Denver rodeo: Bucking broncs and show-off cowboys

National Western Stock Show and Rodeo: Darrell Petry wrestles a steer. Credit: Westfall.

By Erin Behan

Although skiing and outdoor snow sports might come to mind when thinking of a Denver vacation in winter, bull riding and livestock should also appear at the top of the list. Denver’s National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, running from Jan. 7 to Jan. 22, is more than a century old (this is its 106^th) and has all the hallmarks of the old west—including plenty of cowboys, cowgirls and bucking broncos.

More than half a million people fill the arenas annually to celebrate western traditions, as do a myriad of animals—the neighing of horses mingles with scents of cows, sheep and pigs. There are also llamas, alpacas, bison, yak, poultry and rabbits on display, oh my!

With 42 ticketed events in all—spanning the Stadium Arena, Denver Coliseum and the National Western Events Center—it’s hard to narrow things down, but the rodeos are a big draw and they span a wide range. Find bull riders at the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, bareback riding at the ProRodeo and a Pony Express relay at the Martin Luther King, Jr., African-American Heritage Rodeo. There are also numerous horse and livestock shows and even a dog show at this Denver event.

Although tickets are necessary for reserved-seating events ($8 to $100), grounds admission is much cheaper ($2-$12) and gains access to the exhibits and trade show with access to food and shopping.

Nearby Denver hotels are offering shuttle service (call for details) including the Best Western Plus Denver Hotel, the Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport, the Red Lion Denver Central, the Quality Inn Central, the Doubletree Hotel Denver, the Courtyard by Marriott Denver Stapleton and the Residence Inn Downtown.

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Erin Behan is a freelance writer and editor out of Brooklyn, N.Y., who counts good food, intoxicating drink and adventurous travel among her favorite things.

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