Best day trips from Denver

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

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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

Garden of the Gods is one of the best road trips from Denver that can be reached within 1 hour and 20 minutes from the state's capital.

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!

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve makes for one of the best road trips from Denver if you want to enjoy clear dark skies and camping.

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!

Santa Fe is a capital of New Mexico and is one of the best road trips from Denver

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. 

Santa Fe is one of the most popular places to visit in New Mexico that makes for a perfect getaway from Denver.

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.

Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the best hikes near Denver with many people coming here to enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery.

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 🙂

Best things to do in Boulder, Colorado

6. Boulder

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.

Best road trips from Denver

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.

Best road trips from Denver

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.

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    Steamboat Springs is one of the best road trips from Denver if you like to ski.

    8. Steamboat Springs

    Distance: 160 miles 

    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.

    Breckenridge is one of the best road trips from Denver

    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.

    Aspen is one of the best road trips from Denver

    10. Aspen

    Distance: 160 miles 

    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.

    Moab is your gateway to adventure

    11. Moab

    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.

    Monument Valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit on a trip from Denver.

    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.

    September is the best time to visit Yellowstone to avoid crowds

    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.

    West Thumb Geyer Basin at Yellowstone, one of the most popular national parks in America,

    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. 

    Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best longer road trips from Denver.

    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.

    Zion National Park - one of the best West Coast National Parks

    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.

    Antelope Canyon is one of the best day trips from Las Vegas.

    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.

    Gross Reservoir is one of the best places to visit near Denver.

    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

    Distance: 30 miles 

    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

    Where to stay: Cheyenne Mountain Resort Colorado Springs 

    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.

    24. Golden

    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.