Denver is magnificent, though geographically isolated, sitting on a plateau exactly one mile above sea level and over 600 miles from the next closest major city. Concealed from the west by bold foothills and towering 14,000-foot Rocky Mountain peaks, and protected to the east by an expansive and high desert terrain, it is known for world-class skiing and biking, serene hiking and intense rock climbing. Founded in 1859 as a gold mining camp, Denver is one of America's youngest cities, and one of the most exciting. This forward-looking metropolis has a population of 2.4 million. It is also the entertainment, shopping, cultural, sports and recreation capital of the Rocky Mountain West. To really get a taste of the Rocky Mountains, take a tour of the Coors Brewery. Denver has many open parks and gardens, which is why so many outdoor festivals and events are always going on.