Denver, Colorado, is a city known for its breathtaking mountain views and active lifestyle, but it’s also a great place to master the art of manual driving. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Denver offers a variety of large, open parking lots where you can practice driving a stick shift in a calm environment. These places, both in the city and the greater Denver area, offer plenty of space and minimal traffic, making them ideal for perfecting your manual driving skills.
1. Aurora Town Center
14200 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012
Located just east of Denver, Aurora Town Center offers expansive parking lots that are often empty on weekdays. It’s a great place for beginners to get comfortable with manual driving in a controlled space.
2. Coors Field Parking Lot
2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, has a large parking lot that is perfect for practice when there are no games or events happening. Its downtown location makes it easily accessible from different parts of Denver.
3. Cherry Creek Shopping Center
3000 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80206
This popular mall has several large parking lots that are usually quiet during non-peak hours. The ample space provides a relaxed environment for practicing gear shifts and clutch control.
4. Northfield Stapleton
8340 Northfield Blvd, Denver, CO 80238
The Northfield shopping area features wide, open parking lots that are ideal for manual driving practice. It’s situated in a quieter part of town, making it a stress-free zone for learners.
5. Colorado Mills
14500 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80401
Located west of Denver, Colorado Mills has vast parking lots with low traffic, especially on weekdays. Its location near the foothills provides a scenic backdrop as you learn to master the clutch.
6. Empower Field at Mile High Parking Lot
1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204
When the Denver Broncos aren’t playing, the parking lot at Empower Field is a fantastic place to practice. It offers lots of space, giving you the room you need to work on shifting gears and handling tight turns.
7. Park Meadows Mall
8401 Park Meadows Center Dr, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Located south of Denver in Lone Tree, Park Meadows has large parking lots that are quiet during off-peak hours. It’s a perfect location for practicing manual driving without the distractions of heavy traffic.
8. Denver Federal Center Parking Lot
6th Ave & Kipling St, Lakewood, CO 80225
The Denver Federal Center’s parking lot offers a wide, open area ideal for practicing driving skills. It’s typically quiet on weekends and evenings, giving you the space to focus on learning manual transmission.
9. Belmar Shopping District
464 S Teller St, Lakewood, CO 80226
Belmar’s parking lot offers ample space, especially on weekdays or early mornings. This location in Lakewood is a convenient place to practice your manual driving techniques without being rushed by other cars.
10. Southlands Mall
6155 S Main St, Aurora, CO 80016
Located southeast of Denver, Southlands Mall has open parking lots that are rarely busy. It’s a great place for learners who need extra room to get comfortable with gear changes and handling a stick shift.
Conclusion
Whether you’re driving through the vibrant streets of downtown Denver or practicing in the quieter suburbs, the city offers many ideal places to learn manual driving. These parking lots provide the space and peace you need to confidently work on your skills. Ready to take the next step? You can book a lesson in Denver with Manual Driving Academy to fine-tune your manual driving abilities with the help of expert instructors.