Colorado Springs
Best Day Trips From Aurora To Take This Summer
As Colorado's third-largest city, Aurora is home to many unique attractions. However, for those looking to get out of their city, the surrounding region is home to many national and state parks within proximity to the snowtopped Rocky Mountains. With stunning views and endless possibilities, outdoor activities range from leisurely to challenging. Surrounding towns and cities provide additional opportunities for exploration in the great outdoors. Fill up the tank and buckle in for the best day trips to take from Aurora, Colorado this Summer.
Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods Park is home to geological and ecological formations resulting in a prime Summer destination. Listed on the National Natural Landmark, the park is home to 300-foot sandstone rock formations and sunny blue skies resulting in a nature lover's dream. Galleries at the park's Flora and Fauna exhibit educate about different animals and plant life. Falcons, bears, and bighorn sheep call the park home. Native American exhibits educate visitors about the local history of the people and landscape.
For budding paleontologists visit the Theiophytalia Kerri exhibit at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Adventurists to the Garden of the Gods have multiple tour options to explore the vast landscape. Visitors can participate in trolly, jeep, segway, bike, and even horseback riding guided tours. For a laid-back experience through the park, hike along trails on a self-guided audio tour. For a group challenge, the Adventure Challenges are facilitated by park staff to compete against other teams while solving clues and puzzles, doing challenging activities, and learning about Garden of the Gods Park! Families with young children can opt for The Perkins Challenge, while The El Dorado Challenge is for adults only.
After challenges and hiking, shop for handmade Native American jewelry, crafts, and art, at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. Garden of the Gods is the perfect Summer day trip from Aurora, only about an hour and a half drive south, welcoming all ages to engage in nature's astounding history.
Daniels Park
Daniels Park is a mountain park in Sedalia, Colorado. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park is part of the Denver Mountain Park system. The landscape was once a working ranch. Showcased are the red barn and silo as a reminder of the history of the land. Views of Pikes Peak in the South, Mt. Evans in the West, and Longs Peak in the North are visible from the park, rewarding hikers, bikers, and picnickers with stunning views. For further park exploration, undeveloped trails begin at the Shelter House and extend to the top of Grigs Road. The Short Daniel’s Park Hike is a short hike through the park. The casual stroll is perfect for settling down to watch the colorful sunsets.
In addition to stunning vista views, Daniel's Park is home to bison herds roaming freely through largely fenced open acres. For the best photos, the bison typically are found grazing in the area across the street from the Shelter House. Daniels Park welcomes visitors to marvel at historic landscaping and amazing mountain peak views and is only a 40-minute drive from Aurora.
At the base of Pikes Peak, about an hour and 40 minutes from Aurora, is Colorado Springs. The city welcomes visitors with history and thrilling outdoor adventures. Adventurous athletes can train like Olympians while climbing 2,768 steps on a challenging hike in nearby Manitou Springs. While in Manitou Springs, visit the 800-year-old Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings to learn about Native American culture.
Continue the thrill with a climb through steel beams, ropes, and ladders at the Wind Walker Challenge Course. The 3-story course teeters on the edge of Williams Canyon and is only for the truly brave. For a water adventure, relax with a stand-up paddle boarding session with Dragonfly Paddle Yoga on Quail Lake. To experience a bit of military history, visit the US Air Force Academy for an up-close look at a B-52 bomber at the Bomber Plane Display. Afterward, immerse in stars at the Planetarium, with panoramic projections through space. For mining history, visit the Western Museum of Mining & Industry to see mining artifacts and machines.
The Broadmoor Spa
While in the area, consider heading to The Spa at the Broadmoor, the perfect place for a day of relaxation. With the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and Cheyenne Lake as a backdrop, services ensure maximum tranquility. From the moment patrons step into The Spa at The Broadmoor, a journey of rejuvenation, balance, and pure relaxation begins. Royal blues and gold radiate a serene vibe throughout the expansive spa.
Within 38 private treatment rooms, skilled spa practitioners use restorative treatments tailored to the unique needs and wellness goals of every guest. The hydrotherapy treatment cascades water from 18 shower heads. Afterward, guests are pampered in a private room with the Hydrotherapy Combo which includes a mineral or milk soak in a deep tub. For aching muscles, indulge in a variety of massage therapies. Between treatments, relax in the Spa’s dry saunas, steam rooms, aromatherapy rooms, or fireplace lounges. Enjoy quiet reflection in the co-ed Mountain View Room with light refreshments overlooking the Rocky Mountains.
Boulder
About 50 minutes northwest of Aurora, Boulder has perfected combining urban life and the outdoors. The city has a stellar food scene, breweries, and numerous outdoor activities. Boulder's downtown is a bustling scene. Pearl Street is a brick-paved where locals and visitors shop among historic storefronts, dine at notable restaurants, sip coffee, or sample a microbrew. Enjoy a curated Beer Trail spanning from the East End to the West End of the downtown district. Conquer the Beer Trail for samples of delicious brews and nosh on flavorful snacks.
On the west side of town, the Chautauqua area of Boulder's Flatirons draws visitors to explore massive sandstone structures. Gaze up from the hiking trails along lush meadows. Trails lead hikers into the foothills to the base of the Flatirons. For a history of the city, visit the Museum of Boulder. The museum hosts traveling exhibitions, art shows, and events with a rooftop view of the Flatirons. Playzeum is the newest exhibit for families. The space educates through self-guided exploration, imagination, and experimentation. Take an e-bike guide through Boulder's hills with a cruise along nature trails. While coasting through the city, hop on and off to break for drinks and snacks. Tours include fun topics of the city's history and local art.
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge
Take a nature escape only 40 minutes away from the city of Aurora and discover the variety of wildlife and outdoor recreational experiences waiting for you. Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary away from urban life. With expansive views, wildlife, and recreation, the refuge makes it easy to take a nature escape! Trails weave through the Refuge's mixed and tall grass prairie. Bring a camera and binoculars because Summer in the refuge is full of blooming wildflowers and lively wildlife.
Frogs, turtles, and muskrats can be found in streams and wetlands. Snakes and lizards navigate through open prairie grasslands, while jackrabbits wait until later to feed. In woodland areas, porcupines rest in trees. In late summer, deer and elk shed velvet off their antlers. The Refuge’s main entrance is on the south side of Highway 128 at mile marker 3, where a gravel parking lot is located. Open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week, the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for spending a day surrounded by nature.
Golden
Golden, Colorado, 25 miles directly west of Aurora, is a Summer playground for outdoor hobbies and historical culture. The city blends frontier history with modern adventure. Visit the Golden History Museum and Park to learn about pioneer life through exhibits, old settlements, and historical collections. For historians, visit the Colorado Railroad Museum for Summer events and programs highlighting the history of the railroad system. Visit the American Mountaineering Museum for a look at the lifestyle and accomplishments of mountaineers.
Head outdoors for a hike to Lookout Mountain on the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway. Along the way, visit the Red Rocks Amphitheatre to enjoy the fresh mountain air with stunning views. Next, head to Dinosaur Ridge and the Visitor Center to see and learn about the best-preserved dinosaur tracks. For a splashing adventure, tackle the Clear Creek White Waterpark of rushing cold water for canoeing and kayaking. Visitors seeking a drier experience along the creek can hike or bike trails following the creek's course.
In downtown Golden, locally owned stores line the streets. Everything from outdoor gear to clothing boutiques is open to patrons. After shopping, sit down and enjoy a glass at breweries, distilleries, cafes, and taverns. Summer in Golden welcomes festivals such as the Buffalo Bill Days and the Golden Fine Arts Festival celebrating classic cars and the arts.
Downtown Denver
An urban adventure awaits on Downtown Denver's walkable streets. Multiple museums cater to the interests of all ages. In the Summer, cool off at a water park or enjoy the cool of the local aquarium. Walk the same paths as the prehistoric creatures through dig sites to learn about dinosaurs and other fossils at Dinosaur Ridge. Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Dinosaur Journey Museum to explore interactive exhibits.
For aquatic interactions, the Downtown Aquarium features underwater exhibits highlighting ecosystems from around the world, over 500 species of animals, and an interactive Stingray Reef touch tank. When hunger strikes, visit the Aquarium Restaurant and Dive Lounge. Enjoy acres of fun and thrills at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park. Many rides and attractions, such as thrilling roller coasters and water slides, challenge the bravery of visitors. When the sun sets, stunning fireworks light the sky. Foodies will delight in multiple options to explore delectable delicacies. In the heart of downtown is Denver Union Station, home to chef-owned restaurants and bars.
Summer day trips from Aurora, Colorado, offer many opportunities to engage in outdoor challenges. Visitors can participate in water activities such as paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, or kayaking. Water parks and theme parks provide visitors with thrilling rides. Nature refuges welcome visitors to spend the day spying on the wildlife in their natural habitats. Museums educate visitors about Colorado's landscapes and cultural history. Mountain views and dinosaurs remind visitors of the natural history of Colorado. With a plethora of options surrounding the city, Aurora is a perfect base camp to get started.
