weekend road 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

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!

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!

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. 

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.

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 🙂

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.

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.

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.

GET A FREE PACKING LIST FOR YOUR TRIP

8. Steamboat Springs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 .

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

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

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.

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.

9 Stunning Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Denver, Colorado

Denver is not entire Colorado, although it has a lot to offer to locals and visitors alike. To see other sides of the state, plan exciting weekend getaways and go on nature-infused road trips from Denver to different destinations just a few hours away.

Last updated: February 6, 2023

The Best Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Denver, Colorado

Denver is a starting point of endless road trips and weekend getaways for a reason. First, located 26 miles from Denver International Airport, the city welcomes the majority of visitors coming to Colorado from all over the world.

Second, one of the largest cities in the state, it has gathered more than 700,000 residents. While Denver surely treats them right, even the most devoted city dwellers need some relaxing weekend getaways to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Finally, Colorado’s capital boasts outstanding scenery just outside of its limits . You don’t need to drive far to soak up an almost homey vibe of smaller towns surrounding the city. Remarkable Colorado’s parks, alpine lakes, and majestic mountains are also just a stone’s throw away.

Thus, the exciting road trips and weekend getaways from Denver are not something you have to plan for months in advance. The new adventures await you right on the outskirts of the city. Ready to start? Here are some of the best day trips, road trips, and weekend getaways from Denver. 

9 EXCITING ROAD TRIPS AND WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM DENVER, COLORADO

Day trips and weekend getaways from denver: up to 30 minutes away, 1. buffalo overlook, golden.

25 minutes from Denver

More of a day trip than a weekend getaway, the Buffalo Overlook nestles less than 18 miles from Denver. Home to a large herd of buffalo owned by the City of Denver, the place allows you to watch Colorado’s wild oxen in a natural setting.

This road trip takes usually a few hours, but can last the whole weekend if you decide to check out nearby places, such as Genesee and Clear Creek Canyon Park , before returning to Denver. 

30 minutes from Denver

Located mere 28 miles from Denver, Boulder is one of the closest road trips and weekend getaways popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s still a rather big city. Yet it differs from the capital in so many ways.

From the bustling Pearl Street Mall with a homey twist to the opulent Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and hidden murals scattered throughout the city, Boulder has proved to be one of the irresistible weekend getaways, what if feels like, right on the outskirts of Denver.

Nature lovers also don’t hesitate to call Boulder a home for a weekend. Surrounded by Colorado’s towering mountains, the place prepares a myriad of exciting excursions, hikes, and leisurely walks in nature.

Start your road trip from Denver early, experience Boulder’s hospitality by noon, and hit the Wonderland Lake Loop Trail or the Flatirons Vista Trail to find some solitude and serenity before returning to your daily routine in the capital of Colorado.

Often, you don’t even need the whole weekend. One day in Boulder may be sufficient to recharge your battery and feel like a new person.

READ MORE: Highlights of Denver and Boulder in One Day

Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Denver: 30 – 60 Minutes Away

3. mt. evans scenic byway, idaho springs.

40 minutes from Denver

Indeed, Colorado abounds with the exciting road trips and weekend getaways that starts on the outskirts of Denver. The Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, located near Idaho Springs, is just one of them.

The 28-mile highest paved road in North America rises over 7,000 feet, taking you to an altitude of more than 14,000 feet. The most adventurous Denver’s roadtrippers feel in their realm at this elevation. Often they ditch their cars and continue on on foot toward 14,264-foot Summit of Mount Evans .

The famous “fourteener” can even entice hardcore city enthusiasts. These may skip hiking altogether. Instead, they base in Idaho Springs , enjoy this little town’s hospitality, and adventure along the scenic byway in a more relaxed manner, admiring the panoramic views from the car.

While the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway entertains the drivers all year round, always stealing the show during the fall season (more about it later), the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway restrains its “services” to the warmer months. Normally, the route stays open from Memorial Day (late May) until Labor Day (early September) .

4. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

45 minutes from Denver

Another favorite fall road trip and weekend getaway, Golden Gate Canyon State Park infuses your escapes from Denver with a pop of vibrant colors. Your road adventures have never looked so bright.

If this is not enough to persuade you, Golden Gate Canyon State Park sits mere 20 miles west of Denver. Not a long drive indeed. Given this, the area often serves as a relaxing day-trip destination to recharge your battery before a new busy week in Denver.

The park boasts more than a dozen scenic hiking trails, as short as 0.10 mile, such as the Visitor Center Nature Trail , and as long as 7.4 miles, a distance you’d tread along the Mule Deer Trail . For longer weekend getaways from Denver, embark on a hiking journey along the 2.5-mile (loop) Raccoon Trai l or 1.8-mile (one way) Horseshoe Trail .

And don’t let me start on panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains towering in the distance. It’s too beautiful to express in words anyway. So jump in the car and let your short one-day road trips or weekend-long escapes from Denver start right now.  

5. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Central City

50 minutes from Denver

One of the most beautiful drives in Colorado, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway certainly has a lot to impress you with during your weekend escape from Denver. Established in 1918, the route is considered the oldest scenic byway in Colorado. The 55-mile drive begins as CO Highway 7 in Estes Park and ends in Central City . (Switch the direction if you are driving from Denver and not Rocky Mountain National Park like we did.)

It takes approximately 3 hours to drive along the entire byway, which makes it a perfect one-day road-trip adventure. With a little bit more time on your hands, though, you can turn this scenic journey into a memorable weekend getaway from Denver or any other city nearby.

Start with getting off the main route frequently and exploring high country lakes along the way. For the most surreal experiences on the road, drive into ghost towns such as Hesse, Apex , and Caribou .

6. Georgetown and Silver Plume

55 minutes from Denver

If fall foliage inspires you to leave Denver for a few color-infused road trips, make sure to add Georgetown and Silver Plume to your itinerary. Surrounded by aspen groves, both towns burst into yellow, orange, and red hues from mid-September through mid-October .

The biggest attraction here, however, is the Georgetown Loop Railroad . Paving the way for a vintage stream locomotive that pulls its guests up a steep slope between Georgetown and Silver Plume, it offers the best vistas of the fall brilliance visitors from Denver can only wish for.

Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from Denver: 1-2 Hours Away

7. nederland.

1 hour 5 minutes from Denver

Set approximately 46 miles from Denver, Nederland fills your road trips and weekend getaways with a hipster vibe and rural splendor.

The place feels quieter, bohemian, and has some of the perkiest places to enhance your weekend adventures with. Start with crystal shopping at Nature’s Own . Then be sure to check out historic train cars at the Train Cars Coffee and Yogurt Company.

For the serene road-trip adventures and weekend getaways from the normally bustling Denver, venture outside the town and hike along the easy Rainbow Lakes Trail , the moderate Diamond Lake Trail , or the tedious Isabelle Glacier Trail .

8. Summit Lake Park, Evergreen

1 hour 20 minutes from Denver

Located along the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, 160-acre Summit Lake Park is one of the most thrilling road trips and weekend getaways from Denver. Home to impeccable Arctic tundra, the place takes you one step closer to the diverse terrain of Colorado.

Whether you long for the panoramic views from the 14,264-foot summit or some of the best hikes between Evergreen and Idaho Springs, the park is eager to grant all your wishes in the most aestethic way.

But before you hit the Chicago Lakes Overlook Trail and the Summit Lake Loop , be sure to grab a camera and a telephoto lens. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats roam freely in the area. This alone is enough to add Summit Lake Park to your favorite road trips and weekend getaways from Denver. 

9. Rocky Mountain National Park

1 hour 35 minutes from Denver

Rocky Mountain National Park falls into the category of the most popular road trips and weekend getaways from Denver. The favorite mountainous area boasts a profusion of easy and strenuous hikes, ample alpine lakes tucked in lodgepole pine forest, and some of the best panoramas in Colorado. With such diverse resources, your short weekend trips from Denver may turn into week-long excursions and expanded road-trip adventures.

The shortest escapes from Denver are usually built around such popular areas as Bear Lake , Alberta Falls , and the favorite lake trio, Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes .

For those city visitors that prefer to enjoy the expansive landscapes from their cars, Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road offer the best vistas and some of the shortest trails in the park. The Tundra Communities Trail and the Alpine Ridge Trail are some of the must-see places here.

TIP: These roads, however, are seasonal. Usually you should leave Denver for the nature-fueled road trips and weekends getaways during the summer season to be able to feast your eyes on this remarkable alpine wilderness. 

READ MORE: Denver to Rocky Mountain Road Trip: 5-Day Colorado Adventure

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Best Road Trips From Denver

Top road trip destinations from denver.

Head to Great Sand Dunes National Park, with the tallest sand dunes in North America. The unbelievable landscape is perfect for hiking and enjoying views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Discover the charm of Colorado Springs, found at the foot of Pikes Peak. With stunning drives and the Garden of the Gods along the way, you are in for a treat.

The rich culture and art scene of Santa Fe draws visitors back time and again. Explore the historic Plaza, charming stores and tasty authentic Southwestern dishes.

You can expect a memorable adventure to Yellowstone National Park, home to geothermal wonders, stunning landscapes and wildlife aplenty. Hike to breathtaking waterfalls, and marvel at the beauty of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Renowned for its red rock formations and vortex sites, in Sedona you can expect hiking trails, breathtaking sunsets, and a chance to recharge and unwind at this desert oasis.

Experience the charm of Telluride, surrounded by stunning San Juan Mountains. With world-class skiing in winter, and scenic hikes in summer, its a must for outdoor fans. Plus it's has a historic town to explore too.

Breckenridge, famous for its world-class skiing, it's a must if you want to hit the slops. However whether you're hitting the slopes or strolling through town, Breckenridge offers something for everyone year-round.

Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is stunning, with plenty of scenic trails to soak up the mountain views. Don't miss the charming downtown area with its interesting stores, galleries, and restaurants.

Explore the ancient cliff dwellings and rich history of Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about the Ancestral Puebloans as you hike this epic Park.

Experience the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, with striking rock formations. You are likely to catch sight of bison and bighorn sheep as you take on the trails. Time with a sunset for a memorable hike.

Tick off a bucket-list visit to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. When you stand on the edge of the canyon it's easy to see why this site has captivated visitors for centuries.

There is nothing quite like it! Experience the vibrant energy and endless entertainment of Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. With dazzling shows and world-class dining from morning to night, it's an unforgettable escape.

Make a visit to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks for a real adventire, where you can wander the towering red rock formations and deep canyons.

The remote wilderness of Big Bend National Park makes this a special Park to visit, where the Rio Grande carves through desert landscapes. A hidden gem to experience calmness and real escape.

Discover the charming town of Golden. With the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, here you can explore explore historic landmarks, visit local breweries, and enjoy hiking and biking along Clear Creek.

Known world-wide as the place to head for the very best skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure. Aspen also enjoys charming streets lined with boutiques and art galleries, against jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountains.

Discover the historic town of Durango, within Animas River Valley. Here Old West charm meets outdoor adventure, so make sure to take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and explore local ancient ruins.

Escape to the sunny oasis of Phoenix, with desert botanical gardens, scenic trails and a lively atmosphere and nightlife in the heart of the city.

With stunning red rock formations and iconic national parks like Arches and Canyonlands, Moab is has plenty going on. And if you are a mountain bike fan, then this is the place to head for some world-class trails.

Discover the vibrant capital of Utah, Salt Lake City. Found between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountain, the historic Temple Square, world-class museums, and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, make this a popular place to head.

The rich heritage of Albuquerque, where Spanish colonial history meets modern Southwestern charm, makes this an extra special find. Explore Old Town, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway, and enjoy delicious New Mexican treats.

Beautiful White Sands National Monument is hard to beat, where the gypsum dunes make for a stunning place to hike or sled down. Make sure to stay longer and enjoy the memorable sunset views.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks,near the charming town of Moab. The ancient rock art and hiking trails draws in those looking for a sense of history and adventure.

Iconic Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a must visit. The faces of four American presidents are carved into the granite cliffs, with the surrounding Black Hills region equally impressive to see.

Charming Georgetown, Colorado, is a historic mining town located in the Rocky Mountains. Explore its quaint streets lined with Victorian architecture, visit local stores and galleries, and ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad.

Enjoy the arts scene and rich cultural heritage of Taos, dotted with historic buildings and interesting museums, all surrounded by the impressive Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Experience the stunning landscapes of Monument Valley, straddling the Arizona-Utah border. It gives a chance to explore the Navajo Tribal Park, where you can take a guided tour and see close-up this incredible landscape.

Experience the charm of Steamboat Springs, a stunning mountain town renowned for its world-class skiing and hot springs. Make sure to visit the scenic Yampa River Botanic Park during your stay.

The small village of Vail is amidst the White River National Forest, and well known as a popular skiing destination and vibrant après-ski scene. Experience outdoor adventures, gourmet restaurants, and mountain views during a visit.

Embark on an adventure to Jackson Hole, a pretty valley surrounded by the stunning Teton Range. From here you can enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the iconic Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, and soak up Old West charm in the town square.

Longer road trips from Denver

LA, the entertainment capital of the world. Make sure to visit Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios, and Santa Monica Pier in the California sunshine.

Relax in sunny San Diego, and visit Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. There is no end to the adventure you can have in America's Finest City.

Enjoy vibrant city of San Francisco, strolling across Golden Gate Bridge, and visiting lively neighborhoods like Chinatown and Mission District.

Chicago, known for its iconic architecture and world-class museums, has sites including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Navy Pier to pay a visit.

Discover the eclectic city of Seattle, with beautiful surroundings and landmarks including Space Needle and Pike Place Market to enjoy.

Within Montana's Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is known for its alpine scenery and crystal-clear lakes. Travel Going-to-the-Sun Road to take it all in.

• National Parks
• Tiny Houses

7 Scenic Weekend Road Trips from Denver, Colorado

Posted by Sarah Lamagna April 29, 2021 Updated January 08, 2024

Eager to get away but don’t want to head too far from home? If you’re a resident of the mile-high city, incredible road trips from Denver are just outside your door.

Colorado is an outdoor lover’s dream playground and holds hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems throughout the state. All you’ll need to visit these incredible places is a thirst for adventure and some wheels to get you there — preferably a car, because a bike will likely take too long. Throw the mountain bike on the back of your car though, of course.

Whether you’re looking for cute mountain towns, butt-bustin’ hikes, smooth and gnarly mountain biking routes, or taking a ride on a carousel, the list below of road trips from Denver should have what you need. Below, you’ll find a list of the ten best Denver road trips you can take for an epic weekend outside the city.

Related Read: 10 Unique Things to Do with Kids in Denver, Colorado

Road Trip Planning

Before you head out, there are a couple of things to know about traveling around the state, including weather and traffic. Colorado is weird when it comes to seasons insofar as there aren’t really four of them. Warm temperatures can hit the Centennial State in the dead of winter (think 70 degrees F in February) and the snowiest months are, in fact, March and April ( what? )

These seasons are followed by some gloriously hot days and then monsoon season July through September. Fall is one-of-a-kind here and snow sports abound as soon as the powder hits the slopes, which in some cases can be as early as late September.

Four-wheel drive (or at least AWD) is a must-have going anywhere in the mountains, unless you want to dig out your vehicle. During winter, it’s now a requirement that all passenger vehicles either have snow tires, 4WD/AWD, or carry chains to get over mountain passes on I-70. Dirt roads can turn to rivers in a matter of seconds during monsoon season, so check the weather often.

If you’re anywhere near the Denver metro area during rush hour (3:00–5:30 p.m., give or take), expect long delays getting out of the city. If you’re heading to the mountains on a long weekend (or during the winter), I-70 is usually at a standstill from Golden all the way to Idaho Springs at the very least. Give yourself way, way more time than you think you need.

Be sure to come with some good podcasts for road trips or a book on tape to keep you entertained. The best apps include the COTrip , which gives the most up-to-date information regarding traffic and road closures, followed by AllTrails or the COTrex apps to help you find the best local trails.

Related Read:   6 Scenic Drives Near Denver for When the Mountains are Calling

1. Nederland

Just west of Boulder, Nederland is one of the shortest drives from Denver on this list. Many just pass through the town on their way up to Estes Park or on a scenic drive along the Peak to Peak Highway (which is a must-do item). But rarely do folks stick around to truly immerse themselves in the joy this quirky mountain town brings.

Pro Tip: go the second weekend of March for Frozen Dead Guy Days . It’s one of the best festivals Colorado hosts.

You can grab a coffee at Train Cars right before you hit the town center. Some favorite local places are the Mountain Peoples Cp-op, where you can stock up on all your adventure treats, and Alpine Botanicals . If you’re lucky, the Farmer’s Market might be open — go pick up some of best produce Colorado has to offer.

If adventuring is what you’re after, Brainard Lake Recreation Area takes the cake, especially the Lake Isabelle trail . It’s 8.6 miles, gains just under 1,000 feet of elevation, and has some seriously rad alpine lake views. When you’re done adventuring, head back to town and take a ride on the Carousel of Happiness to cap off a great day.

Distance from Denver : 45 miles (approx. 1 hour)

Related Read:   7 Beautiful Hikes Near Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado

2. Georgetown

Another road trip from Denver worth a longer layover than most people give it is Georgetown, which has an old-timey feel with some modern updates.

One of the best times to visit is during the second weekend of December when they host a Christmas Market. The city closes the main drag for carriage rides and to create a European-style festival ambiance. Grab some mulled wine and warm chestnuts while wandering around all the shops. If you’re there for Christmas, also think about heading to the Georgetown Loop Railroad’s Santa Train. It’s great for kids and adults alike.

But winter isn’t the only time to visit. The scenic byway heading up to Guanella Pass closes during the winter but is stocked with color come spring ( ahem , wildflower season) and fall when the slopes are on metaphorical fire with aspen trees. Snap a few photos when you get to the top or climb Mount Bierstadt for an even better view of one of the easier fourteeners in the state.

Distance from Denver : 45 miles (approx. 45 mins)

Related Read:   Take the Scenic Route on an Epic Denver to Albuquerque Road Trip

3. Manitou Springs

This artsy, hippie town is just a stone’s throw from its polar opposite in terms of political stance, Colorado Springs. Manitou Springs is a breath of fresh air for those wanting to find a local art scene with around a dozen art galleries to its name. To see works from a variety of artists, head to the Commonwheel Artists Coop .

If sweating and torturing yourself is more your jam, head on up the Manitou Incline (or even climb Pikes Peak, a fourteener), or check out the many hikes near Colorado Springs . Garden of the Gods has some incredible rock formations as well as a scenic driving route if your legs are already a bit sore.

Distance from Denver : 76 miles (approx. 1 hour 15 mins)

Related Read:   7 Incredible Glamping Destinations Near Denver, Colorado

Called “Little Switzerland,” Ouray is one of the farther treks from Denver on this list, making it a great weekend trip from Denver but a lot to pack into a day. It’s in the southwest deep in San Juan National Forest . The town is best known for its iconic Ice Festival that happens every January that invites pro ice climbers from around the world for some of the most competitive and incredible ice climbing you’ll ever see.

If you’d rather visit in the warmer months, there’s still plenty to do. You could head to one of the many hikes in the area, including the majestic Ice Lake Basin . For more mellow hikes, the Ouray Perimeter Trail and Box Canyon are doable for hikers of most ability levels.

You can also take a quick trip over to Silverton and ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad . It specializes in themed rides including the Polar Express, Wine & Rails, Winter Photographer’s Special, and the Shamrock Express.

Distance from Denver : 300 miles (approx. 5 hours 30 mins)

Related read : 7 Best State Parks Near Denver, Colorado

Not many venture past Grand Junction to this town on the Utah border. But Fruita is a mountain biker’s paradise . It’s considered to be one of the premier places to hit the dirt and get some potential bruises. Take the 18 Road Trails or test your ability on the incredible Kokopelli Loop . It’s also a good place to spend the night if you’re doing the epic 32-mile Palisade Plunge, which drops nearly 6,000 feet — skilled bikers only, of course.

Dinosaur National Monument is only an hour and a half away and well worth the trek, too. For closer trails, hit Rattlesnake Arches Trail in McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area or Colorado National Monument — take the Monument Canyon Loop Trail for the best views.

But if sweetness is what you’re after, the western slope of Colorado is known for its sumptuous fruits: the world-famed Palisade peaches. Visit during the Palisade Peach Festival every August or visit one of the many wineries and tasting rooms in the area.

Distance from Denver : 254 miles (approx. 4 hours)

6. Crested Butte

This not-so-secret gem pulls visitors from all over the world and for good reason. It’s one of the most popular road trips from Denver for sure, but even if it’s crowded it’s worth a stop. No matter the time of year, Crested Butte has something for everyone. The winter is full of every snow sport you can think of, like downhill skiing , snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing ( psst , it’s the Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado!)

Spring and summer bring seas of wildflowers blanketing the surrounding purple mountains. In fact, the purple hues of the flowers are what gave the famed Maroon Bells its name. Every July, Crested Butte holds their Wildflower Festival . And if you visit in the fall, take the road out of town to Kebler Pass, home of the largest aspen grove in Colorado. Come October, it’s an ocean of yellow and orange hues with no end in sight. Take the Dark Canyon, Irwin, and Dyke Trail Loop for the best autumn views.

Distance from Denver : 190 miles (approx. 4 hours)

7. Glenwood Springs

Rounding out the list of the best road trips from Denver is a town that makes the perfect basecamp for photographing some of the most popular places in Colorado. One of those places is the base of the famous Maroon Bells. You’ll get on the shuttle  for Maroon Bells 50 minutes south of Glenwood Springs – yes, the site is so popular that they had to create a shuttle system to manage the crowds. The good news is that if you’re hiking with a dog, they’re welcome on the bus, too.

Pro tip: if you have a kid 2 or younger, you can drive to the Maroon Bells parking area rather than taking the bus.

You can also head slightly east on I-70 to Hanging Lake, another highly trafficked trail that also had to enact a shuttle system. The area around Hanging Lake burned in 2020 and was nearly lost but, thankfully, it was left unscathed and is open to the public starting in May 2021. Reservations are a must.

Lastly, head south to the very tiny town of Marble (yes, there’s a marble mine), where you can take a hike to Crystal Mill . It’s 10 miles roundtrip. 

After your long day of adventuring, soak your weary bones at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort . It’s home to the world’s largest hot spring pool and is the perfect place to wrap up a weekend of dusty excursions.

Distance from Denver : 157 miles (approx. 2 hours, 30 mins)

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Seen in: Colorado , Denver , Road Trips , Rockies , West

Posted by Sarah Lamagna

Sarah is an ecologist-turned-freelance writer specializing in the ecotourism and slow/sustainable travel industry. Her bylines include The Denver Post, 5280 magazine, VeryWellFamily, Matador Network, and was an expert on NPR’s The Takeaway for her work on the wildfires in Colorado.

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18 Best Road Trips from Denver, Colorado

Looking for the best road trips from Denver?

Denver, Colorado is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and road trippers alike.

With its central location, there are plenty of options for road trips to breathtaking destinations.

From the vast expanses of the Rocky Mountains to the desolate deserts of Utah, adventure awaits just a few hours’ drive from the Mile High City.

Also Read: 24 Best Day Trips from Denver, Colorado

Take a leisurely drive through the twisting canyons of Southwest Colorado , where cliff dwellings and mining towns await.

Or venture further west to explore the red rock formations of Moab, Utah, where arches, canyons, and otherworldly landscapes will leave you awestruck.

Here is an ultimate guide to the best road trips from Denver, Colorado.

Best Road Trips from Denver, CO

With its convenient location right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado is the perfect jumping-off point for a memorable road trip.

Stunning natural wonders, charming small towns, or thrilling outdoor adventures, there are plenty of road trip options in every direction.

Take a scenic drive through the towering mesas, and the dramatic peaks of rugged mountain ranges of San Juan National Forest.

Or head north to explore the breathtaking national parks of Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota, where you can witness everything from roaring waterfalls to wild bison herds.

No matter which direction you choose, one thing is for sure: with so much natural beauty to discover, your road trip from Denver is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Here are the best Denver road trip ideas to plan now.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Just a short drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is every road trippers dream destination.

For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the park is a paradise, offering over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflower-filled meadows, and alpine lakes.

Most popular trails include the Bear Lake Loop, Dream Lake, and Alberta Falls Trail.

Be sure to get maps of the trails before you go.

The park is not just a hiker’s haven; it’s also a fantastic destination for mountain biking.

Experience the thrill of biking down the park’s diverse terrains and feel the rush of the cool mountain air against your face.

Rocky Mountain National Park is also known for its amazing wildlife.

Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer and moose sightings in the Rocky Mountains.

Keep some time aside for Estes Park , a small but charming mountain town, located at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is one of Colorado’s most unique attractions.

This place looks like something out of a dream, with its impressive sand dunes towering close to 750 feet high and stretching for 30 square miles.

Star Dune and High Dune within the park are amongst the tallest sand dunes in the world.

The park is also known for its diverse habitats, ranging from grasslands to wetlands, as well as alpine lakes and tundra.

Take a hike up the sand dunes for some amazing views or try your hand at sandboarding in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the nearby Zapata Falls , a 75-foot waterfall situated just north of the sand dunes.

Take a dip in one of the park’s natural hot springs or visit the ancient Medano Creek for an unforgettable experience.

The city of Alamosa is the closest town to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and makes a great base for exploring the area.

It is one of the best road trips from Denver to skip snow in winter.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, a two-hour drive south of Denver, is another must-visit road trip destination.

Set at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, it offers a vibrant mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.

Downtown Colorado Springs is known for its historic buildings and broad avenues.

The city also has excellent museums, galleries, and shops.

One of the highlights in the surrounding area is Pikes Peak .

At over 14,000 feet, it’s one of Colorado’s tallest mountains and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Drive, hike, or take the cog railway to the summit, where you’ll discover why Katherine Lee Bates was inspired to pen “America the Beautiful” after her visit.

A few minutes from the city center, you’ll find the Garden of the Gods .

This public park boasts dramatic sandstone formations that are over 300 million years old, set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.

Here, you can hike, bike, or even try rock climbing.

Also Read: Denver to Garden of the Gods Road Trip Itinerary

Last, but not least, is the Royal Gorge Bridge , billed as one of the world’s highest suspension bridges.

Hanging 956 feet above the Arkansas River, it offers adrenaline seekers a heart-stopping zipline ride across the gorge.

The less adventurous visitors may prefer to explore the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park’s walking trails, wildlife viewing, or the aerial gondolas.

For a unique experience, visit the nearby Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings to explore ancient cliff dwellings dating back to 800 AD.

Also Read: 17 Best Things to do in Manitou Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs, a little over three hours from Denver, is a charming mountain town known for its world-class skiing in winter and its vibrant rodeo scene in summer.

This small community is the perfect place for an outdoor enthusiast to have some fun.

Take a scenic chairlift ride up Mount Werner for unbeatable views of the Yampa Valley and beyond.

If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to take in all the sights with an ATV tour or hot air balloon ride.

Downtown Steamboat Springs is also worth exploring.

Check out the variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries that line the town’s historic main street.

However, the crown jewel of this quaint town is the Strawberry Park Hot Springs .

Surrounded by Rocky Mountains, these hot springs are a must-visit for anyone seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

The natural mineral water is kept between 101 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a warm sanctuary even in the coldest months.

It is one of the best nearby road trips from Denver for families.

Also Read: Denver to Steamboat Springs Road Trip Guide

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, approximately three hours west of Denver, is a picture perfect Colorado town set in the Rocky Mountains.

Known for its irresistible outdoor activities, Glenwood Springs is a treasure trove of adventure and relaxation in equal measures.

The town is best recognized for the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world.

It is perfect for a rejuvenating soak after a long day of exploring.

Also worth visiting is the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

This is the only mountain-top theme park in America offering cave tours and thrill rides.

However, the true jewel of Glenwood Springs is the Hanging Lake.

A national natural landmark, Hanging Lake is a crystal-clear, turquoise lake tucked away in Glenwood Canyon.

The Hanging Lake Trail, a moderately challenging hike, leads you to this awe-inspiring sight.

The trail is nearly three miles round trip and rewards hikers with unforgettable views of the lake and the glistening waterfalls that spill into it.

This peaceful oasis in the mountains is a must-see for any road tripper from Denver.

Also Read: 9 Best Stops on Denver to Glenwood Springs Road Trip

Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument is another great road trip destination from Denver.

This park offers stunning views of colorful canyons, towering rock formations, and desert landscapes.

The road winds through the park, providing spectacular views of its red rocks, sandstone cliffs, and deep canyons.

Families will love the 23 mile Rim Rock Drive, which takes you from one side of the Monument to the other.

Along the way there are plenty of picnic areas and hiking trails for visitors to explore.

Visitors can also take a scenic road trip through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park , located just south of Grand Junction on this road trip.

A drive on the South Rim Road is a must-do when visiting this park.

The 8 mile road offers breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and majestic waterfalls.

This road trip is the perfect way to experience Colorado’s incredible natural beauty.

Southwest Colorado

A road trip through Southwest Colorado is an absolute treat for nature lovers.

Boasting of some of the state’s most stunning natural wonders and historic treasures, this region offers an unforgettable road trip experience.

Starting your journey from Durango , a city known for the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Ride the train. Explore the town’s rich Wild West history and its vibrant local arts scene.

Also Read: Denver to Durango Road Trip Itinerary

Next, drive along the Million Dollar Highway , a spectacular stretch of U.S. Route 550, which boasts some of the state’s most awe-inspiring mountain views.

This scenic byway will lead you to Silverton , a former silver mining camp that has preserved its Victorian charm.

Further along your journey, you’ll encounter Ouray , fondly known as the “Switzerland of America”.

Located in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities from hiking to ice climbing.

Finally, don’t forget to visit the Mesa Verde National Park .

Home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States, the park offers an insightful look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years.

In Southwest Colorado, every turn offers a new adventure and every view, a postcard-perfect scenery.

It is an authentic slice of Colorado that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime, making this one of the best road trips from Denver for nature and culture lovers.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley, straddling the borders of Arizona and Utah, is a mesmerizing spectacle and a worthwhile destination for your road trip.

With its iconic red sandstone formations rising majestically from the desert floor, it’s no wonder this location has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films.

The self-guided Valley Drive offers a 17-mile loop where visitors can appreciate the scale and beauty of these natural wonders.

Notable landmarks include the East and West Mittens, Merrick Butte, and Three Sisters.

Each formation tells a unique geological story, with layers of sedimentary rocks sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.

The Navajo people call the area home, and their rich culture and history add a unique dimension to the Monument Valley experience.

You can explore the Navajo Tribal Park and visit Hogan, the traditional dwelling of Navajo people.

Here, you can learn about Navajo customs, sample traditional food, and even purchase authentic Navajo art and crafts.

Finally, one can’t speak about Monument Valley without mentioning its awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets.

The play of light over the towering sandstone buttes paints the landscape in a palette of reds, oranges, and purples, creating a spectacle that is both ethereal and unforgettable.

This is a place where natural beauty and cultural richness converge, making Monument Valley a highlight of road trips from Denver.

Yellowstone National Park

One of the most popular road trips from Denver!

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is one of the most famous national parks in America.

The park is a gem of the American West, sprawling across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

This massive park, the first of its kind in the United States, is renowned for its geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and, of course, its amazing hiking trails.

Spanning more than 900 miles, these trails take you through a variety of landscapes, from geysers and hot springs to sweeping valleys and towering peaks.

Some of the popular hikes include Mount Washburn, Fairy Falls, and the trek to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Each trail offers a unique view of the park’s natural beauty and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Here, you might encounter elk, bison, and even wolves in their natural habitat.

Yellowstone National Park offers hiking experiences that are as varied and impressive as the park’s geothermal wonders and its diverse ecosystems.

Yellowstone’s distance from Denver is over 500 miles, so keep 7 to 10 days for this road trip.

Also Read: Denver to Yellowstone National Park Road trip

Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming

Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming is a destination that combines natural beauty with relaxation and adventure, making it a great option for road trips from Denver.

The park is home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring, with over 8,000 gallons of mineral water flowing every day.

Visitors can take a rejuvenating dip in the State Bath House where the mineral-rich water is kept at a comfortable 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

The park also boasts a series of terraces, formed over centuries by the deposit of minerals from the hot springs.

These terraces are a natural wonder to behold, with their vibrant colors a testament to the rich mineral content of the springs.

Alongside the hot springs and terraces, the park offers over 6 miles of trails, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Bison often roam freely in the park, offering a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Hot Springs State Park is about a 6-hour drive from Denver, making it a feasible destination for a long weekend trip.

Mt. Rushmore and Badlands National Park

South Dakota presents an exciting road trip destination as you venture from Denver. Your first stop is Mt. Rushmore .

This iconic sculpture features the faces of four U.S. presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln.

The grandeur of this monument and its surrounding Black Hills National Forest offers an unforgettable experience.

Next, make your way to Rapid City .

Known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills”, this town boasts a vibrant arts scene, bustling restaurants, and accessible outdoor adventures.

A walk downtown will introduce you to life-size bronze statues of the American presidents.

Don’t miss the Art Alley, a public area showcasing local artists’ vibrant murals.

Then, head over to Badlands National Park .

This 244,000-acre park is a geological wonder, characterized by rugged rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires.

The park’s unique topography makes it a paradise for hikers and photographers.

The park is also home to a vast mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs roam freely.

Your journey continues to Custer State Park, one of the nation’s largest state parks.

Here, you’ll find a diverse range of wildlife, including a herd of 1,300 free-roaming bison.

The park’s scenic drives, like the Wildlife Loop Road and the Needles Highway, offer breathtaking views of the landscape and ample wildlife viewing opportunities.

Lastly, round off your road trip with a visit to the Spearfish Canyon .

A part of the Black Hills National Forest, this canyon is renowned for its natural beauty, brimming with towering limestone walls, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls.

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway offers a leisurely drive through this picturesque landscape.

This South Dakota road trip from Denver is a fantastic blend of nature, history, and culture, promising an unforgettable adventure.

Also Read: Denver to Mt. Rushmore Road trip

A road trip from Denver to Las Vegas offers an exciting mix of natural wonders and urban delights.

You will be covering a distance of approximately 750 miles.

Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World, is a city that needs no introduction.

The Las Vegas Strip, one of the city’s most famous attractions, is a 4.2 mile-long section of South Las Vegas Boulevard.

It is packed with a myriad of world-class hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

The Strip is home to many iconic landmarks such as the Bellagio Fountains, the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the Venetian’s Grand Canal.

Each hotel and casino offers its own unique attractions, making the Las Vegas Strip a vibrant and dynamic spectacle that is alive 24/7.

But Las Vegas isn’t all about glitz and glamour.

Natural attractions around Las Vegas

Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find Red Rock Canyon, a natural conservation area known for its fascinating geological features.

The area boasts a 13-mile scenic drive, numerous hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnic areas, nature observing, and a visitor center offering exhibition rooms and a book store.

Next, Hoover Dam, an iconic engineering marvel, is a must-visit.

Located about 40 miles southeast of Las Vegas, this massive dam on the Colorado River is a testament to human ingenuity and is also a National Historic Landmark.

The dam offers guided tours that educate visitors about its history, and the observation deck provides panoramic views of the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and the surrounding landscape.

Finally, your road trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Valley of Fire State Park.

Located just an hour drive from Las Vegas, it is Nevada’s oldest state park.

Known for its vibrant red sandstone formations, which appear to burn in the sunlight, the park offers a variety of hiking trails that lead you through an incredible landscape of rock arches, ancient trees and early man sites.

The park’s Visitor Center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and nearby region.

From the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip to the natural wonders of Red Rock Canyon, this road trip from Denver provides the ultimate year-round adventure.

Utah’s National Parks

Utah is home to several most visited national parks in USA.

From the ever-changing landscape of Bryce and Zion National Parks to the rock formations of Arches National Park, Utah offers a bounty of natural beauty.

Take your time and explore these parks at your own pace – you won’t find better scenic drives than those through Utah’s national parks.

Start with Capitol Reef National Park , where you can explore the colorful sandstone formations, hike through ancient petroglyphs, and take a horseback ride along the Capitol Gorge Trail.

Next up is Bryce Canyon National Park ; the “hoodoos” of this park are unmissable.

Thousands of these spire-shaped rock formations stretch as far as the eye can see.

Zion National Park is a hidden gem of the American Southwest.

The park’s rugged landscape, made up of lofty cliffs and deep canyons, serves as a backdrop for hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs.

The popular Narrows Trail is especially breathtaking – here you can explore the unique canyon walls carved by the Virgin River.

Arches National Park is yet another natural wonder, filled with over 2,000 sandstone arches.

Spend a day hiking to Delicate Arch and Devil’s Garden before heading to Canyonlands National Park , where you can find mesmerizing slot canyons and stunning overlooks.

Utah’s national parks are a must-see for any road trip from Denver.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular national parks in America.

It is on every visitor’s bucket list and makes a great road trip from the Mile High City.

The park, known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, is a spectacle unlike any other.

Dominating the park is the Grand Canyon itself, a breathtaking landmark that showcases millions of years of geological history.

The South Rim of the park is the most accessible and most visited section, offering panoramic views that stretch across miles of rugged landscape, swirling with colors of red, orange, and gold.

Driving along the Desert View Drive , a scenic 25-mile route along the South Rim, introduces visitors to a range of vista points and historic sites.

This route also includes the Desert View Watchtower, where you can soak in an unobstructed 360-degree view of the canyon’s expanse.

For those seeking a more intimate encounter with the Grand Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience.

Starting from the South Rim, this trail descends 4,380 feet into the heart of the canyon, offering a unique perspective on the immense size and diversity of this natural wonder.

A visit to the Grand Canyon National Park promises an adventure filled with unforgettable vistas and experiences.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Horseshoe Bend in Page offers another spectacular view of the Colorado River, as it winds around a sharp bend in the rocks.

This horseshoe-shaped rock formation is easily accessible and provides panoramic views that will leave you speechless.

From here, it’s just a short drive to Antelope Canyons , another geological phenomena that is best experienced up close.

This slot canyon features two passageways – Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons – where you can marvel at the spectacular sandstone walls as they change colors throughout the day.

Be sure to add these must-see attractions to your road trips from Denver for an unforgettable adventure.

Santa Fe, the state capital of New Mexico, is a city rich in native culture and artistic beauty.

The city’s unique architecture, a blend of Spanish colonial and Pueblo style, offers an enchanting backdrop for visitors.

Visit the downtown area where the adobe buildings house galleries, boutiques, and renowned restaurants.

The Santa Fe Plaza , a national historic landmark, is the heart of the city.

It’s an ideal place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy the vibrant energy of the city.

Nearby, the Palace of the Governors, a history museum housed in a structure built in the 17th century, offers insight into Santa Fe’s past.

Art enthusiasts will be enamored with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, home to many works by this iconic American artist, known for her depictions of New Mexico’s landscape.

Petroglyph National Monument offers a glimpse into the area’s pre-modern history with its thousands of ancient petroglyphs carved into the volcanic rocks.

Just a short drive from Santa Fe, you’ll find Bandelier National Monument .

This 33,000-acre preserve is home to the ancestral Pueblo people, with cliff dwellings and petroglyphs dating back over 11,000 years.

Take a hike along the Main Loop Trail to see these archaeological sites.

The Turquoise Trail , a scenic byway that links Santa Fe and Albuquerque, provides an unforgettable day trip opportunity.

This picturesque route winds through historic mining towns, natural parks, and artist communities.

It is a great underrated destination for road trips from Denver, CO.

White Sands National Monument

Located in southern New Mexico, White Sands National Monument is a breathtaking sea of white gypsum sand dunes spanning 275 square miles.

This park’s unique landscape seems to transport you to another world, with waves of bright white sand enveloping the horizon.

Visitors can explore the monument by hiking one of the five established trails, each offering a unique perspective of the dunes.

The Interdune Boardwalk is an easy, wheelchair-accessible trail that provides informative signs about the desert ecosystem.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the challenging Alkali Flat Trail offers stunning panoramic views of the dune field.

Fun activities in the monument include sand sledding, a favorite among kids and adults alike.

The monument also hosts regular moonlight walks and sunset strolls, providing a magical experience as the sands reflect the changing colors of the sky.

Wildlife enthusiasts may spot creatures that have evolved to survive in this harsh landscape, including the bleached earless lizard and Apache pocket mouse.

White Sands National Monument is a truly unique destination, offering stunning landscapes and memorable experiences.

It’s a must-visit for any road trip from Denver, beautifully capping off a journey filled with America’s natural wonders.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, nestled in the heart of Texas, is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable experience for road trippers originating from Denver.

This expansive park is named after the “big bend” in the Rio Grande.

It covers over 800,000 acres and features a diverse range of landscapes, from the rugged Chisos Mountains to the Chihuahuan Desert, and the lush river valley.

One of the park’s highlights is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

This 30-mile route displays some of the finest vistas in Big Bend.

The drive ends at the Santa Elena Canyon, where towering walls of limestone carved by the Rio Grande offer a dramatic spectacle.

For the more adventurous, the park provides numerous hiking trails that range from short walks to challenging multi-day treks.

A particularly popular route is the South Rim Trail in the Chisos Mountains, offering panoramic views of the park.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the park is home to more than 450 bird species.

You can also spot black bears, mountain lions, and a variety of reptiles in the park.

Big Bend National Park is not only a haven for outdoor lovers but also for those interested in night sky photography.

Its remote location limits light pollution, allowing the Milky Way and countless stars to be clearly visible.

Visiting Big Bend National Park on your road trip from Denver will create memories of a lifetime.

Also Read: West Texas Road Trip Itinerary

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in West Texas, encompasses the highest peak in the Lone Star State.

Texas’s Guadalupe Peak has an elevation of over 8,750 feet above sea level.

The park’s diverse ecosystem spans from desert to forests.

It is home to a rich variety of wildlife and teeming with an array of plant species.

The park is known for its extensive network of trails.

Hikers can explore over 80 miles of routes ranging from…

…easy walks like the Pinery Trail, showcasing the ruins of an old stagecoach station,

…to the challenging Guadalupe Peak Trail that ascends to the state’s highest point offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding area.

McKittrick Canyon, another park highlight, enchants visitors with its vibrant fall foliage display, a rare sight in the desert.

The park also protects the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, making it a significant geological site.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park’s solitude and unspoiled wilderness make it one of the great road trips from Denver for those looking to explore off the beaten track.

Embarking on a road trip from Denver opens up a world of awe-inspiring landscapes, historic landmarks, and rich cultural experiences.

Whether you’re marveling at the white gypsum sand dunes of White Sands National Monument…

…immersing yourself in the vast wilderness of Big Bend National Park…

…or conquering the highest peak in Texas at Guadalupe Mountains National Park…

the journey promises to be as captivating as the destinations themselves!

These road trips will lead you to appreciate the diverse natural beauty and profound historical heritage of the American Southwest.

What are your favorite destinations for road trips from Denver?

Did we miss any amazing ideas for road trips from Denver? Let us know below.

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Most Amazing Road Trips from Denver for All

Anna johnson.

October 12, 2023

Reading Time:- 6 minutes

Table Of Contents

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Denver is a great place from where you can take many long and short road trips. It is surrounded by amazing destinations with stunning landscapes and attractions. The best road trips from Denver take you to Estes Park, Boulder, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and more. You can have a kid-friendly road trip or a 5-to-7-day long road trip with your friends. It is even possible to take short road trips from this place for a day or a weekend getaway. Keep reading as we reveal the top destinations around Denver below.

Best Road Trips from Denver

Explore any of the following places according to your preferences around Denver. You will certainly have a great time.

A road trip to Estes Park from Denver is only 70 miles long. If you want to explore a mountain getaway, Estes Park is the best option. You can drive around Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park Shuttles here. Some entertaining activities to try with your kids are hiking, biking, skiing, and snow-tubing. Depending on the time of the year you plan a trip, you may get to attend various festivals. These include live music, wine, and chocolate festivals.

Looking for some good weekend road trips from Denver ? Visit Boulder, situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. There are many hiking trails here and parks to visit. You can explore the Eldorado Canyon State Park or watch street performers at the Pearl Street Mall. The University of Colorado Boulder hosts many cultural events for both travelers and students. You may also have a fine dining experience at the Chautauqua Park.

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs also comes in the list of weekend road trips from Denver that are short and easy. It’ll only take you two hours and 37 minutes to reach here. This place has the largest mineral hot spring pool in the entire world. It is surrounded by the epic White River National Forest. Watch the Hanging Lake that has turquoise water, or visit the ancient underground caves, Glenwood Caverns. It’s the perfect place for a family road trip.

Aspen is a ski resort town. It’s a destination where you can spend a weekend all year round. It has some high-end restaurants and boutiques. The place also gives a slice of history with landmarks like the Wheeler Opera House and the Wheeler-Stallard House Museum. It was built in the 19th century. If you wish for a picture-perfect destination away from Denver for a weekend, Aspen would be the best.

Yellowstone National Park

It is a highly popular park in the US and lies 509 miles from Denver. If you are up for a long drive or trip, consider Yellowstone National Park. The drive takes 8 hours and 20 minutes, so you can stay here for a week or four days. This place is rich in lush landscapes, hot springs, rivers, and large canyons. Some good activities to engage in here are rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.

Zion National Park

Located at a distance of 636 miles from Denver, Zion National Park in Utah is a traveler’s paradise. A drive here takes approximately 9 hours. So, you can plan a bigger stay with your family. This place has many canyoneering and hiking routes. You can stargaze, birdwatch, backpack, and do so much more. The location is replete with natural beauty.

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Short Road Trips from Denver for a Weekend or a Day

Many cities and towns lie near Denver but have many interesting things to do. If you don’t want 8-hour or seven-day road trips from Denver, explore the places below.

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial – A drive here will take only five hours. You may visit the Mount Rushmore monument or the Crazy House Memorial. The latter is the world’s largest sculpture. Otherwise, visit the historic Keystone and Cluster State Park.
• Palisade town – This charming town lies between Grand Junction and Grand Mesa National Forest. It’s a 3-hour drive from Denver and has a scenic landscape. You may visit any of the 26 wineries or, if visiting in September, be a part of the Colorada Mountain Winefest. There’s also the Peach Festival in August that hosts fun peach-eating competitions.
• Colorado Springs – The driving time for this road trip will be just an hour and 20 minutes. Head straight to landmarks like the Garden of Gods and Pikes Peak. You will undoubtedly enjoy hiking at these places. Book a sunrise hot balloon tour to watch the splendid mountain views.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park – Located just 241 miles from Denver, a drive here takes three hours and 50 minutes. Visit this place to watch the tallest sand dunes in North America. They stretch for 30 miles against the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Hiking and sledding the massive piles of sand is a popular activity here.
• Peak to Peak Byway – Through the US-36 W and CO-119 drive, a trip to this place takes only one hour and 19 minutes. The 55-mile scenic route will leave you mesmerized. You can take many photos driving along Estes Park, Nederland, Black Hawk, and Central City. There are many parks like the Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests to explore.

Concluding Words

Now you know the best places to explore around Denver. These are great ones to visit solo or with your entire family. If it’s a long trip, you can explore the place for a few days, but if it’s short, plan it for the weekend. Either way, you will feel refreshed when you return.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Which cities are 6 hours away from Denver?

Many cities lie at a distance of 6 hours from Denver. These include Amarillo in Texas, Garden City in Kansas, Cheyenne in Wyoming, and Keystone in South Dakota.

• Which are some good national parks near Denver?

You can visit the Arches National Park and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Other options include the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

• Which is the less-explored national park in Colorado?

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the least-explored national park in Denver , Colorado. Not more than 300,000 tourists visited it in 2022.

• What are some good road trips from Denver by car?

You can visit Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Santa Fey in New Mexico by car. You only need a few hours to get to these places for a weekend.

Category: Industry News

Anna Johnson is a seasoned writer at SpinnyWheels.com, specializing in delivering unparalleled insights on the art of car rental. With a robust educational foundation in Business Administration and over a decade of immersion in the travel industry, Anna harmonizes expertise and enthusiasm to offer invaluable advice for seamless car rental experiences.

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Budget Travel Buff

13 Best Weekend Trips from Denver, CO

With national parks, world-class skiing, mountain resort towns, and hot springs, there are so many incredible weekend trips from Denver to check out. With trips ranging from an hour to a few hour’s drive, there are plenty of weekend getaway options to escape city life and explore the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

Did you try out cheeseburger at Humpty Dumpty Drive in Denver or did you know Denver gets its first snow in October? Whether you’re driving and staying in a hotel, car camping or you rented an RV in Denver for the weekend , these are the best weekend getaways from Denver, Colorado. Let’s know where you can go from Denver!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay any extra penny, but I’ll get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Peaks rising over 14,000 feet, glistening crystal-clear alpine lakes, luscious meadows filled with wildflowers, and abundant wildlife sightings are just a few reasons to head to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Located just an hour and a half northeast of Denver, this is the perfect weekend getaway destination from Denver. With over 350 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives offering impressive mountain views, ranger-led horseback riding trips, and plenty of camping and backpacking options there are plenty of ways to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park .

While visits in the summer provide the warmest weather, the park is worth visiting year-round. Denver is one of the warmest places to live in Colorado . But during the winter, the snow-covered peaks and meadows make for a tranquil experience with far fewer visitors than in the summer. However, certain parts of the park are only accessible in the summer. Between June to October cruise along Trail Ridge Road  for some of the best views in the park.

Also, as of summer 2020, during the high season, park reservations are required. Acquire your timed entry permit online ahead of time at recreation.gov if you plan to visit from May to October.

Read More: Winter Wonderland: Top 4 Ice Caves in Colorado to Explore

2. Estes Park

Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s about 90 minutes northwest of Denver and is a great pit stop on your way to the park, or a weekend trip destination with all the attractions surrounding this lovely mountain town.

Enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains from the aerial tramway cable car up to the summit of Prospect Mountain . It operates daily from the end of May to early September. Or go for a stroll, fish for trout, or enjoy some water activities on Lake Estes.

Estes Park also offers plenty of accommodations and restaurants downtown. Sip wine at Snow Peaks Winery, adventure off-road on a jeep tour, or head into town to enjoy some local shopping. For a luxury night stay book a night at the historic Stanely Hotel.

With the variety of options from mountains to a chill town, this is one of the best weekend getaways from Denver.

3. Colorado Springs : Best Weekend Getaway from Denver

Colorado Springs sits at the base of the glacially carved Rocky Mountains, featuring the prominent Pikes Peak in the distance and the beautiful red sculpted rocks, Garden of the Gods  park in the foreground.

Just over an hour from Denver, this city is a great day trip or full weekend trip destination . If you’re an avid hiker, make your way up the grueling trail to summit Pikes Peak. Or for a more relaxing experience, take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway  or drive your own vehicle up. But don’t be surprised if you feel a bit dizzy at the summit; at 14,115 ft of elevation, you might feel the lack of oxygen in your brain!

Colorado Springs is surrounded by over 300 miles of trails throughout the surrounding national forests and in Garden of the Gods park. From the park, you can take the perfect photo of the red rocks and mountain background. Or hike through the unique sandstone formations.

Recommended post: Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for?

4. Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is about 3 hours northwest of Denver. With its variety of both summer and winter activities, it’s one of the best weekend trips from Denver.

For outdoor enthusiasts, winters here are well known for visits to the Steamboat Springs ski resort. It’s not one of the largest resorts in the state so it’s less touristy and still features great terrain and generally really good snow conditions.

For a relaxing visit, Old Town Hot Springs located in the center of downtown is famous for relaxing in the geothermally heated pools. If you arrive during the summer, ride the scenic chairlifts, go for a hike, go horseback riding, or take a hot air balloon tour.

5. Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs is a small historic town located about 45 minutes west of Denver and is just a few miles off Highway 70. It originally grew to fame as a mining town during the 1880s because of the gold rush but is now also visited as a spot for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

For a summer weekend getaway in Idaho Springs go rafting or camping. If you’re into Gold Rush history visit the Pheonix Gold Mine , check out the Argo Mill and Tunnel , or stop by the Idaho Springs Museum and Visitor Center.

With its close distance to Denver, Idaho Springs is also a great spot for a day trip or a quick weekend trip near Denver.

6. Glenwood Springs : Top Weekend Trip from Denver

Geothermal springs, bright-colored lakes, and a relaxing resort city, Glenwood Springs is located about 4 hours from Denver and is a great weekend trip. This small city is one of the most affordable places to visit in Colorado . Glenwood Springs sits in the rugged part of the Rocky Mountains surrounded by White River National Forest.

Check out Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or Iron Mountain Hot Springs for a nice soak in the naturally heated water while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. If you enjoy scenic strolls take a walk along the Rio Grande Trail. For great hiking explore Glenwood Canyon or Hanging Lake.

Hanging Lake is one of the most famous natural formations in Colorado. Its unique geologic formation and appearance were formed when a geologic fault forced the bed of the lake off the above valley, leaving behind Bridal Veil Falls trickling into Hanging Lake.

The lake is a striking bright blue-green color because of the minerals that have dissolved into it over time. Permits and reservations are required to enter so plan your visit ahead of time.

7. Great Sand Dunes National Park

This national park is located about 4 hours south of Denver. It’s home to the largest sand dunes in North America with dunes rising around 750 feet tall! Not only is this park famous for its majestic dunes, what really makes it special are the breathtaking mountain peaks in the distant background, making for the perfect photo spot.

This park is fun for all visitors . There are plenty of hikes throughout the dunes, however, hiking here is much harder than on a regularly maintained trail so prepare for your legs to burn as you climb uphill. In addition to the dunes, the park is also home to miles of trails near alpine lakes, wetlands, grasslands, and shrublands. While visiting, always look out for the diverse wildlife and carry a small binocular .

For an adrenalin-rushing experience, go sandboarding or sand sledding! You can rent boards at the visitor center or at other nearby shops and slide down the dunes anywhere throughout the dune fields!

If you visit during the summer take a dip at Medano Creek or tour the park during the night for the best photo opportunities of the Milky Way. Check the moon calendar and plan your trip during a new moon for the best views of the night sky.

If you take the western route through the mountains all alien believers should stop at the funky UFO Watchtower attraction in Alamosa.

8. Fort Collins

The craft beer capital of Colorado: Fort Collins. Sip brews at some of the largest and most famous breweries in the country. New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing Company, and Left Hand Brewing, as well as many smaller breweries, are some of the amazing drinking options you can choose from here.

The city is located just over an hour drive from Denver and is also well known for Colorado State University, its access to outdoor activities, and its bicycle-friendly culture. Downtown is filled with restaurants, local small business shops, and coffee shops.

Near Fort Collins, there are plenty of outdoor activities within close distance to the city. Head to Poudre Canyon  to go whitewater rafting or kayaking. Drive a bit west and you’ll end up in Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forest  where there is plenty of hiking and camping.

In addition to the public city parks, Fort Collins is also known as a very dog-friendly city in Colorado. The city features several fenced-in dog parks where pets can run off-leash and there are drinking fountains and shade shelters.

9. Crested Butte

A ski town in the winter and a mountain biking mecca in the summer. Crested Butte is a small town nestled high in Colorado’s mountains about 4 hours away from Denver. In the spring and early summer, it’s become well known for the beautiful wildflower blooms.

While Crested Butte is small compared to other Colorado mountain towns, the main street is filled with brightly colored buildings, restaurants, and shops. Explore the town like a local and enjoy your breakfast at Butte Bagels followed by a stop at Townie Books .

Crested Butte is far less visited than most other towns throughout Colorado so it’s a great place to relax for a weekend escape from Denver.

Vail is home to one of the largest ski resorts in the US. It’s known for its incredible, diverse terrain and many visitors say it has some of the best conditions in the country. It’s easily one of the most famous ski options located near Denver.

Vail Resorts also own nearby locations including Keystone, Breckenridge, and Beaver Creek. Located within a few miles you can spend your weekend hopping around to different mountains if you’d like.

But Vail isn’t only known for its winter activities. The main street downtown is filled with luxury shopping, dining, and accommodations. In the summer spend your day zip-lining, tubing, or whitewater rafting.

11. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a great long weekend road trip from Denver, CO. Located in the western part of Colorado, it’s about 6 hours away from Denver. It’s famous for its deep, narrow, and steep canyon reaching 2,722 feet deep where it meets the Gunnison River.

The park is home to the Painted Wall , the tallest cliff in Colorado standing 2,250 feet from water to the canyon rim. Hike down into the canyon to discover this area or go on an overnight trip from Denver. Rock climbing and kayaking are also popular activities in the park. The Gunnison River  is also famous for its trout fishing.

If you enjoy a more chill national park trip you can drive along both the North and South Rims or take the windy East Portal Road from the canyon rim down to the river. This road is very steep with grades reaching over 16% so make sure your brakes are working!

While summer days bring the most sun to the canyon the hot temperatures are difficult to enjoy. Explore the park at night for a chance to see an incredible stary sky. Or explore the park during the winter when it’s covered in snow. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.

This charming mountain town is known as the Little Switzerland of Colorado. Denver is about 6 hours from Ouray so plan a long weekend road trip to enjoy this area. And while it is most famous as a winter ice climbing destination, it’s a great spot to visit at any time of year.

The downtown area is filled with restaurants, shops, a brewery, and both quaint and modern hotel accommodations. In the summer spend your day hiking, climbing, or on the new Via Ferrata course.

With year-round activities, a friendly local community, the surrounding mountain views, and activities for all types of travelers, this is one of the best weekend trips from Denver.

Aspen is another resort town just over 3 hours west of Denver. The resort, Aspen Snowmass, is well known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and bike trails and ziplines in the summer. It is also known for its glitzy resort area with hotels, shopping, and restaurants.

Just outside of Aspen is a famous wilderness area called Maroon Bells. It’s one of the most visited areas in Colorado and features some of Colorado’s iconic mountain peaks. There are plenty of hiking and backpacking trails throughout that region.

With the massive Rocky Mountains, relaxing resort cities with spas, unique parks, and plenty of outdoor activities there are so many weekend trips from Denver, Colorado for any type of traveler. With such a variety throughout the state, there are plenty of places to visit at any time of year. So start planning your weekend getaway now to see the best of Colorado!

Read Next :

• Enjoy Bungee Jumping in Colorado
• 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado

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Even though some people might say that the nature of Colorado is pretty dull and has the same parks, mountains, and hitching spots all around the state, I am personally very much amused by the environmental features of Denver. I have been there three times and all of them were not similar to one another. I had an incredible experience meeting the gorgeous nature of Denver, and highly suggest everyone go and visit the amazing places listed in the article.

Thank you, Marina, for your suggestion.

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15 Best Weekend Trips from Denver for the Colorado Adventurer

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If you’re looking for the best weekend trips from Denver, then look no further! As a Colorado local, born and raised, I’m listing my favorite getaway locations.

The Mile High City is an amazing place to live , but it’s always nice to escape the hustle and bustle on a weekend trip from Denver. 

In less than a handful of hours you can be on a road trip across the state to some of the most scenic and stunning towns in the United States.

From the majestic Rocky Mountains to all of the activities available in nearby tourist hotspots, there are plenty of places to explore and sights to see. 

Here is a list of my favorite weekend getaways that are sure to please any Colorado-bound adventurer.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the best weekend trips from Denver is an escape to Rocky Mountain National Park.

In less than an hour and a half from Denver, this stunning national park offers breathtaking views and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. 

By booking a private tour , you’ll have the flexibility to customize your itinerary to your interests and pace. Take in the stunning scenery as you hike along gorgeous trails and photograph diverse wildlife.

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

This natural wonderland is filled with towering peaks over 14,000 feet tall. The landscape is full of glimmering alpine lakes, lush wildflower-filled meadows, and a wealth of wildlife. 

Inside RMNP there are over 350 miles of hiking trails, not to mention scenic drives boasting stunning mountain vistas. From June to October, take a leisurely drive along Trail Ridge Road for some of the park’s best views.  

Although the summer months bring the warmest weather, the park is a must-visit destination any time of year. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, this destination has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Distance from Denver: 66 miles

Time from Denver: 1 hour 23 minutes

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver 🤩 5/5 stars (1,900+ reviews)

2. Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak

Colorado Springs is home to some of the most epic destinations in all of North America, including Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak .

And you can explore two of Colorado’s most breathtaking natural wonders on a small-group trip from Denver. First, marvel at the stunning views from the top of Pikes Peak, one of the state’s most famous mountains. 

Then, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Garden of the Gods. This unique and awe-inspiring park features towering sandstone formations and breathtaking vistas. 

Join a knowledgeable guide who will provide fascinating insights into the history and geology of the area. Plus, find out tips for the best spots to take in the breathtaking views.

This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see two of Colorado’s most stunning natural wonders in one day. 

Add a tour of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak to your weekend trip from Denver and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Distance from Denver: 70 miles

Time from Denver: 1 hour 25 minutes

Book a Trip to Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods 🤩 5/5 stars (800+ reviews)

3. The Continental Divide

Another stunning destination to add to your list of weekend trips from Denver is the Continental Divide . 

In Colorado, the Continental Divide runs along the Rocky Mountains and separates the eastern and western parts of the state. 

It offers some of the most incredible landscape in the country and is well-known for stunning views of the Colorado Rockies.

The Continental Divide is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and fishing.

Start your day by exploring Red Rocks Park, known for its incredible natural amphitheater and towering red rock formations. 

Next, take in the stunning views from the Continental Divide, where the mighty Rocky Mountains soar high into the sky. 

This small group tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Colorado, with a knowledgeable guide to show you the way. 

From rugged mountains to picturesque towns, a tour along the Continental Divide has something for everyone. 

Distance from Denver: 251 miles

Time from Denver: 5 hours 16 minutes

Visit the Continental Divide 🤩 5/5 stars (170+ reviews)

4. Breckenridge

The town of Breckenridge is an absolute favorite of mine, and one of the best weekend trips from Denver. It makes for an epic weekend trip with historic architecture, boutique shops, and local restaurants. 

Plus, it’s close to famous ski resorts like Breckenridge Resort, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. Regardless of what time of year you visit, there are tons of things to do. 

I recommend visiting the Breckenridge Troll, or taking a ride on the free BreckConnect gondola . 

The ride up to Peak 8 takes you over the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve where you can expect to see bald eagles, foxes, and moose.

The Welcome Center near the Blue River offers a wealth of information, maps, and history about the town and surrounding area.

Take time for lunch with snacks and beverages included, then as you travel back to Denver you’ll pass through Eisenhower Tunnel. It’s the longest, highest, passenger car tunnel in the world.

If you’re looking for a weekend trip to Breckenridge, immerse yourself in the scenery and adventure of this full day mountain town tour.

Distance from Denver: 80 miles

Time from Denver: 1 hour 28 minutes

Book a Breckenridge Mountain Day Trip from Denver 🤩 5/5 stars (160+ reviews)

5. Central City

If you’re looking to explore the history of the Colorado Gold Rush, then a stroll through the historic town of Central City is a must. 

Located a quick 45-minute drive from Denver, Central City, and its sister city Black Hawk, are unlike any other destinations in Colorado. 

They are both known for being one of the few cities in the state to host fully operational casinos and gaming resorts. Not to mention Central City offers a unique blend of history, entertainment, and outdoor activities. 

Take a stroll through the city center and explore its historical landmarks, quirky local businesses, and unique architecture. Learn about the history of the 1859 gold rush and take a tour of a real gold mine. 

You and your family can experience what it was really like to be a Colorado gold miner back in the 1860s.

During the peak gold rush days, the historic streets of Central City were once considered to be the richest square mile on earth.

Book a tour of this historic Colorado Gold Rush town and add it to your weekend trip from Denver.

Distance from Denver: 38 miles

Time from Denver: 46 minutes

Book a Colorado Gold Rush Mine Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (likely to sell out)

6. Idaho Springs

After a quick 30-minute drive from Denver you’ll come to the lovely town of Idaho Springs.

This former mining town is home to outdoor activities like white water rafting, hiking, and shopping down main street. But the main thing the city is known for is the Indian Hot Springs Resort.

This facility was built into the side of the mountain between 1903 and 1911. And it’s considered one of the best hot springs near Denver .

Experience the soothing effects of naturally hot mineral water in the walk-in hot tubs and caves.

Each cave is gender specific, so bathing suits are optional if you choose. And the naturally hot mineral water is kept at temperatures ranging from 104 to 112 degrees.

Another popular activity in Idaho Springs is glacier hiking at Saint Mary’s Glacier and exploring geothermal cave pools. These natural attractions offer incredible panoramic views all year long. 

All expenses, including parking, water, snacks, admission to the hot springs, equipment, and transportation, are fully covered and included in your tour package.

Take a quick break from the city and join a tour of Idaho Springs and St Mary’s Glacier, just a short hour drive from Denver.

Distance from Denver: 33 miles 

Time from Denver: 38 minutes

Book a Glacier Hiking & Idaho Springs Day 🤩 5/5 stars (100+ reviews)

7. Estes Park

The charming mountain town of Estes Park is nestled in the north central region of Colorado at an altitude of 7,500 feet. 

It’s known for being on the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park as well as the home to the famous Stanley Hotel. This haunted landmark is both full of history and ghostly sightings.

Aside from this, Estes Park boasts a variety of other must-see attractions, including the picturesque Lake Estes.

In the summer, the Lake Estes Marina offers rentals for kayaks, paddle boards, and motorized fishing boats.

The charming downtown district is full of shops and restaurants, including the famous Riverwalk. In the fall, you’ll see a remarkable sight of hundreds of elk roaming the city during their rutting season. 

With a small population of just 6,000 residents, Estes Park offers a tranquil escape and the chance to be surrounded by nature. 

And with its convenient location near the Front Range, reaching Estes Park is a breeze.

8. Glenwood Springs

It’s no secret that the town of Glenwood Springs is one of my favorite small mountain towns in Colorado.

Located just 4 hours from Denver, Glenwood Springs is a charming small town with lots of fun things to do. The city is surrounded by the rugged Rocky Mountains and the White River National Forest. 

This affordable destination is the perfect escape for those looking for relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. 

Relax day or night in a soothing soak at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool , the world’s largest hot springs pool, and enjoy the stunning mountain views. 

Take a scenic walk along the Rio Grande Trail, explore the rugged terrain of Glenwood Canyon, or hike to the famous Hanging Lake. 

Hanging Lake is one of Colorado’s most famous natural wonders. It’s renowned for its striking blue-green color which is the result of minerals that have dissolved in the lake over time. 

Be sure to plan ahead, as permits and reservations are required to enter this breathtaking destination. 

Distance from Denver: 157 miles

Time from Denver: 2 hours 35 minutes

9. Telluride

Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is everyone’s favorite mountain town for good reason. 

This Colorado mountain town is situated inside of a box canyon, making it look as if it’s something out of postcard.

From upscale shopping and dining to skiing in the winter or waterfall hiking in the summer, Telluride has it all. Enjoy a relaxing day out at any one of the top notch spas. 

Or spend time strolling along main street viewing the stately buildings and historic architecture. Then, take the free gondola to Mountain Village for even more shopping and gourmet eating options. 

The popular Bridal Veil Falls near the town is Colorado’s highest free-falling waterfall. Any time of year this destination makes for an incredibly beautiful photo opportunity.

A visit to Telluride makes for a long weekend getaway from Denver that’s not to be missed.

Distance from Denver: 362 miles

Time from Denver: 6 hours 10 minutes

Just two hours west of Denver lies the glitzy ski resort town of Aspen . Although the town is known for world-class skiing, there’s so much more to explore in this small town.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or cultural enrichment, Aspen is a charming and picturesque mountain town that’s perfect for a weekend trip.

Take a stroll down the historic streets and check out the beautiful Victorian architecture.

Take an art tour through downtown Aspen where you can find charming shops and galleries showcasing local artwork, such as the Aspen Art Museum.

For those who love the outdoors, Aspen has plenty of hiking trails and nature walks to choose from. This includes the Maroon Bells, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado . 

You can even try your hand at fly-fishing or take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s eye view of the town and surrounding mountains. 

Aspen is also a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from. If you’re looking for something more casual, try one of the many food trucks located around town. 

No matter what your interests are, Aspen, Colorado is a great weekend trip destination from Denver. 

Distance from Denver: 198 miles

Time from Denver: 3 hours 42 minutes  

11. Fort Collins

Enjoy a relaxing weekend trip from Denver in the heart of Colorado’s craft beer scene: Fort Collins . 

This charming city is home to some of the largest and most renowned breweries in the country, including New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing Company.

For those seeking a smaller, more intimate experience, there are also plenty of local microbreweries to choose from. 

Located just over an hour from Denver, Fort Collins is a hub of outdoor adventure. The town’s crowning jewels are Colorado State University and its thriving downtown area. 

From the city’s small business shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses to the many outdoor activities in the surrounding areas, there’s always something to keep you entertained. 

Near Fort Collins, you’ll find Poudre Canyon or Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forest. Both offer whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping as incredible outdoor activities.

And if you’re traveling with your furry best friend, Fort Collins has you covered. As one of Colorado’s most dog-friendly cities , Fort Collins features numerous fenced-in dog parks for your pet to run, play, and socialize.

For those seeking outdoor thrills, Fort Collins is the place to be.

Distance from Denver: 65 miles

Time from Denver: 1 hour 7 minutes  

12. Gunnison

For a quick weekend trip from Denver, look no further than the charming town of Gunnison, Colorado. 

Located just over 200 miles southwest of Denver, Gunnison is surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains. Because of this, the city is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

During the winter months, visitors can hit the slopes at nearby Crested Butte Mountain Resort or take part in activities such as snowshoeing and ice fishing. 

In the summer, hiking and biking trails abound thanks to the gorgeous Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park . The Gunnison River also provides opportunities for fishing and rafting. 

Beyond its natural beauty, the city of Gunnison also offers a variety of cultural attractions. 

The Gunnison Pioneer Museum provides a glimpse into the town’s history. While local art galleries, like Gunnison Arts Center, showcase the work of Colorado artists. 

Next time you’re in need of a weekend escape, consider making the trip to Gunnison. With its breathtaking scenery and small-town charm, it’s sure to be a trip you won’t forget.

Distance from Denver: 201 miles

Time from Denver: 3 hours 35 minutes  

13. Durango

Another popular weekend trip from Denver is Durango, which is a charming town surrounded by the staggering San Juan Mountains. 

Located just over 300 miles southwest of Denver, this destination is a great option that shouldn’t be missed. It’s even one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado , if you want to live near the border. 

The smaller mountain town offers incredible natural beauty as well as high quality restaurants and breweries. 

In the winter, visitors can hit the slopes at the nearby Purgatory Resort or enjoy activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. 

In the warmer months, the Animas River provides opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and fishing. And the surrounding mountains are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. 

Beyond its natural beauty, Durango is also rich in history and culture. Visitors can ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is one of the most scenic train rides in Colorado .

Or take a stroll through the town’s historic district, which boasts a variety of Victorian-era buildings. You can also spend a day exploring Mesa Verde National Park, which is a true historic wonder.

Durango is also home to a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, including the Animas Brewing Company which is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts. 

With its combination of natural beauty, history, and culture, Durango has something for everyone. 

Distance from Denver: 337 miles

Time from Denver: 6 hours 18 minutes

14. Pagosa Springs

A list of the best weekend trips from Denver isn’t complete without mentioning Pagosa Springs. 

Pagosa Springs, Colorado is located just over 200 miles southwest of the city. It is perfect for anyone seeking a hot springs experience with a little more peace and quiet than Glenwood Springs offers. 

The natural hot springs in the area are said to have healing properties. Visitors can soak in the hot springs at various locations throughout town, including the popular Springs Resort & Spa.

The resort also offers a variety of spa treatments, including massages and facials, for those seeking further relaxation.

Beyond the hot springs, Pagosa Springs offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Head out into Nature Park to explore its miles of trails offering stunning views of surrounding mountainsides and valleys below.

Or check out the nearby San Juan National Forest which offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing and horseback riding.

When it gets cold, the Wolf Creek Ski Area offers some of the best skiing in Colorado , with an average of 430 inches of snowfall per year. 

With its combination of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure, Pagosa Springs is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. 

Time from Denver: 1 hour 20 minutes

15. Crested Butte

Looking for a weekend adventure in the mountains? Head to Crested Butte, Colorado, just over 200 miles southwest of Denver. 

Crested Butte is a charming, historic town surrounded by the stunning Elk Mountains, offering endless outdoor adventure opportunities. 

Hit the slopes at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, known for its challenging terrain and stunning views in the winter. The resort also offers other winter activities, such as snowmobiling and ice skating. 

Then as the weather warms up, Crested Butte transforms into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The surrounding mountains offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and the nearby Gunnison River provides opportunities for fishing and rafting. 

Visitors can also take part in activities such as horseback riding and rock climbing. 

Beyond outdoor adventure, Crested Butte also offers a variety of cultural attractions. The Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum provides a glimpse into the town’s mining history. 

With its combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Crested Butte is perfect for a weekend trip from Denver. 

Distance from Denver: 228 miles

Time from Denver: 4 hours 29 minutes

There are so many incredible places within driving distance from Denver that make great weekend trips. 

Whether you want to relax in hot springs, go hiking in national parks, or explore charming mountain towns, Colorado has something for everyone! 

I hope this list of the best weekend getaways from Denver allows you to escape the city and take in the stunning nearby mountain views.

Colorado Native & Personal Chef

Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. Being a rare unicorn to have grown up in CO, he has a unique perspective on the changes here and knows all the hidden spots to get outside in this state. Ryan's a classically French trained chef so he LOVES to try new foods and places to eat. When he's not experimenting in the kitchen or working as a personal chef along the Front Range, he loves to get outdoors and away from it all hiking, camping and backpacking.

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• Eat + Drink

PSST… 9 Road Trip Destinations Within a 6-Hour Drive from Denver

With its towering mountains, unrivaled craft beer scene and endless entertainment, Denver is a popular destination for tourists all across the country. There’s no mistaking the Mile High City’s draw for both residents and visitors alike. So we understand why you wouldn’t want to leave this magical city in the heart of the Rockies.

However, in a matter of hours, you can access a number of wonderful destinations surrounding Denver — from quaint mountain towns to larger cities located across the Colorado border. All you need is a long weekend, a little coffee, and a good podcast to pass the time.

Make plans to visit one of these amazing places in the region on your next long weekend. Whether you prefer a laid-back hot springs town or an artsy city bursting with personality, there’s somewhere for you to explore!

Road Trip Destinations From Denver:

Steamboat Springs, CO

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Distance: About 3 Hours

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains just northwest of Denver, Steamboat Springs is a charming mountain town with lots to see, taste and experience. While Steamboat is a popular destination for skiing and other snow activities during the winter , there is so much to do here during the spring , summer and fall . The tourism industry at Steamboat centers on the Steamboat Ski Resort at Mount Werner, considered Colorado’s premier family-friendly ski resort and vacation destination. Another popular skiing destination (and a more laid-back option!) is the Howelsen Hill Ski Area , which is North America’s oldest operating ski area.

While you’re not hitting the slopes, there is plenty to do in Steamboat Springs, including shopping, dining and hiking the nearby trails . There are two main areas for shopping, dining and entertainment — Gondola Square and the downtown area. You can even take advantage of the free bus system available at every commercial lodging property to get shuttled to your destination. Don’t miss the Steamboat Art Museum , Off the Beaten Path (a bookstore), Yampa River Botanic Park , Aurum Food & Wine , the Tread of Pioneers Museum , Grizzle-T Dog Sledding , Fish Creek Falls , the Steamboat Gondola and more.

The city is also known for its exceptional hot springs, including the long-standing Old Town Hot Springs in the heart of town and the more rustic Strawberry Park Hot Springs just north of Steamboat. Learn more about these relaxing natural phenomenons here .

Photo Courtesy of Trailhead Lodge

Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs: Trailhead Lodge , a family-friendly resort in the residential Wildhorse Meadows community with exclusive gondola access, a fitness center, a swimming pool, hot tubs and much more.

Distance: About 3 Hours, 30 Minutes

If you’re a Dumb & Dumber fan, you are well aware of a little place called…Aspen. This charming mountain town is filled with adventure, from exhilarating ski slopes to exceptional dining destinations.

As you can expect for a ski resort town, Aspen is an especially popular destination during the winter. Four ski mountains make up the world-renowned Aspen Snowmass Resort , including Aspen Mountain (or Ajax), Buttermilk Mountain , Aspen Highlands and Snowmass . Other nearby wintertime activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. And during the summer, visitors and residents enjoy rafting, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, paragliding and much more. After all, Aspen residents often say they “came to Aspen for the winter but stayed for the summer.”

No trip to Aspen is complete without stopping at Maroon Bells for a picture, going to Aspen Brewing Company for a local brew, seeing a show at Wheeler Opera House or Theatre Aspen , stopping by the John Denver Sanctuary , admiring art at the Aspen Art Museum , playing a round of golf at Aspen Golf and Tennis Club , and enjoying BBQ at Home Team Barbecue .

Photo Courtesy of Aspen Meadows Resort

Where to Stay in Aspen: Aspen Meadows Resort , a contemporary hotel just five minutes from downtown with spacious guest suites, incredible views, a complimentary shuttle, a health club and much more.

Distance: About 3 Hours, 45 Minutes

Photo Courtesy of Visit Palisade

Situated just west of Grand Junction, Palisade is a tiny town with a huge personality. Named for the cliffs near the town site, Palisade is known around the country for its peaches and abundance of vineyards. But there’s so much more to explore in this friendly little town!

Perched on the edge of the Grand Mesa along the Colorado River, Palisade is a popular destination for fishing, hiking, rafting, biking and other outdoor activities. But as mentioned, many travel all the way to Palisade simply for the peaches. With an ideal climate, an 182-day growing season, and an average 78 percent of sunshine, Palisade is considered “The Peach Capital of Colorado.” The town celebrates this delicious fruit with the Palisade Peach Festival each summer, marking the harvest of over 500,000 Elberta peach trees from more than 300 local growers. Places like Peach Tree Distillery use locally grown peaches to create spirits, which can be sampled in their tasting room. Go straight to the source with a journey along the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway , which passes by beautiful orchards, lavender gardens, world-class vineyards, premium wineries, and fresh farm market fruit stands in the region.

Speaking of wine, Palisade is filled with a number of exceptional wineries , including Plum Creek Cellars , Red Fox Cellars , Grande River Vineyard , St. Kathryn Cellars , Maison la Belle Vie , Colterris Wines , Carlson Vineyards Winery , and Mesa Park Winery . Celebrate all this wine at the annual Colorado Mountain Winefest in the fall!

…And return in April for the Honeybee Festival and the summer for the Colorado Lavender Festival ! If your visit falls during the winter, don’t fret — Palisade has plenty to do in the winter, including downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Photos Courtesy of Spoke and Vine Motel

Where to Stay in Palisade: Spoke and Vine Motel , a freshly reinvented, dog-friendly motel featuring thoughtful design and clean, comfortable rooms — just steps from the restaurants and wine bars in Palisade!

For a more rustic destination, complete with dune exploration and camping under the stars, look no further than Great Sand Dunes National Park . Situated just less than 4 hours away from Denver, this massive national park is filled with adventure and awe-inspiring views.

Great Sand Dunes National Park encompasses 107,342 acres, while the adjacent national preserve protects an additional 41,686 acres, for a grand total of 149,028 acres of sand-filled fun. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, which reach up to 750 feet. Visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park enjoy hiking and backpacking , sandboarding and sand sledding , splashing in Medano Creek , horseback riding , fishing , hunting and much more. The park is open all day and all night year-round, but take a look at the expected weather conditions to adequately prepare for your visit.

Alamosa is one of the closest nearby towns, providing plenty of places to eat, shop and stay the night. But we recommend camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park for the ultimate rustic experience in nature. Some of the best area campgrounds include Oasis Campground , Zapata Falls Campground , Piñon Flats Campground , and Mosca Campground .

Photo Courtesy of Hipcamp

Where to Stay in Great Sand Dunes National Park: Piñon Flats Campground , a popular campground in the park with 88 sites for tents or RVs up to 35 feet, operating on a first come, first served basis.

Distance: About 5 Hours, 30 Minutes

Cross the state line into Utah with a trip to Moab, perfectly situated between two of the Mighty 5® National Parks —  Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park . Each year, visitors from across the globe travel to Moab, considered one of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations in the American Southwest.

A visit to Moab would not be complete without spending ample time at both national parks just minutes from town. Canyonlands National Park is known for its gorgeous desert landscape with the Colorado River winding throughout. Head to Island in the Sky for panoramic views, and don’t miss the Native American rock paintings in Horseshoe Canyon. Arches National Park features more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the enormous Delicate Arch and the long and thin Landscape Arch. The contrast of the bright blue sky against stunning red-hued rock formations will take your breath away.

Moab is a popular destination for mountain biking, hiking, climbing, rafting, kayaking, cross-country skiing, offroading, and many more action-packed activities. After all this adventure, fuel up with a bite to eat and a locally brewed beer at Moab Brewery , the city’s largest restaurant and only microbrewery and distillery. The downtown area is filled with plenty of restaurants, shops, breweries, art galleries and much more.

Photo Courtesy of Under Canvas Moab

Where to Stay in Moab: Under Canvas Moab , a luxurious “glamping” campground in a peaceful 40-acre desert setting just minutes from Moab.

Distance: About 6 Hours

Named for their dark appearance from a distance, the Black Hills are a small, isolated mountain range in the Great Plains of western South Dakota, extending into Wyoming. Home to small historic towns like Deadwood, Custer, Hill City, Hot Springs, Keystone and more, The Black Hills attracts millions of visitors every year. But it is perhaps most known for its monumental attraction known across the globe — Mount Rushmore.

Completed in 1941, the massive sculpture carved into the granite hillside of Mount Rushmore features 60-foot heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, representing the birth, growth, development and preservation of the United States. If you haven’t yet stood in front of this impressive monument, you must add this to your bucket list.

There is so much more to explore in the Black Hills, from quaint Gold Rush-era towns to endless outdoor recreation. Some of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations in the Black Hills include Custer State Park , Wind Cave , Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak), Sylvan Lake , Badlands National Park , Crazy Horse Memorial , Evans Plunge , and Spearfish Canyon . Be sure to visit Prairie Berry Winery for fruit-infused wines and Miner Brewing Co. for a local beer or two — both are located in Hill City!

Photo Courtesy of Hinterwood Inn & Cabins

Where to Stay in the Black Hills: Hinterwood Inn & Cabins , a former bed & breakfast converted into modern-meets-rustic vacation rentals and several newly built cabins, all nestled in a quiet valley just minutes from the area’s best attractions.

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills lies the serene Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico — and an incredible road trip destination, as it is just six hours from Denver. The quaint city is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and thriving arts culture.

The traditional plaza acts as the heart of the city, as it is filled with some of the best restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries, plus plenty of benches for people watching. Some must-visit places in Santa Fe include the Palace of the Governors , Loretto Chapel , the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum , the Canyon Road Arts District , the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi , the New Mexico Museum of Art , the Santa Fe Opera , SITE Santa Fe , and the Museum of International Folk Art . Trust us — you’ll get a large dose of art and culture while in Santa Fe! And if you just roam the streets of the plaza, you’re sure to encounter vendors selling the gorgeous turquoise jewelry the city is known for.

Once you get the standard attractions checked off your list, think outside the box with a visit to Meow Wolf . This unique interactive museum creates immersive experiences that transport visitors into fantastic realms of story and exploration. This includes art installations, video and music production, and extended reality content.

Photo Courtesy of Inn on the Alameda

Where to Stay in Santa Fe: Inn on the Alameda , a small, cozy (and pet-friendly!) inn with Southwestern decor just steps from the historic Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road.

Photo Courtesy of Hot Springs Travel & Tourism

Situated in central Wyoming, Thermopolis is the home of the largest mineral hot springs in the world, The Big Spring, which is located in Hot Springs State Park. But there’s so much more to do in this hot springs town, appropriately named Thermopolis after the Greek word for “hot city.”

Local water parks, Star Plunge and Hellie’s TePee Pools , offer indoor and outdoor pools with water slides, hot tubs, steam rooms, and gift shops. Other must-do attractions include the Wyoming Dinosaur Center , Swinging Bridge, Bighorn Canyon , Wind River Canyon , Legend Rock Petroglyphs and more.

You could spend your entire trip at Hot Springs State Park , filled with hot springs aplenty. Here, you can witness Wyoming’s state herd of bison, admire the Big Spring, and walk across the Swinging Bridge to see Rainbow Terraces and the Bighorn River. The state park is open for day use (sunrise to sunset) at no charge and the bath house is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Grass Creek Ranch

Where to Stay in Thermopolis: Grass Creek Ranch , an authentic working cattle ranch with a variety of cabin accommodations available at a reasonable price.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Valentine

With a name like Valentine, this small town in northern Nebraska can’t help but garner love from all over the region. Valentine is an especially popular destination for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts, as it is home to exceptional golf courses and a variety of adventure-filled destinations in its rolling sandhills with a winding river.

Many head to Valentine for hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, tubing, kayaking, hunting, fishing, camping and more. One of the most popular places to do several of the above is Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge , a former frontier fort and the current home to a herd of bison, elk and prairie dogs. Opt for a driving tour to see all three — or take the journey on foot along the Niobrara River to see Fort Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area.

Other must-see destinations in Valentine include Valentine City Park , The Prairie Club golf course, Centennial Hall Museum , Merritt Reservoir , Niobrara Valley Vineyards , The Sandhill , Cowboy Trail , and more.

Photo Courtesy of Heartland Elk Guest Ranch

Where to Stay in Valentine: Heartland Elk Guest Ranch , a ranch nestled between pine-covered hills and the Niobrara River with cozy private cabins.

Hit the Road, Jack!

…But please do come back. Let us know what nearby destinations are on your bucket list! And remember to tag us on Instagram at @TheDenverEar and let us know where your road trip adventures take you.

nice sharing,

Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you

29 Nature-Fueled Road Trips from Denver You Need to Know About

• June 26, 2021
• By foxintheforest

Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by foxintheforest

Alright, so it’s no secret that one of the best things about living in the Mile High City is the incredible access to jaw-dropping nature in virtually any direction. This list of road trips from Denver covers all of the compass as you drive to uncover some of the most scenic spots in the USA.

From the mighty Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the red rock deserts of the American Southwest and even the rolling hills of South Dakota, you can get virtually anywhere with this list of the best road trips from Denver.

With so many different Denver road trips to choose from, you’ll have an action-packed itinerary ready for any time of the year. That’s the real beauty of Denver’s conveniently central location.

I’ve lived in the Mile High City for over 12 years. Throughout my time, I’ve done countless incredible road trips from Denver. I’m lucky enough to be a full-time outdoor writer for my day job, so embarking on a nature-filled road trip is part of my job. It’s my mission to give you real, local insights so you can travel like a seasoned pro, and not a tourist.

About this guide to Road Trips from Denver

Inside this guide to the most amazing road trips from Denver, you’ll get expert travel advice about how to beat the crowds along the hottest road trip stops in Colorado and beyond. Here’s what to expect:

• A look at when is the best time to take a road trip from Denver
• The list of the best road trips from Denver to do in a weekend (less than 6-hour drive)
• A look at the best road trips from Denver if you have 4 days (6 to 9-hour drive)
• Where to go on a week-long road trip from Denver (9 hours and up)
• Additional planning resources

When is the Best Time to Take a Road Trip from Denver?

Here’s a little secret about Colorado: literally any time is the best time to take a road trip from Denver. It really depends on what you want to accomplish during your trip and where you’re looking to go.

In general, fall and spring are lower seasons for tourism (and winter – depending on the destination), so if you’re looking for a quieter road trip, these seasons are excellent, especially for the desert and mountain destinations.

Summers are great for mountain locales and as long as you get an early (like 6 am) start at popular Colorado hikes , you’ll have some solitude. Avoid the desert in the summer since it’s deadly hot and not super enjoyable.

Winters can be not as accessible if your plan is to visit the mountains. However, if you’re into ski resorts in Colorado, then winter is certainly the time to travel. I find Moab in winter to be really lovely since it’s virtually empty, but it is cold so pack accordingly.

A Map of the Best Road Trips from Denver

Use this map of the best road trips from Denver to check out where the open road can take you. Whether you have a weekend, days, or weeks there’s an adventure just around the corner.

The Best Road Trips from Denver to Do in a Weekend

If you’re short on time, there’s no lack of day trips from Denver . However, if you have the itch to go on a weekend trip from Denver , these fantastic locations have quite a bit to offer. Each of these road trips from Denver is less than 6 hours away.

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Did you know that the largest sand dunes in North America are actually found at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado? Yup, these mystical dunes bubble up from a sacred Native American spring and have, over time, became a huge landmark with over 30 square miles of dunes.

Marked by a seasonally flowing stream (during springtime) these incredible dunes are well worth the visit. Climb to the highest dune – Star Dune, or backpack for a night on the sea of sand.

Watch the night’s sky come to life in this designated Dark Sky area. The views of the dunes from the park’s campground are a must-see too.

The park costs $25 to enter. This is one of the few dog-friendly national parks in the US.

Local Tip: If you plan on visiting multiple national parks in one year, consider picking up the America the Beautiful Pass .

Drive time from Denver : 3 hours 50 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 329 miles

2. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

For a skier’s getaway, look no further than the laid-back town of Steamboat Springs. Situated on the border of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, you can enjoy some of the best tree skiing in the entire mountain west.

If skiing isn’t your thing, don’t worry the Strawberry Park Hot Springs is the perfect Colorado hot springs to soak in. You can also indulge in snowshoeing, snowmobiling, relaxing in town, and tackling some of the best hikes in Steamboat Springs .

During the summer you can opt to go on an ATV ride, hike to Fish Creek Falls or have an adrenaline-pumping day riding down the mountain bike park at Steamboat Resort.

Drive time from Denver: 3 hours Drive distance from Denver: 156 miles

3. Glenwood Springs, Colorado

At the edge of Glenwood Canyon, you’ll find an adventure town teeming with hot springs, high-flying gondolas, and a hike that will put you in the heart of a fairytale. Glenwood Springs is a must-do stop on any Colorado road trip itinerary .

Known as one of the most scenic spots in Colorado , Hanging Lake is a bucket list destination. Permits are required to oggle at this unbelievable lake, but they aren’t too hard to come by with a little advanced planning (psst…earlier times mean fewer crowds).

  Local Tip: Hanging Lake has been experiencing temporary closures due to trail maintenance from the 2021 landslides (yup, even in 2024). Always check on the permit website for the most accurate and up-to-date info!

After your hike, you can soak in the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. If you still have some hikes in you, be sure to check out some of the amazing nearby hikes in Vail too (perfect for your drive out or back). Explore the town and enjoy all of the fun things to do in Glenwood Springs – one of the best weekend getaways in Colorado .

Drive time from Denver: 2 hours 40 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 157

4. Breckenridge, Colorado

As one of Colorado’s best mountain towns , you can’t go wrong with a weekend in Breckenridge. Home to Mt Quandary, one of the easiest 14ers in Colorado you can try your luck with a summit attempt along with one of many other incredible Breckenridge hikes .

Come to town for a festival weekend and enjoy the bright, cheery atmosphere of this mountain town. Eat at Ollies or the Breckenridge Brewery for a post-hike meal.

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Breckenridge for summer , and a visit to the famous wooden troll should be at the top of your list. Other amazing activities include SUPing, Kayaking, biking (road and mountain bikes), as well as camping.

If you have a 4WD vehicle with clearance, make your way up to Crystal Lake for sunset, one of Colorado’s best alpine lakes .

Local Tip: Some of the best free camping near Denver can be found along the many 4WD roads near Breckenridge.

Drive time from Denver: 1 hour 40 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 81 miles

Local Tip: Breckenridge in winter makes for an epic snowy escape – even if you don’t ski!

5. Moab, Utah

Arguably one of the most exciting Denver road trips, Moab makes for a fantastic weekend getaway. From incredibly scenic drives in Moab (don’t miss Gemini Bridges ) to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks , there are plenty of jaw-dropping things to do in Moab to keep you occupied for a weekend (or three).

Both Mesa Arch and Delicate Arch at sunris e are a must-see, along with other incredible hikes in Arches National Park . For things to do in Canyonlands, you can check out the Grand View Point in the Island in the Sky District of the park or tackle the challenging White Rim Trail (advanced permits required).

As some of the best national parks for fall in the US , you’ll definitely want a well-rounded Arches National Park itinerary .

Rock climbing in Moab is a long-time tradition and everyone needs to climb and rappel off of the Looking Glass Rock at least once (you can hire a guide ). If climbing isn’t your thing, consider an adventurous backpacking trip to Druid Arch in the Needles District of Canyonlands .

Keep in mind, a lot of the best hikes in Moab are super-accessible, like Corona Arch . You may just find yourself coming back for multiple road trips from Denver!

Drive time from Denver: 5 hours 30 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 355 miles

6. Buena Vista, Colorado

Pronounced “Bew-na vista” this cozy mountain town is a local favorite. Known for its stunning Colorado 14ers (14,000-foot peaks), river rafting, and fishing there is plenty of activities in Buena Vista to keep you occupied.

Home to some of the best free camping in Colorado , this mountain town is one of the more budget-friendly road trips from Denver. There are plenty of reservable (and stunning) Colorado campgrounds too if you prefer to know where you’ll be sleeping.

Drive time from Denver: 2 hours 15 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 123 miles

7. Taos, New Mexico

For a funky, art-filled weekend with Native American cultural flare, head to the town of Taos, New Mexico. Visit the Pueblo to learn all about the first stewards of New Mexico ($16 per person for entry). This stunning living pueblo is a cultural hot spot.

Afterward, head to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge or take a hike down to the natural Black Rock Hot Springs. For eats, head to the Taos Mesa Brewing. This funky Earth Ship brewery features live music, games, and great food.

If you want to dive deeper into the art scene, continue onwards to Sante Fe where you can browse world-class art galleries and even visit fun interactive art such as the Meow Wolf exhibit.

Drive time from Denver: 5 hours 25 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 309 miles

8. Grand Junction, Colorado

Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade are arguably some of the most under-rated road trips from Denver. Perfect if you want to head to the desert in winter, but don’t want to shlep it to Moab, the Colorado National Monument is an epically beautiful place to go for a hike or catch a sunset.

Rattlesnake Arches offers some of the best early-season backpacking routes in Colorado . While the spring and fall months Fruita comes to life with epic mountain biking rides, races, and festivals.

Palisade hosts a variety of peach farms and Colorado wineries for those that want to relax after a hike with some vino. Staying on a fruit farm is a real treat that can’t be missed.

AirBnBs tend to be really reasonably priced and you can easily spend a weekend exploring Grand Junction. As the locals say, west slope – best slope.

Local Tip : Learn the best hikes in Grand Junction for any season to get the best scenery you can.

Drive time from Denver: 4 hours Drive distance from Denver: 243 miles

9. Vedauwoo Recreation Area, Wyoming

Another easy getaway from Denver, Vedauwoo makes for an excellent weekend road trip from the Mile High City. First, you don’t have to contend with I-70 mountain traffic, but you’ll be world’s away from the city.

This wild landscape appears out of seemingly nothing. Tall, wide, and whacky rock formations jut out of the plains. The state park includes plenty of hiking, climbing, and mountain biking to explore these odd lumps of rock.

Off-width climbers from all over the world flock here to get beat up on the jagged routes. If climbing isn’t your thing, you can bike, hike, and drive around the odd formations. After you’ve had your fill of the weird, head into Laramie for a bite to eat and check out the Lairame Base Camp gear shop.

Plenty of dispersed camping options are available and there is one campground.

Local Tip: Check the wind forecast before heading out – Vedauwoo gets painfully gusty.

Drive time from Denver: 2 hours 15 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 430 miles

10. Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

Alright, so you may be raising an eyebrow about heading east out of Colorado, but Lake McConaughy is a pretty special place. In fact, it’s the closest you’ll ever feel to the ocean anywhere within a weekend’s drive from Denver.

Don’t let the sleepy farm towns fool you, Lake Mac is a happening place. Ample boating, fishing, beach camping, and watersports await you in this slice of Americana.

The sugary soft sand of Sandy Beach is a must-see. This place can get pretty rowdy with RVs, but there’s always a soft spot to pitch a tent (or have a giant tractor tow your rig onto the beach). For those that prefer a roof over their heads, the North Shore Lodge has trailers and cabins to rent.

Local Tip: If the weather is yucky in the mountains, this is usually one of the best road trips from Denver to escape the dreaded summer storms.

Drive time from Denver: 3 hrs 30 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 229 miles

12. Rocky Mountain National Park

Okay, so this is one of the shortest road trips from Denver, but with so many amazing things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park , you’ll definitely want to book a weekend here.

Home to some of the most scenic drives near Denver , you’ll certainly want to check out the famous Trail Ridge Road . Avid hikers must do the Emerald Lake hike for sunrise while those who want more of a challenge might want to check out nearby Sky Pond too.

There is ample wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park and one day in Rocky Mountain should let you see a variety of animals from elk to marmot. For the best wildlife experience, plan on arriving early and hitting up the best Rocky Mountain NP hikes early in the morning before they get busy with people.

Local Tip: In 2021 there is a required reservation system in place for Rocky Mountain until mid-October.

Drive time from Denver: 2 hours Drive distance from Denver: 66 miles

Amazing 4-Day Road Trips from Denver

If you can get 4 days to explores the best road trips from Denver, then you’ll want to check out these incredible destinations. Since the drive times are over 6 hours, you’ll want at least 2 full days to explore these must-see hot spots.

13. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Grand Canyon, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park certainly delivers drama. The solid granite walls plunge into the Gunnison River a staggering 2,700 feet below the rim.

It’s an impressive site and very beautiful to experience. You can hike to Exclamation Point (aptly named) or Gunnison Point. Just be sure to pick which side of the canyon you want to explore since they are separated by a 1 hr and 45-minute drive.

Alternatively, you can take a boat through the heart of the canyon and see just how imposing the walls are from the water.

Local Tip: Explore one edge one day and the other the next. With a lot to do nearby, this road trip from Denver is best done in 4 days.

You can base yourself in nearby Montrose, Colorado which gives you access to a variety of other destinations (like the San Juans) if you’re on a longer journey or you can opt to stay at one of the rim-side campgrounds (we enjoyed the South Rim Campground).

Drive time from Denver: 5 hours and 10 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 311 miles

14. Thermopolis, Wyoming

The sleepy town of Thermopolis, Wyoming may have never shown up on your radar. But missing this town would be a mistake.

This whacky destination is home to the Hot Springs State Park. Featuring odd crystal formations spilling into the Big Horn River, a suspension bridge, and a local buffalo herd, it’s a worthwhile weekend trip. There’s even a cooled pool where you can go for a soak after you’re finished exploring this unusual hot spot.

Drive time from Denver: 6 hours 11 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 407 miles

15. Mesa Verde National Park

As one of the best national parks in the US , Mesa Verde needs to be on your bucket list. Home to the ancient Ancestral Puebloan People, this is one of the best ruin sites that you can access in the US.

The mysteries of the great civilizations of the American Southwest are utterly captivating and Mesa Verde encompasses that spirit. Be sure to check out the Cliff Palace and Balcony House to experience the engineering marvels and great feats people went through to live in this environment.

Although you can’t enter many of the dwellings in order to preserve them, the viewpoints are utterly jaw-dropping. A guided ranger tour is also a must, so you can really learn about the unique history of this area.

Drive time from Denver: 6 hours 42 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 369 miles

16. Zion National Park, Utah

As one of the most beautiful national parks, the stunning canyons of Zion National Park are a bucket list item for many people. The lush canyon floors contrast with staggeringly large red rock canyon walls.

You’ll find many of the best hikes in Utah within Zion National Park and for good reason. The landscape just bursts with color. Be sure to check out Angel’s Landing and the Subway to get a sense of the park from up above and down below.

Local Tip: If you want to enjoy the scenic drives in Zion, you’ll need advanced reservations .

Drive time from Denver: 9 hours 40 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 636 miles

17. The San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Honestly, you’ll need a lifetime to truly explore the magic of the San Juan Mountains. Telluride, Silverton, and Ouray are the three major towns in the area to have a home base.

Telluride is isolated (one major way in and out) but embodies a quintessential mountain town. Some of Telluride’s best hikes include the stunning Blue Lake as well as Bridal Veil Falls – one of Colorado’s best waterfall hikes. Thrill-seekers should give the Telluride via Ferrata a try.

Adventurous drivers can make their way over Black Bear Pass, the most dangerous road in America (4WD required) to get to nearby Silverton and Ouray.

Here you’ll find incredibly beautiful scenery including the Million Dollar Highway and the Alpine Loop – two of Colorado’s most scenic drives. The Million Dollar Highway is accessible by passenger car, while the Alpine Loop is a must-do adventure with a side-by-side rental.

The Ice Lake Basin hike offers up picture-perfect mountain scenery (closed in 2021). With plenty of dispersed camping, cabin lodging, and campgrounds nearby, there is accommodation for every type of adventurer.

Local T ip: Since there are so many things to do in Ouray , base yourself here to be centrally located.

Drive time from Denver: 5 hours 30 minutes (Ouray) Drive distance from Denver: 333 miles (Ouray)

18. White Sands, New Mexico

Living up to its namesake, White Sands National Monument in New Mexico features gypsum crystal sand that’s as white and soft as it gets. This super-small park is easily accessible from the highway which makes it an easy add-on to other nearby Denver road trips such as Sante Fe and Taos.

What I love about this park is that it’s really striking and almost unbelievable in the surrounding landscape. You’ll want sunglasses even in cloudy weather. Unfortunately, you can’t stay in the town, but Alamogordo is the nearest town.

Drive time from Denver: 9 hours 40 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 599 miles

19. Grand Staircase Escalante, Utah

As one of the Continential US’s last frontiers, Grand Staircase Escalante is a desert hiker’s paradise. Of course, be prepared for desert hiking with all of the essentials at this off-the-grid location.

Head down Hole in the Rock Road for some of the most iconic slot canyons in Utah . This area is super remote with limited cell phone service and zero services. If you plan on desert camping, be sure to check in with the Escalante Ranger Station (in Escalante) to get the latest conditions and your free camping permit.

Peak-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyon are a great adventure for the newbie canyon explorer. Avid backpackers will want to check out Reflection Canyon, one of the best hikes in Escalante .

This off-the-grid locale is perfect for the avid desert dirtbag. You’ll want a vehicle with higher clearance to reach the end of Hole in the Rock Road, where you can peep into Glen Canyon and see the stark contrast of smooth red rock and deep water.

Also be sure to stop by the Cosmic Ashtray . It looks like something out of this world.

Drive time from Denver: 9 hours Drive distance from Denver: 533 miles

20. The Wind River Rage, Wyoming

If you’re embarking on one of the longer road trips from Denver through Wyoming, you may notice the stunning, rugged Wind River Range. Honestly, it’s hard to miss this incredibly jagged mountain range.

These remote, untouched peaks inspire climbers, hikers, and backpackers from all over the world. Boulder, Wyoming is the nearest town (best burger ever after a few days in the Winds!).

Most people come here for remote backpacking and alpine climbing. The Cirque of Towers and Titcomb Basin are classic routes. Seneca Lake and Dad Lake are two other (easier) routes to explore too.

Drive time from Denver: Approximately 7 hours 40 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 411 miles

21. Monument Valley, Utah

Located in the Navajo Tribal Park, Monument Valley is on virtually everyone’s bucket list. Be sure to drive the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, and hike the Wildcat Trail. You can even hire a Navajo guide to learn more about their heritage and the sacred nature of their land.

There are also a few Ancestral Puebloan cave dwellings and rock art pieces to visit as well.

This is a dark sky territory and you can certainly get serious with your astrophotography skills. Nearby Mexican hat and Valley of the Gods offer up some unique geology and scenic driving if you’re interested in getting off the grid in the desert.

Local Tip: You’ll likely want to combine this stop with another road trip from Denver for a complete 4 days.

Drive time from Denver: 8 hours 5 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 504 miles Note : The Navajo Tribal Park is currently closed until further notice due to COVID 19.

22. Bryce Canyon National Park

If you want to experience where the mountains meet the red rock desert, then spend a few days exploring Bryce Canyon National Park . Tall, red-rock hoodoos or rock spires jut out in every direction in this stunning canyon system.

You can easily beat the crowds and experience Bryce Canyon in one day , but two days will allow you to explore more leisurely. If you’re looking to tackle the best hikes in Bryce Canyon , then a few days will allow you plenty of time to explore.

Local Tip : Spend a day in Escalante, then head to Bryce Canyon if you want a taste of the desert from different regions.

Make sure to catch a sunrise at Inspiration Point and then head on a hike through the hoodoos on the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail . The natural Bridge is a show-stopping viewpoint that shows you just how rock can be eroded by the wind.

There are plenty of places to stay, including a campground in nearby Bryce. If you’re looking to camp, there are free, dispersed campsites right near the park entrance or you can opt to stay in a Bryce Canyon National Park campground (reservations required).

Drive time from Denver: 8 hours 40 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 540 miles

23. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is arguably one of the most famous national parks. Unique geology gives way to explosive geysers and gem-colored pools. Not to mention all of the rich minerals attract all sorts of wildlife from grizzly bears to wolves.

This park gets JAM packed, so it’s essential to start before dawn if you want to get ahead of the crowds. You’ll want at least 2 days to fully experience the park. Of course, see a geyser such as Old Faithful and make a stop at the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs.

But also be sure to check out Artist’s Point – the “grand canyon” of Yellowstone. The lesser-visited west side of the park brings you the best chance to spot wolves (be sure to arrive early).

Local Tip: There is a LOT to see in and around Jackson Hole. Consider making this a week-long trip so you can experience the entire area.

Drive time from Denver: 8 hours 50 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 543 miles

24. The Black Hills, South Dakota

From Mount Rushmore to the iconic Devil’s Tower the Black Hills Region of South Dakota is worth some exploring. There are ample opportunities to camp, hike, and explore the pine forests of the Black Hills.

This is also Sioux territory. A fierce Native American tribe that holds tight to their heritage, so if you’re interested in learning about the complex (often upsetting) history of Native Americans in the American West, then the Black Hills are for you.

Don’t forget to visit Wind Caves, the Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park for a fun-filled few days in South Dakota.

Drive time from Denver: 6 hour 10 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 374 miles

The Best Week-Long Road Trips from Denver

These drives are quite a schlep, but if you’re looking to take an extended Denver road trip, then you can’t go wrong with these long drives. Some of the areas have so much to do, you’ll want a week away.

25. Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona

Kanab and Page are about an hour and a half apart, but they each offer a slice of incredible desert landscapes that can’t be missed. In fact, you can find many of the best hikes in Utah right along the border, halfway in between these two destinations.

If your mission is to explore the Glen Canyon Recreation Area by boat or the famous Horseshoe Bend, then Page should be your home base. If you’re more interested in desert drives and hikes, base yourself in Kanab, Utah.

Local Tip : The time changes for part of the year in Arizona, so keep your GPS handy to tell the time!

There are plenty of things to do in Page or Kanab. A fan favorite is certainly the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch trail (permits required). Buckskin Gulch is a whopping 15-miles long – the longest known slot canyon in the world. Even just 5 miles into this never-ending labyrinth is a must-do hike in Kanab .

Other amazing hikes near Page or Kanab include the famous Wave ( permits required ) and Antelope Canyon.

For desert drives, make your way to White Pocket (4WD required) and see weird and whacky wave formations – a great alternative if you can’t snag an elusive Wave permit.

Drive time from Denver: 9 hours 30 minutes (Kanab), 10 hours (Page) Drive distance from Denver: 610 miles (Kanab), 627 miles (Page)

26. Big Bend National Park, Texas

If you want to experience a different side of the desert, then make the long drive to Big Bend National Park in Texas. One of the top National Parks to visit in winter, Big Bend is a real Texas beauty.

Since there is no major town nearby, the park often gets overlooked. But what it lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in beauty. Backpacking options exist for the avid desert dweller, but otherwise, there are plenty of hikes and scenic drives.

Break up the drive by making stops at Santa Fe (halfway) or Carlsbad. Or opt to hit the high point of Texas – Guadalupe Peak (8,250′) in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Local Tip: Lop back to Denver via Durango and the San Juans for a complete road trip from Denver.

Drive time from Denver: 14 hours, 41 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 861 miles

27. The Grand Canyon, Arizona

For out-of-this-world beauty, no place comes close to the inspiring landscapes at the Grand Canyon. The sheer size of this immense canyon is virtually impossible to comprehend. The national park is split into two sections, the North and South Rim. Since there are no bridges over the canyon, you’ll have to drive over 4 hours to reach each rim.

There are many different things to do in the Grand Canyon from donkey rides to rugged backpacking trails. Simply pick whatever suits your mood and go for it.

If you’re looking to experience the best Grand Canyon Viewpoints , you’ll want to make time to visit each side of the Canyon. The famous South Rim gets all the press thanks to the impossibly steep drops, but it’s the quieter North Rim where you’ll find impressive viewpoints like Point Imperial (pictured) and Cape Final .

Don’t miss out on the amazing North Rim of the Grand Canyon hikes . Since this side of the park sits 1,000 feet higher than the south side, you’ll get a true bird’s eye view of the canyon system.

Local Tip: The North Rim is only open from May 15th through October 15th due to snow.

Drive time from Denver: 12 hours 15 minutes (north rim) Drive distance from Denver: 749 miles (north rim)

28. Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley National Park near Las Vegas

There are a surprising amount of day trips from Las Vegas that involve getting deep into nature. You shouldn’t miss Red Rock Canyon . You’ll find incredible hiking, desert mountains, ancient ruins, and world-class rock climbing along the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive just 30 minutes from Sin City.

Or spend the day exploring Valley of Fire state park where you can embark on short hikes that crawl across rocks as red as hot coals or take the scenic drive through the park.

If you’re up for more exploring, consider spending two days in Death Valley National Park . As one of the largest national parks in the US, there is quite a bit to see. From the stunning Dante’s View (5,575′) to the lowest point in the US – Badwater Basin (-282′) you’ll have plenty of ground to cover.

Don’t miss out on these Death Valley hikes (just leave early and bring plenty of water) to experience this whacky landscape. Take a scenic drive down Artist’s Drive to see the mineral-stained rock formations that cascade to the valley floor.

Who knew Sin City had so many unique landscapes?

Drive time from Denver: 11 hours 20 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 749 miles

29. Red Rock Country in Sedona, Arizona

If drooling over red rocks and deep green pinion pines is your thing, the Sedona is your place. There are plenty of amazing Sedona hikes to check out, including the famous vortex hikes – where you can (possibly) feel special energy.

Even if you aren’t into the woo-woo stuff, the scenery is stellar. It’s expensive to stay here and camping is hard to come by, but it’s worth it to drool over the endless beauty of the red rocks.

Hike to the famous Devil’s Bridge for sunrise (recommended to beat the crowds), then drive the famous Schnebly Hill Road (4WD required).

Nearby Oak Creek has plenty of reasonably priced eats and the Bell Rock hiking area – home to a few of the best hikes in Arizona – delivers big on sunset views. Cap it all off with a new age massage and you’ll have the complete Sedona experience.

Local Tip: Avoid this place during the summer and Spring Break – it gets epically crowded!

Drive time from Denver: 11 hours 35 minutes Drive distance from Denver: 706 miles

30. BONUS: Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California

Alight. So technically Lake Tahoe is a 2-day road trip from Denver. It’s far – like mega far. However, since you pass by many of the best road trips from Denver (like Moab, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, and more) it’s a great Denver road trip if you’ve got 10 full days.

There are so many summer activities in Lake Tahoe . One must-visit hot spot is Emerald Bay where you can choose from a variety of Lake Tahoe hikes to suit your mood. Afterward, take a refreshing dip in one of Tahoe’s best beaches , then catch a sunset at the famous Cave Rock .

The next day you can opt to explore the best views of Lake Tahoe – a true jewel of the mountains. Yes, the water really is that blue. You’ll want to spend at least 3 days in Lake Tahoe to make the most of your time.

Drive time from Denver: 16 hours Drive distance from Denver: 1,011 miles

Additional Road Trips from Denver Planning Resources

Planning a camping road trip from Denver? I’ve got you covered with these additional planning resources:

• Visiting Colorado Like a Local
• Your Guide To Camping in Colorado
• How to Hike Like a Pro in Colorado

PIN THIS POST

Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

Let’s connect!

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.

10 Best Weekend Trips From Denver

Plan an adventurous weekend trip from Denver to one of these top destinations. From ski resorts to National Parks, there’s something for everyone.

One of the most amazing things about living in Denver is the endless outdoor activities and adventures that you can go on from skiing to hiking and everything in between. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or looking for a quick getaway, there are plenty of beautiful weekend trips from the Denver metro area to some of the most beautiful destinations within Colorado.

Within a short distance, there are countless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts including National Parks, wildlife-viewing opportunities, scenic byways, and so much more.

Here are 10 of the best long weekend trips from Denver within the state of Colorado.

Feature image: Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs | Photo credit: Abby Price

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Driving distance from Denver: 2-3 hours

One of the best weekend trips from Denver is to Rocky Mountain National Park . Not only is this one of the most beautiful National Parks in the country but it also contains some magnificent hiking trails, endless wildlife, and one of the most famous scenic byways in the United States: the Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Loop.

Rocky Mountain National Park is located only about 2 to 3 hours from the Denver metro area making it a super easy drive and the views are unbelievable the entire way.

One of the top attractions within the park is the Trail Ridge Road which is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. It is roughly 50 miles in length and takes you from Estes Park to Grand Lake.

Rocky Mountain National Park Resources

2. colorado springs.

Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours

Colorado Springs is a great weekend trip from Denver if you are looking to explore a smaller city within an hour or two of the city. The town of Colorado Springs has so much to offer from quaint coffee shops, breweries, endless restaurants, and quite a bit of shopping. If you are looking for some of the best chocolate in Colorado, be sure to check out Cacao Chemistry for a tasty treat!

For a more outdoorsy and adventurous long weekend trip, there are endless hiking options in the area including Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak .

One of the main attractions in Colorado Springs is being able to drive to the top of Pikes Peak, which is only 15 feet short of being the highest paved road in the United States at 14,115 feet in elevation. It’s such a steep drive down the mountain that they stop all cars at the halfway point to check your brake temperatures. Whether you choose to drive or hike to the summit, the views from the top are incredible and it’s a wonderful way to check off your first 14er!

Read next: Tips for Climbing Your First 14er

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3. Steamboat Springs

Driving distance from Denver: 3-4 hours

Steamboat Springs is known for its beautiful ski resort town and proximity to the slopes. If you are looking for a fun weekend getaway but would like to focus on skiing powder, look no further. Ski Steamboat’s ‘champagne powder’, walk the charming downtown area, and explore countless shopping and dining options.

Additionally, being a little further away from Denver than most of the other resorts, you will avoid some of the crowds too!

As you may have guessed from the name, there are some wonderful hot springs in the area as well. We love heading to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs after a long, cold day on the slopes to warm up and get some much-needed relaxation.

Read next: 10 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

4. Breckenridge

Driving distance from Denver: 1.5-2 hours

Breckenridge is one of the most well-known ski towns in the United States and has so much to offer for both visitors and locals alike including endless shops, dining options, incredible ski slopes, and their infamous brewery!

If you haven’t already noticed, Colorado has many of the highest elevation records in the United States and Breckenridge is no exception. For the skiers and snowboarders looking for a little extra thrill be sure to head up the Imperial Express , which is the highest chair lift in North America taking you all the way up to 12,840 feet!

If you are visiting Colorado in the summer, bring your mountain bike and check out the endless trails that Breck has to offer.

Another option in the summer is to check out one of the amazing hikes in the area such as Quandary Peak for the more intense hikers or a stroll around the Dillion Reservoir for the more casual hikers, which is situated between the towns on Breckenridge, Frisco, and Dillion.

5. Glenwood Springs

Driving distance from Denver: 3 hours

Glenwood Springs is a small town about three hours from Denver that is known for its natural hot springs.

Glenwood Springs is also a great central city in the mountains. You can quickly drive to Aspen to ski or check out the legendary fall foliage around the Maroon Bells or head over to the wineries in Palisade, which are mentioned next!

Colorado Fall Resources

6. palisade.

Driving distance from Denver: 4 hours

Palisade is located in Colorado’s wine country and is a perfect destination for a fun and romantic long weekend trip from Denver. The small town of Palisade is full of wineries both big and small and is also known for its delicious peaches!

If you’re looking for more of an adventure-filled weekend, the Palisade Plunge mountain bike trail drops riders over 30 miles and 7,500 feet from Mesa Top to town. It’s a big, backcountry ride, so be sure you’re prepared if this is on your adventure list.

For a tamer weekend, Palisade is situated near the entrance of Colorado National Monument , which is known for its sheer wall canyons, unique rock formations, and scenic 23-mile Rim Rock Drive.

Driving distance from Denver: 6 hours

If you are looking for a weekend trip that is a bit off the beaten path, Ouray is your spot. Ouray is commonly known as the “Switzerland of America” because of its old-school charm, quaint establishments, and proximity to some of the sheerest, drastic mountains in the United States!

Additionally, Ouray is only an hour’s drive from Telluride, making it an ideal location to check out if you want to get a local feel near such a popular tourist destination!

Read next: Ultimate Guide to the Million Dollar Highway & the San Juan Skyway Loop

8. Fort Collins

Driving distance from Denver: 1 hour

Fort Collins is about an hour outside of Denver which makes it an easy drive for a weekend trip or just a short day trip.

Fort Collins is known for endless brewery options and is home to some of the best beer in the state. Make sure to swing by Odell Brewing Company for a beer by one of their fire pits as their beer is famous in Colorado and growing rapidly across the country!

9. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Driving distance from Denver: 3.5 hours

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of Colorado’s most unique National Parks. It features massive sand dunes that have formed at the base of 13,000-foot peaks. Seeing dunes backed up against snowcapped mountains is truly magical.

If you’re planning to visit in the spring, bring a beach chair . Yes, you read that correctly, a beach chair! The snowmelt from the mountains creates a wide, slow-moving river at the base of the sand dunes and people come from all over to experience a Colorado “beach”.

If the Great Sand Dunes National Park is your final destination, but you aren’t feeling up to camping, then check out the nearby town of Alamosa which has a cute main street filled with restaurants and breweries.

Read next: Best Sand Dunes in the United States for Outdoor Adventure

10. Moab, Utah

Moab is outside of Colorado, but just a 6-hour drive from downtown Denver, making it a great long weekend trip. Moab has so much to offer from the endless red rock formations to Arches National Park , and so much more. If you’re looking for several days of exploration and a change of scenery, with some of the best hiking trails in Utah, you must check out Moab!

Additionally, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Glenwood Springs, and Palisade are on the way to Moab so if you are looking to stop at multiple locations during your long weekend trip this is a great option.

Moab Adventure Resources

Looking for some more weekend getaways from Denver? Check out these Colorado road trip blog posts:

• 15 Best Stops for your Colorado Road Trip
• Fall Colors in Colorado: A Road Trip Itinerary Thorough Aspen Country
• Ultimate Guide to the Million Dollar Highway & the San Juan Parkway

We hope this list helps you find the best weekend trips from Denver! What are your top places to visit around Colorado? Which destinations are on your list to visit? Leave a comment below!

Abby and Sam Price live in Denver, Colorado. They are obsessed with traveling the world internationally and domestically and spending as much time outdoors as possible doing their favorite activities hiking, skiing, kayaking, and playing with their dog Clover. They created their blog trekkingprices.com to share their adventures with others in order to inspire other couples to explore more of the world and live life to the fullest.

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If you included Moab, you should also include Santa Fe, NM. I stopped there on a drive back from Phoenix to avoid a snow storm. The place is unique and beautiful.

Hi Tim — thanks for the suggestion! We also love Santa Fe & think it would make a great road trip from Denver.

• Last Updated On
• September 5, 2023

45 Best Weekend Getaways From Denver — Quick Trips!

A weekend reprieve from the hustle of Denver is something we all need. 

As a local who’s roamed these grounds, I’ve sampled the hidden charms that the rest of the world can only dream of. 

The best weekend getaways from Denver aren’t simply trips; they’re experiences waiting to etch themselves into your soul.

Do you crave the serenity of national parks? 

Yearning for the pulse of neighboring cities? 

Or perhaps the allure of a small, laid-back town is what beckons you? 

I’ve been there, and I’ve tasted their spirit.

Let me guide you through a hand-picked selection of destinations, like a fellow traveler whispering secrets. 

Prepare to make memories that’ll linger long after the journey ends.

Best Weekend Getaways From Denver Compared

Ready to escape the hustle and bustle?

Check out our top weekend getaways from Denver, perfect for recharging and making memories.

Editor’s Choice

The Little Nell

Splurge on a luxurious weekend getaway by driving less than four hours from Denver to the high-end Little Nell that opened in 1989 in Aspen, Colorado.

• Room Variety: 4/5
• Comfort and Cleanliness: 5/5
• Location: 5/5
• Affordability: 2/5
• Family-Friendliness: 3/5

#2nd Best Choice

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club offers you a luxurious weekend getaway in a 4-star hotel roughly a 1-hour and 10-minute drive from Denver.

• Room Variety: 3/5
• Comfort and Cleanliness: 4/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Family-Friendliness: 4/5

#3rd Best Choice

Steamboat Grand Hotel

The Steamboat Grand Hotel, less than a four-hour drive from Denver, is a 4-star accommodation with 328 guest rooms.

• Location: 4/5

Here are top 45 weekend getaways from Denver.

1. The Little Nell (Editor’s Choice)

675 E Durant Ave Aspen, CO 81611 (970) 920-4600 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Unbeatable Location: Nestled in a prime spot, The Little Nell offers you the best seat in town to enjoy the local attractions and vibrant atmosphere.
• Top-Notch Comfort: You’re in for a treat with cozy rooms and impeccable cleanliness. 
• Pricey Picks: While you’re treated like royalty, it comes at a cost. 
• Limited Family Focus: Although it’s a luxurious escape, The Little Nell might lack the all-out kid-friendly features you’d expect from a family-oriented spot.

This 5-star resort offers enthralling mountain views, elevated decorations, renowned dining choices, fantastic ski areas, eye-catching art installations, transportation services, and so on.

It has a chic boutique selling luxury items like jewelry, clothing, handbags, artwork, hats, spa products, and numerous others.

It also features a high-end spa offering hot stone, Swedish, prenatal, sports, deep tissue, and in-room massages.

Other onsite amenities are two world-class restaurants, three bars, a fitness center, a pool, an outdoor hot tub, and pet-friendly offers, like dog walking and sitting services.

2. Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

3320 Mesa Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (800) 923-8838 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Stunning Natural Setting: With breathtaking views at your doorstep, this resort showcases the beauty of the area. 
• Welcoming for All Ages: From young explorers to seasoned adventurers, there’s something for everyone. 
• Room Variety Puzzle: Finding the perfect fit for your family could be a bit of a challenge.
• Affordability Hurdle: Budget-conscious families might need to weigh the cost against the experience.

Here, you can enjoy a plethora of activities, such as playing tennis, golfing, enjoying a fun round of pickleball, listening to live music on selected nights,

Keep in shape by signing up for witness or wellness classes, like Vinyasa yoga, pilates, spin, and so on.

Enjoy a day of pampering at the Strata Spa, where you can get therapeutic massages, body therapies, organic facials, an acupuncture treatment, and the like.

It boasts a recreation center with a playground for your little ones, a teens’ room for your older kids, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, sports courts, a splash pad for kids, and more.

Have a more adventurous time outdoors by signing up for falconry lessons, booking a guided hiking tour, ziplining, e-biking, and numerous others.

3. Steamboat Grand Hotel

2300 Mt Werner Cir Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (970) 871-5500 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Roomy Choices: Variety is the spice of life here. From cozy nests to spacious suites, the hotel offers room options that cater to your family’s needs.
• Family Adventure Playground: The hotel’s locale offers a buffet of outdoor activities. 
• Price Tag Peek: While not the priciest, Steamboat Grand Hotel might still nudge your budget a bit. 
• Average Elegance: While it’s not short on comfort, the elegance factor might not be off the charts.

It features several facilities, including a sports rental shop, a pool, hot tubs, a full-service health club with weightlifting machines, a sauna, a steam room, and more.

It offers services such as a shuttle to a nearby grocery store, laundry facilities on the second level, cribs upon request, and storage for your ski equipment.

It boasts luxury penthouses ideal for large families, an onsite market, packages for all seasons, and so on.

It also offers onsite dining choices, like the Cabin Restaurant and Bar, offering an expansive menu of delicious dishes prepared from scratch from local ingredients by expert chefs.

Vail, CO (970) 479-2100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Vail, incorporated in 1966, is a small town in Eagle County and a premier destination for winter sports.

Create long-lasting memories with your friends or loved ones as you go on a thrilling adventure to Vail, roughly an hour’s drive from Denver.

Have a magical winter getaway as you enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, making snowmen with your younger children, and so on.

During the warmer months, you can also go hiking, try fly fishing, golf with your companions amidst the picturesque scenery, and so much more.

It also offers several cultural festivals throughout the year, such as a film festival in December, a music festival from June to August, and many others.

Recommended Hotel: The Sebastian – Vail

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Dunes National Park, CO 81146 (719) 378-6395 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is an American national park that takes its name from its colossal dunes that reach up to 750 feet high.

It is roughly four hours from Denver and offers the perfect backdrop for an epic weekend vacation with your companions.

Enjoy activities like sandboarding, backpacking, sand sledding, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, biking, stargazing, swimming at Medano Creek, 4-wheel driving, and countless others.

You can also sign up for guided tours or free ranger-led programs to have a more immersive experience.

Learn more about the area by heading to the Visitor Center featuring informative displays, a short movie about the park, and a gift shop.

Recommended Hotel: Great Sand Dunes Lodge

Related: Hotels in Denver

6. Cheyenne

Cheyenne, CO (800) 426-5009 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Cheyenne, founded in 1867, is the capital city of Wyoming, resting on the shores of the Crow and Dry Creeks.

Are you searching for a fantastic place to tour on your Denver area weekend getaways to enjoy an unforgettable sightseeing experience?

If you are, consider driving roughly two hours to this humble city.

It is home to a plethora of museums, like the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum.

It has exhibits about Western horse-drawn carriages, frontier memorabilia, pioneer artifacts, 9th-century passenger wagons, displays about early rodeos, and more.

Visit Holliday Park to view the largest steam locomotive, the Big Boy Steam Engine 4004.

Are you on a budget and looking for the ideal tourist hotspot?

Then, head to the admission-free Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, boasting a well-landscaped setting with an impressive plant collection.

Recommended Hotel: Little America Hotel & Resort Cheyenne

7. Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs, CO (970) 879-2060 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Go on one of the best romantic getaways from Denver by driving about three to four hours to Steamboat Springs, a Colorado city in the Yampa Valley.

It offers several tourist hotspots, like Fish Creek Falls, a mesmerizing and majestic waterfall towering at 280 feet.

Spend quality time with your partner at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, boasting all-natural, spring-fed pools, charming rustic cabins for rent, massage services, and stunning scenery.

Walk hand-in-hand as you stroll through the Yampa River Botanic Park, featuring more than sixty differently-themed gardens, glimmering ponds, eye-catching sculptures, and so on.

Have a terrific time with your parting doing other activities like dining at a highly acclaimed restaurant for an intimate dinner date, exploring historical sites, visiting a ski resort, and more.

Recommended Hotel: The Bristol Hotel

8. Leadville

Leadville, CO Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Leadville, less than two hours from Denver, is the seat of Lake County and was once a Victorian-era mining town.

It boasts an expansive array of fun-filled opportunities that you can enjoy indoors and outdoors.

Have a magnificent time in nature as you go skiing or snowboarding at Ski Cooper, biking along the Mineral Belt Trailhead and countless others.

Spend the day indoors at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, featuring exhibits about local mining history, and the Tabor Opera House, a national treasure erected in 1879.

You can enjoy strolling along its historic district, signing up for guided tours, shopping at boutique stores, and much more.

Recommended Hotel: Columbine Inn and Suites

9. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

4218 Co Rd 3A Cañon City, CO 81212 (719) 275-7507 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, established in 2015, is a renowned 360-acre outdoor recreation area and tourist hotspot roughly a two to three hours’ drive from Denver.

Its main highlight is the Royal Gorge Bridge, 955 feet above the Arkansas River, one of the highest bridges worldwide.

It boasts onsite attractions like an aerial tram, sky coaster, gondola, zip line, vintage-style carousel, splash pad, and lots more.

It has a plaza theater where you can view exciting artifacts and watch an informative and fascinating mini-documentary about the park.

Stop by the Visitor Center, which also features a gift shop selling various souvenir items and a cafe serving yummy treats, to learn more about this outstanding park.

Recommended Hotel: Quality Inn & Suites Canon City

Related: Weekend Vacations in Colorado

10. Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, CO (970) 945-6580 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Glenwood Springs, resting on the banks of the Roaring Fork River, is a resort city offering the ideal destination for a cool overnight trip.

Have a fabulous weekend getaway with your friends as you go on a roughly 2-hour and 30-minute to 4-hour drive from Denver to this breathtaking city.

Visit places like the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, boasting a thrilling roller coaster, a giant canyon swing, guided cave tours, several fantastic rides, and tons more.

Trek through the Hanging Lake Trailhead to head to a jaw-dropping lake with stunning emerald waters backed by a breathtaking natural landscape and sheer cliffs.

Make new memories as you go skiing at the Sunlight Mountain Resort, view various artifacts at the Frontier Historical Museum, hike along the Grizzly Creek Trail, and numerous others.

Recommended Hotel: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

11. Breckenridge

Breckenridge, CO (877) 864-0868 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Breckenridge rests on the base of the Tenmile Range of the Rocky Mountains, boasting a gorgeous landscape and rich Gold Rush history.

Get a break from the mundane daily life cycle as you head to this charming town, roughly a one hour and thirty-minute drive from Denver.

You can head to Main Street to enjoy a terrific shopping spree, dine at top-rated restaurants catering to your every craving, and sample exquisite-tasting alcoholic concoctions at a bar.

Enjoy all sorts of activities at the Epic Discovery at Breck, such as crossing a hanging bridge, riding a coaster, gemstone panning, miniature golfing, and more.

Try other activities like going on a scenic drive along Boreas Pass Road, hiking along the Mohawk Lake Trail, and much more.

Have a more laid-back time sipping craft beer at a distillery, taking in the fresh air at a park, and learning about the area at a visitor center.

Recommended Hotel: Beaver Run Resort

12. Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs, CO (303) 567-4421 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Idaho Springs, founded in 1859 by prosecutors, rests in Clear Creek Canyon and is known for its rich mining history.

It is the perfect destination for short trips from Denver because it is roughly a forty to sixty-minute drive away.

Have a memorable sightseeing tour by visiting the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, a former gold mining and milling company now a specialty museum.

Get a better idea of what awaits you and which tour options best suit your needs by stopping at the Historical Society of Idaho Springs & Visitor Center.

Treat yourself to a relaxing, stress-free experience as you soak in the magical waters of the Indian Hot Springs or pamper yourself at its spa.

Enjoy a unique experience by taking a guided tour of the fully operating Phoenix Gold Mine, one of the oldest continuously operating, family-owned mines of its kind in the US.

Recommended Hotel: JC Suites

13. Estes Park

Estes Park, CO (970) 577-9900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Estes Park is a picture-perfect town resting on the base of the Rocky Mountains in Larimer County in northern Colorado.

Are you planning inexpensive weekend getaways near Denver with your travel buddies?

Then, I recommend driving to this town for about one hour and forty minutes.

Prepare your playlist and favorite snacks as you enjoy a fantastic road-trip experience along the jaw-dropping Peak To Peak Scenic Byway.

Enjoy a brilliant time sightseeing without breaking the bank by buying a ticket for the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, leading to a mountain summit with a cafe and scenic vantage points.

Head to the Estes Park Visitor Center to learn more about the area and affordable tour options through informative displays and knowledgeable staff.

You can also try activities like exploring its downtown area, sampling beer at the Rock Cut Brewing Company, and watching talented glass blowers at work at Mountain Blown Glass.

Recommended Hotel: Woodlands on Fall River

Golden, CO (303) 279-2282 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Golden is the seat of Jefferson County and a former gold rush town in Colorado, roughly thirty minutes from Denver.

It is the perfect place for your last minute weekend getaways from Denver because it is extremely close by and won’t take too much of your time.

Spend time in nature at Lookout Mountain Park, boasting awe-inspiring views of the natural landscape.

Visit something unique, like the Mines Museum of Earth Science, displaying mining artifacts, fossils, meteorites, minerals, gemstones, and the like.

Have a leisurely afternoon at Coors Brewery, offering free guided tours, tastings, and a gift shop selling themed souvenirs.

Another must-visit is the Colorado Railroad Museum, featuring exhibits about the rich railroad history of the state and a collection of steam locomotives.

Recommended Hotel: The Golden Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Aspen, CO (970) 920-5000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Aspen, less than four hours from Denver, is a municipality in the Rocky Mountains and Pitkin County.

It is a popular destination for tourists for its year-round outdoor recreation.

It boasts attractions like the John Denver Sanctuary, where you can have a lovely picnic backed by lush greenery, grassy areas, and perennial flowers of varying colors.

Have a more exciting time at the T-Lazy-7 Ranch, offering a spectacular snowmobiling experience in winter and horseback riding in summer.

Do you want to go on an unforgettable hiking or biking experience with your group?

Then, I suggest the 1.9-mile Maroon Lake Scenic Trail or the longer Rio Grande Trail spanning at least 42 miles.

Recommended Hotel: The Gant

16. Keystone

Keystone, CO Open in Google Maps

Keystone is a census-designated place in Summit County, less than two hours from Denver.

Here, you can create long-lasting memories with your family, partner, or friends as you enjoy activities for all seasons.

Have a memorable winter at Keystone Ski Resort, where you can go skiing, ice skating, going on sleigh rides, riding gondolas, and so much more.

Other brilliant ski destinations include the Arapahoe Basin, the Keystone Nordic Center, and tons more.

Try other fun things like treating yourself to a day of pampering at a spa, signing up for guided horseback riding tours, souvenir shopping, and so on.

Recommended Hotel: The Keystone Lodge and Spa by Keystone Resort

17. Palisade

Palisade, CO Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Palisade, resting on the banks of the Colorado River, is a Statutory Town roughly four hours from Denver.

Here, you can enjoy activities like going on guided segway tours, sipping fine wines at a winery, meeting the locals at a laid-back bar, and lots more.

Have a fun time visiting places like the ​​Suncrest Orchard Alpacas, where you can go on guided mill tours and meet friendly, adorable alpacas.

The ​​Clark Family Orchards is another must-visit, boasting free wagon rides, a guided tour of its over 100-acre property, and a seasonal fruit stand selling farm-fresh produce.

Go on a quiet escape by visiting the Palisade River Ranch, ideal for having a delightful picnic by the riverside, taking in alluring mountain views, and relaxing in a charming cabin.

End your weekend trip by having a fabulous meal at Caroline’s, boasting captivating views, a Victorian-style dining area, local wines, and French-inspired takes on Colorado favorites.

Recommended Hotel: Wine Country Inn

Frisco, CO Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Frisco, roughly one hour and thirty minutes from Denver, is a picturesque waterfront town in Summit County.

It is a well-known destination for skiers and offers an extensive selection of fun-filled activities to enjoy with your loved ones, friends, or partner.

Have a blast at Frisco Adventure Park as you enjoy sledding, snow tubing, skiing, signing up for sleigh rides, signing up for ski lessons, and so much more.

Enjoy an educational experience at the Frisco Historic Park & Museum, featuring exciting exhibits, artifacts, and old photos depicting stories of Frisco’s rich history.

Visit a popular attraction like the Frisco Bay Marina in the warmer months, where you can go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, or dining at a waterfront eatery.

Recommended Hotel: New Summit Inn

19. Buena Vista

Buena Vista, CO (719) 395-8643 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Buena Vista is a serene Colorado town in Chaffee County, about a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Denver.

Here, you can go on a quieter weekend vacation with your group away from large crowds or busy streets.

Enjoy a waterfront adventure at Buena Vista River Park, where you can enjoy a superb time whitewater rafting or kayaking.

Go on a quick nature getaway at Cottonwood Lake and enjoy activities like camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, kayaking, and many more.

Catch up with your companions as you enjoy a relaxed afternoon sipping alcoholic drinks at the Deerhammer Distillery, established in 2010.

Have a terrific time bouldering and rock climbing by taking your group to the picturesque Buena Vista Boulder Garden.

Recommended Hotel: Surf Hotel & Chateau

20. Boulder

Boulder, CO (303) 441-3388 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Boulder is a Colorado city and seat of Boulder County, resting on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Are you searching for places to go for a weekend trip near you that won’t entail driving for long hours?

Then, consider visiting Boulder, roughly thirty minutes from Denver.

Go on a terrific shopping spree at Pearl Street Mall, boasting independent boutique shops, national chain brands, diverse dining choices, and art galleries.

Enjoy the fresh air at Chautauqua Park, featuring wide-open meadows, scenic hiking trails, a community center with a dining hall, a romantic restaurant, and various festivals.

You can also learn about astronomy and astrophysics at the Fiske Planetarium, featuring a state-of-the-art Zeiss telescope, interactive full-dome films, late-night laser shows, and more.

Recommended Hotel: Basecamp Boulder

21. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (970) 870-2299 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest encompasses over 2.2 million acres in the Colorado and Wyoming states.

It is less than a four-hour drive from Denver and offers the perfect setting for an epic nature excursion with your travel buddies.

It boasts a gorgeous natural landscape featuring majestic mountains, dense forests, glimmering lakes, and lush grasslands that change with the seasons.

Enjoy an exciting time outdoors by horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, observing passing wildlife, signing up for ranger-led programs, and so on.

Have a more leisurely time as you enjoy camping, fishing, picnicking, honing your nature photography skills, and much more.

Recommended Hotel: Legacy Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs Hilltop

22. Georgetown

Georgetown, CO (303) 569-2405 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Georgetown, the seat of Clear Creek County, is the ideal destination when searching for cheap vacations from Denver for history buffs.

This historic town is roughly an hour’s drive and is home to several fascinating attractions for you to discover without emptying your pockets.

You can ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad dating back to the late 1800s, and go on a scenic drive along Guanella Pass.

Enjoy other activities like skiing at the Loveland Ski Area, signing up for guided tours of the area, and much more.

Visit attractions like the Capital Prize Gold Mine, where you can go on a guided trip 1000 feet into a mine, and Historic Georgetown with boutique shops, century-old buildings, and more.

Another superb choice for history buffs is the Hotel de Paris Museum, a historic French-inspired hotel erected in 1889 and now a renowned museum.

Recommended Hotel: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Georgetown Lake

23. Nederland

Nederland, CO 80466 (303) 258-3266 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Nederland is a charming Statutory Town in Boulder County, about an hour from Denver.

It offers a quick weekend getaway with your companions as you try a myriad of enjoyable activities.

Are you visiting with your little ones?

Then, I recommend stopping by the Carousel of Happiness, boasting hand-carved animals and a 1913 Wurlitzer organ constructed in 1910.

Have a memorable time in nature hiking along the Hessie Trailhead, offering jaw-dropping mountain views, serene lakes, and lush greenery.

Learn about local mining from the 1800s to 1900s by visiting the Nederland Mining Museum, displaying old pictures, authentic mining tools, and artifacts.

You can also sample refreshing craft beer at the Very Nice Brewing Company and sign up for environmental programs at the Wild Bear Nature Center.

Recommended Hotel: Century Casino & Hotel – Central City

24. Hotel Boulderado

2115 13th St Boulder, CO 80302 (303) 442-4344 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Go on a romantic weekend trip with your significant other by checking into the Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, roughly a 45-minute drive from Denver.

It is a historic hotel constructed in 1909 boasting an Italian Renaissance and Spanish Revival-inspired architectural design.

It boasts Victorian-style guest rooms, jaw-dropping nature views, magical events on special holidays, live jazz music on Friday nights, and a wine club.

It also offers the Love Worth Remembering package for couples, which includes luxury rooms, a dine-in breakfast for two at a partner restaurant, chocolate, and chilled sparkling wine.

25. Frisco Lodge

321 Main St Frisco, CO 80443 (800) 279-6000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Frisco Lodge is a charming bed and breakfast that opened over 50 years ago in Frisco, Colorado, roughly one hour and twenty minutes from Denver.

This magnificent accommodation boasts a homemade breakfast daily, a beautiful garden courtyard, a cozy outdoor fireplace, delightful picnic areas, and an intimate ambiance.

It offers rentable DVDs for fantastic movie nights and board games for a fun bonding experience with your children.

It is also less than thirty minutes from several tourist hotspots, like gorgeous parks, outdoor recreation areas, pub crawls, and much more.

26. The Silver Lake Lodge

336 Crest Dr Idaho Springs, CO 80452 (303) 567-9299 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Go on an adults-only weekend vacation with your friends by driving roughly an hour from Denver to the Silver Lake Lodge along Crest Drive in Idaho Springs.

This fantastic accommodation features breathtaking nature backdrops, a quiet atmosphere, and a gift shop selling various souvenir items.

It has outstanding outdoor picnic areas with grills for barbecuing, a shared lounge with a flat-screen HDTV, and other facilities to make your stay more relaxing and stress-free.

It also has different rooms for you to choose from, featuring amenities such as comfortable linens, beautiful decor, colossal windows, complimentary toiletries, fast wifi, and many others.

27. Niwot Inn & Spa

342 2nd Ave Niwot, CO 80503 (303) 652-8452 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Enjoy a much-deserved weekend trip alone or with a friend or partner at Niwot Inn & Spa, about a 40-minute drive from Denver.

It is an upscale, 13-room bed and breakfast in the heart of the historic center of Niwot.

Stay in an ultra-comfortable room with a soft wool carpet, custom hand-peeled aspen beds, hand-crafted furniture, a cozy natural stone fireplace, flat-screen HDTVs, and more.

Pamper yourself at its spa offering a steam shower, massages, craniosacral therapy, and other services by expert staff.

It is within walking distance of picture-perfect parks, fantastic dining establishments for all appetites, laid-back bars, and so on.

It also offers several packages, like the Romance Package for couples and the Girls’ Getaway Package when traveling with friends.

28. Chalet Val d’Isere

2415 Val D’Isere Cir Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (970) 846-7006 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Chalet Val d’Isere is an elevated 4-star bed and breakfast that debuted in 2003 in Steamboat Springs, about a three-hour drive from Denver.

It offers an in-room snack basket with chocolates, fruits, and cookies and sparkling water, coffee, and tea in the lobby all day long.

Some onsite facilities include a lovely garden, picnic areas, a hot tub, billiard tables, a games room, a sun terrace, storage for your ski equipment, a ski area, and lots more.

Depending on which room you book, you can discover amenities like a deep tub, colossal windows offering majestic mountain views, large flat-screen TVs, comfy linens, and so on.

29. The Surf Hotel and Chateau

1012 Front Loop Buena Vista, CO 81211 (719) 966-7048 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Surf Hotel and Chateau, about a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Denver, is a boutique hotel featuring backdrops of the Rocky Mountains and European-style accents.

Are you searching for places to take your loved ones on your Denver weekend getaways?

If you are, consider booking a room at this acclaimed accommodation.

Some of its amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, an outdoor fireplace, a picnic area, family rooms, and more.

It also boasts a fantastic onsite eatery, the Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar, offering freshly baked goods, classic cocktails, homemade pizzas, rotating beers on tap, fine wines, and so on.

Here and in its surrounding area, you can enjoy activities like watching live performances, water sports, canoeing, skiing, horseback riding, fishing, and other fun-filled opportunities.

30. Minturn Inn

442 Main St Minturn, CO 81645 (970) 331-5461 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Minturn Inn is a hidden gem that stands out in the crowd. 

Unlike other destinations in the area, it’s got this cozy, home-away-from-home vibe that’s perfect for family bonding. 

Imagine waking up to the fresh mountain air, sipping coffee on the porch, and exploring local shops that ooze charm. 

Other places might offer luxury, but Minturn Inn offers connection. 

It’s not just a stay; it’s an experience. 

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, this place has a magnetic pull that makes you feel like you belong.

31. Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO (970) 232-3840 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Fort Collins is a vibrant and populous city in Larimer County, located in the northern region of Colorado.

It is also a mid-size college town and roughly an hour’s drive from Denver.

Consider heading to Fort Collins when looking for places near Denver for vacation to enjoy an impressive array of fun-filled activities.

It boasts several tour agencies offering guided experiences, breweries serving house-crafted beer, and dining choices boasting mouth-watering dishes for all cravings.

Are you visiting between May to October?

Then, I recommend strolling along the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens, a free public park at the University Center for the Arts boasting at least 1000 different cultivated flower varieties.

Enjoy a fun and educational experience at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, featuring fascinating cultural, science, and history displays.

Have a leisurely time with your companions at Spring Canyon Park, boasting grassy areas, an ADA-accessible playground, a mountain biking course, sports courts, walking trails, and more.

Recommended Hotel: The Armstrong Hotel

32. Highland Haven

4395 Independence Trail Evergreen, CO 80439 (303) 674-3577 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Go on an elevated nature-rich getaway with your travel buddies by vacationing at Highland Haven, a 4-star accommodation in Evergreen, about 40 minutes from Denver.

Its concierge offers 5-star customer service and provides dining and tourist recommendations.

Enjoy a luxurious and one-of-a-kind experience with your significant other by booking a room at the fairytale-like TreeHouse Suite.

This magical room boasts two stories, a spa room with a jacuzzi, stunning chandeliers, picturesque views of Blue Spruce trees, a stone fireplace, a king-sized bed, and more.

I recommend booking the Hillside Cottages when visiting with family.

It includes two bedrooms with memory foam king-sized beds, a full homemade breakfast, a private hot tub, gas fireplaces, wet bars, a DVD player, and other amenities.

33. Four Mile Creek Bed & Breakfast

6471 Co Rd 117 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (970) 945-4004 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Four Mile Creek Bed & Breakfast was once a homesteaded in 1885 and is now a 4-star accommodation in Glenwood Springs, about 45 minutes from Denver.

Get a break from the hustle and bustle of city life as you go on a quiet escape at this delightful bed and breakfast.

It offers differently-themed cabins for you to choose from, a peaceful landscape, mesmerizing nature backdrops, and many amenities to make your stay relaxing.

Its spacious and serene area offers the perfect setting for a leisurely outdoor stroll, superb pictures, and the like.

34. Lawson Adventure Park and Resort

3440 Alvarado Rd Dumont, CO 80436 (720) 779-2595 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Lawson Adventure Park and Resort, which initially opened in 2016, is a well-known hotel along Alvarado Road in Dumont, roughly 45 minutes from Denver.

Have an exciting weekend with your friends or family by vacationing at this popular resort.

It offers an impressive array of activities that you can enjoy no matter what season you choose to visit.

In the cold winter months, you can have a blast building snowmen with your kids, ice fishing, skiing, and the like.

Come the warmer months, create long-lasting memories driving ATVs, ziplining, kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, fishing, and so much more.

You can also try hiking, signing up for guided mountain climbing, disc golfing, and many other fun-filled possibilities.

Have a memorable dining experience by booking the Fine Dining Yurt, where you can enjoy a gourmet dinner in a heated yurt.

35. One Ski Hill Place

1521 Ski Hill Rd Breckenridge, CO 80424 (970) 547-8800 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

One Ski Hill Place is a full-service luxury resort in Breckenridge, roughly between a 1-hour and 30-minute to 2-hour and a 15-minute drive from Denver.

It is an outstanding destination for skiing, boasting classes for beginners, equipment rentals, and ski storage for your gear.

Its elegant apartment rooms boast a balcony, a seating area with a fireplace, a washing machine, a dryer, a full kitchen, a flat-screen TV with cable, and comfortable linens.

Onsite amenities include bowling lanes, an indoor pool, a sauna, a hot tub, ATMs, an electric car charging station, an airport shuttle, ADA-accessible facilities, valet parking, and more.

Enjoy a stress-free day at its spa, offering customizable massages, detoxifying body wraps, facials, and other packages.

36. The Silk Pin Cushion

1523 Ford St #1950 Golden, CO 80401 (303) 278-8813 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Silk Pin Cushion is a charming accommodation that opened its doors in a former Victorian home in the late 1880s.

You can find it in Golden, Jefferson County, a mere thirty minutes from Denver.

Do you want to go on a much-needed weekend trip without breaking the bank or traveling far?

If you do, consider booking a room at this lovely bed and breakfast.

Some amenities include captivating mountain views, a beautiful garden, a library, antique furnishings, a full breakfast at its well-decorated dining area, and plenty more.

It boasts a Victorian-style setting, reasonable rates, hospitable staff, an intimate ambiance, and many nearby attractions.

It also has a boutique shop selling sewing-related items, like kits, patterns, books, equipment, accessories, thread, needles, and countless others.

37. Grand Colorado on Peak 8

1627 Ski Hill Rd Breckenridge, CO 80424 (970) 547-8788 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Grand Colorado on Peak 8 is the perfect destination for skiing because it boasts over 2,900 acres of groomed slopes, a halfpipe, 187 ski runs, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and chutes.

You can find it in Breckenridge, Colorado, about a 2-hour drive from Denver.

Are you planning your upcoming Denver vacations and want to enjoy exciting activities in the area?

Then, consider driving less than two hours to this outstanding attraction and ski resort.

It is a winter wonderland offering skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and lots more.

Come springtime, it comes alive with wildflowers, offering the ideal place to go hiking, golfing, biking, fishing, and numerous others.

38. The St. Mary’s Inn

530 N Nevada Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (719) 540-2222 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The St. Mary’s Inn is an award-winning, 4-star bed and breakfast along Nevada Avenue in Colorado Springs, about one to two hours from Denver.

It rests in the historic downtown neighborhood and is within walking distance of several stores, dining establishments, and parks.

Its rooms boast amenities such as a king or queen-sized bed, a flat-screen HDTV, free wifi, a mini fridge, a modern bathroom, air conditioning, and more.

It also offers a full gourmet breakfast, an outdoor fireplace, a sun terrace, a picnic area with barbecue facilities, a garden, shuttle services, an onsite minimarket, and many others.

39. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO (970) 586-1206 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Rocky Mountain National Park is a renowned American National Park encompassing over 265,000 acres and welcomes over 3.3 million visitors annually.

Do you want to go on a nature excursion on your long weekend trips from Denver?

If you do, I recommend driving less than two hours to this spectacular outdoor attraction.

Here, you can have a blast trying activities like rock climbing, mountaineering, bouldering, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and so much more.

Enjoy more family-friendly things such as hiking, scenic drives, signing up for ranger-led programs, and many others.

Enjoy wildlife viewing as you observe passing animals, like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, mule deer, golden eagles, prairie falcons, bats, otters, and so much more.

It also has designated campgrounds completed with amenities you may need, whether camping in a tent, RV, or trailer.

Recommended Hotel: Murphy’s Resort

40. Seven Keys Lodge

4900 S CO-7 Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-5397 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Seven Keys Lodge, previously known as the Baldpate Inn, is a well-renowned historic hotel about one hour and thirty minutes from Denver.

This delightful accommodation offers awe-inspiring nature views, reasonable prices, a relaxing ambiance, and a welcoming staff.

It has at least four charming cabins to rent, featuring wooden accents, comfortable bedding, cozy decor, fireplaces, and other amenities to guarantee a laid-back getaway.

It offers a fantastic Sunday brunch serving dishes like French Toast Casserole, Shrimp Creole, assorted house-made pastries, buttermilk biscuits with sawmill gravy, and more.

It also features twelve guestrooms with varying amenities, engaging events throughout the year, and many others.

41. Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO (719) 635-7506 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Colorado Springs , nicknamed Little London, is a magnificent metropolis on the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, roughly a 1-hour and 20-minute drive from Denver.

It offers a boatload of activities ideal for whether you are going on a romantic weekend trip, a fun getaway with friends, a solo adventure, or a vacation with family.

Kick-start your vacation by visiting its most popular attraction, the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, a National Natural Landmark.

It boasts dramatic views of majestic sandstone rock formations, picture-perfect backdrops of the snow-capped Pikes Peak, and a rich flora.

Get the chance to view diverse animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, like giraffes, African lions, meerkats, kangaroos, bears, parrots, snow leopards, hippopotamuses, and so on.

Have a memorable time touring other places like specialty museums, beautiful parks, historic districts, iconic monuments, and many others.

Recommended Hotel: The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa

42. Winter Park Chateau

405 Lions Gate Dr Winter Park, CO 80482 (970) 281-5998 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Winter Park Chateau, founded in 2008, is a boutique hotel featuring pet-friendly amenities, a peaceful setting, differently-themed rooms, and eye-catching decorations.

Are you tired of getaways in Denver and want to explore other nearby areas?

Then, check into this hotel and explore the town.

Consider booking the Mountain Goat + The Llama Loft when traveling with your loved ones because it is spacious, has a bunk bed, a hangout area, and other kid-friendly amenities.

It has many nearby attractions, like superb restaurants, bustling bars, delightful parks, terrific shopping malls, vibrant entertainment centers, and local agencies offering various tours.

43. Georgetown Mountain Inn

1100 Rose St Georgetown, CO 80444 (303) 569-3201 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re searching for fantastic accommodation on your next getaway, Denver has many nearby hotels within the area to discover, like the Georgetown Mountain Inn.

It is less than an hour’s drive away and neighbors various local favorites, like the historic downtown area, top-rated restaurants, multiple shops, fascinating museums, and more.

This family-friendly hotel features a sparkling indoor swimming pool heated during winter months, a relaxing outdoor hot tub, a laundry area, and a picnic area.

It has amenities such as ADA-accessible facilities, family rooms with a kitchen, extra beds upon request, mountain-themed art installations, free wifi, and many others.

44. The Red Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast

11147 E Bronco Dr Parker, CO 80138 (303) 840-6235 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Red Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast is a renowned vacation spot in Parker, sitting on five acres of serene property with a babbling stream and visiting wildlife, like deer and foxes.

Go on a much-needed, stress-free, country-style weekend vacation by booking a room at this bed and breakfast, roughly 45 minutes from Denver.

It has four well-decorated rooms, an impressive selection of books at its library, high-speed internet, a cozy fireplace in the lobby, and several other amenities.

It offers a full hot breakfast, complimentary freshly baked cookies in the evenings, and DVDs and board games for rent for a fun night with your travel buddies.

45. The Ski Tip Lodge

764 Montezuma Rd Keystone, CO 80435, (970) 496-4950 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Go on one of the best weekend getaways from Denver by driving one hour and thirty minutes to Keystone to check into the Ski Tip Lodge, a former stagecoach stop in the 1800s.

It offers a spectacular four-course dining experience and comfortable rooms fully equipped with the amenities you need for a guaranteed relaxing experience.

This award-winning accommodation features airport shuttle services, a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge area with a flat-screen TV, luggage storage, ski lessons, and tons more.

It is also less than 30 minutes from several attractions, like outdoor recreation areas, fantastic eateries, gorgeous parks, historical sites, vibrant bars, and so on, to have a memorable trip.

Getaway Guide 

Comparing destinations: which one is right for you.

Ah, Colorado. 

My home state, where I’ve had the pleasure of discovering hidden gems and top-tier resorts. 

Let me share my recent experiences with you.

At The Little Nell in Aspen, I felt like I was wrapped in luxury. 

Skiing down those pristine slopes was a dream. 

The kids loved the hot cocoa, and the staff treated us like royalty. 

But you know what? 

It wasn’t just about the glitz.

Next, there was the Garden of the Gods Club & Resort in Colorado Springs. 

The scenery.

Those red rocks seemed to dance in the sun. 

The family hikes were invigorating, and the spa was heavenly. 

It was more about reconnecting with nature and family here.

Steamboat Grand Hotel was our last stop, and boy, did it charm us. 

Think cozy cabins, marshmallow roasts, and some good ol’ Western hospitality. 

So what’s the right pick for you? It depends. 

If you want opulence, head to The Little Nell. 

Craving nature? Garden of the Gods is your spot. 

For a down-home feel with warmth, Steamboat Grand is the answer.

Each spot had a soul of its own, and I loved every one of them. 

How I Picked The Destinations 

Picking these destinations wasn’t just a Google search for me – I’ve been there, felt their heartbeat. 

Sure, I’ve researched and talked to fellow travelers and locals, but being a part of this state is like having a backstage pass to its magic. 

Consider me your travel companion, revealing hidden treasures like a friend sharing secrets. 

Our Property Rating Method 

I rate these properties based on the following criteria:

• Room Variety: I use this to rate the room options offered by every property. What room types are available? Can it accommodate different budgets, group sizes, and preferences? I ask myself these questions when evaluating the property’s room variety. 
• Comfort and Cleanliness: This measures the overall cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations. Does it have comfortable beds? Are the rooms spotless and dust-free? These are important factors I consider when rating comfort and cleanliness. 
• Location: This is used to evaluate how convenient and accessible the property is. How close is it to the attractions? Are there good public transportation options near the location? Is it easily accessible for families? These questions are important when I rate the location of every accommodation. 
• Affordability: I use this to evaluate the property’s affordability. Are the room rates reasonable? Does the property have any additional fees? Does the property offer discounts or packages? I ask myself this in order to rate affordability. 
• Family-Friendliness: This evaluates the family-friendliness of each property. Does it offer babysitting services and children’s activities? Does it have connecting rooms for families? I use these questions to rate the family-friendliness of the property. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s a great weekend getaway from denver for outdoor enthusiasts.

Breckenridge is your go-to spot. With its stunning hiking trails and world-class skiing, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

Where Can I Escape To For A Relaxing Weekend Near Denver?

Look no further than Aspen. This charming town offers serene landscapes, top-notch spas, and a chance to unwind.

Where Can I Experience A Charming Small-Town Vibe Near Denver?

Golden fits the bill perfectly. Quaint streets, cozy shops, and a welcoming atmosphere await.

What’s A Unique Weekend Escape For Adventure Seekers Near Denver?

Moab is your ultimate playground. With thrilling outdoor activities and mesmerizing red rock landscapes, it’s an adrenaline rush.

Any Recommendations For A Foodie Weekend Trip From Denver?

Boulder is a culinary delight. From farm-to-table restaurants to food festivals, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Conclusion 

After exploring all these incredible spots, one thing’s for sure: Colorado’s got soul. 

The best weekend getaways from Denver are not just about locations but experiences that touch your heart. 

And while each place has its own charm, The Little Nell in Aspen wins my vote. 

I’ve tasted the luxury, charm, and coziness of The Little Nell, and it’s our top choice for a reason. 

Going on vacation here is more than just a temporary escape from reality. 

It’s a chance to create unforgettable moments and lasting memories that will stay with you for years to come. 

Trust me, your family will be talking about it for years to come.

Best Road Trips From Denver

Denver is lucky enough to be in a central location near the Rockies that puts you within a relatively short drive to some of the best national parks and adventures you could ask for. And likewise if you live there or if you’re just in for a visit, will also be a quick hop away from any of these amazing places.  To help you plan, they’re grouped into two lists – best one day trips from Denver that you could easily make in one ( but potentially long) day and those that will require an overnight stay or two to really soak in the experience and not feel rushed. So whether you have a day or an entire weekend, you can take an adventure. 

Best One Day Road Trips From Denver:

Rocky Mountain National Park

Perhaps one of the most famous national parks in the United States, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see for anyone living in or visiting Denver. The park hosts gorgeous views from Trail Ridge Road, an unfathomable amount of local wildlife, and more 14ers than you can count. There are great interpretive centers dotting the park as well as guided tours for all sorts of activities from hiking and snowshoeing to more adventurous mountaineering, or a slower pace of camping and fishing.

If you’re headed to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a quick stop along the way as well as one of the best entry points for the park. Famous for it’s elk and it’s haunted hotel, the Stanley , Estes Park has a main drag with all of the tourist shops that contain all the things as a roadtripper you might want to indulge in from fudge shops to quirky t-shirts. The Stanley has haunted tours and a whiskey bar, and elk can be spotted all over the property. It’s worth a stop even just to get some pictures and the staff are patient with non-guests who just want to catch a glimpse of the famous property.

Vail or Aspen

As the  quintessential upscale ski cities in Colorado, Aspen and Vail have plenty to do year round from hiking to museums to shopping. They both make great spots for a summer weekend retreat, and particularly so if you want to indulge in spas, luxury hotels and gourmet meals. It’s also, of course, a great place to spend time skiing or enjoying other winter sports. If Aspen or Vail isn’t your taste, there are plenty of other mountain towns to check out like Beaver Creek or Breckenridge that cater to a more relaxed vibe. 

Pike’s Peak

An iconic 14er nestled in the mountains just outside of Colorado Springs, you can see Pike’s Peak for miles around. It’s one of two 14ers in the state that has a road all the way to the top of the mountain, allowing visitors the opportunity to drive to take pictures from the summit. Pike’s Peak also has a railway with scenic views to the top, and more adventurous folks can hike the stretch to the top.  There is a small visitor’s center at the top which greets visitors with food and coffee, as well as souvenirs. It’s a busy place during the summer months, so be prepared to wait a bit to snap your favorite photos.

Colorado Springs

Home to the Air Force and Olympic training center, Colorado Springs is a surprisingly buzzing city nestled in the shadow of Pike’s Peak. It also has great food – local fare as well as globally inspired cuisine. Whether you stopover on your way to see Pike’s Peak, or you spend a night and truly enjoy everything the city has to offer from Garden of the Gods to the National Museum of World War II Aviation.   (We’ve got more things to do in Colorado Springs here, too if you want a full guide!)

Best Weekend Road Trips from Denver:

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park hosts towering mountains of sand that stand starkly against their Rocky Mountain backdrop. There’s lots to do in the park, from climbing the dunes to sledding down them. In late May, snow melt causes certain parts of the park to flood creating rivers that only appear for part of the year.

Mesa Verde National Park

Located in the far southwest corner of the state, Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the most interesting archaeological sites in the United States. You’ll find hundreds of ancient cliff dwellings as well as a number of historical sites and museums interpreting the history of the people that lived in the region for the last several thousand years. Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and the Four Corners Monument are all worth a visit.

Sante Fe, New Mexico

Sante Fe is famous for its art scene and there is no shortage of galleries, museums and markets where you can spend your day wandering through gorgeous works of art. Sante Fe also has a vibrant food scene and it’s famous for its various chiles and unique take on Mexican cuisine. Hopefully by the end of your road trip you’ll be able to decide between red and green chili. (Green is the best, by the way).

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

Well worth crossing the state of Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park has a plethora of unique things to see and do  – from it’s geysers to its wildlife. It’s the kind of road trip from Denver where you might want to pack in a few extra nights or maybe even a week if you want a chance to see even half the number of things this national park has to offer.

White Sands National Park in New Mexico

Famous for its blindingly white sand, White Sands National Park is only a hop, skip and a jump away from Denver and makes for a relatively easy road trip. You can take in the natural beauty of the park or head over to the White Sands Missile Range Museum to learn more about the area’s critical role in the development of missiles and bombs. If you time your visit right you can visit Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was tested in the 1940s. It’s only open two Saturdays a year though, so make sure you check the park’s schedule.

If you’re planning a trip to Denver, you’ll also want to check out our guide for things to do in Denver as well as this Denver itinerary guide.

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5 Adventurous Weekend Road Trips From Denver

This is a guest post written by Zach Ruhl of Ruhls of the Road .

Denver, Colorado is an adventurer’s paradise. In the summer, the mountains offer an epic escape into the wilderness on hiking and camping trips. In the winter, when the fresh snow falls, skiing and snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains is one of the most fun and adventurous activities you can do.

All of this adventure is located right in and around Denver, making this a wonderful place to visit and take short trips from.

In this article, we’re taking you on a trip to some of our favorite weekend road trips from Denver. Let’s do this!

Table of Contents

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is without a doubt a must-do day trip or weekend road trip from Denver. The National Park is a perfect place to see wildlife, experience the beauty of nature, and see some amazing sites while you’re at it. The wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park is perhaps better than any other park in the country. Wild elk herds and deer are everywhere, and you’ll be able to spot a moose if you keep your eyes peeled.

If you are into hiking, then welcome to paradise. The Dream Lake & Emerald Lake hikes are amazing, as are the Biertsadt Lake and Sprague Lake walks.

Moraine Park is the perfect place to explore a vast valley between the mountains, where elk and deer herds run wild. Bear Lake is a perfect lake that you can drive to and relax as you enjoy the picturesque view in front of you.

We recommend visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the late summer, after the snow has melted off of the trails, and the elk, deer, and moose are growing their racks. You can visit in the winter also, of course, but make sure to bundle up and bring your snowshoes!

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is the other, lesser known national park right around Denver. The dunes are located about 3 hours south of the city and make for one of the best weekend road trips from Denver.

As you drive into the dunes area, you’ll be amazed at what you see. Right at the base of the enormous Rocky Mountains are a smaller set of mountains, made entirely of bright, powdery sand! The sand shifts in the wind, creating a constantly moving landscape that changes day by day, it is truly a beautiful view and a unique experience.

Right outside the park, there are a few places where you can rent sand boards and sand sleds and ride them down the tallest dunes in the park. You’ve heard of snowboarding and snow sledding… now it’s time to try sand boarding and sand sledding! It’s just like snowboarding, but without the wet and cold.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is an incredible destination located just an hour south of Denver. In fact, if you have more than a day, we recommend combining Colorado Springs and Great Sand Dunes National Park to plan one of the best weekend road trips from Denver.

The area in and around Colorado Springs is full of wonderful adventures and incredible things to do. Garden of the Gods is the very best thing about it. This preserved area right in the heart of an urban city makes for a unique experience, featuring enormous rock formations inexplicably scattered around an enormous valley.

The Manitou Incline , a challenging one mile hike straight up an old railway, is also in the area, and provides a beautiful view if you are willing to take on the challenge.

Vail is an epic destination during the winter. Vail has one of the top ski resorts not only in the USA, but in the entire world. The mountains are stunning, the routes are excellent for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, and the experience is beyond compare. Nearby ski resorts like Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin also make for great day trips from Denver during the snowy season.

However, what most people fail to recognize is that these epic ski resorts also make for wonderful summer destinations! The incredible views are still there, and much of the terrain is open for hiking and other types of adventure. Vail in particular offers numerous things to do during summer months , like hiking up Vail Mountain, cycling the Gore Range Trail, and Epic Discovery (think: zip lines, bungee trampoline, climbing walls, and adventure courses).

Requiring less than a 2 hour drive and offering plentiful outdoor adventure activities in all seasons, Vail is one of the easiest road trips from Denver year-round.

Ok, so this one is a little further afield and across the state border, but trust us when we say it’s one of the best road trips from Denver.

But honestly, who can resist Utah when it hosts some of the best national parks in the world? Arches, Canyonlands, and Grand Escalante National Park are both right outside of Moab, which is a 6 hour drive from Denver. You’ll have a great time exploring this Utah town and all of the amazing natural scenery surrounding it.

Arches National Park is a mind-boggling place. The enormous rock formations in the shape of bridges and arches defy explanation, you won’t be able to take your eyes off of them as you make your way through the park.

Canyonlands National Park is equally impressive, however the attraction here is the enormous canyons! (Clearly whoever named these parks did not want to confuse people).

Moab itself is an awesome little adventure town full of excursions like dirt biking, canyoneering , and off-road Jeep adventures. It’s also home to  Sand Flats Recreation Area , a gloriously scenic park that’s popular for mountain biking and off-roading.

All in all, Denver is an absolutely incredible place to live and explore. The area right outside Denver has incredible day trip and road trip potential, with some of the most unique and beautiful sites in the country.

READ MORE: All your road trip questions … answered.

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The Best Weekend Road Trips From Denver

The homes are lovely and the school systems rank highly. Another attraction, Medical care, is readily available with doctors, hospitals, and every kind of specialist you need is at your disposal.

For example, you can find the best physical therapists in Denver or visit many of the medicinal marijuana dispensaries to take care of your every need. Denver makes everything easily accessible – whether or not an expert is needed.

If you ask someone who lives here, what the draw to Denver is, you will probably hear skiing, hiking, fishing, and they could go on and on. But the locals know this is just the tip of the iceberg. What visitors fail to understand is there are fantastic weekend road trips from Denver.

You will have a completely unique experience visiting cities, 8 hours from Denver. Take a look at our favorite Denver road trips below!

Weekend Road Trips from Denver

We are going to list our opinions of the best road trip out of Denver, but we encourage you to do your own research. You will notice we have added a few locations much closer than 8 hours away. This is to show that even if you only have an extra day to set out on an adventure, You still have many options.

8-hour road trips from Denver

Steamboat springs.

Steamboat Springs is only about 156 miles from Denver. While it doesn’t exactly fit in our 8 hours away point, it is worth mentioning.

Steamboat Springs has family and private ski lodges. Steamboat Springs is known for its natural hot springs with soaking pools as well as pools with slides. This city features mountain and wall climbing,  There are bike parks, gondola rides, mini-golf, and a whole lot more.

Places to eat in Steamboat Springs:

There are dozens of restaurants to select from and the majority are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly. >My favorites are:

• I Egg & I Restaurant for breakfast
• Johnny B. Goods for lunch or dinner
• Winona’s for a great lunch and upper-level family meal
• Cafe Diva’s is the place to go for an elegant dinner and fine dining.

Road trip to Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is only 158.5 miles from Denver, but it is a year-round destination. It is a ski resort in the winter and a wicked mountain town in the Summer. You have a very good chance of seeing a celebrity or two since several own vacation homes there.

Aspen has the best high-end shopping in the area. If you are looking for class and elegance, then this is the best road trip out of Denver, for sure. Learn more about this famous city with some of my posts below:

12 Amazing Photos of Downtown Aspen, Colorado

Soaring the Skies with Aspen Paragliding

A Weekend Getaway in the Backcountry of Aspen

Things to do in Downtown Aspen Colorado

Places to eat in Aspen:

Aspen caters to the rich and famous. This means there are great places to shop and excellent restaurants, with excellent service. But, let’s not forget the celebrities that are in Aspen are vacationing. They want to wear their jeans and let their hair down.

This is where they want to rest, relax, and recover. So, even though Aspen is fit for a king, if you see one, he will probably be kicked back with a beer in front of a roaring fire. Aspen has the most beautiful mountain areas in the world. You will be able to get from place to place via ski lift. There are more than 150 miles of trails and Snowmass is a mountain that has been a skiers dream site since 1947.

• Hickory House They also have great lunch and dinner. Good atmosphere
• Poppycocks Actually, Poppycocks are famous for their breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It is a tiny place and always packed so get there early – It’s worth it.
• The Red Onion You simply must eat at The Red Onion. This establishment was built in 1892. It is still as good now as it was then. This is good food, moderately priced, eaten in a historical landmark.

You said 8-hour day trips!

Yes, we did. The above-mentioned towns were just too good to pass up. So let’s head 8 hours away from Denver. There is no bad time to go. This beautiful and sunny area is a year-round playground.

Road trip to Salt Lake City, Utah

The first adventure that we recommend is Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake is 8 hours by car from Denver. Along the way, you will see some fantastic scenery including the infamous Arches National Park . It is almost like crossing into another country instead of another state.

You will notice a lot of tour companies in Salt Lake. This is because there is so much to see, you can rarely see everything from just one tour. For the mild at heart, there are museums, art galleries, historical sites, and first-class shopping. If you are a bit bolder than that, try a river rafting tour. There is one river rafting excursion that lasts ½ a day! If that doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, stick around for an after-dark Ghost Tour.

Places to eat in Salt Lake City

A quick search online can bring up pages of restaurants. If you are watching your money, there are plenty of fast food places that are actually good. If money is no object, you will find the finest restaurants, with famous chefs. But we are going to give you our favorite middle-of-the-road restaurant. These are family-friendly places that will not break the bank.

• Bruges Waffles & Frites – Great waffles, Belgian fries, and fantastic sandwiches.
• BGR (or Burgers Grilled Right) – Seriously the best burgers…the BEST.
• Ice Haus – A German-inspired pub filled with burgers and brats with loads of domestic and imported beers.

Conclusion – 

This is just a small sample of the wonderful places you can visit during a weekend road trip from Denver. The small 8-hour road trips from Denver are well worth the drive. Want more?  Discover these other places and adventures you can have in Colorado:

• Colorado Sand Dunes National Park
• Winter X Games at Buttermilk Mountain
• Shark Diving at the Denver Aquarium
• Chihuly’s Glass at the Denver Botanical Gardens

There are many more cities and towns that you can experience on your way. The natural evolution of the earth makes this part of the country unique and beautiful. The people make it welcoming and fun. Just try this once, and you will be hooked. We will see you there!

Would you like to take any of these weekend road trips from Denver, Colorado?

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About the author: ronald robbins.

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I’ve passed through Colorado several times. Fantastic scenery. One of my favorite towns is Idaho Springs. I visited there in 2019. Nice little place! Looking forward to cycling through there once this Covid issue is sorted. Hope 2021 will be a positive one 😉

This is such a beautiful blog post! I love your photography

Is there any better city to start a weekend road trip from than Denver? Maybe somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, but so many awesome sites around Colorado

So, so true! I love Denver and actually just bought a house out here. The place is wonderful and I can’t wait to explore more of what Colorado has to offer!

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23 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car . Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

Even if you don’t have the time to drive cross-country, there are plenty of road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. There are endless ways to take this legendary trip (including an EV version —but to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime: whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside curiosities, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so you need to park before taking the ferry to this spot.

Photo from Shutterstock

2. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations may be required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

The seaside town of Monterey was the setting for John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row .

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay make these trips in one or two days.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Arizona may take its nickname from the Grand Canyon, but the state has far more natural wonders than just that one.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but take at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

Stop and admire the winding roads of the San Juan Skyway.

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip
• Five Classic Colorado Road Trips To Take This Year

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

Portland may be Oregon’s largest city, but with a population of some 652,000 (or 2.5 million in the larger metropolitan area), it isn’t intimidatingly large.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

Asheville is one must-stop on a North Carolina road trip.

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo
• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

• The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and consider a stop in Fredericksburg, which is one of AFAR’s best places to go in 2024 ). Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

• The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

More than geothermal pools, Kirkham Hot Springs features a piping-hot waterfall.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

Grand Portage State Park is the only state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band.

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 34.5-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

Ogunquit is home to the small, postcard-perfect harbor of Perkins Cove.

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit , with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

Scenic South Walton is part of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach . Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

• The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddleboarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

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21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

• The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Sun Studio in Memphis was the site of the famous Million Dollar recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

22. Memphis to Bristol, Tennessee: A Music-Driven Adventure

If you have about a week to spare and a deep appreciation for music, take a road trip from one side of Tennessee to the other, starting in Memphis and ending in Bristol. The eastbound trip spans genres, including rock ( Graceland ), blues ( Beale Street) and, of course, country (did you really go to Tennessee if you didn’t go to Dollywood ?). Nashville serves as the halfway point on your journey—so consider penciling in an extra 48 hours to fully explore the state capital’s greatest hits.

• The full itinerary: 5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans

The stunning coastline near Cueva del Indio has been the backdrop of star-studded films.

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

23. Arecibo to Condado, Puerto Rico: A Lesser-Known Side of a Well-Loved Island

In the minds of many, trips to Puerto Rico bring images of stunning beaches , delicious foods , and maybe a bioluminescent bay or two . But there’s plenty of history to be found here, too, as Puerto Rico was home to an Indigenous population known as the Taino, a heritage many Puerto Ricans embrace. That history can be explored via a road trip. Starting in the northern town of Arecibo, travel south to Ponce, then back north to Condado—along the way you’ll encounter petroglyphs, Indigenous sites, and breathtaking natural spots.

• The full itinerary: A Puerto Rico Road Trip That Puts Indigenous Culture First

Additional road trip planning resources Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

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The Best Weekend Road Trip Route In Every State

Posted: April 23, 2023 | Last updated: June 26, 2023

Embrace the open road

Alabama: Selma to Montgomery

The trail is steeped in Civil Rights history. To start, Selma is home to the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, which chronicles African Americans’ struggle for suffrage, and Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of “Bloody Sunday” (7 March 1965): on this fateful day, state troopers brutally attacked unarmed protestors as they marched. Montgomery – location for the Rosa Parks Museum and the Civil Rights Memorial Center – is the final stop. 

Alaska: Fairbanks to Healy

Due to its sheer size, Alaska doesn’t lend itself well to quick weekend jaunts, but the 112-mile (180km) journey south from Fairbanks to Healy leads right to the gateway of Denali National Park. The legendary George Parks Highway is a destination in itself – all snow-crowned peaks and wide open roads. The journey takes around two hours at least, and in Healy, there are a handful of RV parks, hotels and restaurants. At present, be sure to check the opening status of food outlets and reserve accommodation before leaving.

The little coal-mining town of Healy is only 11 miles (18km) from the entrance to Denali National Park, with its soaring mountains and fascinating wildlife. There's also easy access to the historic Stampede Trail, a rugged route originally used to reach the long-abandoned Stampede Mine. Typically local operators, such as Stampede Excursions, organize a range of expeditions, from Northern Lights tours to ATV adventures, but many have canceled outings for the season.

Arizona: Phoenix to Sedona

The journey from state capital Phoenix to the stunning desert town of Sedona (pictured) is all about the red-rock vistas Arizona is famous for. The entire journey is around 116 miles (187km) and can be completed in two hours, though most travelers choose to slow down and make some pit stops along the way. Phoenix – with its Desert Botanical Garden and epic hiking trails to Camelback Mountain – is the scenic starting point. 

From Phoenix, the route moves up I-17, known as the Black Canyon Freeway – farther north, the roads become narrower and quieter, with scrubland and hills dotted with cacti opening out on either side. Around halfway through the journey is Black Canyon City, a former mining town and gateway to the picturesque Black Canyon Trail. Farther on still is Montezuma Castle National Monument, a Sinagua cliff dwelling (pictured) – see the NPS site for details on available facilities here. Then, eventually, Sedona’s fiery peaks are visible from the road. 

Arkansas: Fayetteville to Ozark

A weekend road trip in the northwest of the Natural State, this journey combines urban adventure with a mighty dose of spectacular scenery. Beginning in the college city of Fayetteville, the 60-mile (97km) route slices through the Ozark National Forest on the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (pictured). The early part of the journey travels west on I-16, before joining AR-23 (the scenic byway) as it winds its way down towards Ozark, a small town with an enviable location.

In Fayetteville, a highlight is the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (pictured), which includes a beautiful space dedicated to Arkansas’ native flora (the garden itself is open, though some amenities like the gift shop remain closed). Then, the hairpin bends and woodland scenery of the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (particularly beautiful when ablaze in fall) await. The route finishes in Ozark: this dinky town, filled with street art and antiques stores, is a base for forest hikes and kayaking on the Mulberry River.

California: Los Angeles to Palm Springs

The Golden State has little shortage of jaw-dropping road trips (we're looking at you, Highway 1) – but the hop from Los Angeles to Palm Springs (pictured) is easily doable in a weekend. The glitzy desert city of Palm Springs lies around 100 miles (161km) from LA, and rugged peaks and desert scrub flank the road as the I-10 spools out eastward. 

The drive from city to city takes around one hour 45 minutes, but attractions en route tend to slow travelers down. There’s the Cabazon Dinosaurs (pictured), a quirky roadside amusement famed for its giant robotic dinosaurs. There’s also the San Gorgonio Pass, a particularly striking stretch of roadway with mountain views and a large wind farm. Palm Springs itself is famed for its resorts and its panorama-wielding aerial tramway. 

Colorado: Denver to Colorado Springs

A neat city-to-city route, this trip takes travelers around 80 miles (129km) through the center of the state, from the Mile High City, with its mountain views and artsy vibe, to outdoorsy Colorado Springs. The quickest way is to strike south down I-25 but, the slightly slower I-83 route slices right through Castlewood Canyon State Park. Road-trippers can expect lush expanses of greenery giving way to striking gray rockscapes and fewer cars on the road.

Denver is packed to the brim with cool art museums, and the Clyfford Still Museum is a particular highlight (check the website for details). Then, around an hour into the journey Castlewood Canyon State Park unfolds, with its miles of trails and its natural rocky amphitheater. At the final stop, yet more outdoor adventure awaits. Colorado Springs is all about glorious open space, with striking rock formations at the Garden of the Gods Park and trails to the summit of 14,115-foot (4,302m) Pikes Peak.

Connecticut: Waterbury to Canaan

Offering a classic slice of New England, this road trip beats a path through western and northwestern Connecticut. The route begins in the leafy city of Waterbury, striking out on the Yankee Expressway, before spooling north on Route 67 towards New Milford (pictured). Then the road itself becomes the star. Here drivers can join Connecticut’s Route 7, which follows the path of the Housatonic River up towards Canaan.

A popular leaf-peeping trip, Route 7, studded with state parks and waterfalls, is certainly easy on the eye. It's broken up with charming small towns like Kent, whose calling card is Kent Falls State Park, with its historic covered bridge and photogenic cascade (pictured). Further on, Housatonic Meadows State Park is a top spot for camping and water sports. The drive finishes in Canaan, where the top attraction is the Great Falls, an impressive curtain of water 10 minutes from the town.

Delaware: New Castle to Dover

Delaware might not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a road trip – but, in fact, there are numerous scenic routes that show off the best the state has to offer. Weekend road-trippers can travel some 50 miles (80km) south from New Castle to Dover (the state capital, pictured) on the Route 9 Coastal Heritage Scenic Byway. The route passes through multiple wildlife refuges and rewards drivers with glorious views of the Delaware River. 

Top stops along the way include the sprawling Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (pictured), whose tidal salt marshes are home to abundant birdlife. Visitors can choose between a 12-mile (19km) designated wildlife drive or one of the five hiking trails (though the FWS recommends calling ahead to check current opening details). In New Castle, First State National Historical Park is a popular stop off: beyond the leafy hiking trails, the park explores Delaware’s history as the first state to sign the constitution.

Florida: Miami to Palm Beach

The Sunshine State offers endless adventures for the road-tripper, but for a relaxing weekend escape from Miami, little beats a tour along Florida’s A1A. Doable in a weekend is the 70-mile (113km) trip between Miami and well-heeled Palm Beach (pictured), with its upmarket hotels and gorgeous sandy beaches. Along the way road-trippers can expect breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean and lots of scenic pit stops.

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En route, beach fiends will find plenty of sandy spots, including Fort Lauderdale Beach, with its laid-back sidewalk cafés and its opportunities for jet-skiing, snorkeling and more. Nearby, another stop is Lighthouse Point, named after the striking Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse (pictured). Palm Beach, meanwhile, has a chic vibe, with yet more sandy strands, plus upscale shopping and grand historic resorts.

Georgia: Savannah to Jekyll Island

Offering up a slice of the Georgia coast, this road trip follows US-17 south from the Spanish-moss cloaked city of Savannah (pictured) to idyllic Jekyll Island. While the quickest journey is straight down I-95, US-17, aptly known as the Coastal Highway, makes for a much more picturesque and quieter drive. This stretch is around 100 miles (161km), and takes at least two hours to drive, not including some scenic stops along the way.

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The oldest city in Georgia, Savannah offers a true taste of Southern charm, and is filled with thought-provoking museums and historic homes, such as the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. Once on the road, there are plenty of worthwhile stops along the coastal route, such as the little city of Darien, home to the fascinating Fort King George State Historic Site (check the GA Parks website for updates on openings). This oceanside odyssey finishes in Jekyll Island, known for unique strands like Driftwood Beach (pictured).

Hawaii: Honolulu to Pūpūkea (North Shore)

When it comes to planning road trips, travelers often eschew Hawaii (not least because it’s the only state you can’t drive to). But there are still plenty of stunning routes to be enjoyed. A favorite is the Kamehameha Highway (pictured). This route takes adventurous road-trippers from buzzing Honolulu to the more remote beaches and towns of Hawaii’s North Shore. On this drive, the city of Pūpūkea is around 45 miles from the capital, and the trip involves just over an hour of driving time.

Jaw-dropping ocean vistas, which open out along the Kamehameha Highway, are the true draw of this road trip. But there are other highlights too. Thrill-seekers love the Kualoa Ranch, a sprawling nature reserve offering zip-line canopy tours (keep an eye on the website for updates on visitor restrictions). The final stop is Pūpūkea, whose attractions include the wonderful surf at Sunset Beach (pictured) and the native history and natural beauty of the Waimea Valley. Note that there are currently quarantine requirements for visitors to Hawaii – check GoHawaii.com for details.

Idaho: Boise to Bruneau

Mighty Yellowstone National Park seeps into the east of this state, but Idaho has much more natural beauty besides. The route from capital Boise to the breathtaking surrounds of Bruneau makes for an easy weekend trip: without stops, the drive takes a little over an hour, unfolding on I-84 and ID-51 for some 60 miles (97km).

The route becomes more scenic the further south it pushes, with wide, open roads traveling through conservation areas and across Snake River before reaching Bruneau. Here Bruneau Dunes State Park boasts the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America (at 470 feet/143m) and also the Bruneau Dunes Observatory. For updates on park facilities including campgrounds, visit the Idaho Parks and Recreation website and the park's own Facebook page. 

Illinois: Chicago to Collinsville

Few road trips are more legendary than Route 66 and Illinois hogs a portion of it. The journey from Chicago to Collinsville is around 300 miles (483km), and a continuous drive would take around five hours one way. However, most travelers set aside a long weekend for this one, spending a night in state capital Springfield and soaking up wacky attractions along the way.

The famed Route 66 sign downtown is a favored photo stop in Chicago, and then the sights and sounds of the city dissolve into the open road. Pontiac’s Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum (pictured) is around 100 miles (161km) in, and comes crammed with memorabilia relating to “Mother Road”. Farther on, Springfield has kitsch slices of Americana like the Cozy Dog Drive In, a drive-in that doubles up as a Route-66-museum. The final stop is Collinsville, close to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

Indiana: Indianapolis to Bedford

The outdoors reigns supreme on this 80-mile (129km) trip from Indianapolis to the city of Bedford. Heading south from the state capital, the route mostly keeps drivers on I-69 and verdant IN-37 – but a detour through Morgan-Monroe State Forest on tree-hemmed Old State Road 37 (pictured) makes the route prettier. It involves just under two hours of driving time.

The Old State Road passes by a gateway to the Three Lakes Trail in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Drivers can park up and take to the 10-mile (16km) path past Bryant Creek Lake and Cherry Lake (the third lake, Beanblossom Lake, is now drained). Bedford itself has yet more natural treasures. Highlights include the caves of the Bluespring Caverns Park and hiking trails in the Hoosier National Forest – the views from the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower (pictured) are particularly impressive.

Iowa: Des Moines to Cedar Rapids

Bookended by two exciting cities, this Des Moines–Cedar Rapids route is a two-hour, 130-mile (209km) jaunt east of the state capital (pictured), traveling straight along I-80. Setting aside a long weekend means road-trippers can enjoy some pit stops along the way and have ample time in the final stopping place: Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second city.

Trainland USA, a model railway and railroad museum in the small city of Colfax, typically makes a fun family detour. Closer to Cedar Rapids, there’s also the Hawkeye State Wildlife Area, a popular bird-watching spot. But the jewel in this road trip’s crown is Cedar Rapids itself (pictured). This underrated city is home to Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and a historic Paramount Theater. 

Kansas: Wichita to Kansas City

Joining up two of the Sunflower State’s top cities, the route from Wichita (pictured) to Kansas City via Wamego is some 256 miles (412km) and involves around four hours on the road. Much of the central part of the journey passes on bucolic open roads, flanked either side with lush prairies and passing by little historic towns like Florence. You’ll eventually wind up in Kansas City, with its barbecue joints and fun family attractions.

Along the way, the quaint Kansas town of Wamego has oodles of attractions dedicated to 1939 film  The Wizard of Oz , famously set in Kansas. It plays host to the magical Oz Museum (pictured), with its movie posters and memorabilia, and typically holds the OZtoberFest with costume contests and a classic car show. In Kansas City, colorful street art covers a four-block area known as the Avenue of Murals. 

Kentucky: Louisville to Lexington

There’s plenty to see along the Kentucky stretch of I-64, which links up the bustling cities of Louisville (pictured) and Lexington. The entire stretch is around 78 miles (126km) and one hour 20 minutes of driving time – but plenty of road-trippers draw out their journey to see more of what the state has to offer. Stops along the celebrated Kentucky Bourbon trail, such as the artisanal Woodford Reserve Distillery, are a short detour from the main road. 

A favorite with kids, Louisville Mega Cavern is a fun attraction with an underground zip-line and subterranean ropes course. Eastward is Frankfort, the state capital and a top spot for history buffs. The city boasts the fascinating Kentucky History Center and Museums – currently open – and, of course, the mighty capitol building (pictured). Another Bourbon Trail-approved distillery (Town Branch, see the website for updates) awaits in Lexington. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World”, this city is also right in the middle of picturesque Horse Country.

Louisiana: New Orleans to Baton Rouge

Louisiana’s Great River Road follows the arches of the Mississippi River for some 80 miles (130km) between New Orleans and Baton Rouge (pictured). Aside from linking up two of the state’s most popular cities, the route is characterized by striking plantation houses and plenty of breathtaking views of the so-called “Big Muddy”.

After the sights and sounds of the Big Easy, popular stops along this route include the Destrehan Plantation (pictured), thought to be the oldest plantation home in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Exhibits at this site include the quarters of the enslaved peoples who lived here, and guided tours typically run most days. Also en route is the poignant River Road African American Museum (by appointment only), before the road eventually spills into the city of Baton Rouge.

Maine: Portland to Belfast

This seaside road trip travels up Coastal Route 1, offering glorious views and passing through many of Maine's prettiest oceanside towns. The route starts in Portland – a city with plenty of maritime history – before rippling north for 104 miles (167km), traveling along the coast towards the chilled-out town of Belfast (pictured). Drivers can expect at least two hours 30 minutes on the road, plus stops in cool coastal towns along the way. 

Reeling out from Portland, the road rewards drivers with regular glimpses over the ocean and forests like patchwork quilts in fall. The city of Rockland is hailed for its fresh lobster rolls, while a little farther north, Camden has a quirky downtown area and harbor. Belfast, a stone's throw from Moose Point State Park, is the final stop.

Maryland: Annapolis to Huntingtown

Stretching from the state capital of Annapolis (pictured) to Huntingtown, this road trip follows the scenic Roots and Tides Byway, and explores a great swathe of Chesapeake Bay. The byway spools out for around 47 miles (76km), traveling along the coast and amounting to around one hour 30 minutes of driving time. Pushing south, the route is studded with views of the water and historic spots to park up. 

Along the way, the Historic London Town and Gardens in Edgewater boast flower-filled grounds and historic structures dating back to the 18th century. Pushing south farther, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center typically attracts visitors with walking trails and family-orientated ‘Science Saturday’ events (check website for varied opening times). The last stop, Huntingtown is often used a springboard for natural sites like Breezy Point Beach or Kings Landing Park (pictured).

Massachusetts: Boston to Provincetown (Cape Cod)

Massachusetts has a lot to offer road-trippers, from leaf-peeping adventures to epic coastal odysseys. This 123-mile (198km) route falls in the latter camp, leaving buzzing Boston for Provincetown, and the celebrated coastline of Cape Cod. Beginning on I-93, the road morphs into Route 3 (Pilgrims Highway), before finally passing onto Route 6 for the last leg of the journey through picturesque Cape Cod.

Beautiful Provincetown is at the very northern tip of Cape Cod, and postcard-worthy peninsula towns like Chatham can be found en route from Boston. But the drive's principal draw is the Cape Cod National Seashore, with its champagne beaches (such as the popular Herring Cove Beach, pictured) and historic lighthouses. The dedicated NPS website has updates on open facilities.

Michigan: Detroit to Saugatuck

While some road trips are all about the journey, this one really is about the destination. The route travels mainly on I-94, cutting right through southern Michigan and ending up in the glorious Lake Michigan town of Saugatuck – the local tourist information website is the best place for current updates on Saugatuck, which has "cautiously reopened". The journey takes road-trippers 200 miles (322km) west and eats up around three hours.

The most scenic stretch of the journey is along M-89, which cuts across the Kalamazoo River and is fringed by lush woodland and studded with neat houses. In Saugatuck, it’s all about relaxation and outdoor adventure, with sandy strands like Oval Beach (pictured) and Saugatuck Dunes State Park with its shoreline trails. Visit the DNR website for park details.

Minnesota: Minneapolis to Grand Marais (North Shore)

Most travelers complete this long-weekend road trip in two parts. The first, less scenic half takes around two hours 15 minutes and unfolds on the I-35 from Minneapolis to Duluth. The second half more than makes up for it. After an overnight in Duluth (the tourist website is the best place for updates on dining and lodgings), drivers can take in breathtaking vistas along the Minnesota State Highway 61, traveling on up the North Shore to Grand Marais. 

There are scenic spots aplenty along the North Shore, and the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (pictured) particularly loves the camera. Aside from its majestic cliff-top lighthouse, the park has opportunities for wildlife viewing and around three miles of hiking trails along the lakeshore. There are typically plenty of great places to overnight in the Grand Marais area, but be sure to do your research before you travel. 

Mississippi: Jackson to Tunica

Beginning in Jackson, Mississippi’s capital, this route explores some of the state’s rich musical heritage, traveling as it does just over 200 miles (322km) on Highway 61, dubbed the Blues Highway. Though this music-rich journey involves under four hours on the road, most travelers spend a whole long weekend soaking up the sights and sounds of the trail. Vicksburg, where drivers can join the Blues Highway, lies around 45 minutes west of Jackson.

Vicksburg is home to the Blue Room, a legendary nightspot that played host to the likes of Louis Armstrong, while the Highway 61 Blues Museum, with its large store of musical memorabilia, can be found farther north in Leland – double check the Facebook page for opening updates. Clarksdale is home to the much-photographed Devil’s Crossroad (pictured), where legend has it blues artist Robert Leroy Johnson sold his soul to the devil. The last stop is Tunica, best known for its casinos and the Gateway to the Blues Museum.

Missouri: Springfield to Camdenton

An easy weekend escape from the buzzy city of Springfield, picturesque Camdenton is often billed as the “Hub City of Lake of the Ozarks" (pictured). The little Ozarks city is reached by a pleasant 75-mile (121km) drive, much of which is along bucolic MO-73, and drivers can be in Camdenton within one hour 30 minutes. 

Springfield is the starting point for this short getaway – here, Fantastic Caverns, which offers cave tours via a jeep-drawn tram, is a hit with kids. In Camdenton, Missouri's backyard unfolds in all its glory. Ha Ha Tonka State Park (pictured) contains the incredible ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle, while the wiggling Lake of the Ozarks is a perfect spot for water sports.

Montana: Bozeman to West Yellowstone

Montana punches above its weight when it comes to great road trips and the beautiful journey from Bozeman down south to West Yellowstone is one of them. The 90-mile (145km) journey unfolds on US-191, a wonderfully scenic route flanked by peaks carpeted with evergreen trees. It whips past the ski resorts of Big Sky and at one point, even slips across the border into Wyoming too. 

This attractive route passes several trailheads close to Yellowstone National Park – these include access to the Fawn Pass trail, a moderate route with views of verdant meadows and the Gallatin River (watch out for bears). West Yellowstone is known as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park itself and also for the fascinating Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.

Nebraska: Omaha to South Sioux City

Nebraska often flies under the radar, but this rewarding road trip proves that the so-called Cornhusker State has plenty to offer. The route begins in Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, and follows the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway (US Highway 75) for around 100 miles (161km) to reach South Sioux City, another Nebraskan metropolis. Running adjacent to the Missouri River, the route is named after army commanders Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who led an expedition in this region and beyond in the early 19th century.

The road itself is extremely picturesque in parts, passing manicured farmland and lakes and rivers. The Summit Lake State Recreation Area – centered around a glassy 190-acre lake dotted with boats and lined with fishermen – pops up around halfway through the route. Finally, the drive ends in South Sioux City, where Crystal Cove Park (pictured) is a haven for more than 200 species of bird. 

Nevada: Las Vegas to Overton

The red rocks of the Valley of Fire State Park, near Overton, feel worlds apart from the bright lights and bustle of Sin City – but actually, they’re less than 70 miles (113km) away. Drivers can strike out from Vegas on I-15 then, for added drama, join the Valley of Fire Highway. This epic road cuts right through the red-rock formations that give the Valley of Fire its name. From here the picturesque Northshore Road winds up to the Overton area, where there are a few hotels and RV parks (it's wise to reserve somewhere in advance).

This area is ripe for an adventure. Numerous trails weave through the Valley of Fire State Park, including the mile-long Rainbow Vista route, which shows off some of the site’s most impressive rock formations. Also on the doorstep is the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, perfect for kayakers, bikers and backcountry hikers.

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New Hampshire: Dover to Lincoln (via Conway)

Best traveled in the fall, this road-trip route takes the long way from the Strafford County city of Dover to the White Mountain town of Lincoln. The first stretch of the journey pushes north on NH-16 to reach Conway, a small town close to Echo Lake State Park (this park now requires an advanced day-use reservation). From Conway, the driver is rewarded with stunning views as they travel on the famed Kancamagus Highway (pictured) through dense White Mountain forest to reach Lincoln.

Unsurprisingly, the route attracts plenty of leaf-peepers in fall, though it’s just as pretty in spring or summer, or when dusted with snow in winter. The road follows the path of the Swift River and hiking trails peel off the road and into the forest – top stop offs include Lower Falls (pictured), a large cascade and pool popular with swimmers. The final stop, Lincoln is close to the Loon Mountain ski resort, while big and little kids alike love Alpine Adventures, a park with high ropes, zip-lines and more.

New Jersey: Atlantic City to Cape May

The best of New Jersey’s coast can be found on this trip from Atlantic City to Cape May. It travels southwest in line with the coast for around 45 miles (72km) and – if no stops are taken along the way – it only racks up an hour of driving time. The main drags of the route travel on the aptly named Atlantic Avenue and the Garden State Parkway.

Feel-good Atlantic City is famed for its buzzy boardwalk, casinos and steel pier and then, out of the city proper, quirky roadside attractions begin to pop up. A highlight is Lucy the Elephant, a mammoth model elephant in Margate City (pictured). The city of Cape May sits right at the southern tip of the Cape May peninsula, near attractions such as the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge with its beaches, dunes and marshes (the FWS reminds visitors to check for park updates before heading out).

New Mexico: Santa Fe to Taos

The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway is a striking route that travels out from Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, up to the high-desert town of Taos. From end to end, the journey is around 70 miles (113km) and can be completed in under two hours, but most drivers take their time, visiting little mountain villages and taking in fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture along the way.

A fascinating stop is the Picuris Pueblo, one of New Mexico’s smallest pueblos, whose riverside setting makes it particularly picturesque. Other highlights include the little villages of Chimayó (pictured), Talpa and Ranchos de Taos, all home to stunning historic churches. The final reward is Taos, with its famous pueblo and photogenic historic district. The pueblo is temporarily closed to visitors, but check for changes on the website. 

New York: New York City to Lake George

A road trip from New York City up to Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains is a top way to escape the Big Apple's buzz for a weekend. It’s a longer trip at more than 200 miles (322km), and involves just under four hours on the Taconic State Parkway (pictured) and I-87 (the Adirondack Northway). But, in the fall especially, spectacular views of forests and peaks more than make up for the extra time on the road.

Lake George, with its beaches and tasting rooms, has plenty of opportunity for kayaking and canoeing, plus a three-mile (5km) round-trip trail to Prospect Mountain. The town also leads out onto the scenic Route 9N. This breathtaking road loops some 32 miles (51km) around the edge of Lake George (pictured), granting amazing waterside views.

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North Carolina: Charlotte to Asheville

Two of North Carolina's top cities are squeezed into this long-weekend Charlotte–Asheville route. The starting point is Charlotte, the state’s largest city, then the route strikes out west on I-85 and US-74 – the entire journey spans around 124 miles (203km) and should take just over two hours. As it moves up towards Asheville the road becomes prettier, even crossing paths with the Blue Ridge Parkway, with forested hills on either side.

The quaint town of Columbus, dropped in the middle of North Carolina’s wine country, sits along the route, and is known for its vineyards and handful of Southern restaurants (get in touch with individual outlets before visiting). Finally the cool mountain town of Asheville is crammed with breweries, chef-driven restaurants and quirky indie galleries. Biltmore Estate (pictured), a sprawling mansion built for George Vanderbilt, can also be visited.

North Dakota: Bismarck to Medora

Heading out from the state capital of Bismarck, this road trip takes drivers out west to the North Dakota badlands. The route runs for just over 130 miles (209km), and involves two hours of driving time, sweeping past a handful of attractions on the way. Eventually the road reaches Medora, a little badlands town and a base for exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, with its vast plains and hoodoos (pictured). Check the NPS site for updates.

Eccentric roadside amusements spring up along the route, including Salem Sue, a mammoth cow sculpture erected in the 1970s, and the sculptures of the Enchanted Highway (Exit 72 on I-94). The fascinating Badlands Dinosaur Museum is also little further west in Dickinson. Medora has charms aplenty too, typically drawing visitors with its laid-back restaurants and its access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (pictured).

Ohio: Cleveland to Logan

This city-to-city voyage travels south from vibrant Cleveland right down to the quaint Hocking Hills city of Logan, its 190 miles (306km) broken up by state capital Columbus. In the fall, the entire route is hemmed with trees of orange, crimson and ocher, and the road becomes even more beautiful on the approach to Logan.

Columbus is packed with family-friendly attractions, including the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (advanced booking is now needed), while the route down to Logan is peppered with picturesque wineries. The popular, family-owned Hocking Hills Winery has reopened. Close to Logan, Hocking Hills State Park (pictured) comes laced with natural wonders like caves and waterfalls. 

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City to Lawton

A city break and a wildlife-watching adventure come together on this Oklahoma route. It begins in the state capital of Oklahoma City before rippling out for 87 miles (140km) down to Lawton (around one hour 30 minutes). Lawton is a great base for the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (pictured), just another half-hour drive away.

A top draw of Lawton is the Museum of the Great Plains (pictured), an interactive museum that delves into the human history of this region (now open). Just beyond the city is the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a flora and fauna-rich expanse home to prairie dogs, bison, Rocky Mountain elk and more. The 15 miles (24km) of hiking trails are well primed for wildlife-watching, plus the campgrounds have reopened.

Oregon: Portland to Astoria (via Garibaldi)

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is arguably the most beautiful road in Oregon, and this 137-mile (220km) drive travels a great stretch of it. Leaving cool Portland behind on US-26, the route heads west until it reaches the windswept coastal city of Garibaldi. Next, it strikes north, rippling up the coast on scenic US-101, finishing at the river city of Astoria. Without stops, the route involves some three hours of driving time. 

There are countless stop-offs along the byway and a driver could easily spend weeks traveling up this stretch of the coast. From the road, incredible views of the ocean open out, fringed by craggy cliffs and rugged shores. Ecola State Park is the route's glittering jewel. Here miles of hiking trails take in lush Sitka forest, sandy beaches and imposing sea stacks. One of the most striking views is of Haystack Rock from golden Cannon Beach (pictured).

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia to Stroudsburg

A world-renowned city, a cool suburb and a bucolic slice of Pennsylvania join up on this 100-mile (161km) route, which involves just over two hours in the car. The route heads out of Philly on the I-95, eventually swapping it for a stretch on the much more scenic PA-32 (the River Road), which hugs the Delaware River. The little town of New Hope in Bucks County (pictured) breaks up the drive which carries on north to Stroudsburg in the picturesque Poconos region.

Around 40 miles (64km) from the City of Brotherly Love, New Hope is a cool town that has gained attention for its progressive art scene, eclectic shopping and cosmopolitan vibe. Stroudsburg, meanwhile, is a gateway for the outdoor adventures of the Pocono Mountains and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (pictured). 

Rhode Island: Providence to Newport

Making the most of US-1, this coastal itinerary travels from the state capital of Providence down to the Aquidneck Island city of Newport, with its historic mansions and lighthouses (pictured). The journey is easily doable in a weekend, with only 32 miles (51km) of travel and around an hour on the road. Most drivers choose not to rush it though. Instead they lap up views of Narragansett Bay as they appear and make stop offs in spots like the coastal town of Jamestown, which sprawls across Conanicut Island.

Laid-back Jamestown has a different vibe to buzzy Newport. An afternoon here is typically spent relaxing on beaches such as pristine Mackerel Cove and exploring Beavertail State Park, a rugged, coastal site with a fascinating lighthouse museum. In Newport, top attractions include the pretty harbor and The Breakers (pictured), a grand Vanderbilt mansion dating to the 1890s.

South Carolina: Charleston to Beaufort

Following US-17 through South Carolina from sultry Charleston to the lesser-touristed city of Beaufort (pictured), this road trip oozes Southern charm. The route spans about 70 miles (113km) and a non-stop drive takes around one hour 30 minutes. However, a slower drive might include some of South Carolina’s breathtaking Sea Islands. 

One popular detour is Edisto Island. An area of lush natural beauty, it's home to the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve with its unspoiled beaches and wetlands (pictured), as well as the wildlife-rich Edisto Beach State Park. The final destination, Beaufort is beloved for its 19th-century architecture and its live oaks dripping in Spanish moss. The Beaufort Shrimp Festival typically takes place in the fall too.

South Dakota: Rapid City to Hot Springs

This road-trip route travels between two of South Dakota’s top cities, taking drivers through some of the state’s most spectacular scenery too. While it's possible to head straight down SD-79, the long way is much more scenic, slicing right through Custer State Park. After leaving Rapid City via US-16, the route eventually joins up with South Dakota’s storied Needles Highway (part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway), with its bizarre rock formations and narrow tunnels.

Though the journey is bookended by fabulous cities, the real star here is the road. There are scenic overlooks along Needles Highway and at the Mount Coolidge Lookout, while trailheads for routes such as the Stockade Lake Trail are nearby too. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial (pictured) is another detour. As its name suggests, Hot Springs is famed for its natural springs and provides easy access to Wind Cave National Park.

Tennessee: Nashville to Memphis

These musical cities are just over three hours apart, so a long-weekend escape from capital Nashville to Memphis (pictured) or vice versa is easily doable. Mainly on the stretch of I-40 billed as Music Highway, the journey is just over 200 miles (322km), and while the cities really are the crowning jewels here, the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge offers some fresh air along the way. 

En route, the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center includes the West Tennessee Music Museum and the Tina Turner Museum, housed in the Flagg Grove schoolhouse attended by the young singer (pictured). In Memphis the musical theme continues with Elvis Presley's former home, Graceland, and live venues along Beale Street. 

Texas: Austin to Fredericksburg

Starting out in state capital Austin, one of Texas’ coolest cities (pictured), this route beats a path west on US-290 to take in Fredericksburg, in the heart of Texas Hill Country. It’s around one hour 30 minutes and just under 80 miles (129km) between these two enchanting cities. The road travels right through Texan wine country too – in fact, given the abundance of wineries, the stretch of US-290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg is known as Wine Road 290.

Wineries along this scenic portion of the route include the Hye Meadow Winery, which typically has grape-stomping events in summer and is currently open with limited capacity. Further west, in Stonewall, there’s pretty Woodrose Winery too (tasting room is open and curbside pick-up also available by appointment). In spring, fields of bluebonnets – like this one near Fredericksburg – spread out along the route, and in Fredericksburg proper, there are more wineries still and a well-preserved Historic District downtown.

Take a look at more of the world's most colorful natural wonders

Utah: Salt Lake City to Wendover

Wonderful views of the Great Salt Lake (pictured) reveal themselves along the road out west from Salt Lake City. The path from Utah’s state capital to the little touristed city of Wendover involves around 120 miles (193km) on I-80 and about one hour 45 minutes on the road. Most scenic of all is an early stretch of the route that hugs the salt lake – there are designated viewing areas along the roadway here. 

Picturesque detours include Antelope Island with its roaming bison and stunning views. Then back on the road, on the approach to Wendover, the landscape is lunar, with more stark salt pans and lakes. The city itself sits right on the border with Nevada and is a good base for the Danger and Jukebox Caves State Park Heritage Area, an area of rich archaeological history.

Vermont: Stowe to Weston

Following Vermont’s Scenic Route 100 Byway (pictured), this New England road trip winds from the northern town of Stowe to Weston in Windsor County. While each town has charms aplenty, the road itself steals the show. Even more impressive in the fall, it clings to the eastern edge of the Green Mountains. Without any pit stops, the 100-mile (161km) drive takes under two hours 30 minutes.

Discover the most beautiful scenic byway in every state

Quaint, all-American villages and towns dot the route. One of them is Rochester, a dinky town that has trails winding into the Green Mountain National Forest. Weston, the final stop, is dripping in small-town charm too. Describing itself as “a jewel to be found”, it's home to the state’s oldest professional theater company (the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company) and the popular Vermont Country Store (pictured). It's also surrounded by hiking trails and is close to seven ski resorts.

Virginia: Waynesboro to Front Royal (Skyline Drive)

The trip from the city of Waynesboro to Front Royal cuts right through Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, following the breathtaking Skyline Drive. The entire drive is around 105 miles (169km) and it takes about three hours to travel from south to north. Trailheads leading to wooded hiking routes and numerous scenic overlooks are spaced along the road. Most Shenandoah amenities are now open, but double-check the NPS website before traveling.

Trees, lush in spring and summer and burning in fall, line the route, and wildlife such as black bears and deer sometimes amble across the road. Popular scenic stops include the Range View Overlook with beautiful vistas across the Blue Ridge Mountains, while the Dickey Ridge Loop is a favored hiking trail.

Make sure you don't make any of these hiking mistakes next time you hit the trails

Washington: Seattle to Leavenworth

This road trip takes drivers right through the Cascades, heading east from the well-touristed city of Seattle to the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth. It travels along the high-elevation Stevens Pass Highway (US-2), which follows the arch of the Skykomish River, passing ski resorts and trailheads. The trip is around 120 glorious miles (193km) and involves some two hours 20 minutes of driving time.

Check out more American places that feel like you're visiting a different country

The road is a sight in itself, with the Cascades’ wooded peaks rising all around, and there are plenty of cabins and camping spots along the route (check with individual accommodations before you travel). Closer to Leavenworth, the 2.5-mile (4km) Skyline Lake trail is a strenuous but stunning route, offering views of the surrounding ski areas. Leavenworth itself is a curious European-style town that usually has its own Oktoberfest in the fall and a popular ale festival in spring.

West Virginia: Fairmont to Harman

Beginning in Fairmont, this route to Harman travels via the small city of Thomas, where it joins the scenic Route 32 (pictured), carving its way through the Canaan Valley. The trip needs at least two hours and 10 minutes of driving time and whizzes through 85 miles (137km) of green scenery, punctured by pocket-sized towns. 

This route passes by the Canaan Valley Resort State Park, where 18 miles (29km) of trails reveal the preserve’s wildlife and wildflowers and skiers and ice-skaters typically descend in winter. There’s also Blackwater Falls State Park, named after a 57-foot (17m) watery cascade (pictured), unique for its orange hue. Route 32 trails off in Harman, which has several nearby campgrounds and cabin complexes.

See more of America's most beautiful waterfalls here

Wisconsin: Milwaukee to Sturgeon Bay

It’s around 140 miles (225km) from the throbbing city of Milwaukee to Sturgeon Bay and the outdoor adventure paradise that is Door County. Door County is nestled away in the northern “thumb” of Wisconsin, and is fringed by 300 miles (483km) of lake shoreline. The waterside city of Sturgeon Bay is typically used as a springboard for the wider area and the drive here takes around two hours and 30 minutes on I-43 and WI-42. The road roughly follows the curve of Lake Michigan, sometimes revealing glimpses of the water.

Sturgeon Bay’s waterfront is home to the Door County Maritime Museum, which celebrates the area’s connection to the sea – see current protocols before visiting. Then, a half-hour drive north on WI-57 leads to Baileys Harbor – here Door County’s natural beauty really comes to the fore and Toft Point grants visitors awesome views across Lake Michigan. 

Wyoming: Casper to Jackson

Requiring a long weekend, this route between Casper and Jackson on US Highway 26 and US Highway 191 (pictured) is all about epic views. Heading west from Casper, the drive whips through Boysen State Park and the Wind River Indian Reservation, then follows Snake River on Highway 191 through a swathe of Grand Teton National Park. The entire drive is 278 miles (447km) and takes about four hours and 40 minutes.

Highway 191 is typically open through the winter and the Jackson Hole area is a favorite with skiers, snowmobilers and sledders – sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge are popular too. Grand Teton National Park is also open year-round (though check for seasonal road closures) and the Jenny Lake Trail (pictured) is one of the most picturesque hiking routes.

Now discover stunning US spots to relax in your RV this winter

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