Denver is the capital of the U.S. state of Colorado. The city is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Denver is the largest city within a 500-mile radius and the 19th-largest city in the United States, with an estimated 2019 population of 716,492. The Denver metropolitan area had a population of 3,074,309 in 2019, ranking as the 16th most populous U.S. metropolitan statistical area. The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated 2019 population of 5,215,303, ranking as the 19th most populous U.S. metropolitan statistical area. Denver is the most populous city of Colorado and the capital of the state. It is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The Denver downtown district is located immediately east of the confluence of Cherry Creek with the South Platte River, approximately 12mi east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile (5280ft or 1609.3m) above sea level. The 105th meridian west of Greenwich passes directly through Denver Union Station.The climate in Denver is semi-arid (Köppen climate classification BSk), and is also the most populous city with this climate type in the United States. Denver winters are cool and dry, averaging in the high 20s °F (−3 °C) from December to February, while summers are warm to hot and dry, with average June highs in the mid-80s °F (28–32 °C). Denver's location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains gives the city a dramatic view of the mountain range to the west.Downtown Denver has a variety of attractions, including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Colorado State Capitol, Larimer Square, Mile High Stadium, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Denver is also home to multiple professional sports teams, including the Denver Broncos of the National Football League, the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball, the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association, and the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League.The best way to find parking in downtown Denver is to use one of the many parking apps available. SpotHero, ParkMe, and ParkJockey are all popular options that will allow you to find and compare parking prices in the area. You can also find street parking, but it is often more expensive and can be difficult to find a spot.