7 Places to Visit Around Denver Without Driving Too Far
Denver is a fun city, but let’s be honest: most people come for what’s around it. The Rocky Mountains start about 20 minutes west of downtown, and on a clear day they fill the whole horizon.
In this guide
The good news is you don’t have to drive for hours to get somewhere great. Here are seven places around Denver that are all within about 90 minutes, from a famous concert venue to a national park. Most are easy day trips, and a couple are easy half days.
1. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Red Rocks is about 25 minutes west of Denver, and it’s one of the most beautiful concert venues in the world. The amphitheatre is built between two huge tilted red sandstone rocks, with views back over the plains to the city.
If you can catch a show, do it. If not, visit during the day. When there’s no event, it’s free to walk in, and locals use the steep stairs as a workout. There’s a small visitor center and an easy trail loop around the rocks. Go at sunrise if you want it nearly to yourself.
2. Boulder
Boulder is about 35 minutes northwest, and it’s the outdoorsy college town you’ve heard about. Start at Chautauqua Park, where meadows lead up to the Flatirons, giant slabs of rock leaning against the mountains.
You don’t have to hike far. Even a short walk up the Chautauqua Trail gets you a great view. Afterward, head to Pearl Street, a pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants and street performers. It’s lively, walkable and a nice way to spend the afternoon.
3. Golden
Golden is only 30 minutes west, and it’s a cute little town with a lot going on. Its historic main street has an arch over it that reads “Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden.” It’s corny and I love it.
Golden is home to the Coors brewery, which offers tours, and a handful of good craft breweries too. Walk along Clear Creek, which runs right through town, and in summer you’ll see people floating down it on tubes. For a view, drive up Lookout Mountain to Buffalo Bill’s grave and museum.
4. Georgetown
Georgetown is about 50 minutes west on I-70, tucked in a narrow valley. It was a silver mining town in the 1800s, and its main street is still lined with colorful Victorian buildings. It’s a lovely place to wander and grab lunch.
The big draw is the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a historic steam train that climbs up the valley over a tall trestle bridge. It runs from spring to fall, plus special holiday trains. There’s also a mine tour along the way. Kids love it, and honestly, so do most adults.
5. Mount Blue Sky
Mount Blue Sky, formerly called Mount Evans, has the highest paved road in North America. The road climbs to 14,130 feet, about 75 minutes from Denver. You drive past Echo Lake and up through alpine tundra where mountain goats and bighorn sheep often wander by.
A few things to know. The upper road is usually open only from late May to early October, and you’ll need a timed reservation in summer. The air at the top is thin, so take it slow. If the summit is closed, Echo Lake is still beautiful and has an easy trail around it.
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6. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is in Colorado Springs, about 75 minutes south. It’s a park full of huge red rock formations that shoot up out of the ground against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. And it’s free.
The main paved trail is easy and gets you up close to the best rocks, including Balanced Rock, which looks like it’s about to tip over. Stop by the visitor center for the view. If you have more time, drive up Pikes Peak or take the cog railway to the top. It’s the mountain that inspired “America the Beautiful.”
7. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is about 90 minutes northwest, through the town of Estes Park. It’s the big one, with alpine lakes, elk, waterfalls and Trail Ridge Road, which climbs over 12,000 feet.
Bear Lake is the classic first stop. It’s an easy, flat loop with mountain reflections. Dream Lake and Emerald Lake are a bit farther and even prettier. The park uses timed-entry reservations for much of the year, so book ahead. In September and October, elk gather in the meadows and bugle, which is wild to hear.
How to plan your trip
You’ll want a car for most of these. Boulder has good bus service from Denver, and the Mount Blue Sky and Rocky Mountain trips need some planning. Start early to beat traffic, especially on I-70 on weekends, which can be painfully slow.
Altitude is real. Denver is a mile high, and some of these spots are much higher. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and don’t plan a big hike on your first day.
When to go
Summer and early fall are best. Late September is stunning, with golden aspens in the mountains. Winter is great for snow and skiing, but some mountain roads close. Weather changes fast up high, so always bring a layer.
Where to eat on the way
Most of these trips have a good lunch stop along the way. In Golden, the breweries along Washington Avenue serve food, and there are plenty of casual spots near the creek. Boulder’s Pearl Street is packed with restaurants, from tacos to farm-to-table. Georgetown has a few small cafés and a classic old-fashioned candy shop.
If you’re heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is the place to stock up on snacks and grab a meal before or after. Bring food with you for Mount Blue Sky. There’s nothing at the top, and you’ll be hungry after all that thin air. A picnic at Echo Lake is a great way to end the day.
Common questions
What’s the closest mountain town to Denver?
Golden, about 30 minutes west.
Is Red Rocks free to visit?
Yes, on days without an event.
Do you need a reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park?
For much of the year, yes. Check the timed-entry dates before you go.
Is Garden of the Gods worth the drive?
Yes. It’s free, easy to walk and spectacular.
What’s the best day trip from Denver?
Rocky Mountain National Park for scenery, or Boulder for something easy.
