The city of Arvada lives up to the hype – it’s an outdoor playground filled with countless places to go explore and get some fresh air. Now that spring is in full swing, we’re all trying to find ways to extend our days and enjoy the sunshine a little longer. In that spirit, StorQuest put together this list of top outdoor sports to try in and around Arvada, Colorado.

1) Mountain Biking

The people of Arvada are bike obsessed. In fact, it’s a silver-level bicycle-friendly community, which means it’s easy to fit in a ride before or after work. Head west on I-70 for about 10 miles and you’ll hit our go-to spot for a session – Apex Park. On the Apex Park Tour, you’ll gain nearly 1,700 feet by the time you push your last pedal around this 8.1-mile singletrack loop. But for all that uphill, there’s an awesome downhill to match – you’ll cruise through 3 miles of rolling ponderosa pines and a mindblowing view of the city below.

2) Scuba Diving

Colorado may be landlocked, but there is in fact scuba diving near Arvada! If you’re looking to stay local, the Denver Aquarium is your best bet. Don’t worry if you don’t have your dive certification yet – you can complete the closed-water portion onsite. Already certified? Head north to Carter Lake, a 3-mile-long reservoir near Loveland with an average depth of 80 feet in the summer. Here, you’ll have great visibility so you can see local wildlife, like the kokanee salmon, up close and personal.

3) Rock Climbing

With the Rocky Mountains as our neighbors, we’re spoiled with easy access to some truly incredible rock climbing. High, dramatic faces make for intense but rewarding climbs. Our personal favorite? Clear Creek Canyon, just west of Golden. This gem is full of slabs, overhangs, off-width cracks, and roofs, making it a dynamic climb for all experience levels. Around the lower canyon, you’ll find easily accessible crags and sport routes with simpler pitches. Makes your way to the upper canyon, however, and the more technical routes start to show themselves – which makes for an awesome climb for those comfortable with a challenge.

4) Paragliding

For adrenaline junkies, Lookout Mountain, near Arvada, is where you’ll find some of the best paragliding around. If you’re a novice doing a tandem flight, find a flight school with experienced instructors to take you up. After a short hike, you’ll make it to the launch site. Strap on your gear and see Colorado from a bird’s-eye view – up to 10,000 feet in the sky. If you’re interested in going without an instructor, Peak to Peak Paragliding in Boulder offers classes for every level of experience!

5) White Water Rafting

There’s nothing like the thrill of anticipation you get right before you hit a rapid, and one of the best rivers for white water rafting is right in Arvada’s backyard – Clear Creek. Start in Idaho Springs, where there are plenty of tour companies that can help navigate you through the water. Once you’re ready to go, you’ll get to experience Colorado’s backcountry firsthand. Clear Creek is the perfect mix of kickback and kickass – you’ll paddle your way through both easy rolling sections and awesome Class III and Class IV rapids.

Your Adventure Partner

When you’re not climbing, biking, or whatever else gets your heart rate up, trust StorQuest to help store your adventure gear. Check out our self storage location in Arvada, CO, and start making more room for awesome.