Author: 
If you’re based in Denver, Colorado, then you can take advantage of the incredible outdoor opportunities nearby. Located in the heart of beautiful Colorado, Denver serves as an ideal starting point for outdoor exploration and exciting day trips. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best day trips you can take from Denver to experience all that Colorado has to offer.
From charming mountain towns like Golden and Estes Park to national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park and Chautauqua Park, there’s something for everyone within driving distance of downtown Denver. Whether you’re interested in hiking trails, brewery tours or horseback riding, Colorado’s Front Range has it all.
We’ll also cover some of the top attractions near Denver International Airport (DIA), including Red Rocks Park and Mount Evans Scenic Byway. And if you have more time to spare, we’ll suggest a few overnight trips to places like Fort Collins or Summit County.
So get ready to add some items to your bucket list as we dive into the best day trips from Denver!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most stunning places in Colorado. A short jaunt from Denver, this park boasts awe-inspiring sights of snowcapped summits and alpine lakes that will leave you in amazement. With plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, you can easily spend days exploring the trails and taking in all the natural beauty Rocky Mountain has to offer.
At Bear Lake, located in Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors can embark on an adventure or simply take in the stunning views. This picturesque lake surrounded by mountains provides a perfect backdrop for hiking or simply enjoying nature’s beauty. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Bear Lake has something for everyone.
Alberta Falls is another popular spot at Rocky Mountain National Park. For those seeking a scenic yet low-intensity trek, Alberta Falls – featuring a breathtaking cascade of emerald waters – is the ideal destination. Once you reach Alberta Falls, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of this majestic waterfall cascading down into an emerald green pool below – definitely worth seeing.
If you’re looking for more challenging hikes while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park then check out Fountain Valley Trail or Carpenter Peak Trail which both offer amazing panoramic views at their summits as well as unique rock formations along the way. For something slightly easier, try Willow Creek Trail – this moderate 1.4 mile loop trail leads to a historic homestead site where you can learn about life in early 20th century America before heading back down again.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a great destination for day trips from Denver, offering many breathtaking views and hikes. For an equally exciting experience, Roxborough State Park offers trails of various difficulty levels to explore the unique landscapes in Colorado.
Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park is a great destination for day trips from Denver. Situated not far from Denver, Roxborough State Park offers a picturesque sight of Pike’s Peak and the chance to wander in the wilds of Colorado’s Front Range. Whether you’re looking for easy trails or more challenging hikes, Roxborough has something for everyone.
The Fountain Valley Trail is an easy two-mile loop that showcases some of the park’s unique red rock formations. For those seeking a leisurely outdoor experience, the Fountain Valley Trail provides a great two-mile loop with stunning red rock formations. The Carpenter Peak Trail is a six-mile round trip hike that offers panoramic views at its summit—definitely worth it if you’re up for a challenge. For something in between, take the Willow Creek Trail; this moderate 1.4 mile loop leads to an historic homestead site with plenty of interesting sights along the way.
No matter which path you pick, Roxborough State Park will provide a remarkable journey. From enjoying breathtaking vistas to discovering fascinating wildlife and plants, there are so many outdoor activities available here year-round. Plus, it’s only a stone’s throw away from downtown Denver and DIA (Denver International Airport), making it a convenient spot for vacationers seeking adventure close by. So pack your bags and get ready – it’s time to explore all that Roxborough State Park has to offer.
Roxborough State Park is a great destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering several trails of varying difficulty. For those looking to explore more of Colorado’s natural beauty, Estes Park & Boulder offer plenty of outdoor activities such as Lily Lake in Estes.
Estes Park & Boulder
Boulder and Estes Park, two of Colorado’s most sought-after destinations for outdoor adventurers, are conveniently located near Denver. Situated not far from Denver, these picturesque mountain towns offer travelers gorgeous sights of the Rockies and a wealth of activities such as trekking, cycling, angling, riding horses and more.
Lily Lake in Estes Park is a picturesque spot ideal for fishing or picnicking amidst serene surroundings. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching rainbow trout and brown trout in Lily Lake, Estes Park all year round. Visitors to this area will also find trails suitable for all levels of hikers – from easy strolls around the lake to challenging hikes up nearby peaks offering stunning views.
Boulder offers some incredible ski spots nearby Denver and the Colorado Springs airport, making it a great spot for an excursion or short break. With over 300 miles of trails ranging from easy strolls through scenic meadows to technical single track routes winding their way up mountainsides there’s something here for everyone who loves the outdoors. For those looking for something different than skiing or snowboarding during winter months, many ski resorts offer activities such as tubing hills and snowshoeing tours too.
Estes Park & Boulder offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration, making it a great day trip destination. Moving on to Fort Collins & Golden, there are more scenic trails and historical sites to explore.
Fort Collins & Golden
Fort Collins and Golden are two of Colorado’s most popular destinations for day trips. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, both cities offer captivating landscapes and a variety of outdoor pursuits. Fort Collins is a vibrant college town with a thriving craft beer scene. With over two dozen breweries offering tastings and tours year-round, it’s no wonder why this charming mountain town is often referred to as “The Napa Valley of Beer”. Visitors can also explore nearby Colorado State University or take a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road for breathtaking views at any time of year.
Golden, on the other hand, has an enviable location at the base of the Rockies making it a picturesque spot worth visiting. Here visitors can experience all that nature has to offer by exploring its many hiking trails like Bear Creek Falls or taking in some spectacular views from atop Mount Evans Scenic Byway – one of America’s highest paved roads. For those looking for something more leisurely, there are plenty opportunities for horseback riding or biking along Clear Creek Trail too. And don’t forget about world-class ski resorts located just outside town such as Arapahoe Basin Ski Area and Keystone Resort – perfect for hitting the slopes during winter months.
Fort Collins and Golden offer plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, from fishing in the rivers to exploring local hiking trails. Idaho Springs and Georgetown are two more charming towns located near Denver that also provide great opportunities for day trips.
Idaho Springs & Georgetown
Idaho Springs and Georgetown are two charming mountain towns located in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range. Both offer plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can explore Wild West history with mine tours or enjoy a brewery tour through downtown Denver. The area is also home to several ski resorts such as Pikes Peak Fourteener and Summit County Ski Resorts for winter fun.
The nearby Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers miles of hiking trails that range from easy day trips to more challenging hikes up Mount Evans Scenic Byway. For those seeking an exciting excursion, Fort Collins and Colorado State University are a short journey away. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park provides stunning scenery along its winding path up to the Mile High City. Great Plains National Monument is another great place for exploring nature at its best.
Estes Park lies on the east side of Roosevelt National Forest while Central City sits on Bear Creek near Lake Dillon in Clear Creek County—both within Wyoming distance from Idaho Springs & Georgetown but still close enough to make it worth your while if you’re visiting during summer months. Chautauqua Park makes an excellent stop when heading back down south towards Denver International Airport (DIA). If you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path, check out Wyoming State Museum or visit one of many world-class ski resorts around Summit County before making your way back home again.
Idaho Springs and Georgetown boast a wealth of outdoor recreational pursuits, including hiking, angling, camping and beyond. For those looking for an even bigger adventure, Pikes Peak Fourteener and Summit County Ski Resorts provide plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Pikes Peak Fourteener & Summit County Ski Resorts
For those looking to take in stunning views of the Rockies, Pikes Peak fourteener near Colorado Springs is a must-see destination. The 14,115-foot peak offers unparalleled panoramic vistas and plenty of outdoor activities for all ages. No matter your level of expertise, Pikes Peak offers an unforgettable experience for all. Plus, you can explore other nearby attractions such as Golden Gate Canyon State Park or Rocky Mountain National Park on your way up.
Summit County boasts five premier ski resorts, with a range of outdoor pursuits to explore – from trekking and cycling to angling or riding. With over 2 million acres of terrain across multiple national forests including Roosevelt National Forest and Arapaho National Forest – visitors are sure to find something they love no matter their skill level. From beginner runs like Bear Creek to advanced slopes like Lake Dillon – Summit County has it all. For those looking for a unique experience while visiting this area – try taking a brewery tour around some of Colorado’s oldest establishments located in charming mountain towns such as Central City and Idaho Springs.
With so much beauty surrounding us here in Colorado, it’s no wonder why this state continues to top people’s bucket lists when planning their next vacation spot. Hiking trails abound throughout Fort Collins and Estes Park with Trail Ridge Road offering access to breathtaking views within Rocky Mountain National Park. If you’re feeling brave enough, why not tackle one of the many fourteeners located within close proximity? Mount Evans Scenic Byway is another great option if heights aren’t your thing but still want that mile high city feel. Or perhaps check out Chautauqua Park where easy day trips can be made from Denver International Airport (DIA). No matter what time of year you visit Colorado’s Front Range region – there are endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.
For those looking for a great outdoor adventure, Pikes Peak Fourteener and Summit County Ski Resorts offer some of the best skiing and hiking opportunities in Colorado. For a more relaxed experience, Evergreen & Cheyenne Botanical Gardens are ideal destinations to explore nature’s beauty.
Evergreen & Cheyenne Botanical Gardens
Evergreen and Cheyenne Botanical Gardens offer a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Colorado’s Front Range. Located just an hour from downtown Denver, Evergreen is a picturesque mountain town boasting numerous recreational activities such as boating, ice skating, fishing and hiking trails. For those looking for an easy day trip destination that won’t break the bank, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is also nearby with miles of scenic trails perfect for exploring nature up close.
Cheyenne Botanical Gardens are located in Wyoming and provide stunning scenery with its lush gardens filled with native plants and flowers. Visitors can explore the visitor center to gain knowledge about nearby wildlife, or join a guided tour of the grounds. The museum at this botanical garden has displays featuring information about Wyoming’s history including artifacts from early settlers who lived in this area during the gold rush era.
Conclusion
From exploring the trails of Estes Park to soaking up some sun in Boulder, there are plenty of day trips from Denver that can be enjoyed. No matter what you’re after, be it getting outdoors or taking in the views, these places offer something for everyone. From Rocky Mountain National Park’s majestic peaks to Breckenridge’s lively atmosphere and Fort Collins’ charming downtown area, your next adventure awaits just beyond Denver city limits.
Experience the best of Denver with RentByOwner.com! Book your perfect vacation rental and enjoy day trips to explore all that Colorado has to offer.
Featured Image Credit: f11photo
