Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state renowned for world-class skiing, stunning national parks, and vibrant outdoor culture. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the red rock canyons of the southwest, Colorado offers some of America's most dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Rocky Mountain National Park
America's most visited national park with 350+ miles of trails, diverse wildlife including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, and dramatic alpine scenery including Trail Ridge Road - the highest continuous paved road in the US.
Highlights: Bear Lake to Emerald Lake trail · Trail Ridge Road drive at 12,183 feet · Elk wildlife viewing at Moraine Park · Alpine Visitor Center · Estes Park Victorian town
Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods
Colorado's second-largest city with stunning free red rock formations at Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak (America's most-visited fourteener), the historic Broadmoor resort, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Cave of the Winds.
Highlights: Garden of the Gods - free and spectacular · Pikes Peak via Cog Railway or highway · Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - America's only mountain zoo · The Broadmoor for lunch or exploration · Cave of the Winds limestone cave tour
Breckenridge and Summit County
Colorado's most charming high-altitude Victorian mining town at 9,600 feet with excellent summer and winter activities, a lively historic Main Street, and the state's most accessible ski resort from Denver.
Highlights: Historic Main Street Victorian architecture · Breckenridge Brewery on Main Street · Summer gondola rides and mountain hiking · Blue River fishing · Winter world-class skiing on 2,908 acres
Vail Valley
America's largest single-mountain ski resort with exceptional summer hiking, the beautiful European-style Vail Village, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and world-class dining in both ski and summer seasons.
Highlights: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens - free botanical garden at 8,200 feet · Vail Village walking and shopping · Eagle Bahn Gondola for mountain views · Summer mountain biking and hiking · Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
Glenwood Springs and Hanging Lake
Beautiful canyon town with the world's largest naturally heated hot springs pool, Hanging Lake (one of Colorado's most stunning geological features, permit required), and the spectacular 12-mile Glenwood Canyon drive.
Highlights: Glenwood Hot Springs Pool - world's largest natural hot springs · Hanging Lake permit hike (book months ahead) · Glenwood Canyon scenic drive · Vapor Caves therapeutic hot springs · Historic downtown Glenwood Springs
Telluride
Colorado's most dramatically situated ski town in a narrow box canyon, with Victorian charm, a free gondola to Mountain Village, world-class festivals, and Bridal Veil Falls just east of town. Consider overnight due to distance.
Highlights: Free gondola to Mountain Village with box canyon views · Bridal Veil Falls - Colorado's tallest waterfall (2 mile hike) · Historic Victorian downtown on National Historic Register · Telluride Ski Area summer hiking · San Juan Scenic Byway approach
Mesa Verde National Park
America's only UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site - ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in spectacular canyon country of southwestern Colorado. The Cliff Palace tour is one of America's most profound cultural experiences.
Highlights: Cliff Palace - North America's largest cliff dwelling · Balcony House - climbing ladders 32 feet above canyon floor · Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum · Wetherill Mesa less-visited section · Overlook Trail canyon views
Boulder
Colorado's most celebrated university city with a thriving outdoor culture, Pearl Street Mall pedestrian zone, Chautauqua Park at the base of the Flatirons, outstanding restaurants, and a sophisticated food and coffee scene.
Highlights: Pearl Street Mall walking and street performers · Chautauqua Park and Flatirons hiking · Boulder Farmers Market (Saturdays) · Frasca or The Kitchen for fine dining · Naropa University and Boulder spiritual culture
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Denver to Rocky Mountain NP from $80-120 per person including transport from downtown Denver
- Private
- Private car hire for mountain trips from $200-400/day with driver
- Public
- Bustang bus to Colorado Springs ($12-15), Fort Collins ($12), Pueblo ($15), and Grand Junction ($25)
- Rental
- Car rental from $45-80/day - AWD strongly recommended for mountain driving in any season
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early - mountain destinations get crowded by mid-morning in summer. Leave Denver by 7AM.
Check I-70 traffic conditions via cotrip.org before leaving Denver on weekends - westbound can be 2-3 hour delays
Many mountain roads require AWD or chains in winter under Colorado Traction Law - check conditions
Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry permits required May-October - book at recreation.gov months ahead
Book Hanging Lake permits months in advance - they sell out immediately upon release at recreation.gov
Consider flying into Aspen or Montrose airport for western Colorado destinations instead of driving from Denver