Top Colorado Day Trips

Head for the hills on a full-day adventure that takes you from Denver to the stunning peaks and Old West boom towns of the Rocky Mountains. Drive up Mt Evans, one of Colorado’s highest ’14-ers,’ and witness the dramatic ranges of the Continental Divide. Along the way, keep an eye out for bison and bighorn sheep, and pass through historic mining towns that preserve the state’s rich silver mining legacy.

Climb from the streets of the "Mile High City" to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountains. Weave through small, historic towns and drive over alpine passes, as you scan the horizon for mountain wildlife like elk, black bears, or moose.

Head south from Denver on a small group tour to two of Colorado’s most majestic places. First, visit Garden of the Gods, a unique geological area with colossal red rock formations. Then take a drive up Pikes Peak, which inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” Have lunch and enjoy a bit of free time or shopping in the charming town of Manitou Springs, then take a scenic drive through the foothills back to Denver.

Explore Colorado’s natural playgrounds just a short drive from downtown Denver. Escape the city and head for the Rockies with a guide and driver to handle the road, so you can focus on the stunning scenery of Mt. Evans, Bear Creek Canyon, and Squaw Pass. Get a taste of mountain culture in the charming town of Evergreen, check out the dramatic formations of Red Rocks, and hike around serene Echo Lake on this half-day mountain sampler.

Discover the best of the Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided full-day tour. Park entrance, along with round-trip transportation from Denver or Boulder is conveniently included. Set at a moderate pace, the hike is perfect for people with some experience who also want to take time to appreciate the scenery. Stop for a complimentary packed lunch, which can be prepared to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Explore Colorado’s famous protected playground on a small-group tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive through the foothills into the unspoiled western wilderness, stopping in the resort town of Estes Park and the historic—and allegedly haunted—Stanley Hotel. Wintertime means stops at snow-ringed lakes, cozy mountain hideouts, and visitors’ centers, while summer allows access over the soaring Trail Ridge Road and other alpine vistas.

Get a feel for the real Colorado on this day trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Meet your tour guide and load into a comfortable and spacious air-conditioned vehicle. Pass through Boulder on the way to the park, admiring the beautiful brick campus of the University of Colorado's main campus. Once inside the park, look for mule deer, elk, and other wildlife, stretch your legs at a glacial lake, and take photos galore. Afterward, explore the quaint mountain village of Estes Park before heading back to Denver.

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the nature of Mount Evans during this day trip. With a small group of just 14 people, you'll enjoy an intimate group atmosphere and plenty of personalized attention from your guide. Once you reach the summit via tour vehicle, get out to explore and get epic views over the surrounding Rockies, dotted with local flora and fauna.

Visit one of the most beautiful parks in the American West on a full-day tour from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Picnic among a summer landscape of thick green trees and wildflower meadows, and drive above timberline on an alpine road with stunning mountain views. Stroll around and look for Colorado wildlife inside the park, with time for a dose of mountain culture in the charming resort town of Estes Park.

An excellent tour for those short on time, this tour takes you out of the city and into the rugged Rocky Mountains. Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an acoustic masterpiece crafted by Mother Nature, travel through rugged Clear Creek Canyon to the Continental Divide, and visit an old mining town. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the iconic ski town of Breckenridge, then head back to Denver, passing through the Eisenhower Tunnel—the longest, highest, passenger car tunnel in the world.

Venture beyond Denver, and discover what Colorado has to offer: on this small-group tour, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Continental Divide, and the ski resort town of Breckenridge, all in one day. Depart in the morning via comfortable vehicle: you'll explore Red Rocks before taking Loveland Pass along the Continental Divide, and stopping for photos along the way. At Breckenridge, enjoy free time to wander, shop, and eat lunch (own expense).

Enjoy the view from some of Colorado’s highest peaks with a full-day mountain tour from Denver. Escape the city without renting a car as a driver and guide takes you high into the Rocky Mountains, traveling above timberline on Trail Ridge Road and to the top of Mt. Evans for stunning photos. Stroll around an alpine lake, look for big horn sheep and other Colorado wildlife, and stop for lunch in the mining town of Idaho Springs for a real taste of the Old West.

For travelers who like to control their own adventures, this off-road tour outside Denver presents a rare opportunity to drive your own Jeep. You'll be supported to drive along some of the most scenic trails in Clear Creek County, to places many tourists on regular tours miss. Drive the Argentine Pass, to St. Mary's Glacier, and to other remote highlights.

Witness the breathtaking views from the top of Colorado’s most famous ‘fourteener’ on a private tour from Denver to Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs. After admiring the Rockies from one of their highest points, stroll through the artsy town of Manitou Springs and explore the sacred sandstone formations knows as the Garden of the Gods. Travel in a private vehicle and enjoy the customized attention of a local guide.

Get a scenic introduction to one of Colorado's favorite outdoor activities with a rafting tour of the Bighorn Sheep Canyon. With easy access and mellow rapids, this stretch of the Arkansas River is a great choice for beginning rafters and families with children age 6 and up. In between tackling rapids like ‘Spikebuck’ and ‘Sharks Tooth,’ enjoy classic Colorado scenery on smoother stretches.

Leave civilization behind for a few hours on a half-day rafting tour through Royal Gorge. The thrilling 3-hour excursion is the perfect opportunity to combine your love of nature and adventure sports. The class III, IV, and V rapids take you through Sunshine Falls, the Narrows, Sledgehammer, and more. You can leave your camera on dry land, as a professional photographer takes pictures that are available for purchase.

Novice and advanced rafters alike agree that running Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River makes for a fun-filled day on the water. Admire canyon scenery as you head through white water, including rapids such as Pinball and Big Drop. Lunch is also included for you to enjoy partway through the trip.

Spend a day hiking and exploring the natural attractions around Idaho Springs without the risk of getting lost. Hike up to St. Mary's Glacier for incredible panoramic mountain views whatever the time of year. After a lunch break at a classic pizza joint, soak away aches and pains in natural hot springs warmed by geothermal forces. This fun day out includes a great blend of activity and relaxation.

Head for the hills on a full-day adventure that takes you from Denver to the stunning peaks and Old West boom towns of the Rocky Mountains. Drive up Mt Evans, one of Colorado’s highest ’14-ers,’ and witness the dramatic ranges of the Continental Divide. Along the way, keep an eye out for bison and bighorn sheep, and pass through historic mining towns that preserve the state’s rich silver mining legacy.

Discover the unique landscape of the Estes Park region on this half-day guided tour. This tour covers the three ecosystems of the area, starting in the lower valley and ending at the Alpine Visitors Center, using your own transportation. Cover areas that most people usually drive past, with enough time to stop for photos and even a snack break.

Discover some of Colorado’s wildest Rocky Mountain Scenery on this full-day, small-group tour from Denver. In the morning, meet near Union Station, hop aboard your vehicle, and head first to the Garden of the Gods—a nature park known for its staggering sandstone rock formations. Next, drive all the way to the summit of Pikes Peak for extraordinary views over the landscape. Finally, pass through Manitou Springs en route back to Denver.

Be inspired by Colorado’s majestic scenery on this private, full-day tour from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Travel in a luxury SUV or van through historic mining and resort towns to reach the celebrated national park, known for its abundant wildlife and towering vistas. Customize your own itinerary, and make plenty of stops along the way to take pictures of alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks, spot wild critters like elk and moose, and explore peaceful hiking trails.

First-time visitors to Denver appreciate this opportunity to escape the city for a few hours to see key attractions in the foothills. Let a professional do the driving on mountain byways, while you sit back and take in the sights. Sample from local breweries or shop in Golden's historic downtown; enjoy great views from the top of Lookout Mountain; spot buffalo as they graze along the highway. Snacks and bottled water are included on this small-group tour.

Enjoy the beauty and excitement of Browns Canyon National Monument on a half day whitewater rafting tour down the Arkansas River. Your guide will go over safety procedures, paddling techniques and tell you about the area’s unique history, flora and fauna. This tour departs directly from the River Runners Browns Canyon outpost, a riverside property just south of Buena Vista, Colorado. Transportation is provided from the take-out at Hecla Junction back to River Runners. All gear is included in the price of the trip. Choose from 10 am and 2 pm departure times (check-in is 45 minutes prior).

See for yourself why Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the United States on a day trip from Denver. Let a guide handle the winding mountain roads while you soak up views of dozens of peaks surrounded by alpine forests, lakes, and meadows. Cross the Great Divide on soaring Trail Ridge Road, look for abundant Colorado wildlife, and get a glimpse of the legendary Stanley Hotel — the inspiration for Stephen King’s ‘The Shining.’