Top Day Trips from Denver, Colorado
My husband and I love visiting Denver, Colorado. Thanks to convenient direct flights from the East Coast, it’s an easy city to reach, yet it feels like a completely different world once you arrive. Denver blends the energy of a bustling city with the laid-back vibe of the outdoors, offering a little bit of everything—from trendy neighborhoods and craft breweries to cultural attractions and a lively sports scene.
One of the things that makes Denver so special is its unbeatable location. Nestled on the edge of the Front Range, it sits just a short drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains, making it the perfect jumping-off point for exploring some of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes. Use these Denver day trips as a guide to exploring hiking, skiing, & scenic drives beyond the city limits.
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.
After your hike, 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. In summer, you may even see elk hanging out in the middle of 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.
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 at 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 take 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.
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 iconic ski resort destination towns including Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge.
While Breckenridge is known for its world-class skiing, they are also wonderful places 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 giant woodland trolls, boutique shopping and delicious restaurants.
Find the Isak Hearstone a 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture, on the Trollstigen Trail
When possible, I recommend taking the scenic route back to Denver via Highways 9 and 285. This route will take you up over the Continental Divide as well as through Fairplay, CO - the real life town of South Park.
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 who’s 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.
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.
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 you’re never more than a short drive from hiking trails, mountain towns, and epic scenery. 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.
The Weather:
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:
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
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
🚊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
If you plan to spend all of our 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
Where to Eat 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.
Want more tips, personalized recommendations and access to perks such as complimentary upgrades and spa credits?
I would love to help you book your Colorado adventure!
