SUMMERFUN: It's Still a Kick: Aurora Rodeo at Coal Creek

Aurora might just be the Denver metro’s final frontier for the urban cowboy.

Nestled off Sixth Avenue, the Coal Creek Arena is an important part of a still-thriving horse culture here in A-Town. The 10-acre rodeo arena is the gateway to the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, one of the best trails for equestrians in the metro area. It’s also a neighbor to Kenlyn Arabian Stables, where out-of-state riders can lodge their horses while visiting the state. The arena hosts rodeos, stunt riders and even circuses, and it’s become a testament to Aurora’s rural past.

So as equestrians young and old find more free time during the longest days of the year, they can freely lead their horses along unspoiled trails and trick riders can practice their rodeo skills.

But if you’re not so inclined to sit atop a saddle, you can easily claim your spot in the stands to watch lasso throwers, barrel racers and endurance riders.

The 10-acre rodeo arena is easy enough to miss whizzing down Sixth Avenue at a good clip. The whitewashed wooden fences, boxy announcer’s booth and humble pair of crowd stands hardly stand out against the lush urban wetland that marks the head of the Sand Creek Regional Greenway trail.

But the small scope of the place is misleading. In recent years, it’s hosted Mexican rodeos, Mud Runs and dog shows.

Coal Creek Arena: 20255 E. Sixth Ave. Events throughout the summer months.

Other SUMMER FUN installments here: