Best Day Trips From Denver To Take This Summer

Colorado's capital and most-populated city, Denver, is a fun and scenic spot from which to base out. The Mile High City is close to the Rocky Mountains, other major hubs, and tons of incredible national and state parks. Though the unique neighborhoods draw one into Denver's history and provide ample opportunities to enjoy the social aspects of a major city, sometimes it is nice to break free of the crowds for a short stint and see what the surrounding area has to offer. So leave some space in your summer schedule for these stellar day trips that are all within a short drive of Denver. 

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

What better way to get a lay of the land than with a scenic drive to the top of a mountain? Mount Evans Scenic Byway begins in Idaho Springs, roughly 33 miles West of downtown Denver, and continues for another 28 miles toward the summit of the titular peak. En route, the road climbs roughly 7,000 feet in elevation to a high point of 14,130 – making it the highest paved road in North America. This places motorists just over 100 feet shy of the summit – a gap that can be surmounted via a short hike in the rarefied air. The resulting panorama gives a bird's-eye-view of the city, the Continental Divide, and many of the other enticing day trips to follow. 

Arapaho And Roosevelt National Forests

After the exhilarating drive up Mount Evans, consider branching out further into Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest/Pawnee National Grassland. With over six-million recreational visits each year, ARP is the most-visited National Forest and Grassland in the United States. Rightfully so, as these public, largely-undisturbed lands provide plentiful hiking, riding, and ATV trails across a wide spectrum of abilities, as well as camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities – all within an exceptional and authentic Colorado playground. These forests contain ten designated Wilderness Areas and two National Recreation Areas that help give the far-sprawling terrain some tourist-friendly structure. 

Boulder

For a taste of another of Colorado's famous cities, head 30 miles Northwest to Boulder. This bohemian mountain/college town (home to the University of Colorado) is famous for its culinary and craft brewery scene and is well-established as a hotspot for outdoor recreation. People in Boulder like to "get after it" on the local trails, climbing walls, and bike paths, but they also know how to reward themselves at the end of a hard-fought day by plunking down on one of the infinite patios bathed in sun and mountain views. Day-trippers should check out the outdoor, brick-paved pedestrian mall on Pearl Street, catch a show at the old Boulder Theatre, or aim to shop at the sizable farmer's market that pops up every Wednesday and Saturday. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the most popular national parks in the country is a must-see for anyone in the Denver area. Some 4.3 million people visited Rocky Mountain National Park in 2022, ranking it fourth for the year (behind Great Smoky, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Parks), and nearly solidifying a full post-pandemic rebound. This 415 square-mile (265,807-acre) site sits about an hour and a half's drive Northwest of the capital and can easily fill a full day with rewarding experiences. There are 350 cumulative miles of hiking trails that traverse the meadows, skirt around the glacial lakes, and summit the grand peaks. There is also tons of wildlife to spot, including large herds of elk, bighorn sheep, mule deers, and even a moose or two. 

Pikes Peak Highway

Another excellent drive to the top of one of Colorado's "14ers," perhaps the most famous in the state, is the Pikes Peak Highway. Nicknamed "America's Highway," this 19-mile switchbacking road chugs its way to the summit of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, aka "America's Mountain." This adventure begins in the unincorporated community of Cascade, which is roughly 80 miles South of Denver and is best reached via Colorado Springs. For those who aren't in a hurry and want to dress up for the experience, try taking the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or simply "The Cog," which has been shuttling passengers to the summit since 1891. Or, on the other end of the spectrum, perhaps you can time your visit to see the professional drivers gun it for the top in the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – the oldest motorsports race in the country. Before bee-lining back for Denver, consider exploring some more of Pike-San Isabel National Forest. 

Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park

A different kind of natural attraction awaits at the base of Pikes Peak – still only a little over an hour's drive South of Denver. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a National Historic Landmark that allows visitors to explore an extensive subterranean limestone network. There are two guided tours available. The first is an hour-long, family-friendly wander through the 15 artificially-lit rooms along the half-mile concrete walkway that also includes 196 stairs. The other option, for those who are excited by the pitch-black chambers, is to sign up for the 90-minute Haunted Lantern Tour through the Manitou Grand Caverns – an area much less enhanced by the hands of man. Before hitting the road, try braving the Terror-Dactyl – an adrenaline-pumping swing into the 200-foot Williams Canyon. 

Garden Of The Gods

Right next door to Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is Garden of the Gods – a perfect one-two punch for a Denver-based day trip. This 1,300-acre National Historic Landmark is filled with craggy and creative sandstone formations – some as tall as 300 feet. As it was intended when a large chunk of private property was donated to the City of Colorado Springs in 1909, Garden of the Gods remains rugged, wild, and free (literally…there is no charge for admission) – and all the more dazzling for it. The visitor center and museum tell of the engaging history, which includes the discovery of a new dinosaur species, and like all the amazing outdoor spaces in "The Centennial State," top-tier hikes abound. 

 If you are hoping to chip away at some of Colorado's premier attractions this summer, then settling down in Denver is the way to go. The capital city is itself a major highlight of this beautiful state, but its proximity to the Rockies, pristine parks, cool sister cities, national landmarks, and captivating scenic drives make it a strategic gold mine for fans of frequent day trips. Given the stunning landscape surrounding the Mile High City, time spent in transit is nearly as enjoyable as the distinct destinations covered throughout this summer checklist.