Known affectionately as the "Mile High City," Denver earned its iconic moniker thanks to a fascinating quirk of geography. On the west side of the Colorado State Capitol Building, nestled at precisely the 13th step, lies a remarkable spot exactly 5,280 feet above sea level—equivalent to one mile high.
Contrary to popular belief, Denver isn't nestled within the mountains; rather, it's perched on the high plains, just 12 miles east of the "foothills"—gentle mountains that gradually ascend to heights of 11,000 feet. Beyond lies the imposing "Front Range of the Rocky Mountains," a majestic range of snow-capped peaks reaching heights of 14,000 feet. Despite not being nestled within the mountains, Denver is indisputably dominated by their presence. From the city's vantage point, a picturesque panorama of mountains stretches across 140 miles, featuring 200 named peaks, including 32 towering above 13,000 feet.
The city of Denver itself boasts a population of 713,252 as of 2022, while the greater metro area is home to nearly 3 million residents. Notably, the city has experienced significant growth, with its population increasing by 18.8 percent between 2010 and 2022. Reflecting its diverse and vibrant community, the city's demographic makeup includes approximately 30 percent Hispanic residents, nearly 10 percent Black or African American individuals, and 4.2 percent Asian inhabitants, as per the 2022 census data.
Welcome to our Beautiful Denver!
