also because the famous television series about a wealthy family, Dynasty, was set there. The city is also quite progressive in its policies, rivaling other more liberal-oriented cities like San Francisco or Boston.

If you want to experience more of Denver, make sure you go to a Rockie baseball game. You can even learn about its history and art at the many museums the city has.

Facts About Denver

Downtown Denver, Colorado, USA Downtown Drone Skyline Aerial

Some famous people who were born in Denver include Kristin Davis, Tim Allen, Lon Chaney, Douglas Fairbanks, and Karl Rove.

©Kruck20/iStock via Getty Images

  • Population: 715,522
  • Area: 154.726 square miles
  • Mayor: Mike Johnston (D)
  • Named For: James W. Denver
  • Incorporated: November 7, 1861

Conclusion

Denver is truly a majestic city that has become more popular in recent years. As the coasts of the United States became more expensive, people flocked to the more inland cities. As a result, Denver and other cities like Salt City and Phoenix became more popular havens for transplants. This in turn caused housing to swell in cost. But the good thing is the cost of living has remained lower than most major cities.

Denver is situated in a location that experiences the best of two worlds. You get nature at your fingertips. You can take hikes in parks around the city and you can go skiing in nearby towns and cities. There is also the possibility of experiencing city life. There is an abundance of restaurants and quality bars in the city.

At the end of the day, Denver is an amazing city that gives you a great quality of life and amazing opportunities to thrive. Denver has a culture and history that can hand you a full plate of fun activities to do. Denver will make you feel like a queen, because, after all, it is the Queen City of the Plains.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Neil Podoll/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Patrick Macfarland is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography, and history. Patrick has been writing for more than 10 years. In the past, he has been a teacher and a political candidate. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SDSU and a Master's Degree in European Union Studies from CIFE. From San Diego, California, Patrick loves to travel and try new recipes to cook.

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