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Sundial Plaza at Cranmer Park

Discover Denver's historic Sundial Plaza in Cranmer Park: panoramic mountain views, a community treasure, and a testament to civic pride.

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Sundial Plaza, located within Denver's Cranmer Park, features a historic sundial and panoramic mountain views. Built in the 1930s and enhanced in 1941, the plaza offers a glimpse into Denver's past and stunning vistas of the Front Range.

A brief summary to Sundial Plaza

  • 162 Belo Horizonte Pkwy, Denver, Hilltop, Colorado, 80220, US
  • Visit website
  • Monday 5 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-11 pm
  • Friday 5 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Take a walk around the perimeter of the plaza to identify the various mountain peaks etched into the mosaic panorama.
  • Check out the park's flower beds, which add seasonal color and beauty to the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of East 1st Avenue and Cherry Street, head east on East 1st Avenue for approximately two blocks. Cranmer Park will be on your left. Enter the park and follow the path towards the highest point to reach Sundial Plaza. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Denver, take the RTD bus route 1 along East 1st Avenue. Get off at the intersection of East 1st Avenue and Cherry Street. Walk east for two blocks to Cranmer Park. The Sundial Plaza is located within the park on the highest point. A three-hour pass costs $2.75.

  • Driving

    From Colorado Boulevard, turn east onto East 1st Avenue. Continue for several blocks until you reach Cranmer Park on your left. Limited street parking is available around the park. Check for parking restrictions. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Sundial Plaza

Sundial Plaza, nestled within Cranmer Park in Denver's Hilltop neighborhood, is a beloved landmark offering a unique blend of history and scenic beauty. Originally named Mountain View Park in 1908, the park's development began in 1923 with the construction of a terrazzo terrace, providing an excellent vantage point of the Front Range. The park was renamed in honor of George Cranmer in 1959, who served as Denver's Manager of Improvements and Parks from 1935 to 1947 and played a vital role in developing Denver's park system. The plaza's design, including the terrazzo terrace and flower beds, was supported by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the New Deal era. Etched into the terrazzo are profiles of the surrounding mountains, creating a mosaic panorama that identifies peaks such as Pikes Peak and Longs Peak. The sundial, based on an ancient Chinese design, was installed in 1941 and quickly became a focal point. Constructed from quartzite stone quarried in Lyons, Colorado, the original sundial was sadly destroyed by vandals in 1965. Community support led to the reconstruction of the sundial in 1966, using some of the original pieces. However, over time, the plaza fell into disrepair due to the rubble foundation, weather erosion, and vandalism. In 2013, Sundial Plaza was listed on Colorado Preservation, Inc.'s list of Most Endangered Places. A recent restoration project, completed in 2020, revitalized the plaza with improved drainage and engineering, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, Sundial Plaza remains a cherished landmark, offering residents and visitors a place to enjoy nature, art, and panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.

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