Day Trips from Denver to Colorado

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Escape city life for the day and head south from Denver to explore the best of Colorado Springs on a private, customized tour. Wander among the enchanting sandstone formations known as the Garden of the Gods, browse shops in the artsy resort town of Manitou Springs, and drive to the summit of Pikes Peak — Colorado’s most famous ’14’er.’ It's a great way to get out of town without the hassle of renting a car.

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

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

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

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

Discover Estes Park and the Colorado Mountains on this private all-day guided tour from Denver. Travel to the Rocky Mountain National Park where you’ll be able to take short hikes to the Alluvial Fan (a fan-shaped area of disturbance in the boulder field) and other sites such as Sprague Lake and Bear Lake. Then, head to Estes Park where you can shop for souvenirs and grab a bite to eat from one of the restaurants that specializes in local game (not included).

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

Get a comprehensive tour of Colorado Springs combined with personalized attention on this day excursion. With round-trip private transportation included, you can enjoy the scenery and relax on the way there and back. Once in Colorado Springs, listen to commentary tailored to your interests as you visit the city highlights such as Pike's Peak, the Manitou Incline, the Garden of the Gods, and the Air Force Academy.

Have only a short stay in Colorado planned? See many of Denver’s top attractions—and venture beyond city limits to discover historical highlights and old mining towns—on this private, full-day driving tour. Meet your guide in the morning at your hotel, and travel via private vehicle. After seeing Denver highlights like the RiNo neighborhood, state capitol, and Larimer Square, head to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Idaho Springs, Central City, and more.

Immerse yourself in the exciting history of the Colorado Gold Rush, and enjoy the intimacy of a small-group tour. Stroll through the historic town of Central City and follow the steps of the miners as you learn about their lifestyle. Visit an authentic ghost town, tour a real gold mine, and and learn about the mine's history and modern-day mining techniques. Get an opportunity to strike it rich by panning for gold and silver before your return trip to Denver.

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

Explore some of the highlights of Denver in this all-in-one tour. Whether you’re seeking a sports fix, want to explore some dramatic natural scenery, or have a taste for cultural highlights, this tour suits all. Learn about the city’s rich history at the State Capitol and Larimer Square, the city’s birthplace. Visit professional sports arenas, LoDo (lower downtown), the Art and Theatre District, and the trendy RiNo (River North Art) District. Escape to nature and take in the views at Red Rocks Park and Buffalo Bill’s gravesite at Lookout Mountain.

Experience the dazzling heights and dramatic vistas of the Rocky Mountains on this private day tour to Mt Evans, one of Colorado’s tallest and most famous peaks. Departing from Denver, travel along scenic Interstate 70 through a landscape of winding mountain roads and historic silver mining towns, keeping a sharp eye out for wildlife like bison and bighorn sheep. Soak up the spectacular views from the top of the famous ‘14-er,’ (during summer when weather permits) and stop to explore Colorado’s well-preserved silver boomtowns Idaho Springs and Georgetown. Enjoy the personalized attention on a private guide on this family-friendly road trip.

The drive from Denver to Pikes Peak can take nearly 3 hours. Leave the navigating to your personal guide, and enjoy the ride as you head to this popular mountain. Head through alpine forests, past mountain peaks and reservoirs, and onto the trails. Get dramatic views of towering sandstone formations, snow-capped peaks, and blue skies.

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

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