It is no secret that Colorado is home to AMAZING views, epic hikes, and all the adventures one could ever dream of.
If you know me at all, you know I am always down for a good road trip. I just returned from a 3,000+ mile road trip from Texas to Colorado, and once again I was awestruck with all Colorado has to offer.
I of course know that driving for 30+ hours is not for everyone, so flying to Denver International Airport may be the perfect home base to adventure. For this reason, I reached out to other expert travel bloggers to share the BEST weekend trips from Denver, CO.
OKAAAYY, on to the good stuff! Here are 11 epic weekend trips (ranging from 30 minutes to 7 hours away) from Denver, CO. ENJOY!
P.S. You could also have a really fun weekend with Denver as the home base!
hint: The weekend trips are arranged from closest to farthest away from Denver! Most of these weekend trips from Denver can also be adapted to be dog-friendly!
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Table of Contents
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
as experienced by Michelle from Moyer Memoirs Empty-nest Travel Adventures
Distance from Denver: 16.2 miles, 23 minutes
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is located in Golden Colorado, 15 miles west of Denver, and a nice day trip, date day, or quick weekend getaway from the city. It is full of exciting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, exercise buffs, historians, and music fans.
Hiking in Red Rocks Colorado is an opportunity not to be missed. There are two main trails and several smaller ones that lead around the red rocks and throughout the park. Don’t forget to bring along your camera because beautiful photos will be around each turn.
The huge sandstone amphitheater sits as the focal point of the park. It has a stage for musical performances and is surrounded by gigantic red rocks. Musical performers from every genre grace the stage every year to entertain their fans with the perfect acoustics in the outdoor amphitheater.
When not occupied for a stage show, the amphitheater functions as a free health club. Athletes, runners, joggers, and those that just want a good work-out use the amphitheater as a gymnasium as they race up and down the hundreds of stairs or practice yoga along the long spectator bench seats.
Red Rocks Park has its own official premiere hotel called Origin Hotel, complete with a fully-equipped gym, yoga mats, and a shuttle to the amphitheater on show nights. Other options for an overnight stay include other hotels in Golden or the nearby town of Morrison. Since Denver is just a short drive away, a day trip is also a possibility from Denver accommodations.
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Estes Park, CO
as experienced by Kate from Our Escape Clause
Distance from Denver: 64 miles, ~1 hour 30 minutes
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains just an hour and a half northwest of the capital, the adorable small town of Estes Park, Colorado isn’t just the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park–it’s one of the absolute best weekend getaways from Denver!
Of course, the biggest reason to visit is to enjoy the easy access to one of the most popular national parks in the USA: Estes Park is roughly a 10-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park and only 30 minutes from the incredibly popular Bear Lake trailhead.
With access like that, it’s no surprise that Estes Park is one of the most popular weekend trips in Colorado!
Beyond the national park, though, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Estes Park, including riding the Estes Park Tramway to the top of Prospect Mountain, strolling along the Riverwalk, browsing the shops in Estes Park’s quaint downtown, and paddling through Lake Estes.
While there are plenty of beautiful places to stay in Estes Park, ranging from basic chain hotels to luxurious mountain cabins with idyllic views, by far the most iconic place to stay is the beautiful Stanley Hotel.
Situated above the city and boasting incredible mountain views, this historic luxury hotel is best-known for being the inspiration behind Stephen King’s novel (and subsequent movie adaptations) of The Shining–and you should definitely read it before checking in!
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Rocky Mountain National Park
As experienced by Emmy from Celebrate Again
Distance from Denver: 65.8 miles ~ 1 hour 37 minutes
If you’re not already visiting Denver to see Rocky Mountain National Park, it is a must-see sight! It is not hard to believe that it’s the second most popular national park outside of the Grand Canyon. With sweeping mountain views, endless hikes, adventures, and situated near two adorable mountain towns, it’s worth packing your bags and hitting the road to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).
When you visit RMNP it’s worth planning some hikes based on your ability levels. The park is full of easily accessible hikes and some more intense hikes for more seasoned veterans. Don’t forget to account for the high altitudes and plan for all seasons (yes even mid-July). Snowstorms can still sweep around the peaks and wind temperatures can hit below freezing quickly no matter the time of year. Pack your winter coat, gloves, raincoat, and lots of extra electrolyte water.
Hiking pro tip: We love adding lemon or lime juice to our water (literally a whole lemon or lime) to add natural electrolytes, no fancy powders needed.
If you’re feeling symptoms of altitude sickness (dizziness, fatigue and unable to catch your breath) maybe skip hiking and enjoy other activities like the many scenic drives, horseback ride, or packing a picnic.
Most people stay in Estes Park as it’s closer to Denver than other access points into RMNP. But if you want a truly local experience head to Grand Lake during the summer and explore more of the backcountry of RMNP.
Colorado Springs
Distance from Denver: 68.3 miles, ~1 hour 5 minutes
Colorado Springs is an extremely charming, dog-friendly town in the center of adventure. During your weekend trip you can explore the magical Garden of The Gods, make the trek up 3,000 stairs, drive up to the top of a mountain, or simply grab a bite to eat at a dog-friendly restaurant.
I suggest beginning your trip at Garden of the Gods. Here, you will find 29+ hiking trails, and countless unique rock formations. After you warm up your hiking legs at The Garden of the God’s trails, you will be ready to conquer the Manitou Incline.
Hint: click here for more details on hiking the Manitou Incline.
If you are still up for more adventure (I promise no more hikes…ya gotta give your legs a break), you can head to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum. This slower pace adventure will give you a history lesson and a unique dog-friendly experience (your pup is even allowed in the museum and gift shop!)
And finally, you can end your weekend getaway with a 19-mile drive to the top of Pike’s Peak—a famous Colorado 14er that is accessible to all!
Follow along in my (and Thor’s) adventures on Instagram!
Keep Reading::: Best State Parks to add to your Bucket List ASAP!
Mount Evans
as experienced by Allison at She Dreams of Alpine
Distance from Denver: 56 miles, ~2 hours 5 minutes
Whether you want to summit your first 14er or simply see some amazing views from the comfort of your car, Mount Evans can be reached by hiking or driving, and is an awesome weekend trip from Denver. Standing at 14,265 feet, Mount Evans is located approximately 60 miles from Denver near the town of Idaho Springs.
To get there, take I-70 to Highway 5, also known as Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which is the highest paved road in the United States. Though the road is closed in winter (and currently for COVID-19), when it is open, you can drive all the way to the summit for incredible panoramic views. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can stop at Summit Lake and hike about 4.5 miles out and back (with 2300 feet of elevation gain) to the summit of Mount Evans and feel the achievement of hiking a 14er. You can also bike to the top of Mount Evans if you prefer pedal power.
However you choose to make your way to the top, be sure to indulge in post-summit pizza at Beau Jo’s or a pint at Tommyknocker Brewery in the former mining town of Idaho Springs. Stay the night at Indian Hot Springs, and treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the mineral pool and geothermal caves before you head back to Denver.
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Breckenridge, CO
As experienced by Lotte from Beste voor Kids
Distance from Denver: 78.5 miles, ~1 hour 40 minutes
It’s no secret there are many beautiful small towns in North America, both in Canada as well as in the USA. Breckenridge is one of those pretty towns and a perfect weekend trip from Denver. It’s only a 2-hour drive from Colorado’s capital city, but you will feel like a world away.
Breckenridge is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range, which makes it a wonderful Denver getaway for outdoor lovers. There are many hiking trails and mountain bike tracks and during winter you can enjoy lots of fresh powder at the Breckenridge Ski Resort.
The town itself is lovely too, with a historic Victorian core, boutique stores, and nice restaurants. A good place to stay is the River Mountain Lodge, located along the beautiful Blue River.
A must-do activity (conditions permitting) is hiking Quandary Peak. This 7.5-mile trail leads to an altitude of 14.271 feet. It’s not an easy trail, so wear proper boots, bring enough water, food, and warm clothes (even in summer as it gets cold at the top).
If you have a chance to visit Breckenridge during fall, you’re in luck as it happens to be one of the best places in the USA to watch the splendid autumn colors. Altogether Breckenridge is a great year-round destination!
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Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park
As experienced by Lucile from LucileHR
Distance from Denver: 214 miles, ~4 hours 47 minutes
Standing on the overlooks in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National National Park would be one of those things that can take your breath away. Doing so would also make you understand why the deep canyon had its status promoted from National Monument to a National Park.
My visit to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison was part of an awesome girls’ road trip. We went on a hike, and of course, managed to take a few snaps of the beauty of the narrow canyons. But I’m sure photos won’t do justice to the park’s magnificence.
There are plenty of things to do in Black Canyon. There are various trails on the park for all skill levels. Hiking along these trails presents the perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness as you put in more awareness into your experience. Other activities include rock climbing, fishing, wildlife spotting, and even horseback riding along an established equestrian trail.
Summertime is the best time to visit the park, so plan your visit between June and September. You can book your stay in Montrose, the town closest to the park’s South Rim (the popular part of the canyon). If you plan to have your adventure on the less developed North Rim, then you should stay in Crawford.
Driving from Denver to the park takes less than five hours. A drive on the I-70 is a common route, but taking a combination of US 285 and US 50 will give you more scenic views.
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Great Sand Dunes National Park
Distance from Denver: 238 miles, ~3 hours 41 minutes
Located in the middle of nowhere, but only hours from Denver is the most other-worldly, amazing, unique landscape. Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to 30+ miles of sand dunes reaching 700 feet high!
While here you can hike, camp, stargaze, and of course sandboard. This National Park is extra special because it is completely dog-friendly. This is truly the ULTIMATE dog-friendly weekend trip from Denver as your pup will have the freedom to explore and run, and you will be left in awe of the views around you.
The closest town is Alamosa, but there is one lodge right outside the park, campgrounds, and backcountry sites available.
Read more details about Great Sand Dunes National Park here!
Moab, Utah
As experienced by Nikki from She Saves She Travels
Distance from Denver: 354 miles, ~6 hours 49 minutes
If you’re looking for an awesome weekend trip from Denver, then Moab, Utah is a great choice! Moab is an adventurer’s dream and is quite the change of scenery from Denver.
There’s a ton of things to do in and around Moab. The city of Moab offers great restaurants, boutique shopping, and the most adorable main street you’ll find in the Southwest. Make sure to grab a photo at the Moab mural when you first get downtown!
For out-of-this-world views, check out Arches National Park. It’s one of the most popular national parks in the country, and for good reason! Whether you’re traveling with a family, solo, as a couple or a group, there are great hikes in Arches National Park for everyone and every skill level.
The nearby Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are both stunning and unique in their own ways, too. The views are spectacular and worth driving through if you don’t have time to hike.
Other outdoor adventures include renting ATV’s, white water rafting, or visiting Ken’s Lake. For the little ones, be sure to check out Dinosaur Park.
Finding a spot to stay in Moab likely won’t be a problem. Vacation rentals are popular, although you’re in the desert so a hotel pool is nice to have as well. Just be sure to book in advance for the summer months to get the best deal.
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Ouray, Colorado
As experienced by Karen from Wear I Wandered
Distance from Denver: 299 miles, ~6 hours and 45 minutes
Ouray, Colorado is the perfect place for a weekend getaway from Denver. Often called the Switzerland of America, this stunning little mountain town is situated at 8,000 feet elevation in the heart of the dramatic San Juan Mountains. The history of Ouray dates back to the late 1800s when it was settled by miners during the gold and silver strikes. Today it is known not only for its beauty but because Ouray provides multiple opportunities for year-round outdoor activities.
There are a number of hot springs in the area. The Ouray Town Pool is a large facility that is fed by the therapeutic springs and can be enjoyed by both locals and visitors. Ouray has some amazing hiking including a short hike to Box Spring Canyon which has a thundering waterfall. This hike is easily accessed from town. Ouray is extremely popular with off-roaders. You can rent an ATV in town and take it up onto the old mine trails in the mountains. This is an exhilarating activity that will allow you to truly be away from it all and see some amazing views but it is definitely not for those who are afraid of heights!
Ouray is an all season destination. If you are in town in the summer you can take a jeep into the nearby Yankee Boy Basin to see the wildflowers blooming on the mountain hillsides. In the winter Ouray hosts Winterfest, a six week long jubilee which concludes with the Ouray Ice Festival.
It is easy to fill up a weekend with all the activities in and around Ouray!
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Durango, CO
As experienced by Taryn at Chasing Trail
Distance from Colorado: 335 miles, ~ 6 hour 47 minutes
When you truly want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Denver but can’t necessarily hop on a plane to, say, Big Sky Montana, consider heading to Durango. The historic mining town embodies the term “small but mighty,” offering up a wide range of activities in a spectacularly beautiful setting.
Nestled in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Durango is a hub for every imaginable outdoor pursuit. Regardless of the season, you can hike the Animas River Trail, fly fish on the storied Rio Grande, and take advantage of the many activities offered at Purgatory Resort. Skiing and snowboarding are givens, but you can also try fat biking, panning for (fools’) gold, snowbiking, or in the summer, riding the Inferno Mountain Coaster.
Save some time for a ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and when you’re ready to unwind, head downtown. Durango’s food and nightlife scenes are serious business. In fact, Durango has more restaurants per capita than San Francisco – really! Mexican and Southwestern-style food is wildly popular, as is pizza, but you’ll find literally every type of cuisine here. And in true Colorado mountain town fashion, Durango has five craft breweries, including the nationally-distributed Ska Brewing.
Downtown Durango is extremely walkable with dozens of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. Stay downtown to be in the heart of it all, and either walk or take advantage of the Durango Trolley’s $1 fares.
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