Day trips from Denver
Most of Colorado's best-known sights are within a few hours of Denver. Pick a guide below to compare real tours and prices for each one.
Updated October 12, 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.
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Garden of the Gods & Colorado Springs
A free red-rock park, jeep tours and a sunrise balloon.
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Red Rocks
The amphitheatre is about 30 minutes west of downtown. Tours from 2 hours.
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Whitewater rafting
Clear Creek is about 30 minutes away; the Arkansas is 2–2.5 hours.
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Denver food tours
2.5–3 hours of tastings in LoDo, RiNo or downtown.
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Winter & ski days
Ski, snowshoe, tubing and hot springs trips with transport.
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Hot springs
Indian Hot Springs is 32 miles away; Glenwood is about 3 hours.
See the guide →Aspen & Maroon Bells
Reservations and the shuttle season, plus how to get there.
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If you only have one day
These three cover the most popular choices: the national park, Pikes Peak with Garden of the Gods, and 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 → - The best-known 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 11, 2026 and change by date. Prefer to drive yourself? Compare rental cars.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Denver?
Rocky Mountain National Park and Pikes Peak with Garden of the Gods are the most popular. 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.