13 best day trips from Denver

Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, there’s a lot to love about Denver, Colorado. Its close proximity to the mountains and a large number of parks and museums make it a well-known destination that will keep you busy — no matter if you’re here for a few days or a couple of years.

But what happens when you’ve exhausted all there is to do and see in the Mile High City? While we don’t think it’s possible to get bored in a place like Denver, it’s sometimes nice to get out of town for a day or two. Luckily, Colorado offers plenty of destinations for Denver day trips that are a short drive from the city limits but offer adventure and fun.

Thinking about escaping the city for an afternoon or longer? The following excursions won’t take you too far from home, but it might be worth renting a car for a road trip if you’re worried about mileage or wear and tear on your own vehicle. 

Of course, when you need to borrow a car in Denver, there’s no better destination than Avail. 

Best Denver day trip destinations

What makes for a great day trip destination? Whether you’re seeking a long morning hike or simply want to get out of town for a while, you’ll want to stick relatively close to home. That’s especially true if you’re renting a car and have a mileage limit. The following destinations are easily reachable within a few hours and don’t require you to trek more than 200 miles from your home base.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Distance from Denver: 70 miles
Activities: Outdoor hikes, camping, fishing
Equipment you might need: Hiking boots, trekking poles, camping gear
Cost: $15-$70 per day

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the reasons to visit or live in Denver. It’s a relatively short 70-mile drive to the northwest, but the sheer volume of things to do means you’ll be coming back again and again. With over 300 miles of hiking trails for beginners to experts, sweeping mountain vistas, fishing and plenty of camping spots, there’s never a boring moment here.

Because the park is open all year round, it’s important to research and plan ahead. Summer, fall and winter visitors will have largely different experiences. Know what to do before you get here, and you’ll have a blast! 

2. Roxborough State Park

Distance from Denver: 26.2 miles
Activities: Cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing
Equipment you might need: Hiking boots, ski gear, sleds, picnicking stuff
Cost: $4-$80

Just south of Littleton, Roxborough State Park makes for an excellent day trip. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, this park offers a serene getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether for a daylong hike in the summer or a ski adventure among the park’s designated paths during the winter months, Roxborough has plenty of activities to offer.

Most people who visit Roxborough State Park make the trip because of its stunning red-rock formations and abundant wildlife. The park also offers some of the best hikes around Denver that touch on Colorado history and geology. If you are planning a trip, make sure to come during the day and leave your pets and bikes at home. Due to its sensitive rock formations, this is very much a “look, but don’t touch” destination.

3. Garden of the Gods

Distance from Denver: 70 miles
Activities: Climbing, camping, hiking, biking, guided tours, horseback riding and more
Equipment you might need: Hiking shoes, bikes, climbing gear
Cost: Free entrance, additional packages can be purchased

While you can’t ride bikes or climb at Roxborough, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a different story.

Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. Whether you love hiking, climbing, biking, or exploring, the natural rock formations and stunning mountain views are well worth the hour’s drive from Denver. There’s no shortage of things to do in this completely free park. Explore at your leisure or take a guided tour. 

Not sure what to do? The park provides a robust tool to help plan your visit, whether you want to spend an hour or the entire day. If it’s a romantic getaway or fun for the whole family, there’s something for everyone.

4. Mount Evans

Distance from Denver: 41.8 miles
Activities: Scenic driving, hiking, nature viewing, outdoor learning
Equipment you might need: 4WD/AWD vehicle, hiking gear
Cost: $5-$20

The twisting, turning lanes of the Mount Evans byway are just one reason to visit this mountainous location, just an hour west of Denver along CO-103 N. In addition to scenic views of the Continental Divide, herds of mountain goats and sheep, and alpine wildflowers, taking North America’s highest paved road allows you to reach the Mount Evans Recreation Area and the Mount Evans Summit and Interpretive Site.

If you plan on making the trip out to Mount Evans, you’ll need to do it during the summer months. The road and access to the summit close the day after Labor Day. You’ll also need to make a paid reservation for entry if you plan on making the climb between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

5. Estes Park

Distance from Denver: 70 miles
Activities: Fly-fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, shopping, museums…so many things!
Equipment you might need: A sense of adventure, hiking gear, climbing gear, biking gear, fishing gear…the list goes on.
Cost: Fees vary depending on the activities chosen.

Heading north through Boulder to Estes Park is one of the best ways to get out of Denver for a few days. Why? Because there’s no shortage of fun things to do for the whole family. This “natural playground” has something for everyone, from rock-climbing enthusiasts to fly-fishing fans and more. And because Estes Park is close to Rocky Mountain National Park, you can combine your trips for even more adventure.

Prefer dining and shopping? Estes Park has plenty to offer in that regard, too. Visit one of many restaurants, wineries and outdoor stores to find everything you desire in this mountain paradise.

6. Boulder

Distance from Denver: 30 miles
Activities: Shopping, dining, breweries, hiking, biking, camping, skiing
Equipment you might need: Hiking gear, biking gear, skis, fishing gear and more
Cost: Fees vary depending on activities chosen

If you don’t feel like driving all the way to Estes Park, consider a stop in nearby Boulder. This city offers an excellent balance between outdoor adventures and a thriving urban downtown with plenty of restaurants, stores and events. Take a guided tour or dive into the city’s art scene.

Located at the foot of the Rockies, Boulder’s proximity to Denver makes it the perfect getaway for an afternoon visit or a full weekend. There’s no shortage of summer events to experience, tours to take and beautiful views to enjoy.

7. Pikes Peak

Distance from Denver: 100 miles
Activities: Hiking, Jeep tours, climbing, biking, hiking
Equipment you might need: Hiking gear, biking gear, a reliable vehicle, lots of water. Maybe even bear repellant.
Cost: Varies based on chosen activity

Pike’s Peak is “America’s Mountain,” which explains why thousands of visitors make the trek to its summit each year. It’s roughly a two-hour drive from Denver that passes through nearby Colorado Springs, but the trip is worth it with stunning views. Visitors to Pike’s Peak have the option of driving their vehicle up the winding two-lane road, taking a guided bus tour to the summit, or even riding the train. For those who want to take a more rugged approach, it’s possible to hike up the mountain (or bike all the way down).

Even if you’re not interested in ascending to the top of the mountain, there’s still plenty of stuff to do. See historic Manitou Springs, take in the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, or pay a visit to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

8. Black Hawk

Distance from Denver: 38 miles
Activities: Casinos, dining, gold tours, walking tours, hiking, biking, skiing
Equipment you might need: Luck, hiking gear, ski gear, biking gear
Cost: Depends on activities, may even win some money at the casino!

Head west along I-70 to reach Black Hawk, a holdover from the Colorado Gold Rush. In addition to the gorgeous backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Black Hawk is home to several casinos, restaurants and a wonderful historic district. Even with its focus on gambling, there’s still plenty to see and do in this historic district. During the summer, Black Hawk’s large number of hiking and bike trails allow outdoor enthusiasts to take a break from the Blackjack tables and enjoy fresh mountain air. During the winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular pastimes.

9. Idaho Springs

Distance from Denver: 33 miles
Activities: Whitewater rafting, art galleries, museums, trails and more
Equipment you might need: Rafting gear, hiking gear, snacks
Cost: Varies depending on the activity.

Idaho Springs might be best known as a stopover for I-70 travelers, but that’s not the only reason to pay a visit to this town. Rafting enthusiasts make the journey to Idaho Springs to take a trip down Clear Creek. Avid skiers visit the nearby Loveland Ski Area and Winter Park resorts. Don’t forget to check out the town’s hot springs, too.

History buffs might want to check out the Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, which showcases the state’s prospecting history and wildlife. For those curious about the Colorado Gold Rush, Phoenix Gold Mine offers a chance to explore those roots.

10. Golden

Distance from Denver: 15 miles
Activities: Brewery tours, outdoor exploration, museums, art exhibits, nightlife
Equipment you might need: outdoor equipment, a sense of adventure, golf clubs
Cost: Varies depending on activities chosen.

Golden barely qualifies as a day trip thanks to its proximity to Denver, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great daylong adventure there. In addition to all the outdoorsy activities that Colorado residents know and love, Golden has a few extra incentives to spend an afternoon (or evening). Visit the Coors Brewery, spend time taking in the splendor of nature on one of many hiking trails, or go kayaking on Clear Creek.

For those whose pursuits lean more toward history or education, a visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum or Golden History Museum and Park might be more your style. 

11. Fort Collins

Distance from Denver: 65 miles
Activities: Cycling, fishing, hiking, golfing, canoeing, camping
Equipment you might need: Fishing gear, camping gear, hiking gear
Cost: Depends on activities chosen.

It’s no surprise that Fort Collins offers the usual hiking and outdoors activities you’ve come to expect from Colorado, but those aren’t the only things to do around the city. Fort Collins is also home to a thriving craft beer scene, a rich cycling culture and world-class arts and entertainment. As the cultural capital of Northern Colorado, the city’s symphony orchestra, ballet troupe, opera company, and national touring shows will keep you from ever being bored.

12. Summit County

Distance from Denver: 74 miles
Activities: Skiing, farmer’s markets, walking tours, festivals
Equipment you might need: Ski gear
Cost: Varies depending on ski resort chosen, ski passes and more

When you think of ski resorts close to Denver, Summit County should be top of mind. Home to Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper Mountain, Summit County is one of the best places to hit the slopes in the state. But that’s not the only thing this location has going for it. There’s also 25 miles of shore along the Dillon Reservoir. Prefer a slower pace than a downhill sprint? Stop by Frisco and Silverthorne to explore.

13. Breckenridge

Distance from Denver: 87 miles
Activities: Skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, dining, art, shopping
Equipment you might need: Ski gear, hiking gear
Cost: Varies depending on activities chosen. Some activities are free, others have extra charges.

We touched on it earlier, but Breckenridge is one of Summit County’s best destinations for hiking, skiing, dining, art and more. Whether you’re an avid hiker, skier, fly-fisher, or foodie, visiting this wonderful mountain enclave is an adventure. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something to do. Like many of the destinations on our list, planning a getaway to Breckenridge is fairly simple. And because it’s just an hour and a half away from downtown Denver, you can make the trip over and over again to experience something new.

Determining the best day trips from Denver

Making the most of a day trip from Denver depends on what you’re looking for. Living in Colorado often involves a love of the outdoors and exploration just as much as it does appreciation for dining and culture. Many of the destinations on our list offer a little bit — okay, a lot — of everything!

No matter what kind of trip you’re planning, Avail can help make it a reality. With several convenient locations to pick up a vehicle, you can easily rent a car in Denver from $70 per day. Car sharing can give you the freedom to pursue a day-long adventure that isn’t far from home. 

Denver day trips frequently asked questions

How can I plan day trips from Denver without a car?

Even if you don’t own a car, planning a day trip to get out of Denver isn’t that hard. Avail makes it simple to borrow a car from vehicle owners in your neighborhood. With a generous 200-mile-per-day range, you can easily get to your destination and back without incurring extra fees.

What are some family-friendly day trips from Denver?

Many of the destinations on our list make for fantastic day trips for families. Spend some time hiking through Rocky Mountain National Park or visit the Garden of the Gods. Estes Park is a fantastic town to walk through, and you can always stop in Boulder on the way back for more adventure. Spending time outdoors in any of these destinations is a fun way to connect with your kids and get some exercise.