Ready to set out on a day trip from Denver? Don’t miss these incredible landmarks, national parks and adventures near the Mile High City.
If you’re staying in Denver, there’s a good chance you have Rocky Mountain National Park on your list of Denver day trips. And you absolutely should.
But there’s so much more to see. From Old West ghost towns to a dizzying amount of craft breweries, museums and art galleries – not to mention outdoor adventure thousands of feet up – day trips in Denver are truly next level.
Ready to learn which you should fit into your Denver itinerary? Read on.
The Best Day Trips From Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park
Is there a more iconic day trip from Denver than Rocky Mountain National Park? In a word… no.
Once you make your way up the famed Trail Ridge Road and look around at Milner Pass, the Rainbow Curve Overlook, and Longs Pass, you’ll know why.
I’ve been to many breathtaking places, including a fair few in the USA, and not only is this the best day trip from Denver, but it’s also one of my favourites anywhere in the world. Hikes! Scenic views! Backcountry adventures! It has it all,
How to Get There: Take a bus from Union Station or the Estes Park Shuttle from Denver International Airport to Estes Park. From Estes Park, you can shuttle into the national park.
Average Journey Duration: 3+ hours each way
Hassle-free option: Book This Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch Tour
Fort Collins
Fort Collins may not have the same international recognition, but this medium-sized city north of Denver is jam-packed with fun things to do, making it one of the most exciting day trips near Denver. I popped in for a few days on my most recent Colorado trip and LOVED IT.
Whether you want to sample craft beer (you’ll find the lion’s share of the state’s craft breweries here), or get a history and science lesson at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery — you’re bound to have a memorable day.
If you’re looking for unusual day trips from Denver, toss in a ghost tour or visit the cheeky (but impossibly charming) nostalgic throwback Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum.
How to Get There: Take the North bus line from Union Station to Downtown Transit Center in Fort Collins.
Average Journey Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Hassle-free option: Best of Fort Collins E-Bike Tour
Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, is famous across the USA as a haven for outdoor adventure, shopping, and (of course) craft beer.
But there’s a vibrant downtown with incredible food options, killer live music, and a funky aesthetic and culture that are impossible to ignore.
You can also get there in under an hour on public transportation, making it one of the top day trips from Denver without a car.
How to Get There: Take the RTD from Union Station to Broadway and Regent Drive in Boulder.
Average Journey Duration: 45 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This City Highlights Private Walking Tour
Loveland
Looking for one of the best day trips from Denver by car or public transportation? Loveland is both, with either option taking you around 1 hour. But it’s more than just convenient, it’s a hidden gem.
Loveland is an art lover’s dream, with Loveland Museum, Benson Park Sculpture Garden, and Chapungu Sculpture Park providing plenty of opportunities for analysis and conversation. Not only are they all stunning, but they’re never packed either, so you can really take the time to appreciate the works.
For travellers wanting to see the great outdoors, Boyd Lake State Park and Devil’s Backbone Open Space make it one of the most popular day trips from Denver for hiking and photography.
It also has plenty of nightlife, with craft breweries (surprise, surprise – this is Colorado after all), wineries, and The Flipside barcade.
How to Get There: Take the North bus from Union Station.
Average Journey Duration: 1 hour
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
The stunning Red Rocks Park is an excellent place to take a hike or learn about a piece of Southwest history.
Whether you visit the historic Pueblo-style trading post or attend a concert at one of the most iconic music venues in the world, visiting Red Rocks is one of the top places to visit within 2 hours of Denver no matter when you go.
How to Get There: There is no consistent public transportation, but there is a shuttle service for many of the concerts.
Average Journey Duration: You can drive in under 30 minutes.
Hassle-free option: Book This Red Rocks Park Tour
Evergreen
The Denver art scene is famous for good reasons, but there are also small artsy mountain towns away from the city. Evergreen is one of the most charming.
It’s an outdoorsy community right on the lake, with plenty to do year-round. But dining, shopping, and gallery hopping are reason enough to plan a day trip from Denver.
How to Get There: Take the RTD bus from the Civic Center Station.
Average Journey Duration: 1 hour
Hassle-free option: Book This Red Rocks, Evergreen, and Echo Lake Tour Tour
Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs is another small town in Clear Creek County, between Denver and Empire. What was once a gold mining town is now one of the best Denver day trips when you consider convenience, things to do, and natural beauty.
Thrill seekers will love hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting, and Argo Gold Mill allows you to pan for gold and tour a historic gold mine and mill.
But there’s also good dining options, hot springs, and plenty of activities in town.
How to Get There: Take the West rail line from Union Station to Federal Center, then transfer to the Bustang Pegasus. Driving takes about an hour less.
Average Journey Duration: 90 Minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Red Rocks and Mount Evans Guided Day-Trip Tour
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods features large sandstone and sedimentary rocks that tower high in the sky and are a marvel simply to gaze up at in awe.
But there are also numerous short and long hiking trails, making it one of the best places to visit near Denver, no matter your age or physical fitness.
Bring your camera, your hiking shoes, and arrive early for one the most beautiful (and free) parks in Colorado.
How to Get There: Take the South line from Union Station to Colorado Springs Downtown Station. Then transfer to line 3 towards Manitou Springs and get off at Colorado/36th. Walk about 10 minutes from there.
Average Journey Duration: 3 hours by bus or 1 hr 15 minutes by car
Hassle-free option: Book This Pike Peak and Garden of the Gods Guided Tour
Aurora
Looking for day trips from Denver by train? Head over to Aurora and check out the museums, restaurants, and shopping that locals in the area love.
Some sights you’ll want to make a point to see include Stanley Marketplace, Aurora History Museum, and the Vintage Theater.
If you visit in the summer, don’t miss an afternoon at Aurora Reservoir, where you can spend the day out on the water kayaking or paddle boarding.
How to Get There: Take the A-line RTD from Union Station to 40th Avenue and Airport Blvd – Gateway Park Station.
Average Journey Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Breckenridge
When I think of the best ski resorts in Colorado, Breckenridge instantly comes to mind. And the nearly 200 trails will keep you plenty busy each afternoon, whether you’re snowboarding in the winter or hiking in the summer.
But Breckenridge is also home to a vibrant village with great dining, drinks, and shopping. Ready to book a day trip from Denver? I thought so.
How to Get There: Take the A train from Union Station to Denver International Airport. There you can catch an Epic Mountain Express shuttle to Breckenridge. Or you can drive in about 1.5 hours.
Average Journey Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Book This Ultimate Mountain Tour
Aspen
Looking for more mountain day trips from Denver? If you don’t mind a longer journey, Aspen is one of the most legendary ski resorts in the world and well worth a visit.
Choose from one of four ski resorts (Snowmass being the largest) and get ready for slopes that rival the French Alps.
Don’t believe me? For the most serious skiers and snowboarders, head up to the Aspen Highland Bowl, where you’ll descend from 12,000 feet on one of several trails that is about as close to vertical as you’ll ever get.
Don’t worry, if you don’t ski. There is plenty of excellent shopping and dining downtown to keep you happy.
How to Get There: You can take the 10 bus from Union Station and transfer to the L at West Glenwood Park & Ride, but it’s a long ride. Driving takes about half the time at 3.5 hours.
Average Journey Duration: 6+ hours by bus
Hassle-free option: Round Trip Private Transfer From Denver International Airport
Mount Evans
Want to drive on the highest stretch of paved road in North America? Head up to Mount Evans, which is one of the most impressive members of the stunning Rocky Mountains.
If you drive along the roadway, you’ll climb over 7,000 feet before reaching a ridiculous 14,000-foot summit. Attention nature enthusiasts – you may see mountain goats if you pay attention closely (adorable).
Want bragging rights on your day trip from Denver? Complete the Mount Evans Summit Trail.
The summit trail is only about a half mile long, with less than 100 feet of elevation change. But it sounds cool, doesn’t it?
How to Get There: Take the bus to Wewatta St and 17th St to Idaho Springs and hire a taxi or rideshare. Driving is considerably more accessible and affordable.
Average Journey Duration: 1 hour by car, 2 hours by public transportation
Hassle-free option: Book This Red Rocks and Mount Evans Guided Tour
Echo Lake
If you want to experience Colorado hiking without driving far from the city, Echo Lake is one of the best day trips from Denver.
The Echo Lake Trail follows the gorgeous mountain lake on an easy 1.5-mile out-and-back pathway. You can also fish, swim, or photograph the beautiful park in the summer and fall.
How to Get There: Take a Bustang bus near Union Station to Idaho Springs and then take a taxi the rest of the way.
Average Journey Duration: 1.5 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Red Rocks, Evergreen, and Echo Lake Tour Tour
St. Mary’s Glacier
Keen to see a glacier on your day trip to Denver? You can and you should.
St Mary’s Glacier is one of the most beautiful day trips around Denver, where you can take a moderately challenging hike up for views of the glacier lake and the Rocky Mountains nearby.
Don’t sleep on this day trip from Denver.
How to Get There: You can take a bus to Idaho Springs and a taxi from there. Or drive in around 1 hour.
Average Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Glacier Hike and Geothermal Cave Pools Tour
Golden
Want to experience an old west mining town with plenty of life left in it? Head west.
Golden, Colorado, is famous for its storied brewing history (Coors), excellent shopping, and the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater.
How to Get There: Take the RTD line W train from Union Station to Jefferson County Government Center – Golden Station.
Average Journey Duration: 40 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Ghost Towns of the Rockies Tour
Central City
Another historic Old West town you won’t want to miss is Central City. Step back in time, walk down the historic streets, and stop by the opera house, cemeteries, and museums in town.
Looking for fun day trips from Denver? The casinos, gold mine tours, and shopping provide plenty of different activities that make Central City a popular choice for visitors and Denver residents.
How to Get There: Take the bus from Wewatta St & 17th St to Idaho Springs and taxi from there.
Average Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Ghost Towns of the Rockies Tour
Cañon City
If you want to experience outdoor adventure on a fun day trip from Denver, head to Cañon City.
What can you expect? Walk across the tallest suspension bridge in the USA, or take a gondola at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. If your adrenaline isn’t pumping enough, take the zipline 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River.
You can also hike through Tunnel Drive, learn more about dinosaurs (fossils have been unearthed here), or visit a gorgeous Abbey.
How to Get There: Take the Greyhound from Union Station to Pueblo, then transfer to the CDOT Outrider heading to Alamosa via Salida and exit at Cañon City.
Average Journey Duration: 4.5 hours by bus, 2.5 hours by car
Hassle-free option: Book Your Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Entrance Ticket
Pueblo Colorado
Historically an industrial town with a history of steel production, Pueblo is actually low-key an amazing place to take a day trip from Denver.
You can hit the many museums, meander along the riverwalk, or have a meal at one of the many restaurants.
In the summer, Lake Pueblo State Park is worth a visit on its own, with 60 miles of lakeside shore offering up some excellent boating, fishing, and hiking.
How to Get There: Take the Greyhound from Wewatta St & 17th St to Pueblo.
Average Journey Duration: 3 hours by bus, 2 hours by car
Practical Tips for Easy Day Trips From Denver
- Planning epic day trips from Denver isn’t just possible. I can’t recommend it enough. Schedule at least one while you’re in the Mile High City.
- Try to combine a few destinations on a one-day trip. Many of these destinations are near each other, so you can parlay one into several.
- If you’re taking a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park or some other outdoorsy Denver day trips, take all your hiking essentials.
Map of Day Tours from Denver
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