Winter Weekenders Without I-70 — Close-In Trails, Saunas, and Cocoa

Trail first: pick a blue-sky loop close to home—High Line Canal (choose your segment), Cherry Creek Trail to Four Mile, North Table’s Mesa Top, Mount Falcon (East) or South Valley Park. Dry day? Microspikes in the bag just in case, and aim for south-facing routes to catch more sun.

Warm up right: book a sauna/cold-plunge session (several studios around RiNo, Baker, and Cherry Creek now offer private barrels or infrared + plunge). Two rounds, breathe slow, finish with tea.

Cocoa & a heat lamp: hunt for fire-pit patios at neighborhood food halls and breweries, or a bakery hot chocolate for the walk. Pro move: stash hand warmers and an extra beanie in your daypack so the après lasts.

Market Pulse (as of Dec 12, 2025): The 30-yr fixed averaged ~6.22% this week. Denver Metro’s November median closed price landed around $584K with ~2,749 closings. Zillow’s typical Denver value sits near $526–531K and goes pending in ~35–38 days; Redfin shows ~45 days to close—balanced, with room for seller credits to fund a 2-1 buydown. 

One tip: Touring this weekend? Target 30–70 DOM listings, lead with seller credits for a 2-1 buydown, and winter-proof your inspection focus—roof (Class-4), drainage/downspouts, furnace + humidifier.

—Andy | Denver realtor & neighborhood guide who loves a good cocoa-and-trail day
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