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Day trips from Denver
Real trips under ~3h each way, with distances, transport times, and insider tips for timing them right.
Photo by Pieter van de Sande on Unsplash
Every reachable escape, at a glance
6 trips under ~3h each way from Denver — most doable between breakfast and a late dinner back in town.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park Entrance)
105 km
1h 30min by car
Experience the breathtaking alpine scenery of the Rockies. Drive Trail Ridge Road (seasonal) for unparalleled mountain vistas and keep an eye out for elk and bighorn sheep.
Highlights
- •Trail Ridge Road (check seasonal closures)
- •Bear Lake Trail
- •Moraine Park
- •Alpine Visitor Center
full-daynature loversphotographershikers
Boulder
65 km
45 min by car or bus (RTD E-Line)
A vibrant college town nestled at the foot of the Flatirons. Explore its charming downtown, enjoy outdoor activities, and soak in the progressive atmosphere.
Highlights
- •Pearl Street Mall
- •Chautauqua Park (Flatirons hiking)
- •Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory Tour
- •Boulder Reservoir
half-dayfull-dayfoodieshikersfamilies
Colorado Springs
115 km
1h 15min by car or bus (Various RTD routes)
Home to stunning geological formations and military history. Discover the unique red rock landscape of Garden of the Gods and the impressive Air Force Academy.
Highlights
- •Garden of the Gods Park
- •United States Air Force Academy
- •Pikes Peak (via Cog Railway or drive)
- •Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
full-dayfamilieshistory buffsnature lovers
Georgetown
80 km
1h by car
A historic Victorian mining town nestled in the mountains. Ride a scenic steam train and explore its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
Highlights
- •Georgetown Loop Railroad
- •Historic Downtown Georgetown
- •Guanella Pass Scenic Byway (seasonal)
- •Silver Plume
half-dayfull-dayhistory buffsfamiliestrain enthusiasts
Fort Collins
105 km
1h 15min by car or bus (Various RTD routes)
Known for its craft breweries and Old Town charm. Enjoy a lively downtown area, explore breweries, and visit nearby natural areas.
Highlights
- •Old Town Fort Collins
- •New Belgium Brewing Company Tour
- •Odell Brewing Company
- •Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
full-daybeer loversfoodieshikers
Golden
40 km
30 min by car or bus (RTD W-Line to JeffCo-Golden)
The first territorial capital of Colorado, offering a mix of history and outdoor recreation. Visit the Coors Brewery, explore the historic downtown, and hike nearby trails.
Highlights
- •Coors Brewery Tour
- •Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
- •Clear Creek Rafting (seasonal)
- •Colorado School of Mines campus
half-dayfull-daybeer lovershistory buffsfamilies
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