If you’re looking to escape city life and venture out into nature for a bit, what better place than Denver’s beautiful backyard to explore?
Colorado has sooo many great places to visit that it’d be impossible to list them all. But, these are trips I have made myself that are worth it if you’re in Denver. These are the ones I would highly recommend to friends and family for their next adventure!
Here are some of the best day trips from Denver, Colorado!
Catch a Concert or Sunrise at Red Rocks
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a beautiful, world-famous outdoor concert venue nestled among two huge red rock formations. Its amazing acoustics and vibe are what have drawn big acts throughout the years like The Beatles, U2, Jimi Hendrix, and countless others!
It’s a very easy 30-minute drive from Denver which makes it one of the best day trips. It will not disappoint!
Red Rocks is also a popular spot to watch the sunrise or for exercise activities. Many people do yoga, walk, run, and push-up their way through the seating section! There are many hiking trails in the area, as well.
Tip: Try to park as high as you can for the shortest amount of hiking and a less strenuous walk.
Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Whitewater Rafting in Cañon City
If you’re looking for an exciting outdoor adventure, I would consider visiting Cañon City, Colorado for a thrilling whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River; one of the best rafting rivers in the United States.
Cañon City is only a two and a half hour drive from Denver, making it an easy day trip from Denver.
There are many rafting companies in the area to chose from, but we went with Echo Canyon River Expedition. The staff was helpful in answering sooo many questions that we had since it was our first time rafting, and they were always very patient and nice. The trip was extremely well organized. The staff had great energy and they made sure that everyone was having a good time. It was good vibes all around!
They offer half-day trips that cover 10 miles of the river and full-day trips that cover 20 miles. For first-timers, they recommend the Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip which has mostly Class II-III rapids. For more seasoned rafters, they offer the Royal Gorge trip with Class III-V rapids.
If you have more time to spend in the area before heading back to Denver, consider checking out the Royal Gorge suspension bridge. It’s the highest in the United states!
Tip: The best time to go rafting is when the water levels are high, so try to schedule your trip during peak season; typically mid May through early July. We visited in August and the water levels were lower than peak season. It was still a lot of fun, but I’m sure not as exciting as hitting bigger waves in early summer!
Address: 45000 W U.S. 50, Cañon City, CO 81212
Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you only have time for one day trip, the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is THE best day trip from Denver! RMNP has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Colorado. It is only an hour and a half drive from Denver, so be sure to put this at the top of your list when visiting Denver!
If you like hiking, there are trails on trails on trails to explore! If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy driving on Trail Ridge Road for breathtaking views, stop at the overlooks, and snap photos of the spectacular views.
Elk, marmots, bighorn sheep and other wildlife are often spotted in the park and from the road.
Tip: From May to October 2022, the park has started a timed entry system, so you’ll need to reserve ahead and plan accordingly.
For my extended tips on visiting this popular park, check out my COMPLETE guide: “The Ultimate Guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.”
Shop, Eat & Explore the Town of Estes Park
Estes Park is a small town next to RMNP that is most commonly known as “the getaway to the Rockies” since it’s close to three of the park’s four entrances. But the town itself makes for a good day trip.
In downtown Estes Park you will find shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, sweets shops, and even an aerial tram that takes you to the top of a mountain! You can also take a historic day tour, or a night ghost tour of the iconic Stanley Hotel; the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining!
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