Set against an astounding Rocky Mountain backdrop, Denver is a beautiful place to visit.
However, Denver ranks so high on our list because of the places that surround it on the map – the rugged and exciting Denver day trips. Here are 7 particular places that we recommend visiting during your stay in Denver..
Denver Day Trip #1: Rocky Mountain National Park
Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours.
Why to visit:
1. 355 miles of hiking trails that range from easy lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs.
2. Cruise one of the most beautiful highways in the US on Upper Trail Ridge Road.
Cost: $20/vehicle
Denver Day Trip #2: Red Rocks Amphitheater
Distance from Denver : 25 minutes
Why to Visit:
1. It is probably one of the coolest concert venues in the world: a stage nestled in the perfect acoustic surroundings of Red Rocks.
2. Red Rocks was one of the favored venues for The Grateful Dead and the venue has become a traditional stop for many other jam bands.
3. It is the stage for hundreds of the best performers each summer, check out who is playing here.
Cost: Depends on the concert
Denver Day Trip #3: Mt. Evans Scenic Byway
Distance from Denver : 1.5 Hours
Why to Visit:
1. It is the highest paved road in America, commonly termed “The Road to the Sky” (14,130 feet above sea level)
2. You can see Mountain goats and bighorn sheep graze right next to your car, as well as some pretty terrific views of the mountains.
Tip: Because of snow, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway is generally open to cars only from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Cost: $10 per vehicle
Denver Day Trip 4: Boulder
Distance from Denver: 40 minutes
Why to Visit:
1. Recently pegged as the “happiest” city in America.
2. Surrounded by the stunning Flatiron Mountains , there are 200 miles of trails
3. Downtown Boulder is filled with amazing shopping, dining and entertainment options
Cost: Free
Denver Day Trip #5: Garden of the Gods
Distance from Denver: 1 hour, 11 minutes
Why to Visit:
1. Dramatic views of 300′ towering sandstone rock formations
Cost: Free
Denver Day Trip #6: Pikes Peak
Distance from Denver, 1 hour, 11 minutes
Why to Visit:
1. It’s the most visited mountain in the US– second in the world.
2. Breathtaking summit views. Enough said.
Cost:
| Description | May 1 to Nov. 30 | Dec 1 to April 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Per Person (ages 16 & older) | $12 | $10 |
| Per Person (ages 6-15) | $5 | $4 |
| Family Plan (up to 5 passengers) | $40 per vehicle | $35 per vehicle |
Denver Day Trip #7: Glenwood Springs
Distance from Denver: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Why to Visit:
1. Take a short hike on a well-worn trail to clothing optional hot springs at South Canyon.
2. Get your heart pumping with bungee jumping, zip riding and mountain-skimming at the Adventure Park
3. Detox in the geothermal steam bath of the vapor caves
Cost: Depends on the activities
What is your favorite Denver day trip?
Media Credits: Mt. Evans, Pikes Peak, Glenwood Springs
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