What are the best Denver suburbs for outdoor enthusiasts?

I personally like the southwest portion of the Denver Metro area, particularly Littleton heading north into Lakewood. Here, there are plenty of parks. My favorite is Clement Park in between Wadsworth and Pierce on the south side of Bowles, but there are many others such as Sterne Park, Ketring Park, Cornerstone Park, Gallup Park, Kendrick Lake Park, just to name a few.

There are also miles of bike trails in the southwest quadrant. You can ride along the Platte River, the Highline Canal, and even in between some neighborhoods on open space trails. Additionally, you can ride along C470.

Also, you are close to Chatfield State Park and Reservoir, Waterton Canyon, Roxborough State Park, and Bear Creek Lake State Park, with very easy access to the mountains via Highway 285, Highway 74 (through Morrison) or I-70.

Finally, outdoor entertainment in the foothills is just minutes away. Evergreen and Conifer make very nice day trips and offer many open space areas in which to hike or mountain bike. Open space parks such as Alderfer/Three Sisters, Elk Meadow, Flying J, and Pine Valley Ranch Park are all beautiful. Evergreen also offers a lake which freezes in the winter months, usually just before Christmas, lasting into February or March in some years, depending upon the weather. The lake features ice skating and ice fishing in the winter; paddleboats and canoe rentals in the summer.

I have to say that any of the western suburbs would suffice, such as the ones you would find in Wheatridge, Golden, or Boulder. What you can afford will dictate your preferences from there. Some places are super expensive, while others are more affordable, with every opportunity in between. However, the western suburbs are closer to the mountains, have ready access to the I-70, and have plenty of parks nearby in quiet neighborhoods. Plus you have the foothills nearly at your back door. You cannot go wrong.

If you chose to go south, closer to Castle Rock, you also have many immediate amenities for outdoor enthusiasts nearby. You have a nearby tollway for more rapid access to I-70 and you are in closer proximity to Colorado Springs. This is also a great place for outdoor activities and scenic highways into the mountains, particularly if you are a climber.

Obviously the answer is Boulder County, Boulder, Louisville, Superior. Since Boulder County is very open space and health concious. Lots of trails and open space. Also the West side of Arvada has some great access to open space, the foothills and trails.