Denver May Get a 500-Foot Ferris Wheel Dubbed the Rocky Mountain Eye
DENVER, CO – A bold new proposal has surfaced that could dramatically reshape downtown Denver’s skyline: the Rocky Mountain Eye, a 500-foot Ferris wheel positioned along the South Platte at the base of the 16th Street Mall.
Photo Sourced from New Downtown Denver Website
Project Overview
The Rocky Mountain Eye would stand among the tallest observation wheels in the world. The design calls for 30 glass-enclosed cabins, each holding up to 25 passengers. Rotating at two miles per hour, the cabins would offer sweeping views of downtown Denver, the Front Range foothills, and the gateway to the Rockies.
Each cabin would be heated for year-round operation, with seasonal programming envisioned, from pumpkins in October to holiday themes in December. Optional private rides could include custom music, lighting, and décor for events such as weddings or parties.
Ticketing and Access
Proposed ticket pricing includes:
$29 per passenger per loop
$49 for three loops
$199 for private one-hour cabin rentals
Weekly, monthly, and annual passes are also part of the concept, alongside discounts for children, seniors, and Medicaid patients.
At the base, an indoor-outdoor pavilion is envisioned, featuring coffee, ice cream, souvenirs, and plaza space to encourage year-round activity.
Photo Sourced from New Downtown Denver Website
Location and Connectivity
The project’s proposed site is 16th Street between Commons Park and the Millennium Bridge. To address limited parking, the concept suggests under-grounding Little Raven Street for one block and linking the site via an automated gondola-like transit system connecting Union Station, Coors Field, Mile High Stadium, and the proposed new Broncos stadium at Burnham Yard..
Modeled After Global Precedent
The idea draws inspiration from other “Eye” attractions worldwide, most notably the London Eye, which draws more than 3.5 million visitors annually, and Orlando’s ICON Park observation wheel. Supporters of the concept argue that a Ferris wheel of this scale could become a new landmark attraction for Denver and help reestablish downtown as a family-friendly destination.
Early-Stage Concept
The Rocky Mountain Eye remains in the conceptual stage, without formal city approvals or announced financing. If pursued, it would require extensive feasibility studies, investment, and public-private partnerships.
Still, its scale and ambition highlight the type of transformative ideas being floated as part of a broader conversation around revitalizing Denver’s urban core.
Photo Sourced from New Downtown Denver Website
All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
3 minute read • A bold new proposal has surfaced that could dramatically reshape downtown Denver’s skyline: the Rocky Mountain Eye, a 500-foot Ferris wheel positioned along the South Platte at the base of the 16th Street Mall.