Attractions To Explore On 5 Perfect Day Trips From Denver
Denver sits like a gateway to some of Colorado’s most breathtaking natural wonders and cultural hotspots. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can find yourself hiking through ancient rock formations, standing on mountain peaks, or exploring fascinating historical sites.
I’ve put together five perfect day trips from the Mile High City, each featuring three must-see attractions that showcase the best of Colorado’s diverse landscape.
1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Colorado
Nestled among massive sandstone formations, Red Rocks isn’t just a concert venue it’s a natural wonder that will take your breath away. The towering red rocks create perfect acoustics, making it one of the most famous music venues in the world.
During daytime hours, you’ll spot fitness enthusiasts running the stairs or doing yoga on the stage. The surrounding park offers miles of hiking trails with stunning views of the Denver skyline and the plains beyond.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a show here, you’ll never forget the experience of music echoing off ancient rock walls under a starry Colorado sky. Even without a concert, the Visitor Center’s museum tells fascinating stories about the geological and musical history of this iconic spot.
2. Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Towering sandstone rock formations jut dramatically against the blue Colorado sky, creating a landscape that seems almost otherworldly. These natural sculptures have been standing for millions of years, shaped by time and the elements into the breathtaking park we can explore today.
Walking paths wind through the garden, offering close-up views of balanced rocks and towering spires. The contrast of red rock against the green pine trees and the majestic backdrop of Pikes Peak creates perfect photo opportunities at every turn.
Best of all, this natural wonderland is completely free to visit! The visitor center provides fascinating information about how these geological marvels formed and the history of the area’s earliest human inhabitants. For adventure seekers, rock climbing is permitted with proper registration.
3. Pikes Peak – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Standing tall at 14,115 feet, this magnificent mountain inspired the words to “America the Beautiful” when Katharine Lee Bates gazed from its summit in 1893. The views truly are spacious and majestic, stretching across the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains on clear days.
You can reach the top three different ways: drive the scenic highway, ride the historic cog railway, or hike for the truly adventurous. Whichever method you choose, prepare for dramatic temperature drops and possible altitude effects as you climb.
At the newly renovated summit house, warm up with their famous high-altitude donuts a tradition since the 1880s! The visitor center offers interactive exhibits explaining the mountain’s unique ecosystem and cultural significance. Remember to bring layers regardless of season even summer days can be chilly at the top.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park – Estes Park, Colorado
Winding roads take you through alpine meadows where elk graze peacefully and into forests that open suddenly to reveal breathtaking mountain vistas. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, offers drive-up access to the alpine tundra ecosystem without having to hike for hours.
Wildlife spotting opportunities abound throughout the park’s diverse ecosystems. Morning and evening hours bring out mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and the park’s famous elk herds, especially during the fall rutting season.
Though you could spend weeks exploring its 415 square miles, even a day trip reveals why this is one of America’s most beloved national parks. Bear Lake offers an easy but rewarding hike suitable for most fitness levels, while more adventurous visitors can tackle challenging trails to alpine lakes and waterfalls.
5. Mount Evans Scenic Byway – Idaho Springs, Colorado
Ascending the highest paved road in North America feels like driving into the sky itself. This 28-mile journey climbs more than 7,000 feet in elevation, taking you from mountain forests through subalpine zones and finally above treeline to the harsh alpine tundra environment.
Along the way, watch for mountain goats and bighorn sheep that often approach the roadside, seemingly unbothered by human visitors. The windswept summit area offers 360-degree views that stretch for hundreds of miles on clear days, with Denver visible as a tiny speck far below.
Make sure to stop at Summit Lake Park, a stunning alpine lake sitting in a glacial cirque at 12,840 feet. The short but rewarding hike from the summit parking area to the actual peak gives you bragging rights of having climbed a 14er even if your car did most of the work!
6. Boulder Flatirons – Boulder, Colorado
Rising dramatically from the foothills, these slanted sandstone slabs form Boulder’s most recognizable backdrop. The distinctive tilt of these rock formations creates a perfect playground for rock climbers, who can often be spotted scaling the faces on nice days.
Chautauqua Park at the base offers numerous hiking trails for all ability levels. The Flatirons Vista trail provides stunning views without too much elevation gain, while more ambitious hikers can tackle trails that wind between and behind these massive stone sentinels.
After exploring the natural beauty, head to Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder. This charming pedestrian-only street features local shops, restaurants, and often street performers. The combination of natural beauty and vibrant town culture makes Boulder a perfect day trip destination that feels worlds away from Denver despite being just 30 minutes apart.
7. Seven Falls – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Hidden within a dramatic box canyon, this series of cascading waterfalls plunges 181 feet through a granite-walled canyon. The sight of water tumbling down seven distinct steps between towering rock walls creates a magical atmosphere that feels worlds away from the nearby city.
Climb the 224 steps alongside the falls for incredible views, or take the mountain elevator built into the canyon wall if you prefer an easier ascent. At night, colorful lights illuminate the falls, transforming them into a completely different but equally spectacular experience.
Beyond the falls themselves, hiking trails lead to inspiring viewpoints like Inspiration Point, which offers panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the plains. The Eagle’s Nest viewing platform provides the perfect photo opportunity to capture the entire waterfall series in one frame. Despite being privately owned, the attraction maintains a natural feel while offering convenient amenities.
8. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Perched on the mountainside at 6,800 feet elevation, this unique zoo offers animals and views you won’t find anywhere else. The mountain setting creates natural-feeling habitats while providing visitors with breathtaking panoramas of Colorado Springs below.
Hand-feeding the famous giraffe herd is an unforgettable experience that brings you eye-to-eye with these gentle giants. Their long tongues reach eagerly for lettuce leaves as you stand on an elevated platform perfectly positioned at giraffe-head height.
Rocky Mountain wildlife exhibits showcase local species like mountain lions and grizzly bears in naturalistic settings. The Australia Walkabout lets you wander among wallabies, while the elevated Sky Ride chairlift provides both transportation and spectacular views across the zoo grounds and beyond. Between animal encounters, take time to appreciate how the zoo’s innovative design incorporates the mountain terrain rather than fighting against it.
9. Royal Gorge Bridge – Cañon City, Colorado
Suspended 956 feet above the rushing Arkansas River, this engineering marvel held the title of world’s highest bridge for over 70 years. Walking across its 1,260-foot span gives you a true appreciation for both human ingenuity and the raw power of nature that carved this massive canyon.
Thrill-seekers can ride the zipline across the gorge or take the aerial gondola for spectacular views without the slight bounce of the bridge. The truly brave might try the Royal Rush Skycoaster, which swings riders out over the canyon edge at speeds up to 50 mph.
Looking down through the wooden planks to the river far below creates an exhilarating mix of awe and vertigo. The surrounding park offers dining options, historical exhibits about the bridge’s construction, and wildlife viewing opportunities. For a different perspective, consider the train ride that runs along the river at the bottom of the gorge.
10. Dinosaur Ridge – Morrison, Colorado
Hidden in plain sight just minutes from Denver, this outdoor museum preserves actual dinosaur footprints and fossils right where they were discovered. Walking the main trail puts you face-to-face with hundreds of tracks left by Jurassic giants 150 million years ago, now visible on tilted rock layers.
The famous “dinosaur highway” section displays over 300 footprints from various species, creating a prehistoric snapshot of ancient Colorado. You can literally place your hand in the three-toed impression left by a massive Allosaurus or trace the path of a baby Stegosaurus.
Beyond tracks, exposed rock layers reveal ripple marks from ancient shorelines and even dinosaur bones still embedded in the stone. The visitor center offers interactive exhibits explaining how these creatures lived in what was once a tropical coastal environment. For dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages, seeing these authentic traces of prehistoric life in their original location creates a connection to the past that museum replicas simply can’t match.
11. Great Sand Dunes National Park – Mosca, Colorado
Rising nearly 750 feet against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, these massive dunes create a landscape so unexpected it seems almost magical. The tallest dunes in North America stretch across 30 square miles, forming an ever-shifting desert surrounded by alpine peaks, grasslands, and wetlands.
Hiking the dunes offers a uniquely challenging experience as your feet sink into the soft sand with each step. The effort is rewarded with spectacular views from the ridgelines and the pure joy of running or sliding down the steep faces on the return journey.
During late spring and early summer, Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes, creating a beach-like environment where families splash and build sand castles at 8,200 feet elevation. The park transforms dramatically with the seasons and even throughout the day as changing light paints the sand in shades from golden yellow to deep purple.
12. Eldorado Canyon State Park – Eldorado Springs, Colorado
Towering sandstone cliffs create a dramatic natural gateway just minutes from Boulder. World-class rock climbers flock here to scale the sheer golden walls, providing an ongoing spectacle for hikers watching from below.
South Boulder Creek flows through the canyon bottom, creating peaceful pools and small waterfalls perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. The contrast between rushing water and soaring rock faces creates a sensory experience that refreshes both body and mind.
Hiking trails range from easy walks along the creek to challenging climbs that reward with panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The historic Eldorado Springs Pool at the park entrance offers a unique swimming experience in mineral water naturally heated to a constant 76 degrees. Despite being just 30 minutes from Denver, the dramatic landscape and abundant wildlife make this park feel like a hidden wilderness retreat.
13. Golden History Museum & Park – Golden, Colorado
Tucked into the foothills where the plains meet the mountains, this charming museum complex brings Colorado’s gold rush era vividly to life. Historic buildings have been preserved or reconstructed to create an immersive experience of 1800s frontier life.
Walking through the schoolhouse, homestead cabin, and blacksmith shop gives you a tangible connection to the challenges faced by early settlers. Interactive exhibits let kids try their hand at gold panning or sending messages via telegraph.
The surrounding town of Golden adds to the historical experience with its preserved Victorian architecture and the world-famous Coors Brewery. After exploring the museum, stroll along Clear Creek where modern-day kayakers navigate rapids just yards from where prospectors once searched for gold. The combination of educational exhibits and authentic setting makes this a perfect family-friendly addition to a day trip exploring the Front Range.
14. Staunton State Park – Pine, Colorado
Hidden among pine forests and granite cliffs, Colorado’s newest state park offers pristine wilderness experiences just 40 minutes from Denver. Miles of multi-use trails wind through diverse ecosystems, from mountain meadows bursting with wildflowers to dramatic rock formations that frame mountain views.
Climbing enthusiasts challenge themselves on the park’s granite cliffs, while anglers find peace along the shores of ponds stocked with trout. The park’s mix of terrain makes it ideal for mountain biking, with trails ranging from gentle cruises to technical challenges.
Davis Ponds provide a peaceful setting for fishing or simply relaxing by the water. For history buffs, the preserved historic cabin of Frances Staunton offers glimpses into early ranching life in the Colorado mountains. Unlike more famous parks, Staunton often provides solitude even on summer weekends, making it a perfect escape when other destinations are crowded.
15. Brainard Lake Recreation Area – Nederland, Colorado
Nestled high in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, this alpine gem offers some of the most accessible high-mountain scenery along the Front Range. At 10,300 feet elevation, the landscape transforms into a subalpine wonderland of pristine lakes, windswept meadows, and jagged peaks that capture the imagination.
Summer brings explosions of wildflowers carpeting the meadows in a rainbow of colors. Moose frequently wade in the shallows of the lakes, seemingly unbothered by respectful photographers capturing their majesty against the mountain backdrop.
Hiking trails for all abilities branch out from the main lake, leading to smaller alpine lakes and viewpoints. The relatively flat terrain around Brainard Lake itself makes it accessible even for those not accustomed to high-altitude hiking. In winter, the area transforms into a snow-covered playground for cross-country skiers and snowshoers, though the main road closes to vehicles during snowy months.
