Top 7 Day Trips from Denver

As Colorado’s largest city and a hub for international travel, Denver serves as a popular base for quick escapes and extended adventures into the Rocky Mountains and beyond.

In under two hours, you could be gearing up for a hike, enjoying a gourmet meal, admiring stunning sculptures, or practicing yoga in a peaceful setting. The toughest decision when day-tripping from Denver is choosing where to go—so many enticing options await, often with limited time.

While visiting Colorado, Denver is merely the starting point. To fully appreciate what this state offers, think about including one of these day trips in your plans.

1. Embrace Wellness in Breckenridge

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes by car

Situated at 9,600 feet in the Rockies, Breckenridge nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. In this charming historic mining town, you can embark on a mindful hike with a naturalist, practice yoga on a stand-up paddleboard or in a park, and savor wholesome meals at places like Semplice Cafe, which offers a variety of refreshing vegan and vegetarian dishes. Depending on your visit, you might also join a rejuvenating retreat at Clairvergence Wellness Center or explore your artistic side with a class at Breck Create. Even simply pausing to breathe while admiring the breathtaking mountain views will leave you feeling revitalized.

You can sample many of Breck’s wellness offerings in just one day, but if you have more time, there's an abundance of activities and sights to explore during a longer stay.

Getting to Breckenridge from Denver: Head west on I-70 for 70 miles. At Frisco, exit the highway and continue south on CO-9 for about 10 miles. If you're arriving by air into Denver, the Peak 1 Express airport shuttle can take you directly to Breck.

2. Savor fine dining at Beaver Creek

Travel time: 2 hours by car

Pamper yourself with a delightful day trip to Beaver Creek, a mountain resort boasting several distinctive fine-dining options. Beano’s, located around 9,000 feet in elevation, resides in a charming log cabin adorned with a cozy fireplace and rustic decor. In winter, the only way to access this cabin is via a sleigh drawn by a snowcat; during summer, you can arrive on horseback or by shuttle. Once there, enjoy an upscale, multi-course meal while taking in the views of either glistening ski slopes or vibrant wildflower fields, depending on the season. (Keep an eye out for wildlife, as bears and moose are often spotted by diners.)

Additional delicious choices include Citrea, offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and WYLD, known for its refined New American cuisine. Kids will adore the Candy Cabin, a colorful mountain haven filled with an array of sweets. Don’t forget to be at the resort’s main base area by 3 PM for “Cookie Time,” when chefs serve warm platters of freshly baked (and complimentary) chocolate chip cookies for everyone to enjoy.

Directions to Beaver Creek from Denver: Head west on I-70 for about 100 miles, then take the exit at Avon. The main base area of Beaver Creek is approximately 2.5 miles south along Village Road. Alternatively, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang Pegasus shuttle can conveniently drop you off in Avon.

3. Dive into the art scene in Loveland

Travel time: 1 hour by car

Loveland is known for a few unique features—like being a popular spot for postmarking Valentine’s Day letters—but its primary attraction year-round is art. The city boasts two exceptional sculpture gardens: Benson Sculpture Garden and Chapungu Sculpture Park.

Nestled in the heart of the town, Benson Sculpture Garden features over 170 sculptures placed along the banks of tranquil ponds, interconnected by walking paths. Strolling through this serene environment is a peaceful experience. On the other hand, Chapungu is situated east of Loveland’s downtown and showcases 82 stone sculptures crafted by Zimbabwean artists. Don't miss indoor art venues like Artworks Center for Contemporary Art, Independence Gallery, and the Loveland Museum.

Getting to Loveland from Denver: Travel north on I-25 for about 40 miles, then take a westward route on US 34. To access certain areas of Loveland, including Chapungu, head east of I-25. The Bustang North Line is another option for transportation.

4. Savor green chile in Pueblo

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes by car

In Colorado, green chile is a staple, topping everything from scrambled eggs to burritos and enchiladas. However, the ultimate way to enjoy this spicy stew is in a “slopper,” a burger generously smothered in it. Pueblo is the go-to spot for sloppers, with eateries like Gray's Coors Tavern and Sunset Inn Bar & Grill serving them in abundance. If you're in town in September, don’t miss the annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival, a tradition that's been thriving for nearly 30 years.

Getting to Pueblo from Denver: Head south on Interstate 25 for 115 miles, passing through towns like Castle Rock and Colorado Springs. While Greyhound offers bus service between the two cities, public transportation options are limited.

5. Enjoy craft beers in Fort Collins

Travel time: 1 hour by car

Colorado boasts some of the earliest craft beer innovators, and Fort Collins is the perfect place to indulge in hoppy IPAs and rich brown ales. Located north of Denver near the Wyoming border, this vibrant college town is home to over 20 craft breweries, with new ones constantly emerging.

Fort Collins is home to some iconic pioneers of the US craft beer scene, including New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell Brewing Company. Additionally, you can explore a variety of smaller, innovative breweries like Funkwerks, Horse & Dragon, and Peculiar Ales. While it's easy to spend several days in Fort Collins, it’s also a perfect destination for a delightful sunny afternoon.

Getting to Fort Collins from Denver: Drive north on I-25 for 60 miles, then take one of the various exits to reach Fort Collins. There are also several public transit options available, including the Bustang North Line and FLEX buses.

6. Be amazed by the rock formations at Garden of the Gods

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes by car

While Colorado is renowned for its majestic, snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks, the state also boasts other stunning geological wonders like Garden of the Gods. Located northwest of Colorado Springs, near the quaint town of Manitou Springs, this public park features impressive red sandstone formations that date back around 65 million years.

Simply gazing at the unique shapes and figures is rewarding, but you can also rent bikes, embark on a guided segway tour, hike, or try your hand at rock climbing, among other activities. Garden of the Gods makes for a fantastic day trip, but to fully explore the wider Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs region, you may want to allocate more time.

How to reach Garden of the Gods from Denver: Travel south on I-25 for 64 miles, exit at 146, then head west on Garden of the Gods Road. Turn south when you hit N 30th Street, and you’ll find the visitor center. If you lack a car, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang South Line will take you most of the way — but additional buses or a ride service will be needed once you reach Colorado Springs.

7. Observe wildlife in Estes Park

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car

Estes Park serves as the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, which encompasses 415 square miles of wilderness in northern Colorado. Due to its proximity to the park and nearby public lands like the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Estes Park is an exceptional spot for wildlife observation. The town celebrates this connection with an annual elk festival each fall, where male elk engage in bugling—a loud display of dominance as they search for mates.

Throughout the year, you might see elk, mule deer, marmots, beavers, bears, coyotes, moose, mountain lions, bobcats, and more. Numerous bird species, including birds of prey like Cooper’s hawks and peregrine falcons, also inhabit Estes Park. If you plan a day trip, wake up early or stay until after sunset, as wildlife is most active during dawn and dusk.

Directions to Estes Park from Denver: Travel northwest on US 36 for about 60 miles, passing through Boulder along the way. Alternatively, you can take the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang service.