40 West Arts

"So, what’s this place about? Take the W light rail west of Denver and you’ll find big-box stores, fast-food joints, and Colfax’s iconic Casa Bonita (yes, of South Park fame ). But among these monuments to suburban life is a new outdoor art district that’s giving Denver’s other artsy neighborhoods a run for their money. The 40 West Art Line is a free four-mile trail that allows you to bike or walk through 70 different ground murals, fence art, and interactive sculptures. What's the vibe along the tour? Playful and geared toward outdoorsy types. Do we need a guide? The marked green trail weaves through the city and several parks. It’s free, it doesn’t require a guide, and it can be accessed on foot, bike, or scooter. You can tackle the whole trail or just part of it. Who tends to take this tour? In-the-know runners, cyclists, and neighboring families. The art itself—what's it like? The art is varied, colorful, and geared toward all ages. At one section, a Pac-Man-like mural brightens the trail; at another, kids play on an outdoor xylophone. No single work shines above the others, but taken together the art trail is a fun bike or stroll through the West Colfax neighborhood. When you get down to it, who do you think this is best for? It's great for families and active types looking to see a different part of the city."