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Day Trips from Denver

January 2, 2022

Denver is an absolutely amazing city to visit, full of tasty food options, great arts destinations, sports teams, and plenty of off-beat neighborhoods to wander and explore. 

But if you’re visiting Denver for more than a day or two, you’re truly missing out if you don’t venture outside the city limits and get at least a little taste of Colorado’s amazing mountain life.

Check out these unforgettable day trips from Denver that will inspire return trips for years to come.

Happy exploring!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Drive time from Denver — 2 hours

If you’re visiting Colorado for the first time, we highly recommend carving out the time for a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Rocky Mountain is known for its high-altitude hiking trails through rock outcroppings and waterfalls with breathtaking views at every turn. Elk sightings are common, even in downtown Estes Park, the most visited entry point for RMNP. 

Estes itself is a unique mountain town with all sorts of local boutiques, galleries, and food stops. Parking can be a bit nuts, especially during the summer months, so arrive here with plenty of patience and enjoy a stroll through the quaint side streets. 

If you love Stephen King, a great thing to do in Estes Park is take a tour of The Stanley Hotel, a sprawling historic property founded by businessman and inventor F.O. Stanley and made famous by King’s novel The Shining. Better yet, stay overnight and attend one of the hotel’s night tours or book a ticket for Aiden Sinclair’s Underground, an illusionist show performed inside a hidden speakeasy on the grounds.

There are several pass options to get into Rocky Mountain National Park. A one-day vehicle pass for RMNP is $25 per vehicle, and an annual pass is $70. An even better deal is to purchase the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass which gets you into over 2,000 federal recreation areas across the US including its 59 National Parks.

Trail Ridge Road is another must-see spot in Rocky Mountain National Park, pictured above.

Open from approximately Memorial Day to mid-October, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continually paved road in the United States rising to 12,183 feet with several hairpin turns and absolutely gorgeous views along the way. There’s a very good chance you’ll see wildlife, and they won’t be hard to miss as tourists will be rubbernecking and slowing the entire line of traffic to a near halt. So if you see a long line of cars slowed for seemingly no reason at all, get your camera ready and consider pulling off to the side if there’s a safe place to do so.

Popular Hikes for First-Time Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park

• Alberta Falls — One of the most visited hikes in RMNP, this is an easy, 1.6-mile roundtrip path rising to a waterfall. It’s a great choice for novice hikers or those wanting to see something really beautiful without a multi-hour commitment.

• Dream Lake — A little longer and steeper than the Alberta Falls trail and accessed from the same trailhead, this is a 2.2-mile trail that is usually heavily trafficked the whole way. You’ll get to see two lakes, Nymph and Dream, and if you want to extend your hike a little further for an even more beautiful experience, you can continue on to Emerald Lake which is 3.1 miles roundtrip.

• Alluvial Fan — Great for the kiddos who love to climb, this isn’t a well-defined trail as much as it is several paths snaking up and down the sides of a tumbling waterfall. Parking is very close, and you’ll get a great experience in under an hour. Also, if you continue further down the road during the late spring and early summer months, you can experience Fall River Road.

• Bear Lake — This is a 0.6-mile flat loop through pines and aspens around a gorgeous alpine lake.

• Bierstadt Lake — This is a forested 3.2-mile loop trail that rises 626 feet on a switchback hillside with beautiful views of Longs Peak. This trail is a great option if all of the other popular trailhead parking lots are full as you can access it from the largest Park in Ride shuttle bus location on Bear Lake Road.

Parking in RMNP

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America’s most visited National Parks. If you absolutely want to do the trail you’ve selected, and it’s located within the Bear Lake corridor, AND you’re visiting during the summer months, you will 100% need to plan to arrive at the trailhead parking area by 6:30 am at the latest.

If you’re ok with taking the Park and Ride shuttle, where you will most likely experience long wait times, you have greater flexibility with your arrival time as this parking area is much larger and takes a while to fill up. Still, it does indeed fill up, sometimes by 8 am, and all drivers trying to access this area will be forced to turn around by park rangers.

Colorado Local Tips for Visiting RMNP

Go during the summer months and drive the entire 48-mile stretch of Trail Ridge Road from Estes to Grand Lake, located at the southwest corner of RMNP. After hiking and exploring the park, this makes a great way to see another beautiful Colorado mountain town. Plan at least an hour and a half from once you start driving Trail Ridge to get to Grand Lake. There are several pull-offs and overlooks, and you’ll probably want to hit almost every one of them.

A great way to do this is to spend a day or two in Estes Park exploring RMNP and then depart for another night’s stay in Grand Lake. I recommend this approach because once you drive Trail Ridge Road in its entirety, you probably won’t find it fun to turn around and drive all the way to Estes Park. That’s just a whole lot of driving for one day, and night driving in the mountains, especially Trail Ridge Road, can be a bit nerve-wracking.

Garden of the Gods

Drive time from Denver — 1 hour, 15 minutes

Garden of the Gods is a sprawling collection of curious sandstone rock formations that was officially donated to Colorado Springs in 1909 by the children of Burlington Railroad head, Charles Elliot Perkins. Perkins bought the 242-acre parcel in 1879 but chose to leave the land in its natural state for the public to enjoy. Today it is one of the top attractions in Colorado and a great day trip from Denver if you’ve got an extra day to spare.

The park is free and open to the public from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Colorado Springs is well-known across the United States as home to the US Air Force Academy and Peterson Air Force Base, among other nearby military sites. The US Olympic Training Center is also based there and so is the headquarters of the US Olympic Committee.

Popular activities include whitewater rafting, climbing a heart-pumping 2,000-foot former railcar incline in nearby Manitou Springs, taking a lantern tour inside the lightless tunnels of Manitou Grand Cavern, and exploring the cultural histories of the Anasazi people and their cliff dwellings.

If you have a soft spot for vintage nostalgia, be sure to check out the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade filled with hundreds of historic arcade games.

Colorado Local Trip Tip

There are a number of tours and experiences you can book to enhance your visit to Garden of the Gods, including Adventure Segway Tours, Trolley Tours, Jeep Tours, and various group adventure programs.

Pikes Peak

Drive time from Denver — 2 hours

Another amazing attraction in the Pikes Peak region in Colorado Springs is to drive the auto road to the top of Pikes Peak, a 14,115 mountain and an absolutely gorgeous scenic drive.

Be warned, this drive is not for the faint of heart! The drive is full of steep grades and several dramatic twists and turns with hardly a guardrail in sight. Still, this white knuckle drive to the top is one of the most memorable and beautiful views near Denver.

Colorado local Trip Tip

The road to the top of Pikes Peak is not free, and the weather is extremely unpredictable at the summit, so be sure to check the road conditions and fees in advance of your trip. Fuel up and allow at least two to three hours for the journey to the top. It’s only a 19-mile drive, but traffic is slow, and you’ll most likely be making multiple stops along the way. Also, at certain times of the year, the uphill gates close as early as 3:00 pm with the downhill gates closing at 5:00 pm.

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Drive time from Denver — 2 hours

If you’re already visiting the Pikes Peak Region, live like a local and head out to the curious and colorful geological wonderland that is Paint Mines Interpretive Park. The colored bands running through the rocks are the result of oxidized iron compounds, and the site is a popular draw for landscape photographers.

This is one of those places that even lifelong Colorado residents haven’t even heard of, and it’s a true hidden gem worthy of exploring that is unlike any other in the state.

Colorado Local Trip Tip

Leave your fur babies at home as no dogs or pets are allowed in the park due to the delicate nature of the formations. And while there are several trails winding through the area, climbing on the rocks is strictly forbidden.

Bishop Castle

Drive time from Denver — 2 hours, 45 minutes

Tucked away in San Isabel National Forest southwest of Pueblo, Colorado is a wondrous and whimsical castle constructed of iron and stone that is the result of the lifelong passion of Colorado native, Jim Bishop, who bought the land when he was just 15 years old for $450. A monumental build, both in height and in years spent, the website for Bishop Castle heralds the feat and Bishop’s motivations as a reminder of the importance of not only having a dream but sticking to it “no matter what.”

There’s no entrance fee to explore the castle, but donations are appreciated. All tours are self-guided through a seemingly endless network of elaborate rooms, intricately forged bridges, and tight spiral stairwells.

At almost 3 hours away from Denver, a trip to Bishop Castle might be pushing the limits of what’s considered a day trip. But if you’re looking for something truly unique, you won’t be disappointed.

Colorado Local Trip Tip

Bring a picnic lunch… also your sense of fearlessness, especially when it comes to tight spaces and heights.

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Drive time from Denver — 45 minutes

Eldorado Canyon State Park is a popular hiking and rock climbing destination, and at just 45 minutes outside Denver, makes a great day trip option. This is one of those close to Denver destinations that is also a great choice for a visit regardless of the time of year. Here you can snowshoe, cross country ski, fish, hike, rock climb, scramble, or just watch the adventure awesomeness all around you.

Not far from Eldorado Canyon State Park is the popular city of Boulder, home to the University of Colorado, great food, fun shops, and even more hikes. Be sure to take a stroll down Pearl Street to explore more of what Boulder has to offer.

Colorado Local Trip Tip

If you’re visiting during a gorgeous weekend day, be sure to hit the park early as the parking lot can fill up quickly. 

Recommended Hikes at Eldorado Canyon for First-Time Visitors

Rattlesnake Gulch — This 3.7-mile trail is a gravelly switchback path that climbs 958 feet to the Crags Hotel Ruins and a Continental Divide overlook.

Fowler Trail — If you don’t want the heart-pumping trek that Rattlesnake Gulch Trail becomes, Fowler Trail is a much more leisurely option. This self-guided nature walks winds in and around the park’s beautiful golden rock walls and features absolutely amazing views in a short distance.

Roxborough State Park

Drive time from Denver — 45 minutes

Another beautiful area to explore right outside of Denver is Roxborough State Park. This popular destination is less than an hour's drive from the city, and all of the hikes within the park feature views of its curious red rock formations.

Recommended Hikes for First-Time Visitors

South Rim — This 3-mile trail ventures up a rising hillside that overlooks the park and is absolutely one of my favorites because of the amazing views. This path can be quite the slog in the Spring when the snow melts and the trail basically becomes a full-on muddy mess.

Fountain Valley — This trail is a flatter, more gentle rising trail that is much less of a hike than the South Rim Trail. It winds 2.2 miles through the north side of the park in and around the rocks and is great for kids and even strollers.

Carpenter Peak — If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge, the trek to the top of Carpenter Peak is a strenuous 6.2-mile round-trip journey that takes approximately 3-4 hours and features amazing views of the entire park.

Colorado Local Trip Tip

Pets are not allowed within Roxborough, and neither are mountain bikes. I’ve read several reviews from unaware and also frustrated dog owners having no choice but to turn back. Also, like Eldorado Canyon State Park, parking is limited. Once parking is full, rangers will exercise a one in, one out policy. This means that you could have to wait 30 minutes or so to get in. To avoid this, arrive around 9:00 am or before on nice weather weekends.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

Drive time from Denver — 30 minutes

Red Rocks is an open-air amphitheater and concert venue that has drawn visitors and performers from around the world since the early 1900s. Today, rows of seating between two massive sandstone monoliths, lending to its famously unique acoustical experience. Only a 30-minute drive from Denver, this is a must-see for those visiting the area, but it’s not even for the most obvious reason. Apart from being a great place to see a show, Red Rocks is a major draw for athletes and physical fitness enthusiasts.

Colorado Local Trip Tip

Arrive mid-morning and you’ll find dozens of hard-bodied locals and tourists running, sprinting, squatting, leaping, you name it, in a free-for-all, design your own boot camp experience on the stairs within the amphitheater. Unless you’re in near-perfect physical condition, prepare to be humbled and also inspired by this high-energy, endorphin overload zone.

Mount Evans

Drive time from Denver — allow 2+ hours

Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a high mountain road that climbs over 7,000 feet in 28 miles, rising to an altitude of 14,130 feet. Typically open to vehicles from Memorial Day to the day after Labor Day, if you’re in Colorado during this summertime window, it’s absolutely worth the trip up North America’s highest paved road.

The road has some downright fearsome curves in several places, so this drive is not for the faint of heart. Traffic is slow though. Be prepared for a major drop in temperature while reaching the summit.

Colorado Local Trip Tip

If you can swing it, plan your trip on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Also, stop at the Mt. Goliath Natural Area at the 2.8-mile mark to learn about the history and uniqueness of the Bristlecone Pine trees located here.

Golden

Drive time from Denver — 30 minutes

Golden, Colorado is a small city that sits on the outskirts of Denver to the west and is a great place to visit for hiking, biking, visiting local breweries, and strolling its downtown corridor full of galleries, museums, and local shops. 

Take a scenic drive up Lookout Mountain, pictured below, where you can spot paragliders and visit Buffalo Bill’s grave, visit the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve, or take a hike into Windy Saddle Park. In the summer months, you can visit Golden’s Clear Creek Whitewater Park where you can canoe, kayak, or tube the rushing waters. 

If you like beer, you can take a tour of Coors Brewery, the largest single-site brewery in the world in operation since 1873. Be sure to visit the Colorado Railroad Museum for an in-depth look into Colorado’s railroad history. 

If you want to see some absolutely gorgeous views, drive into Golden Gate Canyon State Park and head up to Panorama Point overlooking the Continental Divide. You can even rent the accompanying facility for special events.

Colorado Local Trip Tip

For a quick 2-mile moderate loop trail, hit the South Table Mountain Trail, pictured above, for views overlooking Golden while also getting a closer look at its towering rock formations.

St. Mary’s Glacier

Drive time from Denver — 1 hour

This absolutely gorgeous hike is a hidden gem outside Denver that will make you feel like a Colorado local. The quick, but steep 1.5-mile roundtrip hike leads to a glacier where you’ll often find people skiing and snowboarding down the massive icy snow patch even in the middle of summer.

Pairing this hike with a visit to nearby Idaho Springs makes for a great day trip from Denver that will tick off a lot of boxes for an ideal Colorado experience. Mountain beauty, check. Short but challenging hike, check. Colorado town with cutesy shops full of moose merch, check. Eating a post-exercise lunch of something called mountain pies, checkity-check.

Colorado Local Trip Tip

For those looking to camp, there are several dispersed campsites right off of Fall River Road on your way to the trailhead for St. Mary’s. They aren’t marked, but they are usually easy to spot. You should see a tent or two which will give you an idea of where to look. If you walk a little way in from the road, you’ll find pre-built stone fire pits from previous campers. Just make sure to watch for private property signs which are clearly posted.

More Places to Visit in Colorado

Image Credits From Top:

Rocky Mountain National Park - zakzeinert - stock.adobe.com; Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Garden of the Gods Winter - John Hoffman - stock.adobe.com; Garden of the Gods - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Garden of the Gods Sunrise - samevig - stock.adobe.com; Pikes Peak - Liam - stock.adobe.com; Paint Mines Interpretive Park Sunset - ipivorje - stock.adobe.com; Bishop Castle Sunset - batman6794 - stock.adobe.com; Bishop Castle Interiors/Exteriors - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Eldorado Canyon Sunset - Zach - stock.adobe.com; Eldorado Canyon Trails - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Boulder Aerial - ©espiegle - stock.adobe.com; Roxborough State Park Sunset - ipivorje - stock.adobe.com; Roxborough State Park Trails - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Red Rocks Amphitheater Concert - Brad - stock.adobe.com; Red Rocks Workout - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Mount Evans Sunset - bwolski - stock.adobe.com; Mount Evans Observatory - Alexander - stock.adobe.com; South Table Mountain - Faina Gurevich - stock.adobe.com; Lookout Mountain Paragliders - Traildog Artisans - stock.adobe.com; St Mary’s Glacier Sunrise - bwolski - stock.adobe.com; St Mary’s Glacier Trail - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Manitou Springs Penny Arcade - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Manitou Incline Trail - arinahabich - stock.adobe.com; Mesa Verde - cbdusty - stock.adobe.com; Magic Town - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; UFO Watchtower - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Sasquatch Outpost - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; for Pin Image credits, click on the respective Pinterest Pin