Local’s Guide to the Best Day Trips from Denver Colorado

Denver serves as a perfect launchpad for a variety of day trips that allow you to explore the natural beauty and charming towns of Colorado. We’ve lived in the Denver/Boulder area for 25 years, giving us the chance to explore many day trips from town. Here is our local’s guide to the best 10 day trips from the Mile High City of Denver, including outdoor adventures and charming towns.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We recommend products we have personally used or verified. Read the full disclosure here.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here is the best Denver day tour! Find the top Denver hotels!

Pin this for later!

Best 10 Day Trips from Denver (sorted by driving time from Denver)

Best Day Trips from Denver Without a Car

Colorado is not known for its public transportation. For each of the day trip recommendations, we’ve included information on how to get there without a car. In some cases, a tour may be the only day trip option without a car. The best 5 day trips from Denver without a car included here are Boulder, Colorado Springs, Golden, Georgetown, and Rocky Mountain National Park. During the winter, you can add Breckenridge and Winter Park to the best day trips from Denver without a car.

We use and recommend Discovercars.com if you’d like to rent a car to explore any of these day trips. Visiting in Winter? Check out our helpful tips on Renting a Car in Colorado for Your Ski Trip!

1. Boulder

Boulder is one of our ideal day trips from Denver for those looking for outdoor activities, excellent food options, and cultural activities. Driving time averages around 35 minutes. RTD buses run from downtown Denver directly into downtown Boulder, just a short walk from the Pearl Street mall. If you prefer to stay in a smaller city than Denver, consider basing yourself in one of these unique places to stay in Boulder for your vacation.

Boulder Day Trip Itinerary

• Morning: Hike at Chautauqua Park. Easy-moderate options are the Chautauqua Loop Trail and Enchanted Mesa. For a challenging hike, try the Royal Arch Trail for spectacular views. If there is too much snow in winter, consider snow shoeing on the trails.
• Mid-Morning: Enjoy brunch or lunch at the Chautauqua Dining Hall. The views and Colorado bistro food hit the spot after a hike.
• Midday: Explore Boulder’s pedestrian area, the Pearl Street Mall. Enjoy the many shops, cafés, galleries, and street performers. Take a break for tea (or lunch) at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, which is just next to the Farmer’s Market (a few blocks off of Pearl Street).
• Afternoon: Enjoy Boulder’s art scene, whether touring the murals around town or visiting the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art or the Boulder History Museum. If you are still looking for more outdoor activities, consider an e-bike tour, go rock climbing, go stand-up paddleboarding at Boulder Reservoir in summer, or even go cross-country skiing in winter at North Boulder Park.
• Evening: Take advantage of Boulder’s craft brewing scene. Avery Brewing Company, Twisted Pine Brewing Company, and Sanitas Brewing Company are all great options. For dinner, enjoy one of the many farm to table restaurants, such as Black Cat Bistro, or enjoy a casual dinner with a drink and sunset view at West End Tavern or Rio Grande Mexican.

2. Breckenridge

A 1.5-2 hour drive from Denver will get you to Breckenridge, famous for being one of the best Colorado ski towns for families and historic mining town feel. Don’t restrict yourself to a winter visit though. Once the snow melts, there is an incredible variety of things to do in summer and fall. There are extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, alpine slides and coasters on the mountain, and you can explore the town’s mining history. Hikes, drives and bike rides through the fall foliage are not to be missed.

Getting to Breckenridge without a car is easiest during the winter months when the “Snowstang” bus runs. During the rest of the year, various shuttle services go from Denver to Breckenridge, such as the Summit Express.

Breckenridge Day Trip Itinerary

A winter day trip is often spent alpine skiing for the full day in Breckenridge, followed by apres ski in town or on the mountain. This itinerary is for those trips to Breckenridge where you don’t plan to spend a full day on the ski mountain, regardless of the season.

• Morning: Plan to get out into nature with a hike or bike ride. If there is enough snow on the ground, great alternatives are snow shoeing, nordic skiing, or fat biking. Easy-moderate hiking trails include the Sawmill Trail and the Mohawk Lakes Hike. Easier bike options include the Blue River Rec Path and the Dillon Reservoir Loop. There are extensive options for challenging hikes and rides. Our favorite place to go nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking is up around Boreas Pass. The views are spectacular. Alternatively, check out the offerings at the Gold Run Nordic Center or Breckenridge Nordic Center.
• Midday: Head back to the historic district of Breckenridge for lunch. Check out Giampietro’s Pizza & Pasta or Downstairs at Erics for a family-friendly meal. Or, consider the Blue River Bistro for fine dining.
• Afternoon: Depending on your preferences, we’re including 3 afternoon options:
  • Enjoy an afternoon exploring Breckendridge’s many mountain activities during the summer, including alpine slides, mountain coasters, and more.
  • Dive into Breckenridge’s history with a Breckenridge History Tour or a Country Boy Mine experience.
  • Enjoy or participate in the arts or cultural events in town. Enjoy an event hosted by the Breckenridge Arts District, or get hands on with BreckCreate or Ready, Paint, Fire.
• Evening: Explore Breckenridge’s craft brewing scene, whether at the Breckenridge Brewing Company or one of the many other breweries in town. For an upscale American modern experience, try Rootstalk in Breckenridge. This is not your typical mountain pub faire.

3. Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is on most every list of top day trips from Denver. The springs offers stunning sites like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, the US Olympic Training Center Tours, cliff dwellings, and Seven Falls. Average driving time is 1 hour 8 minutes, and RTD buses run regularly on the same route. Once you reach Colorado Springs, take a connecting bus to Manitou Springs and Garden of the Gods. You may find it more convenient to take a guided tour that picks you up in Denver and take you to both Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Or, rent an e-bike in Manitou Springs, using this to explore Garden of the Gods and the cute town of Manitou Springs.

Colorado Springs Day Trip Itinerary

• Morning: Visit Pikes Peak, which reaches an elevation of 14,115 feet. Taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a classic way to reach the top. Other options are to drive; take a guided tour; bike, or hike up to the top. Timed entry permits and fees are required. Don’t miss visiting the Summit Visitor Center while at the top. Bring warm clothes–it is typically much colder and windier at the top.
• Lunch: The Cliff House at Pikes Peak is a wonderful spot for a nice sit down lunch (or dinner) after exploring Pikes Peak. We’ve also enjoyed staying at the Cliff House. For a more casual meal, try Adam’s Mountain Café, a local’s favorite serving excellent from scratch meals.
• Afternoon: Take a trip to Garden of the Gods, known for its stunning red rock formations. It’s possible to simply drive or take a guided tour through the park, enjoying the scenery. Hike the Perkins Central Garden Trail, an easy trail that winds its way through the rock formations. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center or the Broadmoor’s Seven Falls.
• Evening: Try out Colorado Springs craft brewing scene. whether Red Leg Brewing Company or Phantom Canyon Brewing Company. Consider enjoying one of the many restaurants at the classic Broadmoor Hotel, ranging from the English pub the “Golden Bee” to the lakeside “Ristorante del Lago.”

4. Evergreen

Evergreen, about 40 minutes from Denver, offers a close-in Colorado mountain experience. Here you’ll find excellent hiking and mountain bike trails, art galleries, and a lake with water sports. The small downtown area has charming shops and eateries, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. RTD buses run from Denver out to Evergreen. Once you reach Evergreen though, it is more challenging to get around without a bus. There is a great tour that takes you to Evergreen, Red Rocks, and Echo Lake that you might consider if you’d like to visit without a car.

Evergreen Day Trip Itinerary

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Evergreen’s Wildflower Cafe. As a first stop, head to Evergreen Lake. Take an easy 1.3 mile walk around the lake, enjoying the spectacular views over the mountains (and watching for deer and elk). In summer, consider renting a paddle board to explore the lake. If you prefer a longer hike, the Maxwell Falls trail is a 4+ mile hike past 3 waterfalls. When there is snow on the ground, these hikes can be fun to explore on snowshoes.
• Lunch: The Lariat Lodge Brewing Company offers brews, pub food, and plenty of patio seating in summer (the patios are dog friendly).
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Evergreen’s galleries, quaint shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss the Evergreen Gallery, which carries artwork by local artists. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the Hiwan Heritage Park, which houses a museum in a rustic log mansion. Free tours offer insights into local and state history.
• Evening: For dinner, try out Bistro Colorado for fine dining overlooking the creek, before heading back to Denver.

Evergreen is one of the best places to see fall colors in Colorado. If you are able to visit Evergreen then, be sure to drive the Lariat Loop as well, running through Evergreen, Morrison, and Golden.

5. Georgetown

Drive about an hour into the Rockies to visit Georgetown, a beautifully preserved Victorian village. Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad for a fun and scenic overview of the area’s mining history. If you are visiting in December, don’t miss a visit to Georgetown’s well known Christmas market. This is one of the many wonderful Holiday activities around Denver.

If you are visiting without a car, the RTD buses run to Idaho Springs. From there, transfer to the local Clear Creek County bus route to get to Georgetown. Check schedules carefully before you go, as these local bus schedules change more frequently.

Georgetown Day Trip Itinerary

• Morning: Kickoff your day in Georgetown with a scenic drive up Guanella Pass, a 23 mile long scenic byway. Formerly an old wagon road connecting Georgetown to Grant, the pass offers breathtaking views of the Rockies. There are several spots to pull over, hike, and take photos. For a moderate hike, try the Silver Dollar Lake trail. One of the easier, family friendly hikes to enjoy is the Clear Branch Trail. For those adapted to the altitude and seeking a challenging trail, Mount Bierstadt is a 14’er that starts at the summit of Guanella Pass.
• Lunch: Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to 511 Rose for lunch, where you’ll enjoy Colorado food in a beautifully restored building.
• Afternoon: After lunch, take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. This historic narrow gauge railroad runs between Georgetown and Silver Plume, passing through rugged mountainous terrain. The train’s main season is late March to late October, though they do run special trains during the holiday season. After your train ride, explore the charming streets of Georgetown. Consider stopping by the Hamill House Museum or the Hotel de Paris Museum to get a glimpse into the silver mining era.
• Evening: Enjoy Dinner at Cooper’s on the Creek to cap off your day before returning to Denver.

During the holidays, the forest service typically provides permits for Christmas tree cutting off of Guanella Pass, to help them with forest fire prevention. You can only cut specifically marked trees. Expect to hike 10-30 minutes in on specific trails to find your tree.

6. Golden

One of the top day trips from Denver, Golden is famous for its Wild West history and as the home of Coors Brewery. Take a brewery tour, visit the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, or hike the trails at Lookout Mountain or Golden Gate Canyon State Park for stunning views of the Denver skyline. To get to Golden, the average drive is just 25 minutes. The light rail goes from Denver to Golden, though not directly in downtown Golden. It is easier to take an RTD bus to the downtown area.

Golden Day Trip Itinerary

• Morning: Start your day trip in Golden with a coffee or breakfast at Café 13, which serves all day breakfast (with plenty of gluten free options). After breakfast, head outdoors to some of Golden’s fantastic trails. If you have a car, head up to Lookout Mountain, which provides stunning views over Denver and the Great Plains. You’ll find both educational displays and easy hiking trails at the nature center. Stop also at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, dedicated to Buffalo Bill Cody. Alternatively, rent a bike or e-bike in town and bike down the Peaks to Plains Trail, which is fairly flat and runs along the beautiful Clear Creek River towards Idaho Springs.
• Lunch: Table Mountain Cantina is a great sit-down lunch option to get you into the southwest spirit. If you prefer a quicker lunch option, or sandwiches you can bring along for a picnic, stop at D’Deli.
• Afternoon: Don’t miss a visit to the Golden History Park. Visit this free outdoor museum with its 1800’s cabins to learn more about homesteading in the Golden area. If you want to learn more about the Wild West, take the small group Wild West Walking Tour, which includes the History Park on its route. Wrap up your afternoon with a stroll down Washington Avenue, browsing the shops and galleries.
• Evening: For a unique dining or happy hour experience, visit the Golden Mill, with its variety of drink and food options.

A few other great activities that you might want to mix into this itinerary are a visit to Golden Gate Canyon State Park, hiking on Table Mountain, the Colorado Railroad Museum, and the Coors Brewery Tours.

7. Grand Lake

Grand Lake, Colorado, is one of our favorite day trips from Denver. While it’s a 2-hour average drive, this day trip immerses you in stunning natural landscapes and rustic mountain town vibes. It is a wonderful base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, spending time on or around the lakes, or simply enjoying strolling the boardwalks of the town itself. Traveling by public transport to Grand Lake is not easy. You can take the Amtrak train to Granby, arranging a taxi from there to Grand Lake.

Grand Lake Day Trip Itinerary

• Morning: Grab coffee or a light breakfast at the Hub, sitting on its outdoor patio to enjoy the mountain views. After breakfast, consider exploring Rocky Mountain National Park (you will need a timed entry permit for the warmer times during the year). Adams Falls is a short and easy hiking trail, which leaves from the east side of Grand Lake. For a more moderate option, consider taking the Cascade Falls Trail from the North Inlet trailhead. Alternatively, consider renting a pontoon boat to explore Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir or take a scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side.
• Lunch: For an authentic Grand Lake experience, visit the Sagebrush BBQ and Grill along the boardwalk.
• Afternoon: After lunch, walk through the quaint town of Grand Lake. Visit local shops, art galleries, and enjoy the rustic mountain town atmosphere. Visit Point Park for some of the best views of Grand Lake with the mountains behind it. If you’d like a more active afternoon, rent a paddle board or kayak during the summer or head out on a trail ride. During the winter, take a snowmobile tour, snowshoe in the park, ice skate on the lake rink, or cross country ski at the Grand Lake Nordic Center. Don’t miss a stop at Miyauchi’s Snack Bar during the summer for an ice cream by the lake.
• Evening: Our favorite sunset option is the Grand Lake Lodge, whether you simply enjoy a drink while watching the sunset or a fine dining experience at the Huntington House Tavern.

8. Idaho Springs & Mount Blue Sky

Head less than 45 minutes west of Denver to Idaho Springs, a gold rush-era mining town. In summer (typically late May-mid-October), extend your adventure with a scenic drive or hike at nearby Mount Blue Sky. The itinerary below is suited for the months when Mount Blue Sky is open. In winter, combining Idaho Springs with a visit to Evergreen would be a great alternative. If you are visiting without a car, the RTD buses run from Denver to Idaho Springs. However, there is no public transportation up Mount Blue Sky. We’d suggest taking a tour to Idaho Springs and Mount Blue Sky in that case.

Temporary closure: Mount Blue Sky Highway will be closed to motorized and non-motorized travel (foot, bike, etc.) from September 3, 2024 through all of 2025,

Idaho Springs & Mount Blue Sky Day Trip Itinerary

• Morning: Fuel up for your day at Marion’s of the Rockies, known for their hearty breakfasts. Drive up scenic Mount Blue Sky, Colorado’s highest paved road, reaching over 14,000 feet in elevation. Be sure to get your timed entry permit in advance. Great stops along the way include: Echo Lake (picnicking, fishing, and short hikes), Summit Lake Park (frequent bighorn sheep and mountain goat sightings and a challenging hike to Chicago Lakes), and Mount Goliath Natural Area and Dos Chappell Nature Center. At the top, there’s a very short hike to the summit. Bring warm clothes as the weather at the summit is quite different from Idaho Springs. For cyclists used to the altitude, this is a classic Colorado hill climb.
• Lunch: Head back to Idaho Springs for lunch. Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub is on the west end of the pedestrian area of Miner’s Street. They serve craft beer and good American food.
• Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at the Indian Hot Springs. There are options for geo-thermal cave baths, various pools, private baths, and spa services. Rates vary based on the activities you choose. Afterwards, explore the quaint shops and local boutiques in downtown Idaho Springs. Don’t miss the Underhill Museum, great for a quick insight into the gold mining history of the town.
• Evening: Wrap up your day in Idaho Springs with a visit to Beau Jo’s pizza. They are known for their excellent Colorado style pizzas. They offer gluten free and cauliflower pizza crusts, as well as plenty of salads for those not wanting pizza.

9. Red Rocks Park and Morrison

Without question, one of the most popular day trips from Denver is the world-famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. This is one of the best red rocks hiking areas around Denver. Some visitors enjoy the concert-going experience, while others come for a sunrise workout, a morning hike, or a tour of the iconic venue. The surrounding park has trails that offer great views of the Denver metropolitan area and the plains. If you don’t have a car, we’d suggest taking a tour of this area, such as this Golden and Red Rocks tour or a private Denver and Foothills tour.

Red Rocks Park and Morrison Day Trip Itinerary

• Morning: Get ready for your adventures by having a hearty breakfast at the Cow Eatery in Morrison. Spend the morning exploring Red Rocks Park. Start out visiting the iconic Amphitheater, with its spectacular views. Stop in at the visitor’s center to learn more about the history and see Red Rocks memorabilia. Take a scenic driving tour through red rocks, or set out on a hike. The Red Rocks Trading Post Trail offers wonderful views on an easier hike. The Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Loop is a longer and more moderate hike, with incredible views over the Red Rocks and Denver.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Red Rocks Grill in Morrison.
• Afternoon: Head back into the park to Dinosaur Ridge. Here you can see the ridge’s famous dinosaur tracks and fossils. It’s an engaging stop for all ages, featuring guided tours and hands-on exhibits. Sign up for the 45-minute guided bus tour well in advance.
• Evening: End your day with dinner at The Fort, an award-winning restaurant known for its game meats and western ambiance.

Depending on when you visit, there may be other activities available at Red Rocks Park. Check for concerts, movie nights, or yoga mornings that you can add to your itinerary.

10. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)

RMNP is undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Denver. We’d encourage you to consider spending at least 2 days in RMNP, but you can certainly see highlights in one day. This is a great destination for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and easy to extremely challenging hikes. While many people only consider Rocky Mountain National Park as a summer destination, it’s beautiful with the leaves changing in fall, and has so many things to do in winter with snow on the ground.

Don’t forget to get a timed entry reservation for the Bear Lake corridor, or drive into the park before timed entry hours (these vary by season). If you are traveling without a car, catch the RTD bus from Denver into the park. Once inside the park, you can complete the majority of this itinerary by using the park shuttles.

Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip from Denver

• Morning: If you are driving, start your day with breakfast at The Egg of Estes. Start your exploration along Bear Lake Road. If you are taking the bus, you’ll transfer to the Bear Lake shuttle once you reach the park. Stop at Bear Lake for a short hike around the lake or tackle the more challenging hikes to Dream Lake, Nymph Lake, and Emerald Lake. For those seeking a challenging hike, consider hiking to Sky Pond. If visiting in winter, bring along snowshoes or microspikes to safely hike these trails (check trail conditions before heading out on Alltrails).
• Lunch: Bring a picnic lunch along and enjoy this at Sprague Lake. While there, consider walking on the easy trail around the lake, or go fishing in the nearby streams.
• Afternoon: Stop by Moraine Park to look for elk. In fall, this is a great spot to frequently sight the bugling elk during their mating season. In summer or early fall, if you have a car, consider a scenic drive up Trail Ridge Road, with its breathtaking panoramic views from various overlooks. The Alpine Visitor Center is the spot to learn about the park’s high-altitude tundra and possibly spot some wildlife. Alternatively, check the schedule for ranger led programs in the park. These are an incredible resource that are often overlooked. Offerings range from wildflower and tundra hikes to fishing, astronomy to cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Evening: Make a stop at the Rock Inn Mountain Tavern in Estes Park for dinner and possibly live music before heading back to Denver.

Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, making them perfect for those looking for day trips from Denver. We’re always exploring more areas around Colorado. Please comment below if you have other day trip recommendations within 2 hours of Denver!

Search for lodging options for your Denver stay below:

If you liked this post, pin it for later!