8 Best-Selling Denver Travel Guide Books Readers Can't Resist

Explore Denver with expert picks from Megan Perry, Mindy Sink, and Todd Faulk showcasing best-selling guides packed with insider knowledge and practical tips.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love—especially when it comes to exploring a vibrant city like Denver. The Mile High City, with its dynamic culture, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems, invites travelers to look beyond the surface. These eight best-selling Denver Travel Guide books have won the hearts of countless readers by delivering tested, authentic insights that help you experience Denver like a local or a well-informed visitor.

Experts such as Megan Perry, known for her local insights, Mindy Sink, a Denver outdoor enthusiast, and Todd Faulk, a seasoned travel writer, have shaped these guides into trusted resources. Perry’s emphasis on cultural immersion, Sink’s passion for the Front Range’s natural beauty, and Faulk’s practical visit planning all contribute to the rich, nuanced perspectives found in these books.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks for Denver exploration, readers seeking tailored recommendations might consider creating a personalized Denver Travel Guide book that combines these validated approaches with your unique interests and travel goals.

Best for authentic local experiences
City Smart Denver offers a distinctive perspective on exploring the Mile High City, crafted by a local mother-daughter duo who know the area intimately. The guide’s appeal lies in its blend of personal favorites and resident recommendations, accompanied by helpful maps and photos that bring Denver’s neighborhoods to life. Ideal for travelers seeking a genuine experience beyond standard tourist spots, this book addresses the desire to uncover the city's unique character through trusted, firsthand knowledge. Its approachable format and curated content make it a valuable companion for anyone aiming to connect deeply with Denver’s vibrant local scene.
City Smart Denver (City Smart Guidebook) book cover

by Georgia Garnsey, Hilary Garnsey·You?

2001·240 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Travel, Local Guides, Denver, City Exploration

What started as a local mother-daughter project evolved into a thoughtfully curated guide offering an insider's perspective on Denver's best spots. Georgia and Hilary Garnsey invite you to explore the Mile High City through their personal recommendations, from eateries and shops to must-see attractions, supplemented by vivid photos and maps. The book provides concrete insights into authentic local favorites rather than generic tourist traps, making it especially useful if you want to experience Denver like a resident. Whether you're planning your first visit or seeking fresh ideas for returning trips, this guide offers a grounded, personable approach to navigating the city.

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Best for insider local travel tips
Megan M. Perry grew up in Denver, Colorado, and her firsthand experience shapes this guide. Currently a sociology student at Brigham Young University, she wrote this book to offer travelers an authentic perspective on Denver, moving beyond the usual tourist advice. Her passion for hiking, local culture, and family shines through, making this guide a unique companion for anyone wanting to explore Denver with a local's insight.
2018·121 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Colorado Travel Guide, Travel, Local Culture, Denver Travel

Megan M. Perry grew up immersed in Denver's culture, which inspired her to share what truly makes the city tick beyond typical tourist stops. This book distills her local knowledge into 50 travel tips that encourage you to slow down and experience Denver like a resident, focusing on cultural insights, local etiquette, and thoughtful exploration rather than just landmarks. You'll find chapters that guide you on packing smart, engaging with locals meaningfully, and creating a personalized travel experience that goes deeper than a checklist. It's a solid choice if you want to avoid the tourist traps and gain a nuanced understanding of Denver’s everyday life and hidden gems.

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Best for custom local experiences
This AI-crafted book on Denver exploration is tailored to your specific interests and travel goals. By sharing your background and what you want to focus on—whether it's culture, outdoor activities, or local cuisine—you get a book that matches your pace and passions. This personalized approach makes discovering Denver more engaging and efficient, helping you experience the city’s authentic spirit without sifting through generic guides.
2025·50-300 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Denver Overview, Local Neighborhoods, Cultural Attractions, Outdoor Activities

This tailored guide explores Denver through a lens crafted to your unique interests and background, revealing the city's authentic local experiences. It combines widely valued insights with your personal preferences to examine Denver's neighborhoods, culture, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems with genuine enthusiasm. The book covers everything from iconic landmarks to lesser-known spots, ensuring a rich and engaging exploration tailored specifically for you. By focusing on what truly matters to your travel goals, it creates a learning journey that feels both immersive and efficient, letting you discover Denver like a well-informed local or a passionate visitor eager to uncover secrets others miss.

Tailored Guide
Local Experience Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for exploring unique Denver spots
Denver Travel Guide: 101 Unique, Interesting, & Fun Places to Visit, Explore, and Experience Denver Colorado to the Fullest from A to Z offers a vibrant and ever-evolving look at one of America's most dynamic cities. This guide captures Denver’s eclectic mix of art, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, providing you with a practical framework to explore the Mile High City your way. Its author, Caitlyn Knuth, brings firsthand passion and insight, shaped by her own adventurous weekends discovering Denver’s neighborhoods and landmarks. Whether you’re passing through or settling in, this book invites you to experience Denver’s blend of urban growth and historic charm with confidence and curiosity.
2019·130 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Colorado Travel Guide, Travel, Local Culture, City Exploration

When Caitlyn Knuth first moved to Denver, she was determined to uncover every hidden gem in this rapidly evolving city. This guide offers you a curated list of 101 unique spots, from vibrant art scenes to outdoor adventures, helping you explore Denver beyond the usual tourist trails. You'll find insights on local neighborhoods, cultural events, and dining experiences that capture the city’s dynamic spirit. Whether you're planning a weekend visit or considering making Denver your home, the book equips you with practical knowledge to experience the city’s blend of history and innovation firsthand.

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This guide stands out in the Denver travel genre by offering a rich collection of 100 activities carefully selected to showcase the city's diverse character. Authored by Denver natives Rich Grant and Irene Rawlings, the book reflects deep local insight and invites you to experience Denver in a way few guides do. Its proven appeal lies in blending must-see landmarks with lesser-known spots, making it valuable for travelers seeking authentic connections and residents looking to rediscover their city. Whether you want to hike scenic trails, explore cultural venues, or savor local flavors, this book provides a well-rounded approach to discovering Denver’s vibrant life.
2018·160 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Travel, Local Culture, Outdoor Activities, Food And Drink

Unlike most Denver travel books that focus solely on popular tourist spots, this guide offers a curated list of 100 distinctive experiences that capture the city's unique spirit. Written by locals Rich Grant and Irene Rawlings, who bring intimate knowledge of Denver's culture and neighborhoods, the book invites you to explore hidden gems alongside iconic landmarks. You’ll find detailed suggestions ranging from outdoor adventures to cultural events, providing practical insights that encourage genuine engagement with the city’s lifestyle. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Denver beyond typical sightseeing, whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident seeking fresh discoveries.

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Best for discovering Denver's hidden stories
Eric Peterson is a Colorado native who has called Denver home for over 25 years. Having written dozens of travel guides about Colorado and the Western U.S., as well as numerous articles on business, technology, music, and the arts, Peterson brings extensive local insight to this book. His intimate knowledge of Denver and passion for uncovering its lesser-known stories make Secret Denver a unique travel guide that invites you to explore the city through fresh, unexpected perspectives.
2020·208 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Denver Travel, Local History, Urban Exploration, Hidden Places

What started as a curiosity about Denver's hidden histories became a deep dive into the city's quirks and mysteries in Secret Denver. Eric Peterson, a Colorado native with decades of experience writing travel guides and local stories, teams up with journalist David Lewis to reveal lesser-known facets of the Mile High City, from secret tunnels beneath the Capitol to haunted cemeteries turned parks. You'll uncover fascinating stories about historic amusement parks, underground passages, and oddities like streets once paved with radium. This book suits anyone eager to explore Denver beyond the typical landmarks and discover its unusual charm.

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Best for personal travel plans
This AI-created book on Denver travel is tailored based on your background, interests, and travel experience. By sharing which parts of Denver excite you most and your preferred pace, the book crafts a 30-day itinerary just for you. It makes sense to have a custom guide like this because Denver offers so many varied experiences, from outdoor escapes to urban culture, and this book focuses on what matters most to you. Having a personalized plan helps you explore efficiently without missing the places that truly resonate with your style.
2025·50-300 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Denver Overview, Neighborhoods, Cultural Attractions, Outdoor Activities

This tailored guide explores Denver through a dynamic 30-day itinerary designed specifically to match your interests and travel goals. It covers essential neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and local dining experiences, providing a day-by-day plan that balances popular spots with hidden gems. By focusing on your background and preferences, the book reveals how to navigate the Mile High City efficiently while diving deeper into areas that truly excite you. This personalized journey ensures that each day contributes to a rich, immersive understanding of Denver’s unique character, blending well-known attractions with lesser-known treasures to optimize your exploration experience.

Tailored Guide
Localized Exploration
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for cultural and historic insights
Lisa J. Shultz is the author of Essential Denver, inspiring exploration of Denver's landmarks and treasures. Her book, Lighter Living, promotes well-being through minimalism. Learn more about her on LisaJShultz.com.
2020·240 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Local Travel, City Exploration, Art and Culture, Recreation

Lisa J. Shultz offers a fresh perspective with this travel guide, diverging from the usual listings you might expect. Drawing from her deep roots as a Denver native, she invites you to discover the city's art, culture, parks, and history through engaging anecdotes and practical lists rather than standard tourist fare. Chapters like "Famous People" and "Landmark Buildings" provide insights that appeal to locals and visitors alike, making it a versatile companion for anyone curious about Denver's character. If you're after a typical guidebook, this won't fit the bill, but if you want to explore Denver with a local's eye, this is a solid choice.

2021 Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY First Place Winner
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Best for practical visit planning
The HowExpert Guide to Denver, Colorado offers a broad and inviting look at the Mile High City, revealing more than 150 places to eat, drink, and explore. This guide’s strength lies in its practical layout, featuring chapters that help you tailor your visit whether you have one day or several. Todd Faulk’s deep roots and frequent visits to Denver bring an insider’s appreciation for the city’s blend of rich Western history and modern culture. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to experience Denver beyond the usual landmarks and uncover gems that locals cherish.
2022·169 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Travel, Local Culture, Food & Drink, Neighborhoods

What happens when a lifelong Denver resident and seasoned travel writer turns his attention to his hometown? Todd Faulk developed this guide to offer both newcomers and locals a fresh perspective on the Mile High City. You’ll find detailed insights on over 150 places to eat, drink, stay, and explore, with practical tips that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Chapters tailored to one-, two-, or three-day visits help you make the most of your time, while historical context enriches your understanding of Denver’s unique culture. Whether you’re planning a trip or rediscovering your city, this book offers a well-rounded, approachable look at Denver’s vibrant life.

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Best for outdoor adventures and culture
Mindy Sink is a Denver local and lifelong adventurer with a passion for exploring the Front Range. Her extensive experience in outdoor activities and deep connection to local culture come through in this travel guide, offering you trusted advice on where to go, what to eat, and how to experience the best of Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Sink's firsthand knowledge makes this more than just a guidebook—it's a doorway to authentic regional experiences.
2022·280 pages·Denver Travel Guide, Boulder Travel Guide, Outdoor Recreation, Local Culture, Skiing

What happens when a Denver local with a passion for the outdoors takes pen to paper? Mindy Sink leverages her deep knowledge of the Front Range to offer you an immersive guide that blends urban culture with rugged adventure. You'll gain precise itineraries for exploring Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, plus insider tips on rafting, rock climbing, and skiing nearby. The book also highlights local flavors and unique experiences, like farm-to-table dining and live performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, making it ideal if you want a well-rounded trip beyond typical tourist spots.

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Proven Denver Guide, Personalized for You

Get expert-backed Denver travel tips tailored to your interests and trip goals.

Tailored local insights
Focused travel plans
Trusted expert methods

Trusted by thousands of Denver travel enthusiasts worldwide

Denver Discovery Blueprint
30-Day Denver Adventure
Denver Travel Foundations
Mile High Success Code

Conclusion

Together, these eight books reveal clear themes: authentic local experiences, thoughtful exploration beyond tourist spots, and practical advice for making the most of your Denver visit. If you prefer proven methods grounded in local expertise, start with "City Smart Denver" or "Greater Than a Tourist." For validated approaches that blend culture, history, and adventure, combine "Secret Denver" with "Moon Denver, Boulder & Colorado Springs."

For a more personalized journey, you can create a personalized Denver Travel Guide book that merges these popular methods with your specific needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many travelers uncover the true spirit of Denver and can do the same for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which Denver travel guide should I start with?

Start with "City Smart Denver" if you want authentic local insights or "Greater Than a Tourist" for practical tips from a Denver native. Both offer approachable ways to explore the city beyond tourist traps.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Denver?

Not at all. Books like "HowExpert Guide to Denver, Colorado" and "100 Things to Do in Denver Before You Die" are designed for visitors of all experience levels, offering clear guidance and flexible itineraries.

Do I need to read all of these books, or can I just pick one?

You can pick one based on your interests—whether history, outdoor activities, or hidden gems. But combining guides like "Secret Denver" with "Moon Denver" offers a fuller picture of the city’s diverse appeal.

How long will it take me to get through these books?

Most guides are concise enough to read in a few sessions, typically 3-6 hours. You can skim sections based on your trip length and focus on chapters most relevant to your plans.

Which books focus more on practical travel advice versus cultural exploration?

"HowExpert Guide to Denver, Colorado" and "GREATER THAN A TOURIST- DENVER COLORADO USA" emphasize practical tips and itineraries. Meanwhile, "Essential Denver" and "Secret Denver" delve deeper into culture and local stories.

Can personalized Denver travel books complement these expert guides?

Yes! While these expert books offer valuable insights, personalized Denver Travel Guide books tailor content to your unique interests and goals, combining proven methods with your specific needs. Explore more here.

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