While I love exploring a single city or town, there’s nothing quite like a good road trip. Some of my favorite travel days were simply driving through a landscape I’d never seen, marveling at the sweeping views of a scenic overlook, or getting a coffee in a little village cafe, then continuing along my winding way.
Driving on a road you’ve never traveled is freedom, it’s surprise, and it’s one of the greatest aspects about travel.
Depending on how long you’re staying in a particular city, sometimes a road trip can’t be worked in due to time constraints, but if you do have a few extra days to spare in Denver, Colorado, then here is a list of my top 6 favorite day trips from Denver by car.
Top 6 Day Trips From Denver by Car
Table of Contents
1. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
One of the most iconic day trips from Denver happens to also be the shortest. Located only 20 minutes from downtown Denver, a visit to The Red Rocks Amphitheatre can be done in the morning or afternoon and you’ll be back in Denver in no time.
The most obvious reason to visit The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is to attend a concert in this iconic venue enclosed within the towering vivid red cliffs, but even if you don’t have concert tickets lined up, this destination is still worth your time and parking and admission are free.
On non-event days, the amphitheatre opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset. On concert or event days, the amphitheatre still opens one hour before sunrise but closes at 2 p.m. for venue preparations.
There is a visitor center, gift shop, Hall of Fame museum, and 5 hiking trails to explore. For lunch, you can enjoy the views from the Ship Rock Grille open daily from 10:30 – 2:30. You can even make a reservation for the Grille on Open Table.
2. The Garden of the Gods
Before I even knew what The Garden of the Gods was, I knew I wanted to visit. With a name like that, how can you pass it up?
Located in Colorado Springs, it takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes (70 miles) to drive there from Denver.
Visiting the Garden of the Gods is free. While many of the red rock formations require you to park your car at a designated lot and walk to the sites, you can also drive through the lands and admire the views from a distance.
For more information, you can drive to the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center which features special exhibits, food, bathrooms, and an observation deck. It’s a good starting point if you plan to hike any of the trails or drive through more segments of the park.
If you’d like to eat lunch with a spectacular view of the Garden of the Gods in the distance, I recommend getting a reservation at the Grandview Restaurant located inside the Garden of the Gods Resort.
The Garden of the Gods Resort
Sometimes, I try to avoid eating in hotel restaurants, especially if they rely mainly on a view to draw people in rather than good food, but the aptly named Grandview Restaurant was both delicious and the view really was grand.
We dined outside on the terrace with direct views across the green lawn and reflecting pool to the red rocks just beyond.
The food was fresh and tasty, everyone who waited on us was incredibly friendly, and the entire experience was relaxed. Afterward, we walked across the green to get closer views of the Garden of the Gods before continuing on our way to Pike’s Peak.
If you’re interested in staying overnight at The Garden of the Gods Resort, click here.
3. Pike’s Peak
*Note: You can combine a visit to the Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak in a one-day trip from Denver.
Many people ask, is a visit to Pike’s Peak worth it? Having finally been up there, my answer is yes.
Pike’s Peak, known as “America’s Mountain,” is one of the most famous peaks in the country and offers a memorable day trip from Denver. Located just 12 miles west of Colorado Springs and around an hour’s drive from Denver, Pike’s Peak towers at 14,115 feet, making it one of Colorado’s “14ers” (a group of mountain peaks towering above 14,000 feet). At that height, the view from its famous peak offers a stunning vista.
There are several ways to reach the top: by car, via the Pike’s Peak Highway; by foot, via the challenging Barr Trail; by shuttle or jeep; or by hopping aboard the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway.
The highway is a 19-mile scenic drive that presents a winding drive up the mountain, with plenty of spots to pull over, snap photos, and soak in the scenery. However, you have to be careful on the return trip due to the need for constant braking. Also, during the busier tourist seasons, you’ll need a timed entry permit to drive Pike’s Peak, so be sure to check this website for the most up-to-date information.
Once at the summit, visitors can take in sweeping views of the Rockies, enjoy a famous high-altitude donut from the Summit Visitor Center, and learn about the history of the peak. Keep in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared for colder temperatures at the top, even in the summer.
Pike’s Peak Cog Railway
The Pike’s Peak Cog Railway was my preferred method of escalation due to its ease of access. The railway is much faster than the arduous climb and a lot more relaxing than a white-knuckled drive up and down the mountain.
One of the most surprising and otherworldly aspects of the landscape on the way up to Pike’s Peak is the crumbled rocks that you see when you get past the tree line.
If you look closely, you can sometimes spot marmots scampering over the rocks although their coloring camouflages them fairly well.
You’ll also be able to see some impressive rock formations as you make the climb.
For more information on taking the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway and reserving tickets (they sell out quickly in the summer), click here.
Manitou Springs
At the base of Pike’s Peak near the Cog Railway is the historic and lovely town of Manitou Springs. The area was originally regarded as sacred by Native American tribes. They believed that the bubbling of the springs represented the “breath of the Great Spirit Manitou.” These tribes often visited the region to drink and bathe in the mineral-rich waters, which they believed had healing properties.
The town quickly became a popular destination for people seeking health benefits from the mineral waters and the clean mountain air, particularly individuals suffering from tuberculosis during the late 19th century.
Today, Manitou Springs is brimming with unique and bohemian boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, making it a pleasant place to park and stretch your legs as you explore its historic streets.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of the most stunning and well-known national parks in the United States, located just a 90-minute drive from Denver. Covering over 400 square miles of protected wilderness, the park is a paradise for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
One of the park’s highlights is Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America. This scenic drive takes you above the tree line to an elevation of 12,183 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Please check for seasonal closures, as Trail Ridge Road is typically closed in winter due to snow.
Other must-visit spots in RMNP include Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, and Moraine Park, where you can often see Mule Deer grazing in the meadows.
Entrance fees apply, and it is highly recommended to visit early in the day, especially during the summer months, to avoid crowds and secure a parking spot at the trailheads.
Rocky Mountain National Park boasts stunning displays of plant life throughout the year, with each season highlighting its unique natural beauty.
Wildflowers (Late June to Early August): The subalpine region of the park begins to see spring-like conditions in June, leading to a beautiful bloom of wildflowers from late June to early August. This is an ideal time to witness a diverse array of wildflowers at various elevations.
Fall Foliage (Mid-September to Early October): As temperatures cool and daylight hours decrease, the park’s foliage transforms into vibrant shades of gold, orange, red, and brown. This period also coincides with the elk rutting season, giving visitors the opportunity to hear bull elk bugling in the meadows.
When planning your visit, keep in mind that higher elevations may begin to experience snow in the fall, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Always check the current park conditions before your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you’re not up for hiking any of the trails, there are plenty of pull-off areas to park and simply enjoy the views.
For more information about visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and planning your visit, click here.
5. Estes Park
Driving to Estes Park from downtown Denver takes around an hour and a half, and it’s an easy, pleasant drive. Estes Park is considered the gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park and is a lovely day-trip destination in its own right, even if you don’t plan on visiting the National Park. This charming mountain town is celebrated for its stunning scenery, quaint downtown area, and rich history.
Every town needs a locally owned bookstore, and Estes Park has a great one. As you walk the tree-lined Elkhorn Avenue of downtown, be sure to step into MacDonald Book Shop, established in 1928. If you get a sweet tooth from all the shopping, be sure to pop into The Taffy Shop where you can watch the original machinery at work.
If you time your drive right from Denver to Estes Park, you can arrive hungry for lunch, and there are lots of options to choose from in this easily walkable town. I was craving Mexican food when I visited, and Ed’s Cantina & Grill beckoned. The tacos and rice were delicious, and I would happily eat here again should I ever find myself again in Estes Park.
The Stanley Hotel
For many, a trip to Estes Park isn’t complete without a visit to The Stanley Hotel, made iconic by Stephen King’s bestseller, The Shining. Fans of the movie (and book) flock to this historic hotel with its crimson red carpets and original furnishings.
If you’re only making a day trip from Denver to The Stanley Hotel, plan ahead and get a reservation at The Cascades Restaurant & Lounge located in the original hotel.
We luckily managed to snag a last-minute reservation, but reserving in advance is highly recommended. Afterwards, you can take some time to explore the areas that are open to the public or try your chances in the hedge maze that’s been constructed in a green space in front of the hotel.
While The Stanley Hotel may or may not be a hot spot for ghosts and spirits, it definitely is a hot spot for spooky tours. Historic tours of the hotel are offered alongside tours focused on “The Shining.” There’s a lot to see and do here, and the activities are constantly evolving, so click here for the most up-to-date tours at The Stanley.
6. Black Hawk & Central City
If you’re looking for a blend of history, gambling, and scenic mountain views, a day trip to Black Hawk and Central City from Denver is a great choice. Located just 40 miles west of the city, these historic mining towns have become popular gambling destinations, often referred to as the “Las Vegas of Colorado.”
Central City showcases a taste of the Old West with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, historic opera house, and charming main street. In contrast, Black Hawk, the larger of the two towns, is filled with casinos that offer a range of gaming options, from slot machines to poker and blackjack tables.
Even if gambling isn’t your focus, the drive to these towns is worthwhile. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, which runs through the area, is known as one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado, particularly in the fall when the aspen trees turn a vibrant golden color.
Final Thoughts
Denver serves as an excellent base for exploring some of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes and charming towns.
Whether you seek outdoor adventures, historical sites, or a picturesque drive, these six day trips from Denver cater to every type of traveler. So, fill up the car, hit the road, and prepare to experience the very best of Colorado, all just a short drive from the Mile High City.
