Day trips from Denver
These Denver day trips all start within a few hours of the city. Each guide below compares the tours we found for one place, with prices.
Updated October 13, 2026 · We may earn a commission
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Day trips from Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park
Elk, alpine lakes and Trail Ridge Road. Group tours run 8-9.5 hours.
See the guide
Pikes Peak
The 14,115-ft summit, usually paired with Garden of the Gods. About 8-8.5 hours.
See the guide
Garden of the Gods & Colorado Springs
A free red-rock park, jeep tours and a sunrise balloon.
See the guide
Red Rocks
The amphitheatre is about 30 minutes west of downtown. Tours from 2 hours.
See the guide
Whitewater rafting
Clear Creek is about 30 minutes away; the Arkansas is 2-2.5 hours.
See the guide
Denver food tours
2.5-3 hours of tastings in LoDo, RiNo or downtown.
See the guide
Winter & ski days
Ski, snowshoe, tubing and hot springs trips with transport.
See the guide
Hot springs
Indian Hot Springs is 32 miles away; Glenwood is about 3 hours.
See the guideAspen & Maroon Bells
Reservations and the shuttle season, plus how to get there.
See the guide
Drives, ski days and longer trips
Drive yourself to RMNP
Timed entry, fees and a one-day itinerary from Denver.
See the guide
Mount Blue Sky
North America's highest paved road, starting under an hour from Denver. Summer only.
See the guide
Colorado scenic drives
Trail Ridge, Peak to Peak, Guanella and more, with seasons.
See the guide
Ski resorts near Denver
Drive times, Epic vs Ikon, and car-free options.
See the guide
Great Sand Dunes
About four hours south: fees, Medano Creek, sandboarding.
See the guide
Durango & Silverton train
A longer trip: steam train schedules and fares.
See the guideWinter driving rules
Traction law, chains and I-70 tips before you rent.
See the guide
If you only have one day
With one day, pick one of these: the national park, Pikes Peak with Garden of the Gods, or a half day on the river in summer.
- Boulder + Stanley Hotel stops, picnic at Sprague Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tour - From Denver
- Denver
- 8 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $179 pp
Check availability - Small-group day trip from Denver
Small-group tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver
- Denver
- Full day
- Viator
From $179 pp
Check availability - Class III-IV, 8 miles
Upper Clear Creek Half-Day Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs
- Idaho Springs
- 3 hours
- Viator
From $74.92 pp
Check availability
Prices were checked October 13, 2026 and change by date. Prefer to drive yourself? Compare rental cars.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Denver?
For a first visit, Rocky Mountain National Park or Pikes Peak with Garden of the Gods. Group tours to either cost about $149-$199 per person when we checked and take most of the day.
Can I do a day trip from Denver without a car?
Yes. All the tours on this page include transportation from Denver except a few that start in Estes Park, Colorado Springs or Idaho Springs, which the listings mark.
What is the closest mountain day trip to Denver?
Red Rocks and Clear Creek (Idaho Springs) are each about 30 minutes from the city.