great places to visit near denver

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

• Trip Planner

10 Terrific Day Trips from Denver

August 2, 2023 By //  by  Patrick McGuire

There’s no doubt about it – with an almost 20% increase in growth since 2010, Denver is much more crowded than it used to be. Fortunately for residents, the capitol city also happens to be in close proximity to some of the best destinations for natural scenery and culture in the United States.

If you’re daydreaming about your next quick excursion out of the Mile High City , we’ve rounded up ten fantastic day trip options, which average about an hour and a half drive or less out of town. We cover both the mountains and the plains for your next short road trip. The specific activities below are just a tiny fraction of the attractions found in the ten regions.

Here are the best one day trips near Denver, CO , in no particular order:

1. Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park

Folks from around the world travel far and wide to experience the natural wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park , but Denverites merely need to hop in the car and drive an hour and a half north to get there. Rocky Mountain National Park boasts 415 square miles of pristine mountainous terrain to explore, which is packed with 300 miles of hiking trails, a perfect antidote to Denver’s growing traffic woes.

The park is home to Longs Peak, a mountain celebrated for its imposing beauty and challenging climbing routes. In addition to Longs, there are an astounding 100 plus other peaks in the park that are 11,000 feet or more.

Rocky Mountain National Park offers conventional and wilderness camping, fishing, a plethora of wildlife to appreciate, and the Trail Ridge Road , which gives visitors astounding Rocky Mountain views from a 12,000 ft. perspective. However, we should note that weather conditions this high tend to get extreme, so the Trail Ridge Road and some of the park’s other offerings aren’t accessible during Colorado’s colder months.

If Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t enough to sell you on this day trip, the charming mountain town of Estes Park just down the road should do the trick. With plenty of whitewater rafting, golfing, and climbing options to explore and delectable restaurants to dine in, Estes Park is the quintessential Colorado mountain town .

Try Bird and Jim , an intrepid Colorado-centric establishment offering up sustainable local options. The town isn’t big, but it’s home to multiple breweries, two wineries, and a distillery to relax in after a day of exploring.

2. Pikes Peak Region

An hour and a half drive south from Denver offers some stunning natural wonders and a slowed down pace compared to life in Colorado’s largest city. Cave of the Winds is a mountain park home to a massive network of caves to explore through guided tours. Some tours are lit by handheld lanterns and others that require visitors to crawl and squeeze their way through narrow openings.

Nearby Pikes Peak is a famous mountain destination suited for ambitious climbing fanatics and road-tripping families alike. Described as an “ultra-prominent peak” for its impressive topographic prominence, this 14,115-foot beast offers challenging climbing routes and a mountainous highway letting the non-athletic among us ascend the peak’s summit.

Sitting just between the city of Colorado Springs and the front range is the stunning Garden of The Gods Visitor and Nature Center. From climbing, biking, and jeeping adventures to trails ideal for meditation and relaxation, the otherworldly red rock backdrop of Garden of The Gods is a perfect setting for whatever outdoor plans you have.

Consistently ranking as one of America’s best zoos, the nearby Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lets visitors feed giraffes and ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride Tram. It leads up to the top its namesake mountain to get spectacular views of the zoo and surrounding Pikes Peak region.

3. Central City/Black Hawk

Many Denver residents fly to Las Vegas to get their gambling fix when there’s great, legal options under an hour’s drive to the west. Situated in Gilpin County, Central City and Blackhawk region might not be very large, but it’s home to some of the state’s most interesting history stories.

For example, there was a time when Central City had more money and culture than Denver, and was so influential in the region that it almost became the capital when Colorado officially achieved statehood in 1876. Today, Blackhawk and Central City are ideal for a quick trip to gamble, explore gorgeous mountain environments, and dine in establishments that embrace the look, feel, and fare of the old mountain west. Central City and Black Hawk are similar places, but feature important unique characteristics aimed at serving different crowds.

With streets lined with authentic salons, hotels, and casinos, Central City is the quieter city of the two, and is geared more towards history lovers and families. After visiting the town’s notable attractions like the Central City Opera House , consider a five minute drive to an old ghost town, Nevadaville .

Black Hawk is fun, rowdy, and marketed towards adults looking to win big in a gorgeous mountain setting. If you’re looking for a way to round out your day trip with a little nature, drive 40 minutes west and you’ll reach St Mary’s Glacier, which offers great hiking year round. Remember to bring an extra $5 for parking if you choose to venture to this gorgeous spot.

4. Boulder/Nederland

Boulder and Nederland are two very different Colorado day trip destinations with a lot to offer Denver residents. Boulder is a near perfect blend of city and nature. Flanked by mountains and approachable hiking trails and bike paths, the city has become a bona fide internationally recognized culinary destination in recent years, as evidenced by restaurants like Frasca Food and Wine, which picked up a James Beard Award earlier this year.

A day trip can be topped off with an evening show at one of the city’s incredible music venues including the Fox Theater, Boulder Theater, or the beloved Chautauqua Auditorium.

Tucked up away in the mountains, the town of Nederland is Boulder’s unpretentious and eccentric little sister. This small community is an excellent home base for mountain adventures like fishing, rock climbing, and backpacking. With an elevation of 8,228 feet, Nederland is close to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area , so this day trip is for you if you’re looking for a charming mountain town surrounded by gorgeous Colorado nature.

The actual town of Nederland itself shouldn’t be missed, which is home to the phenomenal New Moon Bakery , several fine breweries, and a stellar wood-fired pizza joint .

5. Fort Collins

Home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the country, and has proven itself to be much more than a college town . It’s also a fine day trip option just a little over an hour’s drive north from Denver on I-25.

If you dig beer, you’ll adore Fort Collins, which is home to an astounding amount of internationally celebrated breweries like New Belgium and Odell . Even Budweiser has a brewery tour here. Lesser known but still outstanding microbreweries like Funkwerks and Crooked Stave are can’t miss. If you’re after some tasty, farm-to-table food, check out the Fortified Farm Dinner Series , which serves up fresh food from local farmers. The city also hosts loads of nightly and seasonal music performances at venues like the Aggie Theater and Hodi’s Half Note.

Like Boulder, Fort Collins is also surrounded by a great deal of natural beauty, making it a prime spot to embrace the outdoors from. Horsetooth Reservoir is known for its excellent fishing and offers boat and kayak rentals at its marina. The nearby Cache la Poudre River Canyon is perfect for whitewater rafting excursions , hikes, a scenic drive , or even picturesque picnicking if that’s what you’re after. It’s such a beautiful, unique place that it’s one of only three National Heritage Areas in the state.

6. Deckers/Pine

The Deckers and Pine area is an outstanding option if you’re looking for a minimal drive with plentiful outdoor recreational activities to enjoy. For families with young kids, Pine Valley Ranch Park offers a small pond with manageable fishing conditions, hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, and loads of mountainous space to roam in.

Located just south of the town of Pine , the North Fork South Platte River offers prime Rainbow and Brown Trout fishing for serious anglers, while the sharp, jutting rocks in the Cathedral Spires offers a rewarding climb you’ll have to work for to see. For provisions, check out Zoka’s , a fine restaurant and bar located in the town of Pine. This highly reviewed spot offers craft beer and home-grown produce.

A little further to the south, you’ll find Deckers , a spot famous for its incredible fishing. Legendary trout are said to roam the waters of the South Platte River and Cheesman Lake, the former flows past town, while the latter is only 15 minutes outside of it.

The Deckers area also offers incredible mountain biking, hiking, and bird-watching options on its various trails. When you’ve tuckered yourself out for the day, treat yourself to a nice beer, milkshake, or cafe at Decker’s Corner . The Devil’s Head Lookout is a bit out of the way if you’re heading back to Denver, but its manageable hiking conditions and stellar front range views will end your day trip in spectacular fashion.

7. Summit County

Let’s get this out of the way. It’s not a secret that Summit County is home to some of the nation’s best skiing, which is hosted by resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone. Depending on traffic, you can generally get to these resorts in under two hours from Denver. But if you’re only visiting Summit County for its incredible skiing, you’re missing out.

Let’s start with the mountain towns in this county. Places like Breckenridge and Frisco are fun, walkable destinations that provide plenty of opportunities to take in culture and friendly alpine town charm. Declared a historic landmark in 2017 , the Gold Pan Saloon was established in 1879 and is still slinging tasty libations to patrons from its home in Breckenridge. It has the honor of having the longest continuous liquor license of any establishment west of the Mississippi River. Breck is also home to multiple nationally recognized art galleries.

While Summit County’s towns are great, we can’t talk about this day trip without mentioning its phenomenal outdoor offerings. From affordable boat, canoe and kayak rentals on Dillon Reservoir to mountain hikes ideal for viewing fall foliage and summer wildflowers, Summit County provides more neat natural recreational opportunities than you can shake a stick at. If you’re looking for a manageable but gorgeous hike in Summit County, try the Mohawk Lakes trail, a 6.6-mile hike located south of Breckenridge.

8. Evergreen/Mount Evans

Our next day trip is under an hour’s drive from Denver and offers something great for solo travelers, groups of friends, and families alike. The town of Evergreen is a 40-minute drive from Denver and is a great option for busy Denverties wanting to experience a fun mountain atmosphere without taking a long drive. Evergreen has a lot to offer, including live music, a surprising amount of spas, paved and natural biking and hiking trails, and a big, gorgeous lake that hosts an incredible ice skating rink over the winter months. Solid conventional and ice fishing conditions are typically reported at Lake Evergreen.

The top of Mount Evans is a little over an hour and a half drive from Denver, and only about 30 minutes to the start of this scenic byway west of Evergreen, so it’s well worth the trip. It boasts the highest paved road in North America, which ascends almost 4,000 feet to the peak’s 14,264-foot summit. If climbing is your preferred method of scaling this beast, you’ll have plenty of Class 2 and 3 routes to choose from, which range up to 17 miles in length.

On your way to or from Mount Evans, make sure to check out Echo Lake , which offers solid fishing, camping, and hiking trails. Back on 1-70, you’ll find the little town of Idaho Springs , a spot you’ve probably driven past but might never have checked out. If you’re tuckered out after a long day of exploring, you can’t go wrong with a pizza from Beau Jo’s or a soak in the mineral water pool at the Indian Hot Springs .

This day trip is a bit obvious for most Denver residents, but it’s still worth mentioning because of how terrific it is. At a mere 30 minutes away from the Mile High City, Golden is the perfect gateway to Colorado mountain recreation. For decades, residents have taken inflatable tubes down the manageable rapids of Clear Creek , and you can rent them in town at Adventure West Tube Rental if you don’t want to bother with bringing your own.

There are loads of hikes located just minutes away from Golden’s town center, including the scenic and easy-going Chimney Gulch Trail and the more challenging Mt Galbraith Loop Trail. As you’d expect, Golden boasts plenty of fine bars and restaurants to check out after a day of floating on Clear Creek or hiking in the area.

Since Golden is so close to the capital, you might as well take the extra short drive up to Lookout Mountain for its excellent hiking opportunities and sublime views of Denver, the eastern plains, and beyond. Lookout Mountain is also home to the historical Buffalo Bill Museum and gravesite.

And, last but not least, a day trip out to the Golden area isn’t complete without a tour of the Coors Brewery . Even if Coors isn’t your thing, this fun, information-packed tour is probably worth your time, and might give you an entirely new appreciation of one of Colorado’s most beloved beverages. Although it gets really busy on summer weekends, so reconsider a brewery tour during peak times.

10. Eastern Plains

Most people living in Denver think of day trip options and focus their thoughts to the mountain west, but there are actually some great opportunities for adventure and relaxation out to the east in Colorado’s plains region. Drive 45 minutes to the northeast of Denver on 1-76, and you’ll stumble upon 789 acres devoted to helping rescued animals live and roam freely.

Located just outside of Keenesburg, the Wild Animal Sanctuary saves lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other animals from egregious captive situations. Much more than a zoo, the sanctuary gives visitors unique views of its saved animal population from a 1.5-mile long elevated walkway and the satisfaction of knowing their ticket fees are going towards a worthy cause. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is phenomenal for families searching for an unconventional way to enjoy and support animals in need.

If you’re looking to catch some scenic eastern plains action on your trip, consider checking out the Colorado Wildlife Banner Lakes just to the north of the sanctuary. It’s a serene wetland area that’s been preserved to protect Colorado waterfowl, and is a fine spot for a quick walk or a picnic.

Just outside the town of Calhan on the plains northeast of Colorado Springs is home to one of Colorado’s best kept natural secrets. Paint Mines Interpretive Park showcases 750 acres of astounding natural and human historical sites. The park is brimming with otherworldly rock formations featuring stunning natural colors, shapes and evidence of human activity dating back 9,000 years. Ancient Native Americans are said to have mined materials from the area for pottery and ceremonial painting purposes.

Paint Mines offers phenomenal hiking and sightseeing to visitors seven days a week for absolutely free. Sadly, current reviews of the sight complain the park’s natural wonders are being destroyed by visitors who climb the formations, so do your part to preserve the park by staying on the designated trails and following the rules. On your way back to Denver, consider stopping at the Pop A Top Saloon in the nearby town of Peyton. Pop A Top is known for its strong drinks, surprisingly tasty bar food, and welcoming atmosphere.

Thanks for checking out our top picks for single day trips from Denver, Colorado! Be sure to drive safe and follow these tips for a successful road trip .

About Patrick McGuire

Patrick McGuire is a freelance writer and musician living in the mountain west.

Join our Colorado travel community

Get In Touch

• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer—Terms of Service

Things To Do

• Travel Blog
• Colorado Activities
• Colorado Events
• Colorado Towns
• Colorado Hotels
• Colorado Restaurants
• Colorado Transportation
• Made in Colorado

Fall Activities

• Federal Lands
• Ghost Towns
• Hot Springs
• Ski Resorts
• State Parks
• Train Rides

25 Road Trips From Denver For Your Bucket List (2023)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article. 

The largest city in the Rocky Mountains, Denver will keep you busy for weeks: Not only Colorado’s capital boasts plenty of museums and cultural landmarks, but it is also located within hours from many beautiful destinations and the best way to explore them is by taking one of the road trips from Denver.

✅ Find out how to avoid Denver altitude sickness

Are you ready to hop in a car and explore some of the most breathtaking vistas and scenic national parks in the United States? Then this guide is for you!

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to check out Denver before hitting the road! The Mile High City has plenty to offer and my guide will help you to enjoy some of the best things to do in Denver.

Where to stay in Denver

• Hyatt Place Downtown Denver  – one of the most popular Denver hotels with free breakfast near Colorado Convention Center, Pepsi Center and the United States Mint.
• Four Seasons Denver  – a great luxury stay that boasts a beautiful rooftop pool, a spa, a gym and a restaurant.

Best road trips from Denver: a complete overview

1. Colorado Springs

Distance: 70 miles 

Driving time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Where to stay: Cheyenne Mountain Resort Colorado Springs  

Colorado Springs is one of the most popular road trips from Denver that can be done in less than a day. 

Most visitors head straight to the natural landmarks such as the iconic Garden of the Gods with tons of easy hikes; and Pikes Peak , one of the few fourteeners (or mountains with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet) in Colorado that can be accessed by a jeep tour via a 19-mile road that leads to the top.

😉 Book a fun jeep tour of Pikes Peak!

If you are looking for a cool experience while visiting Colorado Springs, book a sunrise hot balloon tour during which you can enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains in the soft golden color.

Best guided tours of Garden of the Gods

If you are craving some good exercise, consider Manitou Incline , one of the most popular hiking and strenuous trails in Colorado that gains over 2,000 feet of elevation in less than one mile and attracts runners, professional athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. 

✅ Learn how to avoid altitude sickness in Colorado Springs

Nearby is the equally popular town of Manitou Springs, where you can go on a zipline tour alone, with friends or with family.

And how about some of the best hot springs in Colorado that are just a short drive from Colorado Springs? Soaking in there is a perfect way to round up your day!

Best tours of Colorado Springs

Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Colorado Springs to plan your adventure!

2. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Distance: 241 miles 

Driving Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Where to stay: Best Western Alamosa Inn

Colorado might be famous for its snow-powdered mountains, ski slopes, and gorgeous alpine meadows, however, it is also home to the tallest dunes in North America!

To see them head over to the Great Sand Dunes National Park just four hours shy of Denver. These incredible dunes cover over 30 miles against the background of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains , a chain that spans over Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico.

One of the most fun activities at the Great Sand Dunes National Park is hiking and sledding down these huge piles of sand , and you can rent the gear at one of the shops in the nearby Alamosa.  

PRO TIP: Check my complete guide to the best West Coast National Parks if you want to continue your road trip beyond the Denver area!

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Distance: 400 miles 

Driving time: 5 hours 50 minutes 

Where to stay: Four Seasons Rancho Encantado

The capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe might not be one of those classic road trips from Denver, but it makes for a perfect stop if you are driving south on Interstate-25 and want to visit Colorado Springs and Great Sand Dunes National Park. 

Quick tip: The drive from Denver to Santa Fe is the most straightforward, but if you want to take a more scenic route along US-285 which will reduce your distance by about 30 miles. The journey takes you through the mountains and scenic vistas, so allow extra time to hop out of the car and take photos. 

A true cultural capital Santa Fe is a cool mix colonial architecture, Native American and Mexican arts and crafts as well as fascinating history.

While most visitors spend their time around downtown Santa Fe, with its historic buildings and restaurants that offer a taste of traditional New Mexico, there are so many things to do in Santa Fe, and the nearby Taos, one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico.

PRO TIP: Santa Fe is well-known for its rich flavors and mouth-watering southwest dishes. To explore the local food scene book a foodie tour of Santa Fe .

Best tours of Santa Fe, New Mexico

For example, you can take a day to visit some of the best museums in Santa Fe such as El Rancho De La Golodrinas, New Mexico History Museum and Georgia O’Keeffe Museum , among many others. Don’t forget to visit Santa Fe’s famous Canyon Road where you can get a glimpse into modern art.

PRO TIP:  If time allows, take a day trip from Santa Fe to Taos, Santa Fe Ski Basin or Ghost Ranch, all located within 2 hours of driving.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park

Distance: 65 miles 

Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Where to stay: The Stanley Hotel  

One of the most visited national parks in the United States, and a jewel of Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular places to visit near Denver. This outdoor playground is home to stunning alpine lakes, gurgling waterfalls, sprawling alpine meadows, and incredible wildlife.

Best guided tours of Rocky Mountain National Park

While you don’t want to miss Rocky Mountain National Park when you come to Denver, you should try to do it during a weekday: RMNP is a busy park, and it tends to get especially crowded during weekends. 

PRO TIP: To avoid the crowds, book a sunrise tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park , so you could meet the dawn while enjoying the view of the majestic Colorado mountains. 😃

🤩 Enjoy the beautiful Rockies on this private tour from Denver

If you want to check out some of the highlights of the park such as Bierstadt Lake , Trail Ridge Road , and Emerald Lake , spare more than just a day for your trip. There are several campsites inside RMNP and hotels in Estes Park , the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

5. Peak to Peak Byway

Distance:  53 miles (1 hr 19 minutes) via US-36 W and CO-119/Boulder Canyon Drive

Although Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is most popular during fall because of its stunning golden colors, this scenic route is one of the best places to visit near Denver, if you are craving the outdoors.

This 55-mile scenic route is one of the most popular drives in Colorado thanks to its incredible scenery and a number of hikes in the area such as Mt. Audubon.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway takes you across the Continental Divide and starts as Colo. 7 in Estes Park brings you past Allenspark on Colo. 72, before heading to Nederland and coming back to Boulder.

Set at least a couple of hours for this drive, a you will want to stop and take some photos along the way 🙂

Distance: 30 miles 

Driving Time: 30-35 minutes

Where to stay: Boulder Adventure Lodge 

Denver’s neighbor to the northwest, Boulder is a town with an incredible outdoor scene and vibrant culture. Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is also home to University Colorado Boulder, the state’s flagship school.

Some of the top activities in Boulder including hiking the iconic Flatiron Loop, shopping and dining along Pearl Street, and rock climbing – the town is one of the top rock climbing destinations along Colorado’s front range.

Best tours of Boulder

Boulder is one of the most popular places to visit near Denver, as it is easy to reach and it offers plenty of things to do whether you are into culture or outdoors. 

✅ Check my guide to the best bike paths in Boulder

Some of the best hikes near Boulder are Chautauqua Trail (one of the best easy trails near Boulder with the view of the iconic Flatirons), Royal Arch (a strenuous trail that culminates with a gorgeous arch) and Eldorado Canyon Trail from where you can see the continental divide.

7. The Snowy Mountain Range in Wyoming

Distance: 160 miles 

Driving Time: 2 hours 50 minutes 

Where to stay: Mountain View Historic Hotel 

The Snowy Range Scenic Byway in Wyoming is one of the best-kept secrets within a few hours from Denver.

This small pocket of alpine paradise requires no reservations which means that you don’t have to jostle for parking spots or elbow your way through crowded trailheads. Medicine Bow remains surprisingly undiscovered compared to many less spectacular trails in Colorado that see thousands of visitors.

One of the best hikes in the area is Medicine Bow Peak, the highest mountain in the Snowy Range at 12,013 feet. It is considered a day hike, but you can also split it into two days, as there is plenty of space for backcountry camping under the clear dark skies.

Unlike many high-altitude peaks that often require mountaineering skills, Medicine Bow Peak gives you a chance to enjoy untouched alpine scenery without all the hard work.

And the best part: It’s completely under the radar!

Wear good hiking shoes, bring plenty of water and put on some layers as there’s often snow at the top of the peak even in summer.

To visit Medicine Bow from Colorado’s front range, take Interstate-25 north toward Fort Collins and make a turn to US-287 that will take you through Laramie, Wyoming toward Medicine Bow.

GET A FREE PACKING LIST FOR YOUR TRIP

8. Steamboat Springs

Driving Time : 3 hours 20 minutes

Where to stay : Legacy Vacation Resorts Steamboat Hilltop 

Located in Northern Colorado, Steamboat Springs is a cozy mountain town with a great outdoor scene.

While Steamboat Springs boasts a cool nickname “Ski Town USA,” there is a lot more to it than just hitting the powdery slopes: It offers hiking and mountain biking in summer and skiing in winter. And the Strawberry Park Hot Springs is perfect for soaking after adventuring throughout the day.

9. Breckenridge

Distance: 80 miles 

Driving Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Where to stay: Villa At Breckenridge Resort  

Breckenridge is a true outdoor mecca with dozens of hiking trails, camping areas, and mountain biking trails against the gorgeous backdrop. Located less than two hours from Colorado Capital, Breckenridge makes for a perfect weekend trip from Denver.

Best tours of Breckenridge

When you need to grab a bite, head to downtown Breckenridge to discover the charm of this former mining town with its Victorian-style buildings that house outdoor gear shops, cafes, and restaurants geared toward travelers. 

If you love beer, you can’t miss Breckenridge Distillery, the world’s highest distillery that also offers private tours to visitors.

PRO TIP: This tour includes a bicycle tour of the area, and a beer tour at Broken Compass Craft Brewery and at the Breckenridge Distillery itself!

When you are done beer tasting and exploring the area, try to summit Quandary Peak, one of the most popular “fourteeners” in Colorado located just outside of Breckenridge.

Driving Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Where to stay: Mountain Chalet Aspen

Situated in the heart of Colorado’s Rockies, Aspen is one of the most popular destinations in Colorado that doesn’t need an introduction. 

✅ Read: Is there Uber in Aspen?

Known for its high-end hotels, and restaurants catering to wealthy travelers, Aspen is not a budget destination. That, however, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take a trip there: Aspen is one of the best road trips from Denver, and there are tons of outdoor activities that you shouldn’t miss!

You can find cheaper hotels in Glenwood Springs and Carbondale within 1 hour from Aspen.

Book your hotel in Aspen now to avoid paying more later 💰

Winter is by far the busiest time in Aspen when slopes are crowded with skiers and snowboarders, and summer sees a lot of travelers coming to enjoy beautiful hikes. 

Fall is the most gorgeous time in this town, as thousands of Aspen trees dotting the slopes turn golden. If you want to see the famous Maroon Bells in their full glory, come by late September.

Distance: 354 miles 

Driving time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Where to stay: Under Canvas Moab

A capital of adventure, Moab is a busy destination year-round, but it’s especially busy from late spring through early fall. Gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab is one of the most exiting road trips from Denver, even though it is not a short drive.

Aside from exploring national parks , Moab offers a plethora of activities such as rafting along the Colorado River , offroading in the desert, and backcountry camping. The entire area boasts amazing dark skies that are perfect for stargazing, so don’t forget to bring your telescope.

Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Moab to plan your adventure!

Best tours of Moab

Set aside at least 3 days for your trip Moab. This town is too breathtaking to cram all your activities in 24 hours. Summers in Moab are very busy, and if you can, plan your trip for mid-to-late spring or early fall to avoid crowds. 

PRO TIP:  Both Canyonlands and Arches require an entrance fee which is $30, and if you also want to visit Rocky Mountain or other national parks, purchase America The Beautiful Pass for $80 that will save a lot of money in the long run.

12. Monument Valley

Distance: 512 miles 

Driving Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Where to stay: Expedition Lodge

An iconic American landmark, Monument Valley has been a classic staple of Western movies for years thanks to the trio of towering red buttes. Straddling the border between Utah and Arizona , Monument Valley is one of the most famous natural sites in the United States along with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Arches.

Located within Navajo Nation Reservation, Monument Valley requires a $20 fee per car and $10 fee to enter. If you have America the Beautiful Pass that allows a free entrance to most national parks, unfortunately, it can’t be used for Monument Valley, since it’s not considered a national park. 

Best tours of Monument Valley

PRO TIP: Stay the night and take a stargazing tour of the Monument Valley. It will blow you away, I promise!

Monument Valley sits a few hours south of Moab, so if you are taking a road trip from Denver to this part of Utah, you should try to visit both places. Other places in the four-corner region are Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, the Four Corners Monument, and Goosenecks State Park in Utah.

13. Yellowstone National Park

Distance: 510 miles 

Driving Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Where to stay: Yellowstone Park Hotel

The oldest national park in the United States, and one of the most popular national parks in the country, Yellowstone should be on your bucket list, if it’s not there already.

While many travelers prefer to fly into Salt Salt Lake City in Utah or Bozeman in Montana to make their driving distance shorter, taking a trip from Denver to Yellowstone offers a fun experience where you get to see the changing landscape.

Home to half of the world’s geysers, Yellowstone also boasts amazing wildlife such as bison, deer, wolves, and even bears. For a better experience, plan to spend at least three days in Yellowstone since it’s a huge national park that requires time to explore.

PRO TIP: Taking a guided tour of Yellowstone is a great option if you are short on time.

Best Yellowstone tours

Combine a trip to Yellowstone with a stop at the nearby Grand Teton National Park where you can see the iconic mountain range and enjoy many hikes. 

14. Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance: 580 miles 

Driving Time: 8 hours 40 minutes

Where to stay: Bryce Canyon Resort  

Southern Utah is full of jaw-dropping landscapes, and Bryce Canyon National Park is just one of them. 

Famous for its stunning collection of hoodoos, or bright orange spires that rise from the bottom of the canyon, Bryce is incredible at any time of the year. Whether you are visiting Bryce Canyon with friends or by yourself, the ideal option would be a private guided hike with a delicious picnic.

GOOD TO KNOW: During winter, many photographers come here to capture these orange rocks covered by snow. Since the park sits at a relatively high elevation, there’s always plenty of snow in winter and even early spring.

Best tours of Bryce Canyon National Park

In summer, this national park sees the most tourists, but it can also get pretty hot during the day, so plan your hiking for early morning. If you need to see a complete list of hikes in Bryce Canyon and advice on how to plan your trip,  take a look at my guide.

15. Zion National Park

Distance: 618 miles 

Driving Time: 9 hours 15 minutes

Where to stay: Bumbleberry Inn

In recent years, Zion has become one of the most popular national parks in the United States, as its annual visitation reached 3 million people. And when you come here, it’s not hard to see why: Zion National Park packs on ton of adventure with dozens of stunning hikes and excursions.

And when you come here, it’s not hard to see why: Zion National Park packs on ton of adventure with dozens of hikes and excursions .

Best tours of Zion National Park

Since Zion National Park is very popular, it’s important to plan your trip right. Summer is the busiest time at the park, while fall and mid-to-late spring offer a respite from the crowds. Winter is the quietest time at Zion, however, many trails are closed, and opportunities for exploring are limited, because of the accumulation of ice and snow.

PRO TIP: At over 600 miles trip to Zion is one of the longest road trips from Denver. If you go for it, make a stop in Las Vegas , a capital of entertainment that is located near some of the most beautiful places in the Southwest . 

16. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Distance: 616 miles 

Driving Time: 13 hours, 20 minutes

Where to stay: Wild West Retreat

A close neighbor of the Bryce and Zion National Parks, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a vast expanse of wilderness in the heart of Utah’s red rock country. This national monument designated in 1996 is a perfect place if you are looking for a place off the beaten track where you can adventure and get away from it all.

If you are visiting Grand Staircase for the first time, book this tour of one of the best slot canyons in the area with a licensed guide

When you come here, be prepared for a real adventure:

This is one of the least developed parts of the United States with little development and scarce cell phone service. Still, you can find a couple of small towns along the way such as Escalante and Boulder where you can get some food and find a place to stay for the night, however, expect services to be very basic.

If you like to camp, you will be in for a real treat: Grand Staircase Escalante offers some of the most pristine dark skies since light pollution is virtually non-existent here. It’s a truly remarkable place with incredible scenery, and backcountry hiking, and many hidden corners that are yet to be explored.

17. Antelope Canyon

Distance: 635 miles 

Driving Time: 9 hours 40 minutes

Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express Page

Located in Northern Arizona, Antelope Canyon has become one of the most popular places to visit in the Southwest. Besides offering otherworldly scenery, it is also located close to Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and just a few hours north of Grand Canyon National Park.

Read my guide to booking Lower Antelope Canyon tours to skip the worst mistakes.

Want to know why Arizona is so hot ? Click here to check my guide plus where you can escape the heat.

While it is not a quick trip from Denver, it is a must-visit, if you decide to visit the Four Corner’s region that encompasses the southeastern corner of Utah, the southwestern corner of Colorado, the northwestern corner of New Mexico, and the northeastern corner of Arizona – and you can get your tickets here .

18. Gross Reservoir

Distance: 40 miles  

Driving time: 50 minutes 

Where to stay: Basecamp Boulder  

I’ve covered some pretty long road trips so far, but the truth is you don’t have to drive too far to find a scenic place near the Mile High City.  

Would you like to venture outside of Colorado’s busy areas, and spend your morning kayaking and paddle boarding? 

Book a car to visit the best places within one hour from Denver!

Head over to Gross reservoir outside of Boulder for a perfect summer getaway. Although this man-made reservoir sits near the front range, it is nowhere near as busy as some of the surrounding areas.

Gross reservoir doesn’t have accommodations or stores nearby, so if you plan to spend some time here, bring enough water and snacks. In addition, consider taking your camera, as this place offers some good opportunities for photography!

19. Idaho Springs

Distance:  33 miles (40 minutes)

Where to stay: The Silver Lake Lodge

Idaho Springs is a cute mountain town along Interstate-70 that is considered one of the most popular road trips from Denver thanks to a variety of things to do in the area.

Home to Indian Hot Springs where you can soak in mineral-rich hot waters, and a number of superb hikes such as St. Mary’s Glacier (there’s technically no glacier here), Idaho Springs also provides quick access to Mt. Evans Scenic Byway as well as Mount Bierstadt , one of Colorado’s most popular “fourteeners.”

You can also explore several mining tours in the area including the Argo Gold Mine and Mill, which used to be one of the largest mines in the state.

20. Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Distance: 62 miles  

Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Where to stay:   Argo Inn and Suites

Mount Evans Scenic Byway is by far one of the most overlooked short road trips from Denver. 

What’s cool about this drive?

Mount Evans is the HIGHEST paved road in North America and one of the most scenic drives near Denver . It is also one of the 54 fourtneers (or mountains with the elevation higher than 14,000 feet), and one of the handful of fourteeners that can be accessed by a paved road. 

Your journey to the top will take you to the elevation of 9,000 feet, so bring some sunscreen, as the sun can be harsh at the high elevation. Mount Evans Scenic Byway is open to visitors from May through the end of September, because of the unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains.  

Mount Evans Scenic Byway directions: Take Interstate-70 west and take exit 240 when you get to Idaho Springs. Along the way you will find the National Forest Information Center where you can learn about hikes and overlooks in the area. 

21. Park County

Driving time: 35 minutes

Where to stay: Elk Run Bed and Breakfast

Another secret road trip from Denver is Park County, located less than 2 hours the west of the city. Park County is a popular place for camping, hiking and mountain biking near Denver, however, you can also come here to enjoy one of the scenic drives that this place has to offer. 

To see some of the most spectacular views in Park County, take a drive along U.S. 285, which was a home to a former railroad servicing the Denver area back in the day. Along this winding road you will find incredible vistas, deep canyons and if you get lucky – some cool wildlife. 

Park County is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Colorado. Kenosha Pass is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Denver with scores of people coming here to see the stunning fall colors. 

The 22-mile Guanella Pass and Scenic Byway will take you through Colorado’s high country all the way to Georgetown along Interstate-70. When you drive along Guanella Pass, you will pass the entrance to another “fourteener” Mount Bierstadt, that is also very popular among Denver residents. 

22. Buena Vista 

Distance: 122.8 miles

Driving time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Where to stay:   Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

One of the cutest mountain towns in Colorado that has plenty of things things to do and none of the crowds of Colorado’s most popular destinations , Buena Vista is a true gem.

Buena Vista is home to some of the best hot springs in Colorado , Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa, where you can soak in after exploring all the fun hikes in the area.

Summer is the best time to visit Buena Vista if you want to spend time outdoors The Arkansas River provides superb white water rafting opportunities, and the nearby mountains have a plethora of hikes.

If you like to test your hiking skills, try to summit one of “ the Collegiates ,” the “fourteeners” that surround Buena Vista before camping under the clear dark skies at night.

23. Painted Mines Interpretive Park

Distance: 80 miles  

Driving time:   1 hour, 20 minutes

While most of us picture snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows and gurgling streams when we think about road trips from Denver, there are couple of cool places that defy that stereotype.

On your way to Colorado Springs (or the other way around) make a stop at the Painted Mines Interpretive Park that has candy-cane like rock formations that you will not find anywhere else in Colorado. Besides offering a perfect backdrop for your photos, this places boasts cool history.

You can visit Painted Mines seven days a week for FREE and enjoy its gorgeous and relatively easy hikes. As always, stay on trails, do NOT climb rock formations as you can damage them.

Distance:  16 miles

Driving time: 25 minutes

Where to stay: Table Mountain Inn

A historic town with a rich pioneering history, Golden is one of the easiest places to visit near Denver. While most Denver residents are familiar with Golden, I decided to mention it because somehow it still flies under the radar for many tourists who come to Colorado.

Golden is especially popular in summer when many people bring their inflatable tubes to float down the gurgling Clear Creek . Whether you choose to explore downtown Golden with its restaurants and breweries afterward (Coors Brewery is a must-stop in case you like beer) or decide to take one of those spectacular hikes in the area, you will not get bored in Golden.

If you have extra time on your hands, consider driving to the top of Lookout Mountain for panoramic views of the Mile High City and the surrounding eastern plains.

Golden is one of the most popular road trips from Denver, and it gets busy here on weekends. For best experience, visit Golden on a weekday.

25. White River National Forest

Distance: 70 miles (1 hour, 15 minutes)

An easy drive from Denver, White River boasts a whopping 2. 3 million of land perfect for all things adventure. Many people come here to enjoy the outdoors, but this place never feels crowded. There are tons of cool hikes, scenic vistas, and stunning overlooks, so even if you come here on a weekend, you will have plenty of space to yourself.

Renting a car for your road trips from Denver

To take a road trip from Denver, you will need a vehicle.

Whether you decide to rent an RV or a regular car depends entirely on your plans. If you are looking for an RV, check out RVshare , a website with a great selection of all sorts of RVs, and if you are looking for a regular car, you might want to look at DiscoverCars , one of my favorite websites for car rentals.

🚗 Rent a car to see the best places near Denver! Skip the high prices and hidden fees.

Broad road trips from denver: final word.

Colorado’s capital is one of the most vibrant cities in the Rocky Mountain region. I hope you get to enjoy the city and everything it has to offer and visit least one of the scenic places near Denver and create incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

Denver   Travel Guide

Courtesy of TylerPorter | Getty Images

17 Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

While Colorado is known for its outdoor offerings, its city life isn't one to pass up. Denver is home to numerous must-sees from museums and galleries to restaurants and breweries. Spend a few hours in Meow Wolf to experience an interactive and

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Denver Botanic Gardens Denver Botanic Gardens

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit in the fall for Glow at the Gardens, a Halloween festival complete with stunning (and spooky) light displays and epic pumpkin art. – Leilani Osmundson

The Denver Botanic Gardens' 24 acres feature a whopping 50 gardens for visitors to explore. This expansive facility in downtown Denver's Cheesman Park treats travelers to a variety of different environments, from a traditional Japanese garden (complete with bonsai trees) to the South African Plaza blooming with exotic plants like asparagus fern and torch lilies. Meanwhile, art aficionados will also appreciate the gardens thanks to the numerous sculptures that grace the grounds; the facility also plays host to touring exhibits that have included works by such artists as Stephen Talasnik and Dale Chihuly.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watching a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an essential experience in Denver. There's no such thing as a bad seat, either; in fact, the best views are in the back, where you can see stunning sunset views over the red rocks and city skyline. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

With its excellent views of the Rocky Mountains, miles of hiking trails and cinnamon-hued sandstone cliffs, Red Rocks Park is a big draw for outdoors enthusiasts. Occupying 700-some acres, this impressive park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the fascinating geographic transition between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. If you only have a short amount of time here, stretch your legs along the Trading Post Trail; this nearly 1 ½-mile-long path weaves through the rust-colored buttes, making for some spectacular scenery. Before you head out, travelers recommend stopping by the visitor center, which features information on the park’s history and trails.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Denver Museum of Nature & Science

With exhibits featuring everything from dinosaur bones to Egyptian mummies, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science inspires learning in the young and young at heart. This impressive facility houses artifacts pertaining to a variety of scientific areas, including anthropology, zoology, geology, health sciences, paleontology and space science. Some of the more popular displays include the wildlife exhibit, which includes more than 90 habitat scenes containing information on animals from around the world, from Alaska to Australia. Meanwhile, the hands-on Space Odyssey area introduces travelers to the outer reaches of the galaxy and beyond. 

Recent visitors said the Denver Museum of Nature & Science was a great place for families. A few reviewers who were not traveling with children said the museum may not be as engaging for adults as it is for kids because of the elementary nature of the displays. Many recent travelers were particularly impressed with the gems and minerals exhibit, which features artifacts like an 8-pound nugget of crystallized gold discovered in Breckenridge in 1887.

Popular Tours

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder

(2582 reviews)

from $ 159.00

Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver

(1593 reviews)

from $ 169.00

Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park Tour from Denver Winter and Spring

(313 reviews)

from $ 139.00

Denver's Union Station Denver's Union Station free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Have breakfast at Snooze (a local chain), but get there early – there's almost always a line because the food is that good. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

Denver's Union Station serves a dual purpose: it's a working public transit station and a highly-praised dining and shopping center. The station was a huge success when it first opened to the public in 1881, providing railroad service until the center of the building caught fire in 1894. The architecture from the 1914 redevelopment remains, and today, it's home to an Amtrak hub and a bus concourse. Located in the hip Lower Downtown neighborhood (aka LoDo), the station also houses multiple dining options and boutiques, as well as  The Crawford Hotel .

Meow Wolf Denver Meow Wolf Denver

U.S. News Insider Tip: Plan to spend several hours (at least two) here if you're hoping to see everything, and remember as you explore that there is an underlying storyline that connects all the exhibits and includes a mystery for visitors to unravel. – Leilani Osmundson

If you’re a fan of immersive art installations, you’ll probably enjoy Meow Wolf Denver, which is best described as a contemporary art museum, a haunted house, an amusement park and a film set all rolled into one 90,000-square-foot space. There are several Meow Wolf locations around the U.S., including Las Vegas and Santa Fe, New Mexico . Denver’s iteration is spread across four stories and features more than 70 distinctive installations that feature colorful lights, sounds and interactive displays. The largest permanent installation is the Convergence Station, a “multiverse transit station.”

Denver Zoo Denver Zoo

Modeled after a Kenyan nature preserve, the Denver Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, including tigers, black rhinos, kangaroos and orangutans. Sprawling across 80 acres of City Park, this impressive facility boasts a number of ways to view our furry, feathered and reptilian friends. Head to Predator Ridge, the recreated African savanna, to see hyenas, lions and African dogs roam, watch monkeys swing from tree branches at Primate Panorama or catch a glimpse of colorful critters like Panamanian golden frogs and green tree pythons at the Tropical Discovery center. You can also overload on cute during a visit to the nursery and take on a ride on the zoo's train and carousel.

While you're here, many travelers highly recommend timing your visit around feeding times, during which staff offers educational lectures about the zoo's residents. Keep in mind that this is a large facility; you'll want to budget plenty of time to see all the animals.

Best Denver Tours

Denver Tours

The 10 Best Denver Tours

April 4, 2024

The 6 Best Denver Brewery Tours (Beyond Coors)

July 12, 2023

The Crawford Hotel: Photo Tour

May 12, 2023

Downtown Aquarium Downtown Aquarium

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pay attention if you're in the flash flood simulation room – you might get wet! – Leilani Osmundson

Visit the AZA-accredited Downtown Aquarium to see more than 500 species of animals across a variety of ecosystems both underwater and on land (including tigers). In addition to the exhibits, the aquarium also boasts a Stingray Reef touch tank, a 4D theater, scuba and snorkel experiences, a shark cage experience, and in-person and virtual animal encounters. Kids can participate in a plethora of activities from a fun overnight stay to a five-day summer camp. Day programs for children include "Marine Biologist for a Day," which includes encounters with exotic species from the deep sea, as well as "Zoologist for a Day," where kids can learn how to handle and train animals that live outside the ocean.

Denver Art Museum Denver Art Museum

With galleries showcasing more than 70,000 works by famed artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Winslow Homer, the Denver Art Museum houses one of the most impressive collections of art between Chicago and the West Coast. Spread across two buildings, the museum's holdings range from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary displays with such mediums as painting  and sculpture represented. One of the highlights of a visit to the Denver Art Museum is its extensive assembly of western American art, which includes paintings, sculptures and works on paper related to the West going back two centuries.

Past visitors raved about the Denver Art Museum, praising its diverse and varied collections, especially its collection of western American art, and the museum's ability to appeal to kids through interactive activities. If you don't make it here on your own, you'll find that the museum is a popular stop on many of the best Denver tours .

Downtown Denver Food Tour

(1286 reviews)

from $ 79.00

Rocky Mountain National Park in Summer Tour from Denver

(335 reviews)

Visit Red Rocks Park, Continental Divide & Breckenridge

(438 reviews)

from $ 149.00

16th Street Mall 16th Street Mall free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit Skyline Park (located at 15th and Arapahoe streets) in the summer for draft beers at Skyline Beer Garden and the winter for outdoor ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink. – Leilani Osmundson

Walk along this mile-long pedestrian mall for restaurants, shops, entertainment and more. Described as "the spine that connects all of downtown," the mall starts with Union Station on the north end and the Colorado State Capitol on the south end, with attractions like the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions – a shopping and dining complex with multiple movie theaters and pop-up events – along the way. If you've worked up an appetite walking around, you won't go hungry: There are more than 40 outdoor cafes throughout the mall, as well as plenty of casual, upscale and international eateries.

Coors Field Coors Field

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Take a seat in row 20 – the only purple row in the stadium – and you'll be sitting exactly one mile above sea level! –  Leilani Osmundson

Named for Denver's famed beer, Coors Field in Denver's LoDo district is home to Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. The stadium occupies a whopping 76 acres and has the capacity for more than 50,000 fans. Of course, the main reason to come to Coors Field is to catch a game, but there's more to this stadium than a diamond. Whether you're traveling with children or alone, be sure to spend some time at the Interactive Area, where you can test your skills in the video batting cages and the Speed Pitch area. And if you've left the kids at home, take the opportunity to sample some of Denver's local brews on the Rooftop, a 38,000-square-foot platform with fantastic views of the field and downtown Denver. If the weather isn't cooperating, pay a visit to the on-site SandLot brewery instead.

Washington Park Washington Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  It's not the easiest to find parking in Denver, but don't worry -- Wash Park has plenty of street parking, and it's easy to find a spot even during events. –  Leilani Osmundson

Located south of central Denver, Washington Park is consistently praised by Denverites and visitors alike for its ample facilities and enjoyable atmosphere. Occupying 155 acres, this immense park boasts miles of jogging paths, two massive lakes and two formal gardens, one of which is a replica of George Washington's Mount Vernon gardens. Wash Park, as it’s called by locals, is a popular weekend hangout spot thanks to the variety of things to do here. You can spend your time simply relaxing on the grass, or you can take advantage of the park's 10 tennis courts, boat rentals and recreation center, which houses a pool and offers scheduled fitness classes and swim lessons.

Larimer Square Larimer Square free

In 1858, a group of settlers struck gold at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Their discovery soon spread back to the East Coast, prompting people to pick up and move west. The site of the original pioneer camp (known back then as Auraria) soon grew into the charming area now known as Larimer Square. Although the city has since expanded, this historic neighborhood remains the heart and soul of the Mile High City, and according to some, it's the place to start your Denver experience thanks to its variety of restaurants, bars and shops. It's also a featured stop on many of the best Denver tours . 

Before venturing to Larimer Square, you may want to pay a visit to the Larimer Square  website . Here, you'll find a listing of all the local businesses and upcoming events, not to mention maps that can help orient where specific dining, shopping and entertainment options are.

Empower Field at Mile High Empower Field at Mile High

Football fans won't want to pass up the chance to spend some time on the Denver Broncos' home turf. Empower Field at Mile High can hold more than 76,000 NFL fans and is notable for its elevation, which sits at 5,280 feet above sea level. That, combined with the view of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Denver skyline to the east, makes it a unique venue to visit.

If you can swing it, try to catch a home game. Ticket prices vary by game and availability, and you'll want to purchase your seats well in advance to ensure availability. If you can't make it to a game, you can tag along on a guided tour of the stadium. Led by employees from the on-site Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum (one of the stops on the tour), these 75- to 90-minute tours take participants to the visiting teams' locker rooms, the end zone as well as into the network television production compound and the TV and radio broadcast facilities. Recent visitors described the tour experience as incredible thanks to the knowledgeable guides.

Guided Hiking Tour in Colorado mountains

(164 reviews)

from $ 79.99

Denver, Red Rocks, and Beyond

(1186 reviews)

RiNo Arts District Food Tour

(171 reviews)

Molly Brown House Museum Molly Brown House Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Though you can explore the museum on your own, a guided tour is vastly more educational. Register for a late morning tour and then walk to The Corner Beet after for tasty juices and brunch options. – Leilani Osmundson

Nestled among the contemporary architecture of the Capitol Hill district is the Molly Brown House Museum, an eccentric example of Victorian life and design that no history buff should miss. Once the home of the "unsinkable" Margaret "Molly" Brown (Kathy Bates' character in the film, "Titanic,"), this museum offers a glimpse into Denver's history and the life of one of its most fascinating residents. On a guided tour of the house, you'll learn about Brown's experience aboard the Titanic, as well as her role in the women's suffrage movement and her endeavors in Colorado's mining industry.

Elitch Gardens Elitch Gardens

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit the park in winter for its Luminova Holidays event and don't forget to bring your camera; there are plenty of beautiful holiday light displays for photo opportunities, and some rides are open as well. – Leilani Osmundson

Open first as actual gardens as well as a zoological park in 1890, the long-running Elitch Gardens now boasts a theme park, a water park, entertainment and more. At the theme park, fly 17 stories above Denver on the Star Flyer swing ride, or dive and spin at 50 mph speeds on the Mind Eraser coaster. If thrills aren't your thing, you'll find plenty of more relaxing rides and activities in both the theme and water park, such as the Commotion Ocean wave pool and Castaway Creek lazy river.

United States Mint United States Mint free

Even if you hate the sound of excess change rattling around your pockets, you'll find a tour of the Denver branch of the United States Mint to be an interesting way to spend an hour or so. Having opened in 1863, its purpose was to transform the Gold Rush's findings into coinage. Today, the U.S. Mint in Denver can produce up to 50 million coins a day.

A free guided tour of the U.S. Mint in Denver will allow you the opportunity to learn more about each stage of coin production, from the design and sculpting of each piece to the cutting of each type of coin. Some recent visitors marveled at the coin-making machines, but say that not all travelers will likely find it enthralling.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Housed in a hangar on the former Lowry Air Force Base in eastern Denver, this museum has more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space that explores the history of the base's role in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and the Cold War. A variety of iconic aircraft, space vehicles, artifacts and military uniforms are on display. The collection includes bombers from World War II, reconnaissance aircraft and commercial planes. One of the most iconic symbols of the Vietnam War – the Bell UH-1M Iroquois “Huey” – is among the displays. 

Past visitors enjoyed seeing the variety of aircraft and especially the replicas of “Star Wars” spacecraft. About 20 miles south of the museum is its sister location, the Exploration of Flight, which offers visitors a more immersive experience. They include a pilot simulator and actual flights in vintage and modern aircraft. The 15-acre site is located at Centennial Field, about 20 miles south of downtown Denver.

Things to Do in Denver FAQs

Explore more of denver.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

• Work With Us

100+ Wonderful Places to Visit Near Denver Colorado

From rocky mountain national park to colorado springs.

Last updated May 5, 2023

Headed to Colorado and planning to base out of Denver? There are so many places to visit near Denver Colorado and within the city itself. We lived there for five years and still didn’t make a dent. Here is a giant list of all of our personal recommendations as well as places still on our list!

Denver is one of our favorite cities in the United States, especially because of its proximity to so many great outdoor activities and epic adventures. Plus, the Mile High City is one of the best places to grab a beer and delicious food – especially if you love a good hipster hangout.

Table of Contents

Downtown Denver, Colorado

There is something for everyone in and around Downtown Denver. From great places to enjoy art or history to gorgeous outdoor places, and (of course!) delicious and unique places to eat, drink, and have a fun night out! The 16th Street Mall is the most well-known area that has a ton to do and see in a small area. The iconic Union Station is nearby and actually is a direct line to the Denver International Airport via light rail, if you don’t want to have to drive!

Top Activities in Downtown Denver:

• Denver Botanic Gardens (our favorite place to go!)
• Union Station & Larimer Square for great food and drinks in a cool atmosphere
• Go to MeowWolf for an Other-Worldly Adventure
• Enjoy some Roller Coasters at Elitch Gardens Theme Park
• Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret (fun late-night entertainment for adults)
• Explore Local Museums, including the Denver Art Museum, Space Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Molly Brown House Museum.
• Watch a Colorado Rockies Baseball Game at Coors Field
• Walk Up the Many Steps of the Colorado State Capitol
• Visit the U.S. Mint to See How Money is Made
• Stroll Down 16th Street Mall for Shopping, Food, and Fun
• Check for Local Special Events and Art Exhibits
• If visiting during the holidays, visit the Christmas Market and outdoor ice skating rink

East of Metro Denver, Colorado (Near the Airport) – 30 minutes away

If you go east of Denver out toward the Denver International Airport, you’ll see more wide-open areas, plains, and farmlands. However, there are still some great places to visit out that way also!

Top Activities East of Metro Denver:

• Visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal to see bison and other wildlife
• Broken Shovels Farm to support their mission and maybe even snuggle goats
• The Wild Animal Sanctuary to see rescued wildlife in a safe place
• Wander around Barr Lake State Park

West of Metro Denver, Colorado (Arvada, Golden, and Morrison) – 30-45 minutes away

Heading West of Denver takes you toward the gorgeous mountains Colorado is known for. There are tons of hikes, interesting old-west activities, great small towns with awesome breweries, and even places to see dinosaur footprints!

Top Activities West of Denver:

• Go on the North Table Mountain Hike for views of Denver and the mountains
• Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater for hiking, concerts, and summer movies
• Go to Dinosaur Ridge near Morrison to see dinosaur bones and footprints!
• Drive, Bike, or Hike Up Lookout Mountain in Golden
• Take Golden’s Coors Brewery Tour
• Go to Roxborough State Park to Admire the Red Rock Formations
• Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
• Go to Black Hawk and Central City for Gambling

North Denver, Colorado (Westminster, Louisville, Broomfield & Lafayette) – 20-40 minutes away

This is the area we chose to live in when we were Coloradans because it just has so much to offer without being too close to the hectic city traffic! It’s not in the mountains or in the city, but there are still some great hikes in the foothills and fun to be had!

Top Activities North of Denver:

• Paddleboarding in Westminster on Standley Lake
• Go to Downtown Louisville & Lafayette for Great Food, Drinks & Atmosphere
• Visit the Westminster Butterfly Pavilion
• Go Hiking or Bicycling at Marshall Mesa
• Brewery Hop in Louisville & Lafayette (go see our friends at Crystal Springs!)
• Golf at Indian Peaks Golf Course
• Take Your Pup to the Westminster Hills Dog Park
• Bicycle on Coal Creek Trail
• Games at Dave & Buster’s
• Bowling and mini golf at Fat CatsIce
• Skating at ICE Centre
• Movies at AMC
• Go Skating in Winter in Louisville

Read more about visiting Westminster in this blog post.

Boulder, Colorado – 30 minutes away

Ahhh Boulder. I worked in downtown Boulder, Colorado, on the iconic Pearl Street for about a year. And I spent every dollar of my paycheck going out to eat (and maybe sneak in a few drinks) on long lunches with my bestie who worked up the road. When we were feeling more ambitious, we’d take a long walk along Boulder Creek and then sit down for a picnic instead.

Top Activities in Boulder:

• Hike Mount Sanitas or Settler’s Park (easier) for Great Sunset Views
• Eat at as Many of the Fantastic Restaurants as Possible
• Oskar Blues – iconic brewery and Colorado Staple
• License No.1 Liquor Bar – speakeasy, moody feel
• West Flander’s Brewery – great Belgian-style beers
• Rayback Collective – fun spot with rotating taps and food trucks
• Press Play Bar – cheap drinks and pinball
• Finkel & Garf – unique beer flights paired with your favorite junk food
• Red Stone Meadery – unique honey wine tastings
• Avery Brewing Company – large brewery
• Stroll Along Boulder Creek or Tube Down It
• Go to Boulder Reservoir for Stand-Up Paddleboarding or lounging on the “beach”
• Wander Pearl Street for Shopping and People Watching
• Ride at Valmont Bike Park
• Soak in the Eldorado Springs Pool a Short Drive Away
• Watch a Show at the Iconic Boulder Theater
• Hike the Tails at NCAR
• Go Up to Panorama Point on Flagstaff Hill
• Hike around Chautauqua Park
• Go to Nearby Eldorado Canyon State Park
• Visit the Boulder Farmer’s Market
• Plan a Trip to Nederland for the Quirky Deadman Days Festival

Read more about visiting Boulder in this blog post.

Fort Collins, Colorado – 1.5 hours away 

Like many college towns, Fort Collins has a lot to offer in way of fun places to go out and great outdoor-focused activities. We love to go hiking or paddleboarding in this area. Just walking around downtown is a good time, too! Plus, you are very close to Rocky Mountain National Park here!

Top Activities in Fort Collins:

• This is also a great place to rent a boat to take out or lounge at the “beach”
• Hike to the Iconic Horsetooth
• Brewery Hopping (yes, this is a trend in Colorado!)
• Go to a Football Game at the Colorado State University
• Visit the Gardens on Spring Creek
• Explore the Totally 80s Pizza & Museum
• Go to the Holiday Twin Drive-In Theatre
• Visit CSU’s Annual Flower Trial Botanical Gardens
• Go to a CSU football game and get there early for pre-game fun

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – 1 hour and 45 minutes away

The number one reason we fell in love with Colorado and wanted to move was Rocky Mountain National Park. This place is just stunning in every season and always has new trails and views to discover. On a recent visit, years after we moved, we even had the honor of seeing a moose and her baby! You never know what wonders you will get to experience here.

Top Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Take a Scenic Drive Over Trail Ridge Road (seasonal)
• Short hikes (under 5 miles) include: Alpine Ridge Trail, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, Bierstadt Lake, Alberta Falls, and tons of great short hikes – even to waterfalls !
• Many of these are also great for snowshoeing in winte r! Just watch the weather
• Wildlife Viewing: look for bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, coyotes, fox, and moose!
• Stargazing on a Clear Night
• Go Fly Fishing in Summer (multiple great rivers!)
• Go Sledding in Winter (designated sledding hill off the main road)
• Visit Stanley Hotel & Go on a Ghost Tour (it inspired Stephen King’s book The Shining )
• Wander the Cute Town to Shop and Try a Few Treats
• Go on a Horseback Riding Tour for Spectacular Views of the Mountains
• Have a picnic at Shadow Mountain LakeHike to Adams FallsExplore Downtown Grand Lake
• Enjoy some relaxation at the Hot Sulphur Springs Nearby
• Go for a Big New Year’s Celebration (FYI- Trail Ridge Road likely closed that time of year)

Read our complete guide for Rocky Mountain National Park here.

Georgetown to Vail, Colorado – 1-2 hours away

As you head out deeper into the mountains toward the famous ski towns, like Vail and Aspen, you get to enjoy some fantastic scenery. The hiking options really abound out there – with multiple 14ers to “bag!” (These are mountains above 14,000 feet that you can hike up – with the right preparation.) Plus, all the little towns out here have something lovely to offer.

Top Activities in the i70 Corridor:

• Drive up Mount Evans Scenic Byway to take on the highest paved road in North America
• Go on the Georgetown Loop Railroad
• Bag an “easy” 14er at Mount Bierstadt (bring plenty of water!!!)
• Go See the Breckenridge Troll – an iconic photo opp
• Whitewater Rafting Down Clear Creek near Idaho Springs
• Visit Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs
• Go Hiking around Breckenridge and Vail
• Go Ice Skating on Evergreen Lake in Winter
• Canoe or Kayak Around Dillon Reservoir
• Soak at Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs
• Go Skiing, Snowboarding, or Snow Tubing in Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Vail or other Mountain Town
• Visit Golden & Georgetown for Old-Timey Christmas Activities
• Go to the annual Snow Sculpture Championship in Breckenridge

Colorado Springs, Colorado – 1.5 hours away

Pikes Peak is the main draw down in Colorado Springs, but it also has amazing red rocks formations at Garden of the Gods, the amazing Royal Gorge and so much more. We have had so many great memories down in the springs area!

Top Activities in Colorado Springs:

• Pikes Peak  in Colorado Springs area (drive or take the cog railway up!)
• Take in the Views (or a Train Ride) at the Royal Gorge
• Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride with gorgeous panoramic views of the mountains
• Visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center to meet rescued wolves
• Go to the Manitou Cave Dwellings
• Soak at Sunwater Springs in Manitou Springs
• Hike around Garden of the Gods
• Visit Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
• Go see Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
• Wander Around Glen Eyrie Castle
• BONUS: Drive a bit further for a great relaxing getaway at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Other Helpful Resources for Finding the Best Places to Visit Near Denver Colorado:

Denver Tourism – Check for Events & Guides

Boulder Tourism

Colorado Springs Tourism

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado State Parks

Best Restaurants in Denver

We hope you have a great visit and if you know of any other places we should add to our list for our next visit, please leave a comment!

About the Author: Brooke Baum

Brooke is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager for various blog sites. After five years of full-time travel with her husband Buddy, they made the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, their permanent home base. However, they still travel regularly and are always planning their next trip.

You may also like

34 BEST Kailua-Kona Hawaii Things to Do: Big Island West Side Guide

Amazing Full-Day Grizzly Bear Viewing Tour from Vancouver Island

Why Tofino in Fall is the Ideal Cozy Canadian Vacation & How to Get There!

Companies we recommend, submit a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign me up for updates from Trailing Away!

Brooke’s Books

Become a House Sitter

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

Colorado Chevron

Denver Chevron

The Best Small-Town Day Trips From Denver, Colorado 

By Shelley Coar

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For many travelers, the charm of Denver comes from its distinctive old western towns—scattered like gold flecks in a mountain river around the city's center. Once hubs for agriculture and mining at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, today they are the heart of suburban communities bursting with ingenuity and homegrown flair. 

Within 30 minutes from Denver, visitors can experience a small-town Colorado ambiance and inspired boutiques created by local business owners. In the same way that stars flicker through the purple dusk of the Colorado sky, old towns all over the Front Range are blazing through their dusty beginnings, bringing a refined taste for cuisine, lifestyle, and design. With so many towns and small cities to choose from—and each with a different style of appeal—here are some of the best for day (or overnight) trips on your next trip to the Mile High City.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Boulder's Colorado Flatirons are only a 30-minute drive from Denver.

Pinned against the striking, angular Flatiron peaks, Boulder is a dynamic Colorado destination and an ideal place for a taste of eccentric mountain life with swanky amenities. Classic to-dos include perusing designer mountain gear stores like Fjallraven and hiking the Chautauqua Park trails. Best known for vibrant buskers and a lively atmosphere, Pearl Street attracts shoppers and foodies in search of first-class dining at restaurants like Frasca . Travelers can start the night out at The Bitter Bar for cocktails, moving to Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar , then to West End Tavern —not to miss are the local breweries Avery and Mountain Sun . 

Where to stay: The upscale St. Julien Hotel & Spa with soothing organic textures like slate and wood is the perfect central location to explore Boulder. 

The western-themed town of Golden is a gateway location to higher elevations where people and activities revolve around outdoor recreation. A fusion of mountain creativity, downtown boasts eight craft breweries like Holidaily . High-end mountain gear brands such as Icelantic skis and Yeti Cycles call Golden home, along with the American Mountaineering Museum with artifacts from Jim Whittaker the first American to ascend Mt. Everest. From Golden, Lariat Loop meanders around Buffalo Bill’s grave towards the monolithic sandstones of Red Rocks.  Abejas restaurant on 13th Street offers farm-to-table cuisine in an elevated seasonal style. 

Where to stay: The Eddy Taproom & Hotel , named after the slow bend in a river, is a great place to unwind next to Clear Creek, the same stream that runs by Coors brewery. 

Thompson Denver is an ideal stay close to Union Station for trips out of the city proper into areas like Arvada

The pedestrian-friendly streets of Olde Town Arvada are best known for its two-story brownstone buildings bordering lively open-air patios and eclectic shops. The feeling of nostalgia wafts through the streets from Scrumptious , an ice cream parlor with an indulgent take on childhood favorite flavors. From selling vintage instruments to tasting bourbon, local business owners are passionate about what they do and it’s evident in the unique storefronts like art deco inspired jewelry pieces by metalsmith Jamie Hollier at Balefire Goods . 

The locally sourced Stone Cellar Bistro or the historic Arvada Tavern serve engaging dishes, and School House Kitchen & Libations stocks one of the country’s largest whiskey selections displayed like books on a library wall (for bourbon, head to Bluegrass ). Thankfully, the light rail can take care of that pesky drive home. 

Where to stay: Base yourself in Denver proper at the Thompson Denver 's urban chalet lobby just down the street from Denver’s Union Station, from which you'll travel less than 20 minutes on the light rail G line to Golden.

Boulder is an ideal home base from which to peruse the smaller towns along Coal Creek like Louisville. Coal mining is woven into the fabric and history of this town giving it a worn, early-20th-century atmosphere. The Louisville Historical Museum spans three locations with photographs, paraphernalia, and a home representative of the town's mining heritage. 

Named after a former mining company, Acme Fine Goods nods to Louisville's roots. Created by entrepreneur Eric Reed, it carries the best collection of high-end mountain menswear we've seen. Downtown offers the perfect mix of eateries for every mood like The Huckleberry for afternoon tea, Moxie Bread Co. for an heirloom grain butter croissant, Waterloo for slow-smoked BBQ, and Rocky Mountain Tap and Garden for an afternoon pilsner.

Jessica Puckett

Ashlea Halpern

Anna Borges

Claire Volkman

Where to stay: The airy and minimal Embassy Suites by Hilton in Boulder is an ideal home base to peruse the smaller towns along Coal Creek like Louisville.

Erie Town Fair and Balloon Festival TKTK

Compact and unpretentious, the main street of former coal mining town Erie is bordered by 1920s brick buildings, colorful murals, and dollhouse craftsmen. Having slept through the last 120 years, Erie’s secluded downtown is waking up as a modern patchwork of restaurants and bars catering to discerning suburban families. Think Friday Night Lights at the Tiger's high school stadium meets crispy pork cheek tacos at Birdhouse and Green Tea cocktails at the Erie Social Club . Downtown Erie's latest shopping installment is Lottie Lane Home Collections , a blanched take on Colorado urban homes with a nod to its rural heritage. Colorado Railbike Adventures offers rides on the old tracks by hand pump railcar or Fairwinds Balloon Rides provides views from above in one of Erie’s signature hot air balloons.

Where to stay: Travelers feeling the small-town vibe can opt for a local country stay at Littleluck Farmette , a bright and quaint carriage house just outside of town.

A complete mountain escape, Evergreen is an outdoor haven with a small but picturesque lake surrounded by towering pines and miles of trails. The Alderfer Three Sisters hike sports vistas of snow-capped peaks and feathery grass meadows. Outbound Mountain Gear can outfit any trek and a cinnamon roll from the Muddy Buck Coffee House is paramount for some mid-hike motivation.

Hewn from a mountain valley, rustic downtown boasts aged timber storefronts scaling up granite rocks. While the town has several unique shops,  we love the highland living meets organic designs of Mountain Home by local owner Alexa Cowley. The Evergreen Pine Needle cocktail at Murphy’s Mountain Grill is infused with (you guessed it) real pine needles, and one of the best eateries in town is Italian fusion Bistro del Lago . 

Where to stay: Downstream, along Bear Creek, rests the bespoke fable-like treehouse suite of the Highland Haven Inn . 

Gardens in Downtown Littleton, Colorado, a historic town just 

Historic Downtown Littleton is a former agricultural town boosted by the westward expansion of the railroad to the Rocky Mountains. Main Street feels like a postcard New England town dropped into a sprawling metropolitan. Nook Coffee is located inside the historic railroad depot and from there, window shopping is a few strides away. Littleton also has a diverse food scene: from breakfasting at Toast or Born2Bake to dinner favorites Terra Cotta and Smallfins. Small-batch chocolatier Chocolate Therapist sits sandwiched at the heart of town for an indulgent dessert. 

Where to stay: Stay in Denver's sleek Le Meridien Denver , just thirty-five minutes away by light rail.

Afternoon and early evening are the optimal times to explore the rambling town of Lafayette's colorful center, which is still transitioning from its rural roots—but don’t discount the imaginative entrepreneurs bringing new originality to its streets. From the veranda of the cider mecca Acreage , patrons can view the sweeping peaks of the Rocky Mountains while sipping the latest flavor profile of cider maker Patrick Combs. 

Local gem Vintrey , imagined by brother and sister duo Jordan and Liz Lewis, displays timeless woolen textiles and personally sourced goods like handmade Flora leather backpacks. For travelers seeking some down-home comforts, the welcoming front porches of East Simpson coffee shop are the perfect stop. Teocolli Cocina is the town favorite for lunch and the sophisticated Community Supper Club for dinner.

Where to stay: Opt for the Victorian rooms of the Boulderado Hotel in nearby Boulder.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

11 Mountain Towns Near Denver You Have To Visit (1 Hour or Less)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Got some time to spare on your Denver trip? Take a day trip to one of these beautiful mountain towns near Denver – you won’t regret it!

A lot of people that haven’t been to Denver assume it is a mountain city. It is known as the Mile High City after all so I can’t say that I blame them. But it actually isn’t in the mountains, it is beside them.

Denver is more of a prairie city, flat and really hot in summer. Don’t get me wrong, I do love Denver and it is our main base in the US, but if you are looking for a mountain vacation then you definitely need to include some other places in Colorado to your itinerary, not just Denver.

Luckily Denver is really close to some great little mountain towns and cities, with dozens that are within an hour’s drive of downtown Denver. I put together a list of the absolute best mountain towns near Denver that I think you should visit – whether on a day trip or longer.

So if it is the mountains you are craving and you are heading to Denver, don’t miss these gorgeous and easily accessible mountain towns near Denver.

If you have more time, do a Colorado Road Trip or venture to some of the beautiful Colorado mountain towns and hidden gems further from Denver. Colorado is an incredible state and there is so much to see here!

The Best Mountain Towns Near Denver

Check out my interactive map to the best mountain towns near Denver.

Distance from Denver: 27 miles/40 minutes

Boulder is a gorgeous college town (well, a city really) in the foothills of the Rockies that somehow manages to be both hippie and well-heeled. It ain’t cheap but I love visiting, especially in the summer when it is super green and bursting with colorful flowers everywhere. 

Visiting Boulder is a popular day trip from Denver, but if you have the time, I highly recommend staying longer because there is so much to see and do here.

Don’t miss perusing the shops on pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street, eating at the excellent restaurants in town, grabbing a beer at one of the many local breweries, checking out buzzing University Hill, and taking a walk along the shaded path that follows Boulder Creek. 

If you are a hiker (or you want to give hiking a try), Boulder is an excellent place to do so because there are so many open-space parks and hiking trails that are literally within walking distance from town.

Don’t miss hiking to Royal Arch in Chautauqua Park, Gregory Canyon, and Mount Sanitas to name just a few.

Boulder is one of the must-visit mountain towns near Denver in my opinion, and you may never want to leave.

Where to Stay in Boulder:  Boulder Adventure Lodge,   Basecamp Boulder , or  Hotel Boulderado. For vacation homes, this Cabin on Boulder Creek , or this South Boulder Studio .

Where to Eat in Boulder: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse offers delicious tea drinks and food from around the world, Pizzeria Locale has awesome Neopolitan-style pizza, Avanti is a food hall with a roof terrace and lots of delicious options including Korean fare, pupusas, pizza, and more.

Don’t miss the Rayback Collective, a multi-purpose indoor space with a cafe and bar, and a beer garden with food trucks. It’s a great spot to park up for the day if you work online.

Where to Drink in Boulder: Boulder is home to so many great breweries. A few to check out are Twisted Pine, UpSlope, and VisionQuest. 

Distance from Denver: 43 miles/50 minutes

Lyons is known as a stopover town on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver, but it is a cool little town in its own right and definitely worth a visit.

This cute mountain town is nestled in the foothills at the confluence of two creeks and is home to a very walkable Main Street where the colorful buildings house boutiques, antique stores, and independent businesses – in fact, 97% of the businesses in Lyons are independently owned!

There are a number of hiking and biking trails near town and you are only a 30-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park so if you are staying a couple of nights, Lyons is a great base to explore the park.

Lyons is all about local pride, and the relaxed pace of life and friendly small-town charm is sure to win you over. This is definitely one of the mountain towns close to Denver that you should take the time to visit.

Where to Stay in Lyons: La Vern M. Johnson Park   for camping, or rent a tiny house at  WeeCasa Tiny Home Resort.  For an affordable self-contained option, stay at this cozy one-bedroom carriage house .

Where to Eat in Lyons: Try the damn-good BBQ at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew, Tacos and other delicious Mexican dishes at Mojo Taqueria, or grab a sandwich or sweet treat to take hiking from St Vrain Market, Deli and Bakery.

Where to Drink in Lyons: Enjoy local brews at Iconic Oskar Blues Brewery and MainStage Brewing Company.

3. Idaho Springs

Distance from Denver: 33 miles/40 minutes

Idaho Springs is one of my absolute favorite mountain towns near Denver because there is so much to do here and it is so accessible.

Idaho Springs was founded during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in 1859, and the main street, Miner Street, is full of beautifully restored historic buildings that are now home to boutiques, breweries, restaurants, and some of the best souvenir shopping in Colorado. You could easily spend a couple of hours just exploring downtown.

There are some great hikes close to Idaho Springs including the short but beautiful trail to St Mary’s Glacier. If you are into white water rafting, then Idaho Springs is a great place to do that too, with Class III-V rapids and trips suitable for beginners through to experts.

If you want to learn more about the town’s mining history, there are two mine tours you can take – Argo Gold Mine and Phoenix Gold Mine. There is also a small mining museum in town, the Underhill Museum.

You can drive to the summit of 14,270ft Mount Evans from Idaho Springs on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway which is open during the summer months.

Idaho Springs is also home to the closest hot springs to Denver, Indian Hot Springs, which has a large pool in a greenhouse as well as geothermal caves and private pools.

Idaho Springs has pretty much all the best of Colorado in one small town and I love it. It is definitely one of the must-visit mountain towns close to Denver.

Where to Stay in Idaho Springs: Uplift Inn   or if you aren’t traveling with kids – The Silver Lake Lodge which is adults-only. For vacation rentals, stay at this mountain retreat cottage or the Arapaho Cliffs Log Cabin .

Where to Eat in Idaho Springs: If you only have time to eat at one place in Idaho Springs – it has to be at the original BeauJo’s for Colorado-style pizza. The best breakfast spot in town is Main Street Restaurant, and Smokin Yard’s BBQ is an excellent choice for Southern BBQ classics.

Where to Drink in Idaho Springs: There are a couple of great breweries in Idaho Springs – Westbound & Down Brewing Company and Tommy Knocker Brewery. The Vintage Moose is a great choice if dive bars are more your style.

4. Georgetown

Distance from Denver: 45 miles/50 minutes

Georgetown is another picture-perfect historic mining town right off the I-70, and is definitely worth a visit if you are into mining history or want to hike the closest 14’er to Denver – Mount Bierstadt.

Colorful, restored historic buildings line the short but very pretty main street, Sixth Street. In the summer months, there are planters of colorful flowers everywhere and if you’re like me, you will want to take a million photos of this gorgeous town.

If you are interested in mining history you can take a tour of the historic Capital Prize Gold Mine, and take a trip on the Georgetown Loop Railroad on a steam locomotive that passes several old gold and silver mines.

Drive the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway for stunning fall colors in September and gorgeous views all year round – near the top is where you can begin the hike up one of Colorado’s most accessible 14’ers, Mount Bierstadt.

Georgetown Lake is a great spot for water sports like SUP and kayaking, and it is stocked with brown trout you can fish here too (make sure to get a permit). 

You won’t regret visiting lovely Georgetown, one of the prettiest mountain towns close to Denver.

Where to Stay in Georgetown: For hotels, stay at Hotel Chateau Chamonix  or  Georgetown Mountain Inn . For vacation rentals, stay at  The Cricket tiny house  on Clear Creek, or in this super affordable and cozy  one-bedroom condo .

Where to Eat in Georgetown: T he Alpine Restaurant and Bar serves up Italian food and has a train theme. There are a couple of cozy cafes in town that serve up awesome coffees and teas as well as baked goods – Mountain Mamas’ Needful Things and Georgetown Coffee and Tea.

Where to Drink in Georgetown: Guanella Pass Brewing Company for awesome local brews.

Distance from Denver: 15 miles/25 minutes

Golden is the closest mountain town near Denver and it’s a very special place to me – I got married here! It’s somewhere I have spent a lot of time over the last few years and I absolutely love Golden.

This former gold mining town has a strong Western flair with historic brick buildings in town and lots of cowboy paraphernalia around the place. It is also home to the Colorado School of Mines – and who doesn’t love a lively college town.

It is nestled in Clear Creek Valley, at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and it is a gorgeous sight. In late spring and early summer, it is super lush and there are wildflowers everywhere, and in fall the trees live up to the town’s name – shimmering gold and lining Clear Creek.

There are so many hiking and biking trails around Golden with many of them accessible from the middle of town – I wrote a post about the best hiking trails in Golden . In the hotter months, you can’t beat tubing the rapids of Clear Creek. It’s exhilarating and a great way to cool off.

If you are interested in mountaineering, make sure to visit the American Mountaineering Museum, or if you are into Coors Beer, you can  tour the brewery – I’ve heard you get free beer at the end. 

No matter what you are into, don’t miss Golden.

Where to Stay in Golden: Table Mountain Inn or the newly-built The Eddy Taproom and Hotel . For vacation rentals, stay at this historic carriage house or this charming studio  – both close to downtown Golden.

Where to Eat in Golden: One of my favorites is The Golden Mill is a food hall with five food vendors that include sushi, chicken, and tacos as well as New Zealand ice cream and pour-your-own beer taps. Sherpa House is a cozy spot for excellent Himalayan food and it is also a cultural center. 

Where to Drink in Golden: There are so many excellent breweries in Golden – my faves are New Terrain, Mountain Toad, and Golden City Brewing. They usually have food trucks at the breweries most days. Miners Saloon is also a great place to grab a drink and Golden Moon Speak next door is a speakeasy and distillery that serves up handcrafted cocktails.

6. Evergreen

Distance from Denver: 29 miles/35 minutes

Unlike a lot of the other mountain towns near Denver on this list, Evergreen isn’t a historic mining town, although it is still historic.

Evergreen started as a ranching community in the 1860s and has been a popular summer escape for Denverites since the late 19th century.

The historic downtown has a more rustic feel compared to the more polished look of Georgetown and Idaho Springs, and I really like it for that. Make sure to explore the compact main street with its antiques, consignment stores, and galleries.

One thing you can’t miss in Evergreen is beautiful Evergreen Lake, just beyond the town center. The lake is the perfect place to walk – it is 1.4 miles to walk the circumference – as well as paddleboarding and kayaking, and you can even fish here.

There are a number of other hiking and biking trails nearby too, so Evergreen is a great base for adventure.

Where to Stay in Evergreen: Alpen Way Chalet Mountain Lodge  or Colorado Bear Creek Cabins . For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy studio with mountain views, or this beautiful mountaintop one-bedroom apartment .

Where to Eat in Evergreen: Willow Creek Restaurant for American fare made with locally sourced ingredients, Wildflower Cafe for hearty breakfasts and lunches, Murphy’s Mountain Grill for creative mains and burgers.

Where to Drink in Evergreen: Revival brews for local beer and elevated bar food, Lariat Lodge Brewing Company for inventive craft beer brewed onsite.

7. Morrison

Distance from Denver: 18 miles/25 minutes

Lovely Morrison is just up the road from Golden and is the closest town to the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater . Morrison started life as a railroad town in 1872 and has a gorgeous setting in Bear Creek Canyon.

This cute town has a tiny but interesting main street, lined with gift shops, antique stores, galleries, and restaurants. It is definitely worth stopping here to look around the shops and grab something to eat from one of the excellent restaurants.

There is also a lot to do around Morrison – go hiking, catch a show, or check out the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame at Red Rocks, marvel at dinosaur fossils at Dinosaur Ridge, and hike to the ruins of a castle on Mount Falcon.

Morrison is also on the Lariat Loop , a scenic byway that links Golden, Evergreen, and Morrison with lots of places of interest to see along the way.

Morrison is only a short drive from the city making it one of the most accessible mountain towns close to Denver so you have no excuse not to visit!

Where to Stay in Morrison: Origin Red Rocks is the only hotel in the Morrison area but is an excellent choice. For vacation rentals, this cozy two-bedroom apartment is a good option close to Morrison.

Where to Eat in Morrison: The Cow Eatery for casual diner fare, The Fort Steakhouse is an adobe fort just outside of town that serves up steak and game.

Where to Drink in Morrison: Red Rocks Beer Garden for Colorado beers and pizza in a spacious garden, Roof Top Tavern for drinks on a sunny rooftop overlooking the town and surrounding mountains.

8. Nederland

Distance from Denver: 45 miles/1 hour

Nederland, known affectionately as Ned for short, started life as a trading post during the 1850s, before becoming a mining town. It is now popular for outdoor pursuits and has a rustic charm that couldn’t be more different than immaculate Boulder, which is only 16 miles away.

The motto of the town is “Life is Better Up Here” and I can definitely believe that. Ned’s slightly ramshackle looking downtown is home to a surprisingly large amount of decent restaurants, boutiques, and gift stores for its small size, and the great outdoors is right on your doorstep here.

There are a number of hiking trails nearby – I highly recommend the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the Crater Lakes trail from Moffat Tunnel, and any of the hikes in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, especially in fall when the aspens are in their full golden glory. Barker Meadow Reservoir is right by town and you can hike there, and fish from the shoreline.

Nederland is also on the scenic Peak to Peak Scenic Byway that links Estes Park to the I-70 near Black Hawk. This byway is always a beautiful drive but it is spectacular in fall.

Where to Stay in Nederland: There aren’t any hotels in Ned but there are some great vacation homes. Stay at this peaceful two-bedroom retreat with panoramic views, or this cozy dual-level apartment .

Where to Eat in Nederland: Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse for the best pizza in town if not the whole of Colorado, Salto Coffee for coffee and tea drinks and cafe fare, Kathmandu Restaurant for very decent Nepalese and Indian dishes.

Where to Drink in Nederland: Knotted Root Brewing Company and Very Nice Brewing Company for very nice local craft beer.

9. Silver Plume

Distance from Denver: 47 miles/50 minutes

One of the smallest communities on this list of mountain towns near Denver, Silver Plume is right off I-70 but it is pretty much a forgotten hamlet that you could almost call a ghost town – but not quite, because there are still people living here – around 170 according to the last census.

Silver Plume feels like a ghost town either way. It is super quiet, the short main street has a few historic buildings in different states of repair, with many of them now being private homes. And that is about it.

Like its neighbor Georgetown, Silver Plume is also a historic silver mining town, and it is a stop on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Clear Creek runs right through town and there is one hike of note, the 7:30 Mine Trail which offers awesome views over town and the Silver Plume Valley.

It’s a curious place and definitely worth a stop if you are driving by.

Where to Stay in Silver Plume: There aren’t any hotels in Silver Plume itself (you could stay in Georgetown next door) but there are a couple of great vacation rentals. Stay at this cozy cottage or this beautiful mountain house with a view – both right in Silver Plume.

Where to Eat in Silver Plume: The Bread Bar has a limited but delicious menu and handmade cocktails, Plume Coffee serves up excellent coffees and baked goods although they are mostly just open on weekends.

Georgetown is only a few minute’s drive away so you could grab food and drinks there if nothing is open in Silver Plume.

Where to Drink in Silver Plume: Also The Bread Bar.

10. Central City and Black Hawk

Distance from Denver: 38 miles/45 minutes

Central City may look like just another pretty historic mountain town, but there is something that sets it apart – behind those historic facades are casinos!

It’s a bit more obvious in neighboring Black Hawk with its modern multi-story buildings, but even Black Hawk has a couple of casinos housed in historic buildings too.

Gambling was legalized in Central City and Black Hawk in the 1990s in a last-ditch attempt to save these dying former mining towns, and between them, they now have 24 casinos. The plan worked!

Even if you aren’t into gambling – it’s not something I do often – it’s still worth a visit for the novelty factor, and to hit up one of the buffets.

These twin towns are easily accessible from Denver – there are even shuttles that run from Lakewood, on the light rail from central Denver. The latest one comes back just after 2 am so if you want to party, Central City and Black Hawk are the best mountain towns near Denver for you!

Where to Stay in Central City: Denver West/Central City KOA for camping. For hotels, Century Casino and Hotel in Central City or Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk. For vacation homes, this cozy home with deck and mountain views is a great pick.

Where to Eat in Central City: The Timberline Grill Steakhouse for steaks, and locally-inspired mains.

Where to Drink in Central City: Dostal Alley Saloon for craft beer and slots, or the Gold Coin Saloon.

11. Fort Collins

Distance from Denver: 63 miles/1 hour

OK, so Fort Collins is not a mountain town (like Denver, it is a city right beside the mountains), but I love it and it is only an hour north of Denver so I wanted to add it to the list.

This lively college town has a pedestrian-friendly downtown and is worth at least a couple of hours to explore, checking out the eclectic shops and boutiques.

If you love beer then you should definitely visit Fort Collins, because one of the best things to do in Fort Collins is to visit at least a couple of the incredible breweries that make this city one of the best beer destinations in the world.

Spend the afternoon doing some brewery hopping to best experience this exciting beer destination.

Make sure to stop in at the Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland on the way up which is free to enjoy, with interesting sculptures scattered through a green park with lakes.

Where to Stay in Fort Collins: Remington Flats Condo Hotel , or The Armstrong Hotel . For vacation rentals, this beautiful cottage and this cute one-bedroom unit are both in the Old Town are great choices.

Where to Eat in Fort Collins: Colorful Rainbow Restaurant for breakfast and dinner with lots of plant-based options, Ginger and Baker for pie in a historic mill, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar for your seafood fix.

Where to Eat & Drink in Fort Collins: For drinking, there are so many great options! Odell Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing Company, Crooked Stave Taproom, Funkwerks, Equinox Brewing, and Prost Brewing Co. for outstanding craft beer. Here’s a list of the top breweries in Fort Collins for further beerspiration.

So there you have it, the best mountain towns near Denver to add to your Colorado Itinerary. I hope this gives you some inspiration to venture into the mountains from Denver – I think you will love what you find there.

If you liked this – check out some of my other Colorado posts:

• Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary To See the Best of the State
• 14 Best Denver Suburbs To Visit and What to Do, Eat, and See There
• 15 Fun Things To Do in Golden CO That Won’t Break the Bank
• Absolute Best Hikes in Golden To Work Up a Sweat
• 15 Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit Any Time
• Fun Things To Do in Buena Vista, CO: One of My Favorite Mountain Towns
• 15 Best Colorado Hot Springs For True Hot Springs Enthusiasts
• 10 Best Hidden Gems in Colorado
• The Perfect 3 Days in Denver Itinerary
• Visit Telluride: The Best Mountain Town in Colorado
• Hike from Aspen to Crested Butte: The Best Hike in Colorado
• Experiencing Cannabis Culture in Denver on a Tour

17 Comments on 11 Mountain Towns Near Denver You Have To Visit (1 Hour or Less)

Great posts.. all. We need space, place and face to call our own and claim as home. Colorado is a great filler on all counts, as are all other places that have captured our hearts and minds. Iowa comes to mind.

Thanks Klem. My sister-in-law is from Iowa, I have only been to Des Moines but I was impressed by the beer, the food, and Living History Farms historic village.

You`re my hero.

Thanks so much for putting this list together! It was just what I was looking for

Thanks Aurora, glad you enjoyed it

You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

Thank you for this list. I’m a native of New York, but I’ve long wanted to visit and live in Colorado. I love mountains and nature.❤️

Thanks Jo, I hope you make it to Colorado!

What a beautiful place to visit even now My mom went to high school in Blackhawk. We lived in a poor neighborhood in Denver and now it is called historic And you can’t change the front of the Houses. I went skiing at all the ski resorts and I remember set them cost in $10 Is that now cost . I live in Florida now which is which is a different World. I believe that was a great place to be raised But love brought me to Florida

I bet it was an amazing place to grow up – my husband grew up in Colorado too.

Native born Coloradans don’t need people like you advertising Colorado over and over! We’re tired of people like you encouraging Colorado wannabes, like yourself. So, stfu already. Do you really need the attention?

Just stop, people like you really piss me off, thinking you own a place. Are you actually native or are you just some white guy/girl just sitting there all entitled. If you don’t like my posts – don’t read them, it’s really as simple as that. And don’t pretend you represent every person who was born in Colorado – my husband was born there, as were most of my Colorado friends and they aren’t full of hate and anger like you.

Wow, Katie, that was really racist way to respond to a comment.

Racist to white people? I think you may have read that differently than it was intended…

How incredibly rude! You realize we’re a tourist state, right? How do you think our state makes money? You give Colorado a bad name.

Native Coloradan here – we love visitors. Please come visit, but be mindful of covid and don’t bring it to us. We’re friendly, and we don’t appreciate assholes like the commenter above. He must feel the hate towards him and is responding accordingly.

Great article that contains a lot of good info! My friends and family who visit will love it!

Thanks so much for your comment! You are one of the Colorado natives that I love – just like my husband and friends.

Someone in your lineage was a Colorado wannabe smart ass and only because of that were you born there, thus making you a native or whatever. Get over yourself and lose the chip on your shoulder. This attitude in some Coloradans of the last 20 years or so, is a new thing and kinda ugly. There are places in this world just as pretty as Colorado, that don’t belittle ppl for wanting to visit or move there, because they’ve fallen in love with the place. This Colorado native bs is divisive and mean spirited and reflects poorly on the state. It’s ppl weren’t like this years ago…what happened? Everyone be kind to one another and respect the land you’re stewards of. And, to Indigenous PJ…stop with the virtue signaling and identity political stuff., it’s getting old.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Downtown Denver

16th street mall.

Denver has one of the most walkable downtowns in the nation. But you can save on shoe leather by riding the free shuttle bus on the  16th Street Mall  –  it makes everything in downtown easy to reach and stops at every corner. Renowned architect I.M. Pei designed the gray and pink granite pathway to resemble the pattern of a diamondback rattlesnake. This area is home to some of the most popular places to visit in Denver, like Denver Union Station and the LoDo Historic District. You can easily spend a full day sightseeing at these downtown Denver attractions. After dark, horse-drawn carriages clatter up and down the mall.

Larimer Square

Victorian buildings house specialty boutiques and unique chef-driven restaurants with one-of-a-kind stores and distinctive fashion and exclusive offerings in this urban shopping and dining district.

Lower Downtown   (LoDo) Historic District

Denver's happening historic district is filled with turn-of-the-century warehouses, now home to 90 brewpubs, sports bars, restaurants and rooftop cafes. While you're in Lower Downtown (LoDo), stop by  Rockmount Ranch Wear  for a snap-button Western shirt at the store where they were invented; or sip a handcrafted beer at the  Wynkoop Brewing Company , Denver's first brewpub opened by former Denver Mayor and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Denver Union Station

Denver Union Station  has undergone a massive restoration that transformed the landmark into a transportation, dining, shopping and entertainment hub, and hotel. The historic, Beaux-Arts 1914 train terminal is now a foodie destination, with a dozen restaurants and bars, from farm-to-table favorite  Mercantile dining + provision  to the  Terminal Bar , situated in the station's old ticket windows. A handful of local retailers includes a branch of the popular  Tattered Cover Book Store .  Union Station is also fulfilling its original role as a major ground transportation hub, serving as an Amtrak, light rail and shuttle bus station with direct rail service to  Denver International Airport .

Meow Wolf Denver

For a truly mind-bending experience, check out Meow Wolf Denver’s "Convergence Station."

Arts & Culture

Denver art museum.

Denver Art Museum  recently celebrated the reopening of the Martin Building (formerly known as the North Building). First opened in 1971, the fortress-like structure was designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and Denver-based James Sudler Associates. The building has been fully renovated with expanded gallery space, plus stunning views of the city skyline and Rocky Mountains. The building showcases Asian art, Indigenous arts of North America, Northwest Coast and Alaska Native, European and American art before 1900, Latin American and art of the ancient Americas, photography, textile art and fashion, and Western American art collections. The museum's other striking building resembles a titanium crystal with peaks and shards designed by Daniel Libeskind.

Meow Wolf Denver's   Convergence Station  is an unforgettable and transformational experience for all ages. Discover immersive, mind-bending art across the four alien worlds of C Street, Eemia, Ossuary and Numina. Uncover the secrets within. Inside the bustling multiverse transit station known as Convergence Station lies HELLOFOOD, an oasis of combined culinary cultures serving QDOT for 2,500 years and counting! Here, visitors can recharge from their cosmic exploration, and find sustenance in tasty treats and bold brews from local vendors.

Clyfford Still Museum

Clyfford Still, considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century, was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists. The Clyfford Still Museum , which opened at the end of 2011, was founded to promote the late artist's work and legacy. Still's estate – 2,400 artworks – has been sealed off from the public since 1980.

Murals & Street Art

One of the best museums in Denver is the city itself. Denver street artists have been busy brightening (and enlightening) the urban landscape for decades by making canvases of the city’s alleyways, building exteriors, warehouses, garage doors and storefronts. See our guide to find out where you can see passionate works by local muralists like Pat Milbery and Detour. 

The Blue Bear at the Colorado Convention Center

The   Colorado Convention Center  is home to “I See What You Mean,” AKA the giant  Blue Bear   that peers into the Center’s interior. Created by Colorado-based artist Lawrence Argent, the curious blue bear stands 40 feet tall – you can walk under it and get a great photo.

History & Western Heritage

History colorado center.

The History Colorado Center , one of Denver’s newest cultural attractions, is designed to ignite imaginations of all ages about Colorado history through high-tech and hands-on exhibits, programs for children and adults, and special events.

Colorado State Capitol

Stand exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (one mile high!) on the west steps of the  Colorado State Capitol , then climb to the rotunda for a panorama of snowcapped peaks. It is against state law to block the view of the 200 named mountains visible from the dome. Free tours are available on weekdays. 

Colorado Railroad Museum

Surrounded by towering Western buttes, the  Colorado Railroad Museum  combines a spectacular location with more than 100 narrow and standard gauge locomotives, cabooses and cars. Exhibits include a working Roundhouse, model railroads, photographs and artifacts, much of it housed in a replica of an 1880s-style depot. Train rides every Saturday on the Galloping Goose take guests on a third of mile loop of track, while "Steam ups" and special events including "A Day Out With Thomas" occur throughout the year. 

Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave

Welcome to the Wild West! Buffalo Bill Cody's exciting story as Pony Express rider, army scout, buffalo hunter and showman comes to life at the  Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave , high atop  Lookout Mountain . Enjoy views of the snowcapped Rockies in one direction, the Great Plains in the other. For those with strong nerves, drive to the museum on the hairpin  Lariat Loop Drive  ... then continue to I-70, exit 250, to see   a live herd of buffalo .

Parks & Outdoor Fun

Confluence park.

Denver was founded at  Confluence Park  as a gold mining camp in 1858. Today, the river park is the heart of Denver's  bike trail network , and is surrounded by attractions. Ride the  Platte River Trolley  to the  Downtown Aquarium  to see stingrays and sharks and The  Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus , with dozens of interactive "playscapes" for younger kids; eat and drink in the nearby neighborhoods of  Riverfront ,  LoHi  and  Highlands . Also, see our guide on how to explore the South Platte River by bike. 

City Park, Denver's largest park, has several lakes, spectacular mountain views, a public golf course, flower gardens and a hiking/jogging trail that is exactly one mile high. It's also where you'll find Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science  (DMNS). 

Washington Park

Known locally as Wash Park, it's consistently picked by residents as their favorite. The long, rectangular park has two lakes, paddle boat rentals, bike rentals, shade trees, a two-mile jogging path, mountain views and a huge area for volleyball tournaments, but it's the gardens that people like the best. Dogs on leashes are welcome and on most days there are almost as many canines as humans. See our guide for exploring Wash Park. 

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

The only downtown theme park in America is really two parks in one: on one side of Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, experience 53 thrill rides, including looping roller coasters; on the other side, cool off in a wet 'n' wild water park with tubes waterslides and wave pools. The park is open from early May to early November. 

Also, check out Denver's lesser-known, hidden gem parks  and the city's best urban hikes . 

Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens, a 23-acre oasis in the middle of the city.

Nature & Science

Denver museum of nature & science.

From stunning prehistoric fossils to an exploration of outer space, The Denver Museum of Nature & Science never fails to astound and amaze with realistic visions of the past, present and future. The Gates Planetarium is one of the most sophisticated planetariums in the country, giving visitors unparalleled insight into the workings of the cosmos, and the Phipps IMAX Theater features brilliantly filmed IMAX entertainment.

Lions and tigers and bears – and so much more, on lovely grounds make the Denver Zoo one of the most popular zoos in America. Go eyeball-to-eyeball with a gorilla in Primate Panorama or an Amur tiger at The Edge. Predator Ridge recreates the plains of Africa with a pride of lions, while Tropical Discovery is a rainforest teeming with crocodiles and Gila monsters.

Denver Botanic Gardens, a 23-acre oasis in the middle of the city, has 45 different gardens (some 33,000 plants), as well as one of the nation's top 10 conservatories. Relax in the Japanese Garden, climb through the Rock Alpine Garden and explore the new Mordecai Children's Garden. The Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory is the largest single structure tropical conservatory in the U.S., including banyan tree roots and cloud forest orchids.

Sports Attractions & Tours

Coors field.

"Behind the Seams" tours of  Coors Field  are available during the offseason and provide a behind-the-scenes look at one of the premier ballparks in Major League Baseball. All tours begin at Gate D (20th & Blake Street). Tours last 75-80 minutes and cover a distance of about one mile. All tours are accessible for guests with disabilities. Also, don't miss the  Sandlot , a brewery in Coors Field that is open year-round. 

McGregor Square

Right next door to Coors Field is McGregor Square, which shouldn't be missed by sports fans. It's comprised of three towers that include The Rally Hotel and the Milepost Zero food hall surrounding a 17,000-square-foot plaza that hosts year-round events like concerts, festivals and movie nights. The plaza has a stadium-sized LED screen. Catch a game at  Tom’s Watch Bar,  get a bite to eat at  Carmine's or browse the books at Tattered Cover Book Store. 

Colorado Sports Hall of Fame

Come see the  Colorado Sports Hall of Fame , a free museum honoring Colorado sports legends. Open Thursday-Saturday (summer Monday-Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, visit  Empower Field at Mile High . Tours begin each half-hour and are 75 minutes in length. This is your chance to see the 'back of the house" where the Broncos play. 

Come to  Ball Arena  for an All-Access VIP Tour! See where the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Mammoth call home, plus have backstage access to where the big names in music have performed. Learn about how the venue converts from hockey ice to basketball court and how it successfully hosts more than 225 different events each year.

National Ballpark Museum

Recognized as one of the finest baseball collections in the world. Highlights at the  National Ballpark Museum  include a tribute to Colorado baseball history, seats from the classic ballparks, one-of-a-kind baseball artifacts, autographed jerseys, baseballs, uniforms and bats. Take a personalized tour led by Curator Bruce Hellerstein.

Cherry Creek Shopping District 

More than 500 department stores, boutiques, galleries, spas, and one-of-a-kind shops grace this browsing paradise – the largest concentration of stores between St. Louis and San Francisco.  Cherry Creek Shopping Center  is an ultra-upscale mall with  Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom  and  Tiffany's , while across 1st Ave.,  Cherry Creek North  offers tree-lined streets with cafes, spas and galleries amidst fountains and public art.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre offers year-round recreational opportunities in addition to legendary…

Attractions Near Denver

Golden, Colorado's first capital, celebrates its Old West history and mountain location with a trendy downtown filled with galleries and recreation shops. Sip a beer at an outdoor café, while kayakers float by on fast rushing Clear Creek.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Carved from towering red rock monuments, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is one of the world's most renowned concert venues and has hosted everyone from the Beatles to Bruce Springsteen. Listening to a concert here is on the "bucket list" of every true music fan. When there's no concert, the Visitor Center has a free museum and Performers' Hall of Fame, while the surrounding park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks.

Coors Brewery Tour

"Taste the Rockies!" Coors Brewery, the world's largest brewing site still uses the same Rocky Mountain spring water that Adolph Coors discovered in 1873. Self-guided tours show every step in the brewing process and end with free samples for those over 21.

Within an Hour of Denver

Central city & black hawk.

These two old gold mining towns (once known as the "Richest Square Mile on Earth") have come alive with casino gambling.  Central City  and  Black Hawk  offer two dozen casinos rock 24-7 with 10,000 slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette and craps. The surrounding hills are covered with abandoned gold mines, Victorian buildings and Old West history. Every summer, the  Central City Opera Association  hosts a season of world-class opera. 

Nestled in a steep mountain valley,  Georgetown  is one of Colorado's most elegant mining towns with 200 Victorian buildings. Ride the  Georgetown Loop Railroad  over a 100-foot high trestle to neighboring Silver Plume, tour historic homes and shop on the quaint Main Street that has been used in films featuring Clint Eastwood and John Denver.

Echo Lake and  Mount Blue Sky

From I-70 take Exit 240 and then Colorado Hwy. 103 to Echo Lake Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway , the highest paved road in North America, climbs 9,000 feet from Denver, passing through five life zones en route to the 14,264-foot high summit. This is one of Colorado's 54 fourteeners (peaks that climb to 14,000 feet and above), and one of only two in the nation that you can drive up. Stop at  Echo Lake  along the way for hiking trails, fishing, picnic tables and an unusual eight-sided log cabin restaurant. At timberline,  Denver Botanic Gardens  maintains a trail that winds through wildflowers. Due to snow, the Mount Blue Sky Highway is generally open to the top only between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

Home to the  University of Colorado ,  Boulder  has been described as the "the city nestled between the mountains and reality." A recent study pegged it as the "happiest" city in America. You'll find out why when you stroll past the shops, cafes and street performers on the  Pearl Street Mall , or take a hike on the city's 200 miles of trails. Nearby attractions include the  National Center for Atmospheric Research  with a museum on weather and global warming, and towering  Eldorado Canyon State Park , one of the most famous technical climbing centers in America.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park offers an unforgettable trip into the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Full-Day Adventure

71 miles west of Denver on Highway 36 Colorado's No. 1 attraction,  Rocky Mountain National Park , offers an unforgettable trip into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. More than 350 miles of trails meander to valleys of wildflowers, thundering waterfalls, high alpine lakes and craggy, snowcapped peaks. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous highway in the world with panoramic views in all directions. See elk, moose and bighorn sheep, while hawks and eagles circle overhead. National Geographic named Rocky Mountain National Park one of the top trips in the world in 2014. At the entrance to the park, the historic resort village of  Estes   Park   offers shopping and dining.

Fall & Winter

Spring & summer, plan your getaway, basecamp denver, attractions, arts & culture, family friendly, day trips & around colorado, sports & recreation, health & wellness, itineraries, booking widget added to footer panel.

• Things To Do
• Destination
• Food Experience

Were you looking for the best cities in Colorado near Denver? Where were you?

Explore Denver and other beautiful Colorado! Colorado has the best tourist destinations like the Rocky Mountains, beautiful prairies, endless streets, and sunsets in the cities including amazing restaurants and local brewery stores.

Don’t forget some of the great cities near Denver like Boulder, Fort Collins, Loveland, and Golden.

If you’re looking for fun near Denver, check out one of Colorado’s biggest mountains. Read on to learn about the best cities & towns in Colorado near Denver.

Table of Contents

Colorado Cities Near Denver

Must see boulder.

Boulder is the best place to visit near Denver, Colorado. The University of Colorado Campus offers beautiful mountain scenery and is always full of events.

He owns a famous shop in Pearl Street. There are also famous figure skaters, Pearl Trees, Boulder Theater, Boulder Farmer Market, E-Bike Tour of Boulder, Dushanbe Tea House, and Museum of Boulder.

Boulder offers something for everyone. There is no better place to spend a day with friends or family than this charming city.

Oh, and if you’re planning a day trip here, make a reservation at Silly Craig Café.

Aurora is filled with Unique attractions, activities, and must-sees. Aurora is one of the largest cities in Colorado, close to Denver.

You can enjoy Colorado’s beauty at Parks, Trails, and golf courses. You can spend your afternoon time at Cherry Creek Reservoir hiking the trails or riding horses off into the mountain sunset.

You can also visit the Aurora Cultural Art District or stop by the Colfax Canvas Mural to enjoy audio tours. There’s also a Locally-owned National boutique and Brands.

if you’re planning for Aurora’s trip, come out early in the morning for sightseeing. you can bring the kids along and enjoy native wildlife.

Find the best hotels in Colorado during your visit. Cherry Creek State Park is beautiful. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge is recommended. You will see some cows there.

Don’t forget to visit the Stanley market. This hotel is located in the old airport.

Castle Rock

The Stone Palace is a huge stone building that offers a variety of activities to visitors. there is the best place to visit in Castle Rock Mall.

The Castle Rock Offers a Variety of amenities and programs. You can enjoy biking, hiking, climbing, golfing, seasonal outdoor ice skating rink, Racquetball, fitness boot camp, and pottery classes.

Here are our best places to shop on Black Friday. There is also a burley shop. This is a great place to enjoy food and drink in style.

Maybe you want an outdoor adventure. Or maybe you want to relax and enjoy your surroundings. There is much more for everyone at Castle Rock.

Loveland, Colorado is an interesting place to visit 45 minutes from Denver.

This is a great stop on the way to Estes Park. Or, if you’re looking for outdoor fun, Boyd Lake State Park and Devil’s Open Spine Trail offer plenty of trails and activities to choose from.

Looking for great food in Loveland ? Go to Betta Gumbo. This is a great place for Cajun-Creole food.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is one of the largest cities in Denver, Near Pikes Peak. Pike Peak is a famous mountain. You can stop the vehicle to enjoy the beauty.

There are many things to do Like Garden of Gods (Free Parks, Natural Wonders, Hiking), Pikes Peak (Hiking, sightseeing, recreation), Royal Gorge (Natural Wonders, Parks & Gardens, Sports, Hiking, Recreation), Muller Stare Park (Free), United State Air Force Academy, Red Rocks and Many more…

If you are an animal lover, The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will be the best place to visit Colorado Springs with Kids. It is located south of the city. In Cheyenne Mountain Zoo you can also feed a giraffe, enjoying on zoo’s chair left-style ride with an awesome view for a photoshoot.

With too many things to do and see, The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the best Zoos in the Colorado United States.

Maybe you want an easy trip. Colorado Springs issued a recall.

Englewood, Colorado is located south of Denver. It was a good place to visit. There are many parks, sanatoriums, and attractions here.

It’s home to the Gothic Theater, our favorite theater in Denver. This theater is very well built. A good house means a good night.

If you want to explore Englewood for free the best place will be the Museum of Outdoor Arts. This art gallery will excite your imagination and educate your mind.

There are also many things to do with Kids in Englewood for free like Latin American Art Museum & the Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver.

Estes Park is very popular. It is one of the Colorado cities close to Denver. The city is located amidst beautiful mountains. This is a great place for visitors to Colorado. Especially for those who want to visit the nearby Mountain National Park.

But there’s more to the park! Important events are often held in the city. It happens all year round, from beer festivals to summer events and more.

You can stay in a Cozy Cabin, Visit Lake Estes, Lean into the Haunted side of Estes Park, See the Elk Rut, stroll into Elkhorn Avenue, and many more…

If you’re planning to explore Greeley, there are plenty of things to do for outsiders and locals from cultural events to outdoor adventures, Greeley Invites you to discover everything that Greeley offers.

Located in northern Colorado, Greeley is described as a unique city. It’s home to Weldworks Brewing Company, so beer lovers can find everything they need there!

History and railroad buffs can visit the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. You can learn about the history of the local train. There are also several guest houses.

You can Visit and Enjoy Greeley attractions and historic sites, arts, culture, parks, sports, music, concerts, agritourism, and outdoor activities.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins, a wonderful city to visit, is about an hour north of Denver. Being a university town, it offers a lot of tourist and student attractions.

Camping is available at Lori National Park. Enjoy pizza with 80s nostalgia. Fort Collins has something for everyone. Perfect for a fun day or weekend for those who want to rule the country.

Morrison, Colorado is a small town that is just west of Denver.

It has some of the best natural areas in the city like Red Rocks Amphitheater and Park. Among the greatest theaters in America is this one! The view of this outdoor garden is spectacular. Beautiful red rocks can be seen everywhere.

Morrison also has its park, Bear Creek Lake Park. It’s a wonderful place to spend time in nature.

Everyone ought to visit the charming little mountain town of Nederland! The region offers amazing scenery and distinctive attractions. For those looking for a getaway off the beaten path, it’s ideal.

There is something for everyone in this quaint town. The historic Carousel of Happiness is open for rides. It’s a carnival ride from 1910. For amazing views, drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Or head to Eldora Mountain to ski.

You might be traveling alone or with friends and family. There are enough things to do in the Netherlands to keep you occupied all day. Explore this charming mountain retreat while taking in the clean mountain air.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a short drive from Denver, making for a great day out. It’s Famous for skiing. But don’t forget the Breckenridge Gondola. It’s completely free to approach, even in winter! In addition, if you want to be closer to nature, you can visit the famous Breckenridge Troll. This is an easy and friendly way. It won’t take more than 30 minutes. This includes overtime.

Silverthorne

Silverthorne, Colorado is a great place for a mountain vacation! Close to Breckenridge and Dillon. It has restaurants and markets like the Blue Bird Market. It has unique and interesting features. You will get more! We didn’t come to Silverthorne until we lived in Denver for a while and loved it.

Final Thoughts: Colorado Cities Near Denver

The Colorado towns near Denver offer an abundance of interesting things to see and do. There are many options available at these places for weekend getaways and day trips.

This post about the best Colorado towns close to Denver is hopefully enjoyable!

Related Articles

12 dog friendly trails near denver, 11 closest ski resorts to denver for outdoor fun, 11 stunning spots for watching the sunset in denver, latest articles, the 14 most beautiful lake hikes near denver colorado, 13 best free things to do in denver.

Our mission is to be your trusted companion in discovering the beauty and richness that Colorado has to offer. Whether you're a local seeking new adventures or a visitor planning your first trip, we are dedicated to providing valuable insights, travel tips, and a deep appreciation for the unique experiences that await you in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Contact us: admin(at)travelincolorado(dot)com

© Copyright-TRAVELINCOLORADO 2023. Design by Tibba-Tech

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms and Conditions

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

5 Must-Visit Towns Near Denver, Colorado

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

• Destinations
• United States

If you’re vacationing in Denver, it’s worth taking a day or two to discover some of the unique towns around the Mile High City. They are all less than an hour’s drive and deliver small-town charm near the big city.

Michael Salbato / Shutterstock

1. Edgewater

At less than a square mile in size, Edgewater is a tiny town on the west side of Denver that derives its name from the fact that it sits on the banks of picturesque Sloan’s Lake . And this lake — the largest in Denver proper — is the main attraction. The easiest way to experience the water is by walking the 2.8-mile paved path all the way around it. It’s flat and easy to navigate, and there are picnic areas along the way for taking peaceful breaks. You can also fish in the lake, but you can’t swim. The lake hosts several events throughout the year, including the colorful Colorado Dragon Boat Festival — the biggest festival of its kind in the country.

After your stroll, take in the lake views at one of Edgewater’s many restaurants. A popular spot is Joyride Brewing , where your beer comes with a view of the lake and fresh air when the taproom’s garage doors are rolled up. The Edgewater Inn has been part of the community since the mid-1950s and uses the original brick ovens to bake its family-recipe pizzas. And choice is on the menu at the town’s newest culinary addition, the Edgewater Public Market . This vast food hall is home to vendors selling everything from empanadas to pizza to lobster, and there’s family-style seating in the middle.

NaughtyNut / Shutterstock

2. Morrison

Rocks are the main attraction in Morrison. Just 15 miles west of Denver, this small town is best known for being the home of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre . The open-air amphitheater is anchored by two large rocks, delivering acoustics not to be found anywhere else in the world. Check the event schedule to take in a show, or just go to walk around, appreciate the views, attend a church service , or take an outdoor yoga class .

Dinosaur Ridge boasts more than 250 dinosaur tracks on-site, along with fossils and a small museum. Unless you want to walk up a steep hill, your best bet is to pay $12 for the guided 45-minute bus tour .

For a thrilling ride, check out the drag-racing events at Bandimere Speedway overlooking the nearby mountains. In existence since the 1950s, the track and stands have undergone several renovations and now can hold more than 28,000 fans.

Eating in Morrison is an adventure of its own. The famed Fort Restaurant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is your stop for Colorado game dishes. Along the main street, an unassuming building serves up some of the best Mexican food in the area. The Morrison Inn consistently wins awards for its margaritas and offers live music several days a week. Its outdoor space is consistently voted the best patio in Colorado and is an excellent spot to people-watch. On a nice day, you’ll see groups of cyclists heading up the canyon, as well as tired hikers and mountain bikers returning from the trails at nearby Lair o’ the Bear Park and Mount Falcon Park .

Marlin Cox / Shutterstock

3. Evergreen

About 30 miles west of Denver, along Interstate 70, you’ll find Evergreen. It appears unassuming from the road, but exit here and wind your way into town, and you’ll find a quaint town with both mountain and lake activities.

Evergreen Lake offers a cool reprieve in the summer in the form of boating, paddleboarding, and fishing, and there’s ice skating in the winter. The Evergreen Golf Course sits along the lake, and it’s not uncommon to see elk sitting on the fairways. A 1.2-mile walking trail loops around the lake, giving you beautiful views from all angles. It’s a fairly easy walk, but there is a set of stairs to navigate.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park has nearly 16 miles of hiking and biking trails ranging from easy to difficult. You can hike to the top of Bergen Peak (9,708 feet) from Elk Meadow Park . This 1600-acre park is also your best chance to see a herd of elk in town. (And sometimes you will even see them crossing the road — a magnificent sight that truly brings everything to a stop!)

For an indoor activity, head over to the Hiwan Heritage Park . The 25-room lodge offers free tours showcasing original furnishings and Native American art.

Just past the lake is the main street of Evergreen flanking Bear Creek. Grab a glass of wine at Creekside Cellars and relax on the outdoor patio overlooking the water. Or enjoy some of the best pizza in town at Beau Jo’s just a few doors down. The beers at Little Bear Saloon are served with a dose of history — this live music venue has seen performances by the likes of Willie Nelson (who once lived in Evergreen), Neil Young, and Gregg Allman.

Pro Tip: If you’re in Morrison, you can get to Evergreen via Bear Creek Road. It’s not the most direct route, but it’s very pretty.

RaksyBH / Shutterstock

4. Black Hawk And Central City

One of two areas in Colorado that allow gambling, Black Hawk and Central City sit next to each other and form a National Historic Landmark District. Once a gold-mining hub, the district is now home to more than a dozen modern casinos , hotels , and top-notch restaurants. You can go on a self-guided walking tour to learn about the area’s history, or hop on the free shuttle with numerous stops in both Black Hawk and Central City. Only 45 minutes west of Denver, tucked in the Clear Creek Canyon, this area can also serve as a home base for nearby hiking and mountain biking . Black Hawk is the start of the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway , which is gorgeous for road biking.

After all that activity, unwind in the area’s only full-service spa , housed in the Ameristar . It’s one of the larger hotels and also has an indoor pool and rooftop hot tubs. You can fuel up at one of the many casino buffets or relax at an intimate steakhouse .

Part of the charm of Black Hawk and Central City is the scenic, winding road to get there. Drive it on your own to be able to stop and take pictures, or relax and enjoy the views by taking a casino shuttle to the area.

Robert Arthur Designs / Shutterstock

5. Castle Rock

Head south from Denver, and in about 30 miles, you’ll see a large rock formation sitting high up on a hill. That rock gave the town of Castle Rock its name when it was settled in 1870, and you can climb up to it via a 1.4-mile trail loop . The trail can be a bit difficult to navigate because of its 370-foot elevation gain and rocky nature, but it offers vast views of the entire front range and the famed Pikes Peak . For a truly heart-pumping workout, head over to Challenge Hill at Philip S. Miller Park . Dubbed the “mini incline” because it’s a smaller version of the popular Manitou Incline , it has 200 wooden steps climbing 178 feet.

For a slightly less strenuous day, consider shopping in Castle Rock — particularly for antiques. Your first stop should be The Barn , a building that’s been part of the community for more than 100 years. Today, it’s filled with boutique shops featuring antiques, home decor, women’s fashions, and even fabric. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind gift or treasure. Then head to The Emporium , where you’ll find more than 50 small, locally owned shops selling jewelry, antiques, clothing, art, and food. Finish up by strolling through Historic Downtown Castle Rock for even more unique shops. If you’re looking for something a bit more mainstream, hit the Outlets at Castle Rock . You can’t miss them — they sit right off the interstate.

Pro Tip: Like scenic drives? You can experience the western foothill towns (Evergreen, Morrison, and more) by following the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway , 40 miles of roads designed to retrace the tracks of early motor explorers in Colorado. Plan your own trip, or use one of the suggested day itineraries in order to see these towns and all of their highlights.

For more to see and do in and around Denver, visit this page .

Amy’s passion for traveling and writing started at a young age. She grew up traveling with her family -- visiting three continents by the time she was 16. She’s always looking for her next trip and isn't happy until she has at least one (or two) on the horizon. She is most fulfilled when she’s exploring new areas like a local and finding good deals on travel and activities.

Amy studied broadcast journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She started her career as a TV news producer in Tulsa and Denver, winning 4 Emmy Awards for her work. She’s also worked in production for HGTV and as a spokeswoman for a small Colorado mountain town.

Amy is married with two young kids. Both kids got their passports before age one, as it’s her goal to instill the travel bug in them from a young age. If you can’t find Amy at an airport, you can find her trying out new restaurants, reading, or running.

17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Denver, CO

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Carri Wilbanks lives near Denver and enjoys exploring the sights of the city.

Denver, the Mile High City, so named because it sits at 5,280 feet above sea level or one mile high, has been rocking since the late 1850s, when gold was discovered around Cherry Creek . Today, it is one of America's hottest cities to live and play in and a great place to visit in Colorado .

With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Denver is a visually appealing metropolis, filled with a variety of sights and attractions for everyone, from families to couples. Whether you are wandering the Denver Art Museum, doing some shopping and gallery-hopping in Cherry Creek North, or visiting animals at the Denver Zoo, day or night, there is no shortage of things to do.

The city is also home to several parks, including Civic Center Park in the heart of downtown, Washington Park, Cheesman Park, and City Park in surrounding neighborhoods. Just outside the city limits is Denver's most famous park: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, which is one of the top outdoor concert venues in the U.S.

Learn more about the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions in Denver.

See also: Where to Stay in Denver

1. Union Station

2. larimer square, 3. stroll and shop along 16th street mall, 4. take a tour or see a game at coors field, 5. denver museum of nature & science, 6. see a show at the denver center for the performing arts, 7. denver botanic gardens, 8. kirkland museum of fine & decorative art, 9. denver art museum, 10. denver zoo, 11. colorado state capitol, 12. enjoy live music at red rocks park & amphitheater, 13. denver public library, 14. united states mint, 15. civic center park, 16. cherry creek north, 17. clyfford still museum, where to stay in denver for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to denver, map of attractions & things to do in denver, co, denver, co - climate chart.

Anchoring downtown Denver , Union Station is a hub of activity for locals and travelers alike. This Beaux Arts train station is a historic landmark dating back to 1881.

Completely revitalized in 2014, today Union Station is a bustling attraction that doubles as a working train station. You can catch the A-line train to the airport, RTD transit around Denver, or embark on Amtrak rail trips across the country from here.

Union Station is also home to many shops, restaurants, and The Crawford Hotel, which often puts on special themed-stay events. It's fun to take a stroll through Union Station just to look at the impressive architecture.

Also, make sure to pay a visit to the branch of the Tattered Cover Book Store located here. It is one of the best independent bookstores in the U.S.

Address: 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado

A successful example of urban refurbishment in Denver is Larimer Square, with well-restored buildings of the Civil War period. In 1971, Larimer Square became Denver's first historic district. Today, it is a major entertainment district. The area is home to art galleries, shops, cheerful restaurants, and gas lamps.

It continues to evolve and is popular with both locals and tourists. During the day, most people come here to shop. In the evening, this is a great place for dining or seeing some live entertainment, such as comedians or bands. This area is also famous as the place where Buffalo Bill lived at one time.

Address: 1430 Larimer Street, Denver, Colorado

Running through the city center, the 16th Street Mall is a European-style pedestrian precinct, with shady trees, flowerbeds, and park benches. The only traffic here is a free shuttle bus.

The mall is lined with department stores, boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants, and the stalls of street traders. Near the south end of the street are numerous modern and Post-Modern skyscrapers.

The mall was designed by the late world-famous architect I.M. Pei, the same architect that designed the pyramid at the Louvre in Paris. At night, the mall is illuminated by over one million lights, making it an ideal place to stroll on a warm summer evening.

Originally opened in 1982, the 16 th Street Mall is currently undergoing an overhaul that will create wider pedestrian walkways, modernize existing infrastructure, and introduce new art, among other objectives.

The renovations of this 13-block mall between Market Street and Broadway will take place in phases and are expected to be finished by late 2024. The area remains open during renovations, however.

Coors Field is the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball club. The stadium, which opened in 1995, has a seating capacity of 50,200. From the seats along the 1st base line, it's possible to see the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Tours of the facility are available year-round and are a good way to learn about the stadium and see a bit of the behind-the-scenes action. Tickets are limited to a certain number each day, so advance purchases are a good idea. Tours last just under 1.5 hours and are accessible to those with disabilities.

Address: 20th and Blake Streets, Denver, Colorado

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science sits in City Park's southeast corner and is one of Denver's top cultural attractions. Among the most notable exhibits are the imposing dinosaur skeletons, remains of Ice Age animals, the collection of minerals presented by the Coors family, and one of the largest nuggets of gold found in Colorado.

The museum features changing exhibitions, so there is always something new to see. An IMAX theater and a Planetarium are also on-site. When you've finished wandering this museum, take time to check out City Park, which is popular with locals, and hosts a free summer jazz concert series.

The Space Odyssey exhibit has been renovated and revitalized and is now better than ever. You'll be able to step into the new Fantasy Spaceship and fulfill your dreams of blasting off into space.

Address: 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado

Read More: Denver with Kids: Top-Rated Things to Do

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts sits on the south side of Larimar Square and is a gigantic cultural center. The center consists of multiple venues, including the Boettcher Concert Hall, Auditorium Theater, and Ellie Caulkins Opera House. If you are looking for things to do in Denver at night, you can usually find something to entertain you here.

A night out at the Center for Performing Arts could mean watching a Broadway Show or enjoying a play or a variety of other performances. This venue hosts all kinds of major events. It is home to the Denver Center Theater Company, the Denver Center Attractions, and the Denver Center Theatre Academy. The center also functions as an educational facility, offering acting classes and programs, as well as professional development opportunities.

Address: Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street, Denver, Colorado

The Denver Botanic Gardens , first laid out in the late 1950s, is one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States , occupying 23 acres next to Cheesman Park.

The garden emphasizes native plants and sustainable, environmentally responsible practices. However, the various gardens display plants from all over the world. There are 43 individual gardens, some of which are laid out in natural landscapes, others of which are in more formal gardens.

Some of the highlights include the Japanese Garden; Marnie's Pavilion with orchids, ferns, and waterfalls; and the Boettcher Memorial Conservatory, with exotic tropical and subtropical species. The Denver Botanic Gardens also hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts that draw in nationally recognized talent.

Address: 1007 York Street, Denver, Colorado

The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art displays a major collection of decorative art from 1880 to 1980. Every major design period is represented, from Arts & Crafts to Pop Art. Regional modernist art, from 1875 to 1980, with a focus on Colorado, is also documented with hundreds of works.

The museum features a retrospective of Colorado's distinguished painter, Vance Kirkland (1904-1981). All three collections are housed in a 1911 Arts & Crafts building, the oldest commercial art building in Denver. Kirkland Museum is a member of Historic Artists' Homes and Studios, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Address: 1311 Pearl Street, Denver, Colorado

The massive, fortress-like Denver Art Museum has a vast collection, which includes American Indian, African, European, Asian, and Oceanic Art. Collections also include Spanish colonial and pre-Columbian works.

The remodeled Native American galleries are particularly impressive, covering a broad range of cultures and tribes from the United States and Canada. This extensive collection has gained a reputation throughout North America, with pieces that span 2,000 years of history.

This modern and contemporary art collection features both well-known names and emerging talent in a variety of media. Don't miss the separate gallery dedicated to photography. Also of note is the museum's African art collection.

The Denver Art Museum began in a building now known as the North Building, designed by Italian Architect Gio Ponti and opened in 1971. In 2006, the 146,000-square-foot Hamilton Building, an expansion designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, was opened to the public. The new building captured attention with its unique design, inspired by the peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Address: 100 W 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, Colorado

The Denver Zoo is beautifully laid out, with enclosures adapted to different species, from the polar bears' den to monkey island. The zoo was begun in the late 1800s and has a rich history of conservation. Over the years, it has managed to remain one of Denver's most popular tourist attractions.

Exhibits that are sure to delight families with children of all ages include Stingray Cove, where you can pet a stingray as it swims by; the Toyota Elephant Passage, consisting of two miles of trails in a natural habitat featuring African animals; Harmony Hill Bear Habitat, home to the park's resident Grizzly Bear; and The EDGE, an enclosure that lets you get within six inches of two gorgeous Amur Tigers from Siberia.

Address: 2900 E 23rd Avenue, Denver, Colorado

On a low hill on the east side of Civic Center Park is the classical-style State Capitol, crowned by a gilded dome 250 feet high. From the viewing platform on the drum of the dome, there are magnificent views of the city's imposing skyline and the Front Range. The 13th step on the west side of the Capitol is exactly one mile above sea level, thus the name "mile high city."

Address: Broadway and East Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater is about 15 miles from the city center but is well worth the commute as this is the most revered attraction around Denver — and there is a shuttle to get you here should you not have a car.

Red Rocks is both a live music venue and a city park owned by Denver. The name comes from the striking red sandstone rock formations found along the trails that also form the walls of the outdoor amphitheater.

The venue attracts major live music talent weekly in season and is most famous for its acoustics. Music buffs will want to stop by the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, which tells the stories of Colorado's music greats.

Address: 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, Colorado

Famed architect Michael Graves designed the Denver Public Library , which opened in 1995. The library is noted for its western history and genealogical collections. Outside, the 30-foot-tall, red-orange steel sculpture is often used for reference as a landmark.

Address: 10 W. Fourteenth Avenue, Denver, Colorado

Immediately beyond the City and County Building is the U.S. Mint , one of the United States' six facilities. This is where the American currency is created and part of the country's gold reserves are stored.

Be sure to take a free guided tour of the facility to learn about the history and process of making money. Following your tour, visit the small gift shop on-site selling commemorative coins, souvenirs, games, and other items. Reservations for the tours are always required and can be scheduled online through the website.

Address: 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado

In the heart of Denver is the green and, in summer, agreeably shady Civic Center Park, laid out in Classical style with numerous monuments. Principal administrative buildings of the state of Colorado are scattered around the outskirts of the park. Along its north side is Colfax Ave, which is the longest street in America, running for 26 miles east to west through Denver.

Address: 101 14th Avenue, Denver, Colorado

Located just south and east of the Downtown, Cherry Creek North is Denver's best-known shopping district , especially if you're looking for luxury and boutique shops and art galleries. Covering some 16 blocks laid out in a square, the leafy and flower-strewn neighborhood is also home to numerous restaurants, offering cuisine from around the globe.

Cherry Creek hosts a number of different events throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Cherry Creek Arts Festival , held around July 4th, which attracts national and international artist vendors in mediums ranging from painting and jewelry to ceramics. The district runs along 2nd and 3rd Ave between Steele Street to the east and University Boulevard to the west.

Part of the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists, Clyfford Still is considered one of the 20th century's most influential painters. The Clyfford Still Museum , which opened in late 2011, is home to an archive of more than 3,000 artworks by the late artist and showcases his life's work and legacy in exhibits in a minimalist-style building.

Address: 1250 Bannock Street, Denver, Colorado

The best place to stay in Denver is right downtown in the heart of the action. This is where the main attractions are located, as well as the Convention Center, restaurants, and entertainment. Below is a list of highly-rated hotels in convenient locations :

Luxury Hotels :

• The landmark Brown Palace Hotel and Spa has been one of Denver's top luxury hotels since it first opened in 1892. This opulent hotel, in the heart of downtown, is also known for its superb customer service.
• Opened one year earlier, in 1891, is another of Denver's top hotels, The Oxford Hotel , near Union Station.
• By contrast, if you are looking for a contemporary luxury hotel, the uniquely designed The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton , near the Denver Art Museum, is the place to stay.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Near the Convention Center and just a short walk from the 16th Street Mall is the conveniently located Hilton Garden Inn .
• Nearby, and also in a great location is Aloft , with a modern look and trendy feel.
• The Hyatt House is a newly opened, extended-stay hotel in the city center, with standard rooms and suites featuring fully equipped kitchens, perfect for families.

Budget Hotels :

• The Days Inn is on the periphery of the city center, either a long walk or short drive from the main downtown area.
• If you are willing to drive 30 minutes, the Comfort Inn is well outside the city center but offers quality rooms at budget prices.

Joining an organized tour is a great way to see all the highlights of Denver and its surrounding mountains without the hassle of finding your way around. Along the way, you'll learn fascinating stories about the city's history and the ecology of the surrounding areas. These tours include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you time and money. Below are some fun sightseeing tours and day trips that guarantee the lowest price:

Take a Day Trip:

• Soaring mountains surround Denver, and a convenient way to experience this alpine wilderness is on the Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder . Accompanied by the narration of an expert guide, this tour takes you in an air-conditioned coach across the Continental Divide, reaching altitudes of up to 12,000 feet. After exploring Estes Park and passing by the famous Stanley Hotel, you can look for wildlife such as bighorn sheep and black bears in Rocky Mountain National Park. The tour includes admission to the park, lunch, and hotel pickup.
• If you're short on time but still want to venture into the wilderness, consider the Foothills Explorer Tour From Denver . This four-hour adventure includes a visit to Red Rocks park, a natural amphitheater; a drive through the scenic Lariat Loop, where you can look for wildlife; and stops at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave and the historic town of Evergreen. Hotel pickup and entrance fees are also included.

Summit a 14neer :

• From Idaho Springs, the highest mountain road in the U.S. runs steeply up past the beautifully situated Echo Lake to the alpine pastures on Mount Evans (14,266 feet). From the summit, there are breathtaking panoramic views out over the mountains and valley below. A variety of wildlife also frequents the area. At these elevations, it is not uncommon to see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and pika. The Mount Evans Highway (State Highway 5) is a seasonal road, which is closed during the winter months, usually reopening in late May. Opening dates may be weather dependent. Mount Evans gets particularly busy on summer weekends. Weekdays and early mornings are some of the less visited hours and maybe a better option for people looking to escape large crowds.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

The Mountains: Denver is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Less than two hours away are some of the best ski resorts in Colorado , including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. You can also find smaller and budget-friendly ski resorts near Denver . But you don't have to be a skier to enjoy the beautiful scenery. In summer, hiking , camping, biking, and sightseeing opportunities attract tourists from across North America.

Fun mountain towns you may want to include on your Colorado itinerary include nearby Boulder and Colorado Springs , and in the far southwest of the state, Durango and Telluride , where you'll also find excellent skiing and snowboarding, as well as hiking and biking in summer. Mountain bikers should look to Fruita and Grand Junction for some awesome rides. For more ideas, see our article on the top attractions and places to visit in Colorado .

More on Colorado

Top 11 things to do in Denver from baseball to tubing South Platte River

Jul 23, 2023 • 7 min read

Vendors sell everything from gelato to bao buns at Denver Milk Market © Chip Kalback / Lonely Planet

A Rocky Mountain megastar, Denver is a thriving city that blends its rich Old West history with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Here you’ll find dynamic arts and cultural options woven with a booming food, craft beer and cannabis scene. And with endless sunny days, green spaces galore and a spectacular mountain backdrop, outdoor play is always part of the local ethos. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find Denver is buzzing with activity.

Here are its top things to do.

1. Eat, drink and play in Union Station

Enjoy a drink or a fancy meal at Union Station , an iconic landmark and beautifully restored 19th century train station. Sure, it’s Denver’s main transportation hub – local buses, light rail and cross-country trains use it – but this Beaux Art beauty also is home to tony restaurants and cocktail bars, a place locals come for a night out on the town.

Local tip: If you need a sightseeing break, chill out in the Great Hall, a waiting area and chic lounge with leather couches, shuffleboard and wifi. It’s all free and open to the public – no need to buy anything.

2. Cheer on the Rockies

Join baseball fans at Coors Field in downtown Denver, one of the MLB’s most hitter-friendly ballparks (thank the thin air for all the homeruns). Eighty home games mean lots of opportunities and with tickets in the Rockpile (aka centerfield) starting at just US$1, it won’t break the bank. Come decked out in your purple, black and silver best to fit right in.

Detour: If you’re a die-hard baseball fan, cross the street to the National Ballpark Museum, which is jam-packed with memorabilia from the country’s 14 classic ballparks.

3. See masterpieces at the Denver Art Museum

The crown jewel of the Mile High City’s art scene, the Denver Art Museum houses an eclectic collection of some of the world’s greatest works of art, from Old Master painters to modern contemporary artists. It includes a stunningly rich collection of Native American art, integrating both historic and contemporary work, with signage that prioritizes Native perspectives. The complex itself is a work of art – the titanium-paneled Hamilton Building with its jutting angles connected by bridge to the newly-renovated Martin Building, a fortress-like structure covered in millions of glittering glass tiles.

Local tip: No need to hesitate about coming if you’re traveling with kids – there are loads of interactive art stations and activities throughout the museum plus two eateries for mid-visit treats. Admission is free for everyone 18 and under too.

4. Take in back alley street art

Nowhere has street art more transformed a neighborhood in Denver than the one-time-industrial-wasteland-turned-hipster-enclave of RiNo (aka River North Arts District). Unexpected and ever-changing, the streets and alleys are draped in hundreds of murals covering every sort of surface, from parking lot walls to transformer boxes. Walking through the neighborhood, the art stops you in your tracks, the images speaking to the city’s diversity, politics and day-to-day life.

Local tip: If you want a bit more structure to your mural walkabout, check out RiNo’s own mural map . For an even deeper dive into the art, take a guided tour with Denver Graffiti Tour , a two-hour stroll past notable works, including details on the artists and their historical context.

5. Go to a Red Rocks concert

There’s something almost primal about attending a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater : the sounds of instruments enveloping you, the sight of people dancing under an umbrella of stars and the iconic 300ft-high red sandstone monoliths standing guard on either side. Renowned for its natural acoustics and stunning beauty, Red Rock has been a rock 'n’ roll venue ever since 1964 when The Beatles played there. Today, Red Rocks is synonymous with big name bands of all genres – even symphony orchestras – and a place where memorable albums are often recorded. For many, it’s reason enough for a trip to Denver. Concerts are held all summer long.

Detour: If a Red Rocks concert isn’t in the cards, the venue and its surrounding 816 acres are free to visit during the day, including several hiking trails that wind through the red rock landscape. The amphitheater also hosts other events like early morning yoga and movie nights.

6. Have a flight at Great Divide

Colorado takes its beer seriously, raising craft brewing to a high art. And with over 150 breweries in Denver, you certainly won’t go thirsty in this town. For an OG experience, head to the downtown brewhouse of Great Divide Brewing Company , a small brick building housing one of the most decorated breweries in the country with a whopping 18 Great American Beer Festival medals and five World Beer Cup Medals to its name. Weekend evenings bring wall-to-wall crowds but stop by on a weeknight for a seat at the bar and a flight of Great Divide’s exquisitely bold and balanced brews. If you want to go all in, geek out on a behind the scenes tour to learn how their magic sauces are made. 

7. Take a selfie with the Blue Bear

Stop for photos with the playful and ever-curious symbol of the city, a 40ft-tall sculpture of a blue bear entitled I See What You Mean . Located in Downtown Denver, the bear stands upright peering into the Convention Center – the artist Lawrence Argent’s riff on a local newspaper’s photo of a bear looking into a home (a not unfamiliar occurrence in the state). The bear’s color represents the famous Colorado skies.

8. Spark your sense of wonder at Meow Wolf

Step into Denver’s most immersive art experience at Meow Wolf Denver , an extension of the renowned art collective started in New Mexico. Here, wander through a multi-story building that tells a story of the convergence of four worlds through 70+ fantastical art installations. Enter dark tunnels and tipping hallways, man towering spaceships and touch psychedelic coral reefs, and keep your eyes peeled for the live performers who somehow creep onto the scene. It’s wonderfully bizarre and totally unforgettable.

9. Catch a show at the Denver Performing Arts Complex

Denver is home to the second largest theater complex in the country: the Denver Performing Arts Complex , a four-city-block-wide collection of stages connected by a sky-high glass canopy, with large-scale art pieces dotting its walkways and green spaces. Weekends bring thousands to the complex, a river of people flowing into its different venues to see everything from Broadway shows to experimental theater. Join the crowd! While big ticket shows sell out fast, there are enough venues to almost guarantee a seat most nights.

Detour: If homegrown theater is more your speed, head to nearby Curious Theater . Housed in a repurposed church, this award-winning theater company stages thought-provoking plays with a social justice bent. Stay afterwards for the talk-backs, when actors engage with the audience about everything from the plot to the set.

10. Float through Denver

Float down the South Platte River, taking in the downtown skyline as you dip your toes into the cool, gentle water. A historic waterway, gold was found along its shores way back in 1858, sparking the Colorado Gold Rush and the founding of Denver itself. Today, the South Platte winds its way through the center of the city, popular pedestrian walkways and small sandy beaches following its path. Ask about tube and kayak rentals at Confluence Kayaks near Confluence Park.

11. Meditate in the International Cannabis Church

You don’t have to be high to feel the full effect of the light show at the International Cannabis Church (in fact, onsite cannabis use is technically prohibited by the public). Every day of the year, the one-time Lutheran church turned multi-colored Elevationist sanctuary comes alive in a spectacular 3D video mapping show while a guided audio meditation leads visitors on a journey towards self-discovery. People leave feeling at peace, happy and well, high on life.

Local tip: Come early to take full advantage of the old school arcade, complete with Galaga and Ms. Pacman machines plus Mario Kart projected onto a 26-foot movie screen, all included in the price of admission.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated July 2023

Explore related stories

Apr 9, 2022 • 4 min read

Discover six of the most exciting neighborhoods in the USA to add to your must-see list, packed with artistic and culinary action, though not large crowds.

Feb 5, 2021 • 3 min read

Nov 9, 2020 • 2 min read

Aug 14, 2020 • 2 min read

Jul 11, 2020 • 20 min read

Jan 30, 2020 • 4 min read

Oct 31, 2019 • 8 min read

Oct 4, 2019 • 2 min read

Sep 7, 2023 • 10 min read

Jul 28, 2023 • 6 min read

• Moderate Hikes
• Difficult Hikes
• About 30 Minutes
• About 45 Minutes
• About 60 Minutes
• About 90 Minutes
• Worth The Drive
• Less Than 1 Mile
• 1 to 2 Mile Hikes
• 2 to 3 Mile Hikes
• 3 to 4 Mile Hikes
• 4 to 6 Mile Hikes
• 7 to 9 Mile Hikes
• Bluff Top Views
• Creek or Brooks
• High Country
• Mountain Range Views
• Peak-Top Views
• Rock Formations
• Wildflowers
• Get the App

Hikes Near Denver - Our Top 10 Favorite Hikes (By A Local)

• Top 10 Best Hikes
• Hikes Near Denver – Our Top 10 Favorite Hikes (By A Local)

What are the best hikes near Denver? Here is a list of our ten of favorite hikes near Denver, most requiring short drive times into the mountains, to waterfalls, lakes, and other beautiful destinations. They range from short easy trails through Denver’s iconic Red Rocks park, to longer drives up into the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park.

We’ve included some parks and trail networks, so some of our recommendations include two or more hikes. These are the hikes near Denver we often recommend to friends new to hiking and those vacationing in Colorado. This list is one you can trust, written by the local guides who have hiked hundreds of miles of trails on the Front Range of Colorado. Explore the full trail profiles of each hike for trail maps, driving directions, tips, and places to visit and refuel after the hike.

Our 10 Favorite Hikes Near Denver

1. Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park – Wildest Hikes Near Denver

• Distance: 0.5 to 12+ miles
• Drive Time from Denver: 90 Minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to Difficult

The Wild Basin of Rocky Mountain National Park is situated south of Estes Park and just north of Indian Peaks Wilderness area. The Wild Basin offers some short waterfall hikes and longer more demanding hikes up to secluded mountain lakes. Copeland Falls can be found about 1/2 mile up the main trail, but most hikers journey beyond to Calyspso Cascades which makes for a 3.6 mile round trip journey. Hike further into the Wild Basin to find yet another waterfall crashing over a granite cliff face, Ouzel Falls . In the Wild Basin trail network, hikers will find sub-alpine lakes such as Bluebird Lake (12 miles round trip) and Pear Lake (9 miles round trip). Follow each of the links above to get trail maps, trailhead information, and more detailed trail descriptions.

2. Chautauqua Park in Boulder – Most Hike Options Near Denver

• Distance: 0.5 mile stroll to 5.5 mile demanding hike
• Drive Time from Denver: 40 minutes

Chautauqua Park, in downtown Boulder, hosts dozens of trail options. It’s probably the best trail system within a city limits on Colorado’s Front Range. Hike one of the many trails to soak in the views of the Flatiron formations that make this park famous, then grab lunch or a coffee at one of Boulder’s downtown restaurants.

One of my favorite hike destinations near Denver is the alcove hidden behind First and Second Flatiron . You can access the full trail profile here for photos and more details: First and Second Flatiron Trail . The Royal Arch Trail has been rehabilitated since the 2013 floods and takes hikers underneath a massive granite arch that towers over the trail. The Enchanted Mesa Loop is less demanding, taking hikers through pine forest and offering more expansive views. Finally, for a more demanding hike to 360 views of Boulder and snowcapped mountains in the west, the hike up to the top of Green Mountain proves to be both a strenuous workout and a great place to kick up your feet and take in the views.

3. Staunton State Park – Best Waterfall Hike Near Denver

• Distance: 2.15 or 10.8
• Drive Time from Denver: 40 Minutes

Staunton State Park is just 40 minutes outside of Denver. It’s Colorado’s newest State Park and boasts miles of trails, myriads of climbing routes, great mountain biking, and the highest waterfall near Denver. However, there are two worth noting if you are looking to hike in Staunton. The hike out to the Elk Falls overlook is a demanding 10.8 mile loop. And a new 12-mile trail takes hikers closer to the base of the falls.

For a more accessible family hike, check out The Davis Ponds Loop . It’s a great place for kids to learn to fish and a perfect spot for a picnic.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park – Deeper in the Mountain Hikes Near Denver

• Distance: .6 to 10.2 + other trails available
• Drive Time from Denver: 2 Hours

If you are looking to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park and would like to avoid the busy east side, the western side of RMNP, near Grand Lake, offers miles upon miles of trails. There are miles upon miles of trails leading out of the Green Mountain, East Inlet and North Inlet trailheads. However, it’s a solid 2 hour drive if things are moving on I-70. Here we’ll recommend just three hikes: a short waterfall hike, a longer hike to a slide waterfall, and a lake loop hike.

Adams Falls is one of the more accessible waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s just over 1/2 mile round trip. Beyond Adams Falls, the trail opens to a wide valley of tall grass and meandering stream.

The hike to Granite Falls is a longer 10.2 mile round-trip hike to a slide waterfall.

A third option is actually just outside on the borders of Rocky Mountain National Park at Monarch Lake. The Monarch Lake Loop Trail takes hikers through forest, across small creeks, and around the borders of Monarch Lake. The mountain upon mountain views make it worth the drive.

5. Red Rocks Park – Closest Hikes to Denver

• Distance: 1.4 or 6 miles
• Drive Time from Denver: 25 Minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Red Rocks Park is home of the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater and some great hiking trails. When visitors to Denver are looking for a trail close to the city, my top recommendation is always the Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks . It’s a 1.4 mile loop surrounded by red rock formations. In the Spring and early Summer, the clash of reds and greens makes this the best short hike near Denver. While the Trading Post Trail is a short and easy hike, the shaded sections can get icy in the winter, so be sure to mind the trail. Explore the full trail profile with more details and resources at our Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks trail profile.

A second hike option is the Red Rocks trail. It’s is a 6 mile lollipop loop that leads hikers north towards Matthew Winters Park to views of the Dakota Hogback. Explore the full trail profile for the Red Rocks Trail here: Red Rocks Loop Trail.

There are many other hikes near Denver that feature red rock formations. To explore more, be sure to check out our Hikes with Red Rock Formations page.

6. Rocky Mountain National Park – East Side – Alpine Hikes Near Denver

• Distance: 5.4, 6.4, and 8 miles Round Trip
• Drive Time from Denver: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

The Eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park is popular for good reason. We’ve selected just three hikes to feature in this list, but you’ll find many more on our Rocky Mountain National Park Trails page. If you’re into waterfalls, you’ll want to explore our Top 10 Waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park page, too.

The first hike in this set is a loop hike that takes hikers past four high mountain lakes and a waterfall. It’s a 6.4 mile trip that begins at the Bear Lake trailhead. For driving directions, waypoints, and a full trail description, see our Four Lakes and Waterfall Loop trail profile .

The second trail begins at the Fern Lake Trailhead and leads up to an incredible cascade waterfall, Fern Falls. This is a 5.4 mile, out-and-back adventure with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Before arriving at Fern Falls, the trail passes through Arch Rocks and crosses a bridge that spans a landmark known as The Pool . Hikers who are up for a more demanding trek can make their way further up the trail to Fern Lake . For map, driving directions, parking info, and trail tips, visit our full trail profile for Fern Falls .

The third hike in our list for the East side of Rocky Mountain National Park is the hike up to Timberline Falls. It’s a demanding 8 mile round-trip, out-and-back hike with about 1500 feet of elevation gain. This beautiful segmented waterfall cuts through the winter snowpack in late Spring cascading down the mountainside. The trail goes beyond Timberline Falls and higher up to Lake of Glass and Sky Pond –both are breathtaking locations. Read through the full trail profile for Timberline Falls here.

It should be noted that dogs are prohibited in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hikers will find the National Geographic Rocky Mountain National Park Topographic Map a necessary resource for the trails in RMNP.

7. Waterton Canyon Trail – Canyon Hike Near Denver

• Distance: 1 mile to 12.4 round trip.
• Drive Time from Denver: 35 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Waterton Canyon is a classic Denver Hike that follows a winding dirt road 6.2 miles up to the Strontia Springs Dam. There are picnic spots all along the way and a lot of wildlife to be seen. Unlike many of the trailheads in the Denver area, Waterton has ample parking. Because Denver Water uses this trail as an access road to its reservoirs, the trail is actually a wide, dirt road, making it perfect for handling both hikers and mountain bikers. However, I’ve found it to be a quiet spot for a late afternoon picnic, especially on a weekday. No dogs are allowed in Waterton Canyon in order to protect the Bighorn Sheep population. Get the details on this hike at our Waterton Canyon Trail profile page.

8. Castlewood Canyon State Park – Hidden Hikes Near Denver

• Distance: 1/8th mile to 4 mile trail options
• Drive Time from Denver: 50 Minutes
• Difficulty:

Castlewood Canyon State Park is tucked away in the rolling grasslands just east of Castle Rock, Colorado. Cherry Creek flows through the center of the canyon creating a small waterfall that can be found on the West side of the park. Explore the ruins of an old dam on the East side, and the ruins of a turn of the century homestead on the West side. Rock climbing is also popular in the park. See our Castlewood Canyon State Park hikes page for driving directions, tips, and more details on these hikes South of Denver in Douglas county.

9. Devils Head Lookout Trail – Wow-Moments Hike Near Denver

• Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
• Drive Time from Denver: 1 hr 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate

The 1.4 mile hike and several hundred stairs that lead up to the Devil’s Head Lookout Tower is worth every step. From the lower elevation aspen glade, to the views of Rampart Range on the way up this trail is one that constantly delivers Wow-moments. The granite rock formations that make up the spine of the Rampart Range that surround Devils Head are worth the early morning trek to see them illuminated by the sunrise. Just before the lookout tower, the trail emerges from stone corridor of rock to an idyllic glade complete with a USFS cabin surrounded by towering granite outcroppings. However, the best part is the views from the top. Hikers can see for 100 miles out to the eastern plains, south to Pikes Peak, west to the Tarryalls, and north to Longs Peak. Explore the Devils Head trail profile for more details, photos, and a video of the views from the top.

10. White Ranch Loop Hike – Foothills Hike Near Denver

• Distance: Approx 2 miles
• Drive Time from Denver: 45 minutes

Our final hike near Denver is a 2 mile loop hike just 45 minutes outside the city near the town of Golden, Colorado. Because this hike is situated in the eastern climbs of the foothills, it provides incredible views of the city of Denver–especially at dusk and dawn. In the full trail profile, we show how to assemble several short trails to form this loop hike. To get the details on this hike near Denver, Colorado, explore our detailed trail profile for this Sunset Loop in White Ranch with trail map, hiking trail tips, and video of the trail.

Aaron Johnson

Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

EXPLORE SIMILAR HIKES

10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Top 10 Winter Hikes Near Denver

Top 10 Dog Hikes Near Denver

Add comment.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Join Spotlight Sunday & get Colorado travel inspiration straight to your inbox!

11 Breathtaking Scenic Drives Near Denver

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

Let’s be honest; Colorado has tons of beautiful drives, and doing them is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery that this lovely state has to offer. But did you know that there are many great scenic drives near Denver ?

As a Denver local, I’ve taken the time to go on many great Denver scenic drives. One of my favorite weekend activities is pulling a road trip out of a jar and just going on an adventure.

There are plenty of beautiful routes to choose from, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the ones that you won’t want to miss, ranging from short scenic drives from Denver to long drives. So pack up your car and get ready for some amazing views!

Here are some of the best scenic drives near Denver, Colorado.

🚗 Click here to rent a car for your trip to Denver !

Table of Contents

Scenic Drives Near Denver

Mount evans scenic byway.

⏰ Average time to drive: 45 minutes

🚗 Length of drive: 28 miles

The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a breathtaking scenic drive near Denver because of its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The drive winds its way up to an elevation of over 14,000 feet and offers amazing views of the Colorado landscape.

Visitors can see everything from snow-capped peaks to rolling meadows, and the drive is definitely worth the effort for those looking for a beautiful Colorado experience.

This drive is about 28 miles in total and starts in Idaho Springs, which is less than an hour away from downtown Denver. A reservation is needed in order to drive up to the top.

Trail Ridge Road

⏰ Average time to drive: 3 hours

🚗 Length of drive: 48 miles

If you’re looking for a beautiful scenic drive near Denver, you need to check out Trail Ridge Road . Located in Rocky Mountain Naational Park, this road is open seasonally between May and October-ish, depending on when snow ends up on the road.

This road offers some of the best views in Rocky Mountain National Park and is the highest paved road out of any USA national park. It’s not for those who don’t like heights, but even I can admit that driving on this is a must.

While on the road, be sure to stop by the Alpine Visitor Center, which is the tallest visitor center in the USA. Make sure to also stop at one of the several scenic overlooks along the way, and keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife.

RMNP is one of the parks that requires you to have a reservation in order to visit between May and October. If you’re an early riser and want to avoid crowds, enter the park before it opens, and you won’t need a reservation.

South Platte River Trail Scenic Byway

⏰ Average time to drive: 19 miles

🚗 Length of drive: 30 minutes

Even though this trail is rather short, it’s still beautiful and is worth driving if you want a short drive in the area. It takes around 30 minutes to drive because it’s just 19 miles long.

Most people will start and end this drive at the Welcome Center in Julesburg. Along the way, stop at historical spots like Upper California Crossing, Pony Express Station Site, and Fort Sedgwick.

Pony Express Station Site is one of the must-visits along the way; if you don’t stop anywhere else, at least stop to learn about it. Ponies used to carry letters from California to Missouri, and there’s now a flag pole that marks a spot on the highway.

Join Spotlight Sunday & get weekly Colorado travel inspiration to your inbox!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

Skyline Drive

⏰ Average time to drive: 15 minutes

🚗 Length of drive: 2.6 miles

Head over to Cañon City for an incredibly scenic drive that’s open year-round. It’s fairly short at just 2.6 miles long and only takes around 15 minutes to drive, just because the road is so narrow and you have to drive carefully.

It’s completely free to drive the road, but keep in mind that there are no guard rails, so you do truly want to drive slow and safely. There are spots along the road that you can pull off to look at the views.

If you’d rather not drive, you could hike the Old Skyline Drive Trail instead, which takes you up high but still offers great views.

Lost Gulch Overlook

⏰ Average time to drive: 6 miles

🚗 Length of drive: 20 minutes

One of the best scenic drives near Denver is the drive up to Lost Gulch Overlook in Boulder. We were lucky enough to hear about this place from a photographer friend of ours, and we always bring friends and family up to it now.

The drive is calming as you go past luxury homes, and the view gets better the higher up you get. Finally, you’ll reach a small parking lot for Lost Gulch Overlook, and you can walk out on top of boulders to enjoy the view.

We’ve visited in winter, spring, and fall, and it’s been beautiful every time. There are benches up there too, where you can sit and just take in the view before heading back to Boulder.

Top of the Rockies Byway

⏰ Average time to drive: 82 miles

🚗 Length of drive: 4 hours

The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic drives near Denver. It offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and it’s a great way to experience all that nature has to offer.

The drive is about 82 miles long, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring history, so if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, this is the perfect spot.

The most popular spot to start the drive is in Aspen, and then you continue along.

Most people take between 3 and 4 hours total to do this drive, but you may stop at places along the way like Camp Hale Memorial, the Twin Lakes, or Leadville, one of the highest cities in the USA.

If you’re looking for the best mountain drives near Denver, don’t miss out on this one.

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway

⏰ Average time to drive: 1 hour

🚗 Length of drive: 22 miles

Located a short drive away from Denver is the terrific Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. Most people will start the drive in Grant and then go up to Georgetown; along the way, enjoy views of Mount Bierstadt and the famous Mount Evans.

The best time to do this road trip is in the fall because you can enjoy the views with beautiful fall colors. You could even ride the train in Georgetown once you make it there since there are so many great train rides in Colorado.

Some great spots to visit along the way include the Silverdale Interpretive Site, Duck Creek Picnic Area (for a quick bite), and Georgetown Lake. There are also many campsites along the drive if you want to elongate your trip.

This is one of the best scenic drives from Denver!

Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway

⏰ Average time to drive: 2 hours

🚗 Length of drive: 36 miles

The Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway is just shy of 40 miles long and takes about 2 hours to drive. Most people will start it in Golden, and it allows visitors to take in some beautiful mountain views!

The loop also goes through Evergreen, Morrison, and a few other places. There are tons of spots to stop and enjoy along the way, including Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum.

Again, this is one of those drives that are most beautiful in the fall, but we’ve also driven parts of it in the spring and summer . Golden is one of the best places we’ve ever visited, so definitely take some time to explore there.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

🚗 Length of drive: 55 miles

One of the most popular scenic drives near Denver is the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway! It takes around 3 hours to drive completely and is beautiful at all times of the year, starting in Estes Park.

Along the drive, you’ll go through places like Clear Creek Canyon, Nederland, and Black Hawk. Black Hawk and Central City are some of the more unique places that we’ve ever been, as they are old mining towns that have since turned into casino spots!

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is also along the drive, which is filled with hiking trails and spots to go camping.

The drive itself is incredibly scenic, and you’ll have great views out the window the whole time. Be sure to find the perfect road trip playlist for your trip!

Pikes Peak Highway

🚗 Length of drive: 20 miles

When it comes to picturesque drives, Pikes Peak Highway is one of the best. While you can hike to the top of this 14er or ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway , you could also drive up to the top instead.

The drive does have a fee of about $15 per person, and it takes around 2 hours to fully complete.

Be sure to check the weather before starting this drive, too; there aren’t guard rails, so you won’t want to try to do this in the winter season if there’s snow. Reservations are needed.

This winding road offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers alike. You’re sure to be amazed by the beauty of Pikes Peak.

Rocky Mountain National Arsenal Wildlife

⏰ Average time to drive: 30 minutes

🚗 Length of drive: 11 miles

The Rocky Mountain National Arsenal Wildlife scenic drive is one of the most breathtaking drives in the Denver area. So many people overlook this drive because it’s located closer to the airport, but it’s beautiful and allows you to see wildlife.

It’s fairly short and only takes about 30 minutes to drive through, but it’s completely free. Be on the lookout for bison, coyotes, deer, and prairie dogs along the way. There are also hikes here, too, in case you want to stretch your legs.

FAQ: Best Drives Near Denver

Can you see Pikes Peak from Denver?

From some parts of Denver you can see Pikes Peak, but it’s seen a lot better from Colorado Springs.

How far is Denver from the Rocky Mountains?

It takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, but you can head to some parts of the Rocky Mountains (like Boulder) with just a 30-minute drive from the Mile High City.

What mountains are in Denver Colorado?

The Rocky Mountains are the famous mountains near Denver, Colorado.

How long does it take to drive up Mount Evans?

It takes about 2-3 hours (each way) to drive up Mount Evans.

Can you see mountains in Denver?

You can see the Rocky Mountains from Denver.

Final Thoughts: Denver Scenic Drives in Colorado

Denver is a great place to explore scenic drives, and you don’t have to go far from the city to find beautiful roads with stunning views.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weekend getaway or a full day of adventure, there are plenty of scenic drives around Denver that are worth checking out. Pack up the car, grab some snacks, and hit the road for an unforgettable ride!

Want to keep reading? Check out these articles next:

How to Get from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park

• 13 Best Day Trips from Denver
• How to Get from Denver to Aspen
• 13 Top-Rated 13ers Near Denver
• 11 Stunning Spots for Watching the Sunset in Denver
• 13 Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado
• 11 Beautiful Spots for the Perfect Sunrise in Denver
• 7 Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Denver

Save this post for later!

After moving to Denver in 2020, KP & Jessie absolutely fell in love with the beauty of the city (and the entire state of Colorado). Together, they're always seeing more of what Colorado has to offer. They love exploring, going on hikes, and trying tasty foods! When they're not traveling, they can be found watching the latest season of Love Island or hanging out with their cat.

Similar Posts

14 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

16 Unmissable Lakes Near Denver, Colorado

13 Beautiful Moderate Hikes Near Denver

15 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado

8 Best Things to Do in Golden Colorado in One Day

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• National Parks
• Tiny Houses

6 Scenic Drives Near Denver for When the Mountains are Calling

Posted by Kristen Arendt February 28, 2022 Updated October 24, 2023

Ready to go sightseeing from behind the wheel? Add one of these scenic drives to your Mile High City vacation for a scenic tour of the greater Denver area.

Whether you’ve planned your trip to take advantage of the LoDo nightlife or you’re using Colorado’s capital city as a jumping-off point for other adventures, these six scenic drives offer up a little something more to see and do than if you just stick to the downtown Denver burbs.

From well-known scenic byways to a few lesser-known locals’ loops, here are a few fun ways to turn a drive around Denver into a more memorable outing.

Related Read:   7 Scenic Weekend Road Trips from Denver, Colorado

1. Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway

Why you should go: Get a taste of the old Wild West along this historic and scenic route.

• Distance: +/- 40 miles
• Drive time without stops: 2 hours

Escape into the Front Range foothills on the Lariat Loop . One of Colorados’s 13 National Scenic Byways, the loop is packed with loads to see and do. Plan for a full day out if you want to take advantage of all the stops along this route which connects between the towns of Golden, Morrison, and Evergreen.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to outstanding mountain and canyon views. For starters, you’ll climb out of Golden on the five-mile Lariat Trail which switchbacks up Lookout Mountain. The steep road has some spectacular viewpoints along the way, but may not be your favorite part of the drive if you aren’t fond of heights.

Once into the mountains, history buffs will love a stop off at Buffalo Bill’s grave and the Hiwan Homestead Museum. And prehistoric adorers will delight in the dino fossils that can be seen at Dinosaur Ridge National Natural Landmark .

Customize your itinerary based on what you want to see — the route passes by dozens of open space parks, museums, and other heritage sites as well as art galleries, historic buildings, restaurants, and shops.

Related Read:   Mile High Hiking: 15 Best Hikes Near Denver, Colorado

2. Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Why you should go: Claim your bragging rights for driving the highest paved road in North America. The views aren’t too bad either.

• Distance: +/- 120 miles
• Drive time without stops: 4 hours

This drive might be thin on oxygen, but it won’t be short on breathtaking views as Colorado’s highest scenic byway takes you to the top of 14,265-foot Mount Evans. From the town of Idaho Springs (a great spot for a brew and a bite pre- or post-summit), the road climbs through ponderosa and aspen forests toward Echo Lake.

Once past the lake, the pavement winds through increasingly sparse vegetation until you pop out above treeline. From here it’s sweeping vistas, alpine lakes, and massive skies all the way to the peak where you can take in the views from the Mount Evans Crest House. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and the always entertaining marmots.

Be aware that I-70 can get quite congested. Avoid peak weekend traffic, and you can enjoy this stretch of the drive as well. Time your outing poorly, and, well, you’ll get to see the I-70 scenery (which is still pretty) at a much slower speed. In the winter, the Mount Evans summit road closes due to weather, though depending on conditions (and your comfort driving in the snow) you may still be able to drive the lower portion of the road around to Bergen Park.

Related Read:   12 Best Places to Visit in Colorado for Unforgettable Adventures

3. Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Drive

Why you should go: Experience a Colorado-style wildlife safari not far from downtown.

• Distance: +/- 11 miles
• Drive time without stops: 30 minutes

This 15,000-acre wildlife refuge is home to a huge variety of wildlife—over 330 species—that love this prairie, wetland, and woodland habitat. The 11-mile self-guided driving tour will get you up close and personal with the locals. You can download and follow along with the free audio tour if you’d like to learn more about the refuge and its wildlife.

A favorite spot of local birders, you may spot hawks, eagles, migrating songbirds, and wintering ducks and geese depending on the season. Be sure to bring your camera so you can snap a shot of the refuge’s resident herd of bison with the Denver skyline in the background. Depending on the day you might spot deer or coyotes as well.

If, after your scenic drive, you find you want to stretch your legs or see more of the refuge, you have over 20-miles of trails to choose from for an easy stroll or strenuous hike. Be sure to swing by the Visitor Center and Ferrett House — yup, you read that correctly. The refuge is home to a population of North America’s most endangered mammal, the black-footed ferret, and several ferrets live in “retirement” at this unique exhibit.

Related Read:   9 Natural Hot Springs in Colorado for Soaking Away Your Troubles

4. Littleton Crabapple Route

Why you should go: A short, family-friendly drive for a dazzling springtime display.

• Distance: +/- 7 miles
• Drive time without stops: 20 minutes

If you (or the kids) aren’t stoked to spend all day in the car, this short, sweet loop is a fun way to explore the Littleton area on the outskirts of Denver. Best enjoyed in the spring (April to May) when the route’s namesake crabapples are in bloom, this delightful drive is a fun way to see the suburbs in full bloom.

More than 7,000 crabapple trees now grow in the Littleton community, and you’ll get to enjoy a good sampling of these showy trees along this drive. Be sure to roll down the windows and enjoy the fragrant breeze as well as the pretty pink blooms.

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at scenic Sterne Park at the end of your drive. And if you can’t get enough floral fabulousness, a walk through the War Memorial Rose Garden will treat you to the sights (and smells) of over 1,800 roses of all different varieties.

Cap your scenic drive off with a stop in historic downtown Littleton . The picturesque Main Street boasts over 250 independent shops and restaurants. You have your pick of boutiques and breweries along with plenty of other treats (like ice cream) should you have the kids in tow. Be sure to follow the official map as we weren’t able to reproduce the route 100% correctly in the Google map provided below.

Related Read:   8 Small Towns in Colorado for Outdoor Enthusiasts

5. Guanella Pass Loop

Why you should go: A delightful sampling of Rocky Mountain ecosystems from pine forests to high alpine tundras.

• Distance: +/- 130 miles
• Drive time without stops: 3 hours

If you’re looking for an all-day outing that will take you on a tour of the Colorado Front Range and into the heart of those snow-capped peaks you can see from Denver, this loop is a great way to get a sampling platter of the best of the Rocky Mountains.

From Denver, you can choose to head up either I-70 or Highway 285, both picturesque drives in their own way. Note that both routes can be slow-going on the weekends. This scenic drive is best saved for a weekday or off-hours to avoid the worst of the traffic.

The real showstopper is when you turn on the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway . This paved road climbs through aspen and pine forests up above treeline to a high-alpine expanse. In the summer, the alpine tundra is covered in wildflowers.

From the top of the pass, which peaks at an oxygen-thin 11,669-feet, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. And don’t miss a stop off at historic Georgetown on the north side of the pass — this former mining town has lots to occupy an afternoon from shopping and historic sites to restaurants, breweries, and train tours.

Related Read:   9 Glorious Places to See Colorado’s Fall Colors

6. Deer Creek to South Turkey Creek Loop

Why you should go: Get off the beaten path on winding mountain backroads.

• Distance: +/- 45 miles
• Drive time without stops: 90 minutes

If your ideal scenic drive involves getting off the main drag, this lesser-known loop will take you on winding, two-lane canyon carvers that will allow you to slow down and soak up the scenery. Both Deer Creek Canyon and South Turkey Creek Canyon wind through foothills scenery that is interspersed with scrub oak, aspens, and red rock formations that are beautiful any time of year (though maybe skip this drive if there’s been a recent snowstorm).

From C-470, you can access this loop either near Morrison (a great spot for grabbing a bite and catching a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre) or from Chatfield State Park (a prime spot for hiking or paddling if you’re looking for some outdoor recreation), one of the best state parks near Denver .

And once you leave behind the drone of the highway, you’ll be immersed in the solitude and scenery of these twisting canyon roads. The loop climbs up to Conifer and, after a brief jaunt on Highway 285, quickly reverts to its backroad’s vibe. Though there aren’t any sweeping mountain-top vistas, the forested roads have their own kind of appeal.

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to put in some miles or have a picnic with a stop-off at a local park or open space. And if quirky shops and hole-in-the-wall eateries are your style, you’ll love the eclectic mix found in the small mountain towns along the route. Tiny Town along South Turkey Creek is one such delightfully oddball attraction you won’t want to miss.

Related Read:   7 Beautiful Hikes Near Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado

Discover More Colorado Adventures

10 Unique Things to Do with Kids in Denver, Colorado

Traveler’s Guide to the Best Colorado National Parks

7 Awesome Waterfalls Near Denver, Colorado

The 10 Best Scenic Drives In Colorado

11 Easiest 14ers in Colorado for Newbies to the High Peaks

Get epic travel ideas delivered to your inbox with Weekend Wanderer, our newsletter inspiring more than 10,000 readers every week.

Seen in: Colorado , Denver , Road Trips , Rockies , West

Posted by Kristen Arendt

Kristen Arendt is a creative writer and lover of the great outdoors. When she’s not playing with words or planning her next adventure, she’s most likely exploring a trail in the mountains of her home state of Colorado. She has edited and written outdoor content for several online publications and enjoys exploring issues at the intersection of recreation, stewardship, compassion, and care-taking in the West and the wider world.

9 Best Resorts in Colorado for Rocky Mountain R&R

Find your next adventure.

Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly.

Related Posts

14 Best & Most Unique Airbnbs in Utah

Ready to spice up your Utah vacation? Cancel your reservation at the Holiday Inn and book a stay in one of these wild vacation rentals.

7 Beautiful Hikes Near Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado

Red Rocks might be best known for its historic concert venue, but the area around the amphitheatre also boasts some stellar Front Range hikes.

Plan Your Weekend: 9 Best Road Trips from Portland, Oregon

Centrally located in the Pacific Northwest, Portland is the perfect launching point for a weekend road trip.

7 Incredible Glamping Destinations Near Denver, Colorado

From adorable A-frames to secluded canvas tents, these seven glamping stays near Denver deliver the glamor of sleeping under the stars — minus the hassle of pitching your tent.

A Winter Guide to Visiting Zion National Park

With minimal snow and moderate temperatures in the main canyon, intrepid winter travelers have the unique opportunity to see this top-ten park in an uncrowded atmosphere.

What to See on a New York to Washington, D.C. Road Trip 

Traveling between New York City and Washington, D.C. by car can provide you with a fantastic mini-road trip that takes you to some of America’s most interesting and historic spots — if you know what you’re doing.

Your Guide for the Ultimate Atlanta to Nashville Road Trip

A road trip between Atlanta and Nashville wouldn't be complete without stopping at all the fascinating destinations along the way - here's your guide for the perfect trip.

The Best Stops on an Epic Dallas to Houston Road Trip

Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? Spice things up with these fun stops.

The 12 Best Places to Visit in Colorado

Y ou could spend decades-as I have-exploring Colorado's stunning scenery and top attractions and still have more to see and do. No single trip can cover everything that makes the state a traveler's dream destination. AFAR's roundup of things to see and do in Colorado offered 16 tips to get you started, including driving the peak-to-peak scenic byway, visiting Denver Art Museum, and soaking in Iron Mountain Hot Springs. However, if you want to hit the highlights, here are your main targets, divided up by season.

The best places to visit in Colorado in fall

Colorado is spectacular year-round, but autumn's colors and temperatures make it a particularly magical time to visit.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Visiting the dunes typically means overnighting at the park's campground , because few accommodations exist near this remote spot some 230 miles south of Denver. But campers are rewarded with dusk and dawn's light shows on the sand dunes, which ripple beneath the sawtooth Sangre de Cristo mountains. Summers are scorching, but in fall, sand surfaces remain comfortable all day. Scramble across the dunes, or rent a sandboard to surf the slopes like waves.

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton is the quintessential Colorado getaway for those who can afford it ($1,400 per night is typical). Guests cozy into hand-built log cabins that combine historic patina with western art and worldly comforts like sustainably made beds and linens. Rates include food and drink that make every meal feel special-think roasted pork with charred leek grits followed by poached rhubarb panna cotta-but the steaming springs are this getaway's raison d'être. Views from the rustic yet luxe bathhouse showcase aspen groves that turn amber in autumn, and one guest cabin (Well House) includes its own spring-fed soaking tub.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Most of this park's 4.3 million annual visitors flock here in summer, so I go in September for fewer traffic backups on Trail Ridge Road (a must-do drive traversing treeless alpine tundra). Fall is also mating season for the park's elk herd, and the possibility of hearing bulls' distinctive bugles adds extra magic to any hike. I always glimpse elk along the Moraine Park Loop, a 5.5-mile circuit that can be shortened to preference.

Best places to visit in Colorado in winter

Snow envelopes much of the state in the winter months, turning urban areas into winter wonderlands and promising world-class outdoor activities.

Meow Wolf Convergence Station

In fall 2023, Denver's fun house of immersive art installations launched Sips (With a Z), a cocktail bar and lounge dedicated to providing "a sanctuary of chill amidst the hubbub of quantum travel." Mirrored walls reflect a mashup of classical sculpture and graffiti art, and vintage furniture provides myriad perches for pondering the installation's experiential art. The bar is only open to Meow Wolf Denver visitors and event guests. While the previous art triggered sight, sound, and touch, the new lounge also titillates our sense of taste.

Sure, it's far from major cities, but I wager that the only winter enclaves with mountain vistas that rival Telluride's are in the Alps. These jagged southwest Colorado slopes offer scenery so jawdropping, I always feel dazzled, regardless of the snow conditions. And several mountaintop eateries showcase the splendor. Perched at 11,966 feet, Alpino Vino ranks as the highest restaurant in North America and serves Italian food and wine specialties within a cozy stone and log cabin. More tableside panoramas (and an award-winning wine list) await at Allred's at 10,551 feet.

Silverthorne

Once little more than a refueling stop for motorists traveling Interstate 70, Exit 205 is now an appealing home base for three nearby Colorado ski resorts (Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Breckenridge) and a destination in its own right. Stay at Hotel Indigo , the chain's first mountain property housing an upscale tequila bar and indoor swimming pool. Go snowshoeing or Nordic skiing at Raven Golf Club (free to the public; rent gear at Gore Range Sports) and enjoy après at the Bluebird Market food hall , where weekends find live bands entertaining drinkers at the central bar.

Best places to visit in Colorado in spring

Visitor numbers drop during the spring, but Colorado still puts on a show as flowers bloom and the arts scene wows guests.

Casa Bonita

Coloradoans Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of the South Park animated TV series) spent $40 million to renovate this Denver icon of Mexican food and carnivalesque stunts. Summer 2023 kicked off its much-anticipated reopening. Diners (up to 2,100 of them, at capacity) still line up with trays for meals, now designed by James Beard–nominated chef Dana Rodriguez. Cliff diving continues in the waterfall-fed pool, and the multi-level dining room delivers more spectacle than ambiance.

Crowds taper but deals abound during this destination's shoulder season. April and May are when Aspen's celebrated restaurants often offer discounted menus and drink specials, and at these elevations (the Snowmass base village sits at 8,104 feet), snow blankets the slopes well beyond the resorts' mid-April closing date, making for prime ski conditions-and rowdy parties. At Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro , the springtime ritual includes uncorking staggering quantities of champagne on the summit-ringed outdoor deck.

Idyllic weather and blooming cactus make spring my favorite time to visit Colorado's canyon country, and Fruita is the best home base. From here, it's a 15-minute drive to the sculpted red rock sandstone spires of Colorado National Monument and 5 minutes to world-famous mountain bike trails. Fruita's walkable downtown includes the Hot Tomato , delivering Jersey-style pizza that's good as gospel. Live music often enlivens the pedestrian block, and for sips, there are wineries in Palisade, 30 minutes east.

Best places to visit in Colorado in summer

Colorado's hiking and biking trails come into their own during the warmer months while road-tripping offers an easy way to see much of the state-in an EV on many of the scenic byways .

Crested Butte

After 25 years in Colorado, I still gape at the beauty of Crested Butte , because in a state that's chockablock with pretty views, this town tops the list. Sheer peaks rise up beside the streets' grid, where colorful, mining-era Victorians line the sidewalks. No highway noise ruins the mountains' quiet, and only merry sounds emerge from main street bars and eateries. The surrounding trails wind through aspen groves and meadows that are deservedly famous for July's display of wildflowers.

Bachelor Gulch

Come summer, the Bachelor Gulch base area of Beaver Creek ski resort becomes the scene of a daily lawn and pool party that encapsulates what's splendid about Colorado. Views include aspen-covered mountainsides, and adventures on foot or bike follow trails leading into wildflower meadows. Play a round of cornhole on the lawn, then relocate to Wyld 's patio for plates showcasing Colorado-grown produce. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch (renovated in 2022) to cool off in its outdoor pool and sip rosé from the surrounding loungers.

Fort Collins

Visit during Colorado State's summer break, and you won't have to elbow your way into this city's esteemed breweries. (Crooked Stave makes some of my favorite sours.) Nationally known New Belgium Brewing organizes the annual Tour de Fat each August, when a parade of 20,000 wildly costumed cyclists pedal the streets. I make the 100-year-old Armstrong Hotel my downtown home base and stroll from its classy-hip rooms to such downtown shops as Scrumpy's Hard Cider Bar, which pours drink made from local homeowners' apple trees.

Colorado News | How to see the April solar eclipse in Colorado

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Digital Replica Edition

• Latest Headlines
• Environment
• Transportation
• News Obituaries

Colorado News

Protective solar eclipse glasses are essential in denver.

Can I see the eclipse in Colorado?

Yes. While Colorado is outside the path of the total eclipse on April 8, a partial eclipse (with a maximum of about 65% of the sun covered at 12:40 p.m.) will be visible in Denver. The eclipse will begin in Denver at 11:28 a.m. and end at 1:53 p.m.

In southeastern Colorado, residents may see up to 75% of the sun covered — the most in the state — and people in northwestern Colorado will see less than 60% coverage. Colorado Springs area residents will see 67% coverage of the sun.

How dark will it get here?

Dimming and shadows can be expected as the moon partially blocks the sun.

Where can I see the total eclipse?

In the United States, the path will stretch across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. NASA scientists estimate 31 million people in the United States live in the path of the eclipse, compared with 12 million in the path of the 2017 eclipse .

Will solar eclipse protective eyeglasses be necessary in Colorado?

Yes. The sun’s surface won’t be fully obscured in Colorado so viewing requires solar eclipse glasses.

Where can I get those?

The Denver Astronomical Society is selling eclipse glasses, in addition to many stores.

Where can I learn more?

Before the eclipse, astronomy experts at the University of Colorado’s Fiske Planetarium plan presentations on Saturday and Sunday .

And on Monday, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science plans several eclipse-related events between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Shows inside the Gates Planetarium are sold out, but the museum will set up telescopes and provide sun-spotter cards outside on Boettcher Plaza around the time of the eclipse.

Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.

• Report an Error
• Submit a News Tip

More in Colorado News

Election | Colorado officials warn of new frontier in election denial as more Republicans refuse to certify vote totals

Politics | Denver shutting down homeless encampment without shelter to offer for the first time in months

Colorado News | ‘A day of closure and continued healing:’ Demolition of the Return to Nature Funeral Home underway

Crime and Public Safety | Steve Bachar, disbarred Denver attorney convicted of fraud, died in prison of natural causes, coroner rules

Advertisement

What Solar Eclipse-Gazing Has Looked Like for the Past 2 Centuries

Millions of people on Monday will continue the tradition of experiencing and capturing solar eclipses, a pursuit that has spawned a lot of unusual gear.

• Share full article

By Sarah Eckinger

• April 8, 2024

For centuries, people have been clamoring to glimpse solar eclipses. From astronomers with custom-built photographic equipment to groups huddled together with special glasses, this spectacle has captivated the human imagination.

Creating a Permanent Record

In 1860, Warren de la Rue captured what many sources describe as the first photograph of a total solar eclipse . He took it in Rivabellosa, Spain, with an instrument known as the Kew Photoheliograph . This combination of a telescope and camera was specifically built to photograph the sun.

Forty years later, Nevil Maskelyne, a magician and an astronomy enthusiast, filmed a total solar eclipse in North Carolina. The footage was lost, however, and only released in 2019 after it was rediscovered in the Royal Astronomical Society’s archives.

Telescopic Vision

For scientists and astronomers, eclipses provide an opportunity not only to view the moon’s umbra and gaze at the sun’s corona, but also to make observations that further their studies. Many observatories, or friendly neighbors with a telescope, also make their instruments available to the public during eclipses.

Fredrik Hjalmar Johansen, Fridtjof Nansen and Sigurd Scott Hansen observing a solar eclipse while on a polar expedition in 1894 .

Women from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and their professor tested out equipment ahead of their eclipse trip (to “catch old Sol in the act,” as the original New York Times article phrased it) to New London, Conn., in 1922.

A group from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania traveled to Yerbaniz, Mexico, in 1923, with telescopes and a 65-foot camera to observe the sun’s corona .

Dr. J.J. Nassau, director of the Warner and Swasey Observatory at Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland, prepared to head to Douglas Hill, Maine, to study an eclipse in 1932. An entire freight car was required to transport the institution’s equipment.

Visitors viewed a solar eclipse at an observatory in Berlin in the mid-1930s.

A family set up two telescopes in Bar Harbor, Maine, in 1963. The two children placed stones on the base to help steady them.

An astronomer examined equipment for an eclipse in a desert in Mauritania in June 1973. We credit the hot climate for his choice in outfit.

Indirect Light

If you see people on Monday sprinting to your local park clutching pieces of paper, or with a cardboard box of their head, they are probably planning to reflect or project images of the solar eclipse onto a surface.

Cynthia Goulakos demonstrated a safe way to view a solar eclipse , with two pieces of cardboard to create a reflection of the shadowed sun, in Lowell, Mass., in 1970.

Another popular option is to create a pinhole camera. This woman did so in Central Park in 1963 by using a paper cup with a small hole in the bottom and a twin-lens reflex camera.

Amateur astronomers viewed a partial eclipse, projected from a telescope onto a screen, from atop the Empire State Building in 1967 .

Back in Central Park, in 1970, Irving Schwartz and his wife reflected an eclipse onto a piece of paper by holding binoculars on the edge of a garbage basket.

Children in Denver in 1979 used cardboard viewing boxes and pieces of paper with small pinholes to view projections of a partial eclipse.

A crowd gathered around a basin of water dyed with dark ink, waiting for the reflection of a solar eclipse to appear, in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 1995.

Staring at the Sun (or, How Not to Burn Your Retinas)

Eclipse-gazers have used different methods to protect their eyes throughout the years, some safer than others .

In 1927, women gathered at a window in a building in London to watch a total eclipse through smoked glass. This was popularized in France in the 1700s , but fell out of favor when physicians began writing papers on children whose vision was damaged.

Another trend was to use a strip of exposed photographic film, as seen below in Sydney, Australia, in 1948 and in Turkana, Kenya, in 1963. This method, which was even suggested by The Times in 1979 , has since been declared unsafe.

Solar eclipse glasses are a popular and safe way to view the event ( if you use models compliant with international safety standards ). Over the years there have been various styles, including these large hand-held options found in West Palm Beach, Fla., in 1979.

Parents and children watched a partial eclipse through their eclipse glasses in Tokyo in 1981.

Slimmer, more colorful options were used in Nabusimake, Colombia, in 1998.

In France in 1999.

And in Iran and England in 1999.

And the best way to see the eclipse? With family and friends at a watch party, like this one in Isalo National Park in Madagascar in 2001.

Where to buy solar eclipse glasses near me? Some locations may still have glasses for last-minute eclipse watchers

Today's the day when the moon's shadow will (partially) blot out the sun for millions of Floridians, and some of them may still be scrambling for eclipse glasses so they can safely look at it without frying their eyes. Where can you still find them?

You may have to call around, or do some driving. Many retail locations have been selling solar eclipse glasses this year and some places have been giving them away, but availability is "while supplies last" and that will be different for every place.

There's an eclipse today? The procrastinator's guide to viewing the solar eclipse in Florida

Where can I find eclipse glasses?

Here are some places to check. Remember, some may have sold out, and not all locations may have been carrying them. Make sure any eclipse glasses you buy are legitimate and include an ISO rating, an ISO number and an address, avoid any that say "NASA Approved," and test them before you look up .

7-Eleven, Buc-ee's, Circle K and more

You may not have to go farther than the end of your street. Many convenience stores and gas stations have been carrying eclipse glasses and may still have some in stock.

Eclipse glasses have been spotted at 7-Eleven , Circle K, and Buc-ee's locations and many individual stores may have jumped on the opportunity.

Fake eclipse glases on sale online: Are yours safe? How to test before the April solar eclipse

Big chain stores such as Walmart, Lowes

Walmart has offered a wide variety of eclipse glasses in different styles, so has Target . However, all of the glasses on their websites are shipping only which will be a little late, so check your local store for availability.

Some other places where eclipse glasses have been spotted:

• Ace Hardware
• Cracker Barrel

Does Publix have eclipse glasses?

No, Publix did not carry eclipse glasses this year, according to a local customer service rep.

Warby Parker, Sonic offering free eclipse glasses

Prescription eyeglasses retailer Warby Parker began handing out free eclipse glasses at their locations on April 1 so definitely call first.

Sonic Drive-in locations are offering free eclipse glasses with the purchase of their new Blackout Sonic Float.

Does Amazon offer same-day delivery of eclipse glasses?

Online stores are great for fast service, but you may want to give it a miss this time. The   American Astronomical Society (AAS) does not recommend buying eclipse glasses online due to the number of counterfeit, unsafe glasses that have hit the market this year.

Shooting the eclipse with your phone: Can I take a photo of the eclipse with my phone? Yes, but take these steps so you don't fry it

Do I need to wear solar eclipse glasses?

If you plan to look directly at the sun, yes. Even a brief glance may cause temporary or permanent damage to your eyes and eyesight.

"Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer," NASA advises . "The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury."

How can I tell if my eclipse glasses are legitimate?

If you didn't buy your eclipse glasses directly from one of the vetted venders on the AAS list or a trusted source, check the text on the glasses for the  ISO 12312-2 standard listing and the address of the company. But these can be copied.

Don't trust any glasses that say they are NASA Approved . NASA doesn't do that.

Test your glasses first by putting them on inside and looking at a strong light source. You shouldn't be able to see anything, according to the AAS, although very bright lights may show up but would be very faint.

Go outside, put them on, and look at sunlight reflections or glance at the sun very quickly. You shouldn't see anything around you and the sun should appear to be a "sharp-edged, round disk" that's comfortably bright.

Can I watch the eclipse without looking at it?

Yes! If you don't manage to get glasses in time, there are several ways to see the eclipse that won't risk your eyes with items you probably have around the home.

Anything with a round hole in it can be held up to cast an image of the eclipse onto the ground or a sheet of white paper. Pinhole projectors, colanders, a slotted spoon, a Ritz cracker, even lacing your fingers together.

Or you can look under a tree. The sun shining through tree leaves and branches creates its own pinhole projector, casting lots of little crescent-moon shapes on the ground.

What time is the eclipse in Florida?

The eclipse will last roughly 2½ hours in Florida, starting around 1:40 p.m. EDT and ending around 4:17 EDT. The time of maximum coverage will be just before 3 p.m. EDT for most of the state.

You can find eclipse times for your ZIP code on the map below, just tap your location:

Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

More from CBS News

Woman passes through Pittsburgh on cross-country bike ride to honor her son and break the stigma around mental health

Federal rule protecting coal miners from poisonous silica dust unveiled during acting labor secretary's visit to Uniontown

Show lineup announced for Broadway in Pittsburgh 2024-25 season

Pirates let 3-0 lead slip away, fall 6-3 to Mets