Explore the Great Outdoors: 8 Hour Road Trips from Denver
The beautiful state of Colorado is known for its majestic mountains, scenic landscapes, and vast outdoor spaces. Denver, the state capital, is situated at a perfect location for some stunning road trips. Here are eight fantastic road trips from Denver that will let you explore the great outdoors.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Experience the Mountains Like Never Before
About an hour and a half drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to experience the mountains like never before. The park covers an area of over 400 square miles, including 60 peaks over 12,000 feet. The park offers a wide range of activities, from hiking and fishing to nature tours and wildlife watching. The Trail Ridge Road, known as one of the most scenic drives in the US, crosses the park and offers stunning views of the mountains.
Glenwood Springs
Relax and Rejuvenate in Nature’s Lap
Glenwood Springs, located about three hours from Denver, is a perfect destination for those who want to relax and rejuvenate in nature’s lap. The town is best known for its hot springs that have therapeutic properties and are perfect for unwinding. Apart from hot springs, Glenwood Springs has a lot to offer, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
Mesa Verde National Park
Discover the Fascinating History of the Ancestral Pueblo People
Drive seven hours from Denver to Mesa Verde National Park, and you’ll discover the fascinating history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The park contains over 5,000 archeological sites, including well-preserved cliff dwellings. Ranger-led tours provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Witness Nature’s Unique Topography
About three and a half hours from Denver, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique destination that boasts of the tallest sand dunes in North America. The park offers a range of activities like hiking, sandboarding, and stargazing. The park also has several natural hot springs that provide an opportunity to unwind after a day of hiking.
Estes Park
Embrace the Charm of the Small Town
Estes Park, located about an hour and a half drive from Denver, is a charming small town known for its scenic beauty. The town is often referred to as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and offers various activities like fishing, hiking, and shopping. The town also has an array of restaurants that serve local cuisine.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Experience the Thrill of Driving on the Highest Paved Road in North America
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just an hour’s drive from Denver, is an exhilarating way to experience the scenic beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The road takes you to the summit of Mount Evans, which is over 14,000 feet high. The road is open only from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a thrilling drive, with stunning views of the mountains.
Boulder
Go Hiking and Biking Amidst the Stunning Scenery
Boulder, located about an hour’s drive from Denver, is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains. The city offers numerous trails for hiking and biking, along with various other outdoor activities. The city also has an array of restaurants that serve delicious cuisine.
Grand Junction
Experience the Beauty of Colorado’s Wine Country
Grand Junction, located about four hours from Denver, is a perfect destination for wine lovers. The city is known for its Colorado Wine Country, which boasts of some of the finest wines in the region. The city also offers hiking, biking, and boating activities along the Colorado River.
Conclusion
Colorado offers an array of destinations for those who love the great outdoors. These eight road trips from Denver are perfect for experiencing the natural beauty of the state. From stunning mountain views to hot springs and vineyards, there’s something for everyone. Plan your next road trip and explore the great outdoors!
