Top Day Trips from Denver, Colorado for Outdoor Adventures
My husband and I love visiting Denver, Colorado — and as a travel advisor based in the Southeast, it's one of the destinations I recommend most often to clients who want an adventure-focused trip with easy access from most major airports. Denver sits right on the edge of the Front Range, which means downtown Denver is within two hours of a remarkable variety of outdoor adventures — from 14,000-foot peaks to charming mountain towns to alpine lakes and wildflower meadows.
Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast chasing serious elevation or someone who just wants a scenic drive and a long lunch, the surrounding areas deliver. The day trips below range from 30 minutes to just under two hours from the city, so you can mix and match based on how much windshield time you want.
How to use this guide: I've included our personal favorite things about each stop, driving times, and honest notes on whether a tour is worth it or if you're better off going it alone.
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Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
About two hours from Denver is Rocky Mountain National Park. Honestly, you could spend several days at the park alone and still not see everything. Even still, it is 100% worth taking a day trip to see this stunning landscape up close.
For this day trip, plan to depart Denver in the early morning to make the most of your day (pick up your rental car the day prior) and make your way straight to the Beaver Meadows park entrance. Here, you’ll find a visitor center, gift shop and restrooms.
If you only have time for one hike, I’d pick the Emerald Lake Trail. In full transparency, this is one of the only trails I’ve explored in RMNP - but it’s so good we’ve done it on both our trips. The first time my husband and I hiked to Emerald Lake was in early May and the majority of the trail was still snow covered, including all of the lakes along the way. The second time, in July, was a totally different experience - seeing all of the lakes, wildflowers in bloom and elk hanging out along the trail.
If you have time after your hike, Trail Ridge Road is one of the most iconic scenic drives in the country — it climbs to over 12,000 feet and offers sweeping views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains that are hard to put into words. Even if you only drive a portion of it, it's worth doing. Note that the road typically closes in mid-October and doesn't reopen until late May, so plan accordingly.
After the park, spend some time exploring in Estes Park - here you will find shops, cafes and the iconic Stanley Hotel (known for the Shining) along a picturesque waterway. Grab a scoop of ice cream, browse the shops and in the summer months, keep an eye out for elk wandering through town.
Some tips to keep in mind for Rocky Mountain National Park:
In peak season, from May-October, the park requires timed entry reservations. The cost to reserve is a $2 processing fee (you will also need to pay a park entry fee if you do not already have an America the Beautiful pass). More information on timed entry, on sale dates and more can be found here.
In colder months, you may need additional gear such as crampons and hiking poles to navigate snow-covered trails. These can be rented in Estes Park at Estes Park Mountain Shop.
Colorado's famous 300+ days of sunshine can be misleading in the high country — afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast during summer, especially above treeline. Plan to start your hike early and aim to be back at the trailhead by early afternoon.
Tour or DIY?
I recommend that you rent a car and DIY this day trip. While tours from Denver (like this one) are available, doing this on your own will allow you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Want to check out a few different hiking trails? No problem! Stop for lunch in Estes Park and stroll down Pearl Street in Boulder on your way back to Denver - that’s totally an option! By doing this as a DIY expereience you won’t be on anyone else’s timeline.
🚗 Driving Time:
The 70+ mile drive to the Beaver Meadows entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll drive through other well-know destinations including Boulder, Lyons and Estes Park along the way.
💃 Best For:
This Denver day trip is best for: Groups, families, couples, and individuals looking for hiking and adventure in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO
Sitting in shadow of Pikes Peak is Garden of the Gods, located just outside of Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark, home to geological and ecological rarities.
You can explore the park on foot, by bike, on horseback or go vertical on rock climbing routes. The park features over 21 miles of hiking trails and offers daily guided nature walks. Upon arrival, stop in to the visitor center for free full-color trail maps, water bottle filling stations, and interactive exhibits to learn more about the geological history, flora and fauna that call Garden of the Gods home.
We spent the better part of the day meandering around the trail system here - and followed it with lunch at In-n-Out. Not exactly a pro-travel tip, but as east coasters we always make a stop for animal-style fries anytime we head out west.
While you're in Colorado Springs, consider tacking on a trip up Pikes Peak — one of Colorado's most famous "fourteeners" at 14,115 feet. You don't have to be a serious hiker to experience it: the Pikes Peak Cog Railway offers a guided, scenic ride to the summit and back, and is a great option for families or anyone who wants the views without the work. On a clear day, you can see all the way back toward Denver. Round trip on the cog railway takes about 3 hours, so factor that into your day.
Colorado Springs itself is worth a short wander — it's the second largest city in the state and has a solid food and coffee scene if you need to refuel before the drive back to Denver.
Tour or DIY?
In my opinion, DIY is the best way to go. Again, this allows you to take your time and explore the bits you find most interesting. For trail rides, you’ll need to go through a tour operator whom you can meet in Colorado Springs. This one is a great option for horseback riding.
🚗 Driving Time
The 65-ish mile drive to Garden of the Gods takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Denver.
💃 Best For:
This Denver day trip is best for: Groups, families, couples, and individuals who love nature and learning.
Breckenridge, CO
As you head west out of Denver, up into the mountains, you’ll make your way through some of Colorado's most popular ski towns including Vail, and Breckenridge.
While Breckenridge is known for its world-class skiing, it’s also a wonderful place to visit in the summer and fall. In the off-season, Breckenridge visitors will enjoy opportunities for downhill mountain biking, hiking and sightseeing gondola rides. Additionally, you’ll find boutique shopping and delicious restaurants.
Keep an eye out for Isak Hearstone, a 15-foot wooden troll sculpture tucked into the Trollstigen Trail — one of those unexpected finds that makes Breckenridge fun even if skiing isn't your thing.
In the winter months, Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most visited ski towns in the country. The mountain has terrain for all ski skills, from wide groomed runs for beginners to steep expert chutes. Even if skiing isn't your thing, a winter trip to Breckenridge is still worth it: the town is charming under a blanket of snow, and there's no shortage of great après spots to warm up with a hot drink.
In fall, the aspen trees along the drive up turn a brilliant gold — some of the best fall color you'll find along the Front Range.
We took the scenic route back to Denver via Highways 9 and 285 and I’d recommend it if you have the time. This route will take you up over the Continental Divide as well as through Fairplay, CO — the real-life town of South Park. If you want to extend the day further, Cottonwood Hot Springs is a frequently recommended detour.
Tour or DIY?
Beginning to sound like a broken record on this one - but a DIY adventure with a rental car really is the way to go here.
🚗 Driving Time
The 80 mile drive via Hwy 70 from Denver to Breckenridge takes about 90 minutes. For those taking the scenic route back via Hwy 9 & Hwy 285, the 108 mile drive takes about 2 hours & 15 minutes.
💃 Best For:
This Denver day trip is best for: Groups, families, couples, and individuals looking for a day trip that mixes great food, shopping and outdoor adventures.
Evergreen, CO
My husband and I discovered Evergreen thanks to a recommendation from a friend whose family has been visiting this area for years - and honestly it feels like a total hidden gem. Named after the evergreen trees surrounding the town, which sits in a valley among the towering Rocky Mountains.
Evergreen’s historic Main Street is lined with rustic storefronts and saloon-style buildings that capture the frontier spirit. Boutique shops, galleries and cafes give the town a modern touch to remind you that you haven’t quite fully stepped back in time to the set of an old spaghetti western. At the heart is Evergreen Lake, a year-round recreation destination where summer paddles give way to winter ice skating.
Evergreen is also one of the best places near Denver for wildlife spotting — elk are a common sight, particularly in the early morning and at dusk. The surrounding mountain landscape makes even a simple drive through the area feel like an event. Unlike some of the more tourist-heavy destinations on this list, Evergreen still has the feel of a quaint mountain town, which makes it a great time to visit any season — you're far less likely to be competing with crowds for a parking spot or a seat at a café.
Tour or DIY?
You’ll need to DIY this day trip destination with a rental car.
🚗 Driving Time
The 28 mile drive from Denver to Evergreen takes about 40 minutes.
💃 Best For
This Denver day trip is best for: Groups, families, couples, and individuals looking for looking for picturesque landscapes, and an old western town expereince.
Golden, CO
If you're looking for a day trip that's close to Denver and still delivers that quintessential Colorado mountain town feel, Golden is hard to beat. Just a short drive — about 30 minutes from downtown Denver — Golden sits at the base of the foothills along Clear Creek, and it packs a lot into a small footprint.
Clear Creek itself is one of the main draws: in warmer months, it's a popular spot for whitewater kayaking, tubing, and fishing. The riverside trail is an easy, scenic walk even if you're just stretching your legs between meals. The town also has a solid collection of local restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops along Washington Avenue — it's the kind of place where an afternoon wanders naturally into an evening.
For outdoor adventures, the area surrounding Golden offers hiking on South Table Mountain and North Table Mountain, both of which give you striking views back toward the Denver skyline. It's a great option if you want a taste of the mountains without committing to a full-day drive.
*Bonus for beer lovers: this is where you'll find the original Coors Brewery, open for tours Thursday through Monday. Advanced reservations are required. Check out the Coors website for more information.
Tour or DIY?
Golden is easy to DIY — just park near Washington Avenue and explore on foot from there.
🚗 Driving Time
The roughly 15–20 mile drive from Denver to Golden takes about 30 minutes.
💃 Best For
This Denver day trip is best for: Couples, families, and individuals looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure close to the city, with good food, a charming area to wander, and a good selection of local shops along Washington Avenue.
About Denver, Colorado
The Location:
Denver, Colorado—aka the “Mile High City”—is one of those places that feels both exciting and down-to-earth all at once. Sitting at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, it’s a city where you can sip craft coffee in a hip neighborhood café, wander through art galleries, or catch a Rockies game, all with the Rocky Mountains looming out in the distance. Thanks to its central location and airport, it’s super easy to get to, which makes it the perfect starting point for a Colorado adventure.
What I love about Denver is the balance it strikes—you get all the perks of a big city (great food, live music, museums, breweries) but there is an abundance of hiking trails, mountain towns, and epic scenery within a short drive of the city. It’s the kind of place where you could spend a Saturday morning at a farmers’ market and still make it up to the mountains for a sunset hike that evening.
Weather in Denver:
Denver is known for its sunshine—over 300 days every year—so even when it’s chilly, the blue skies make it feel nicer.
Summers are hot and dry, perfect for patio hangs, concerts at Red Rocks, and long days in the mountains.
Winters bring snow, but they’re usually milder than you’d think, with sunny breaks between storms. Ski resorts are close enough for easy day trips.
Spring and fall are gorgeous, with mild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom or leaves turning golden across the Front Range.
The Vibe in Denver:
The overall vibe in Denver is adventurous, outdoorsy, and super welcoming. People here are just as comfortable in a pair of Chacos as they are at a rooftop bar, and there’s a big emphasis on local everything—whether that’s beer, coffee, or farm-to-table eats. It’s a city with a laid-back pace that makes it easy to feel at home. Expect lots of dogs on patios, plenty of fleece jackets, and an energy that’s equal parts city fun and mountain chill.
Tips for Visiting Denver
Flying to Denver
The Denver Airport is located about 20 miles from Downtown Denver. As a United hub, it offers direct flights from many airports across the country making it an easy to reach destinations.
Airport Transfers from DEN
🚊Train: Travelers can utilize the A Line to get to and from the Denver airport and Union Station. From there, travelers can connect to other local and regional rail lines or to the free 16th Street Mall shuttle or downtown MetroRide buses. The cost is $10 per rider each way. The Denver airport rail line includes 6 additional stops between the aiport and Union Station and takes approximately 40 minutes.
🚕 Uber/Lyft : Ride shares can be accessed from both the East and West terminals, on Island 5.
🚗 Rental Car: There are 10 car rental agencies to select from at Denver International Airport. They do require a courtesy shuttle service to and from Jeppesen Terminal. If you only plan to rent a car for a portion of your trip, there are additional rental locations in Downtown Denver to pick-up/drop-off.
Getting Around Denver
If you plan to spend all of your time in Denver proper, you can get by without renting a car - exploring by foot, public transportation or Uber. For those going on day trips outside the city, a rental car is necessary.
Where to Stay in Denver, Colorado
These hotels are a great place to start, we have stayed and had great experiences.
Where to Eat in Denver, Colorado
Denver has an incredible food scene - with a strong focus on local. Here’s a handful of picks to help get you started.
Cart Diver
This is an awesome pizza spot with locations in Denver’s LoHi and RiNo neighborhoods. A counter service spot, serving 90-second pies out of a shipping container. We went classic cheese after a day of brewery hopping around RiNo and it totally hit the spot.
La Diabla Pozole & Mezcal
A Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient, La Diabla Pozole & Mezcal is a no-frills restaurant. As if the name didn’t give it away, pozole is a the star of the show, but their tacos are also incredible.
El Five
El Five is a mediterranean restaurant serving ‘tapas with a view.’
Hey Kiddo
A ‘Michelin Recommended’ restaurant, Hey Kiddo features Asian-inspired shareable plates. Be sure to try the Korean Fried chicken and shaken fried rice.
Mister Oso RiNo
A Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient, Mister Oso is a laid back spot for tacos served family style.
FAQs
What is the best day trip from Denver? Honestly, it depends on what you're after — but if we had to pick one favorite spot, Rocky Mountain National Park is hard to top. The scenery is unmatched, there's something to do in every season, and even a single day there feels like an adventure. That said, if you're short on time or don't want a long drive, Golden is a great option close to Denver: it's just 30 minutes away and delivers a quaint mountain town feel without the full-day commitment.
What is the best time of year to do day trips from Denver?
One of the best things about Denver is that any time of year works for outdoor activities — and that's not a cop-out. Summer (June–August) is peak season for hiking, with long days and wildflowers in bloom across the Front Range. Fall (September–October) is arguably the most beautiful, when the aspens turn gold along the mountain roads. Winter is ideal if skiing or snowshoeing is your thing — Breckenridge and the surrounding ski towns are at their best. Spring is quieter, which means fewer crowds at local places like Evergreen and Garden of the Gods.
Can you do a Colorado mountain day trip in a short week or weekend?
Absolutely. Most of the destinations on this list are designed to be done in a single day, and you can realistically fit two or three into a long weekend. A good place to start with is Evergreen or Golden — both are close, low-pressure, and easy to combine with an afternoon back in Denver. If you have a full weekend, pair Rocky Mountain National Park (about a 2-hour drive) with Breckenridge for a solid mix of wilderness and mountain town energy.
What Outdoor Activities Can I Explore In Devner?
If you do have a free afternoon in the city, Confluence Park — where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River — is a great spot to walk, people-watch, or kayak before heading back out the next day. Other great options also include the Devner Botanic Gardens and Red Rocks Park (technically in Morrison but often associated with the Denver metro).
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Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
