Day trips from Denver

Hike up to St. Mary's Glacier, ascending through the stunning Colorado Forest and ending with breathtaking panoramic lake views. With swimming and sledding included, this 1.5-mile hike is a popular hike in Colorado. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Beau Jo's Mountain Pizza in Idaho Springs, which has been around since 1880 and is one of Colorado's hidden gems. Idaho Springs has a population of 1,717 people, and is a gold-mining town founded in 1859 during the Gold Rush. Following lunch, your tour visits another historic landmark where you can soak in the natural geothermal cave pools, perfect for sore muscles after hiking.

Discover some of the most iconic historical spots that Colorado has to offer. Experience what it's like being in Jurassic Park while exploring Dinosaur Ridge. Learn about the gold rush and pan for gold yourself. Taste Idaho Springs' delicious BBQ. Try new things with this hands-on tour. Stop 1: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Start the tour exploring Red Rocks, an amphitheater ranked one of the best in the world, while learning about its history and geology. Be surrounded by two sections of red rocks and an outstanding view of Colorado. Get your photos taken for free by a professional photographer with a DSLR camera to remember your experience. Stop 2: Dinosaur Ridge Next, visit Dinosaur Ridge and travel back in time to over 200 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the great plains of Colorado. Learn about the ancient dinosaurs and why Dinosaur Ridge become famous. The world’s first known Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus fossils were found here during the late 19th century which started the “dinosaur rush.” Stop 3: Lunch in Idaho Springs Afterward, eat lunch at Smokin’ Yards BBQ in Idaho Springs, a small gold mining town founded in 1859 during the gold rush. Smokin’ Yards started in Idaho Springs and has some of the best BBQ in the state called "High Elevation BBQ." For alternative lunch options, choose from the various food options around Idaho Springs instead. Stop 4: Phoenix Gold Mine Tour Next, experience a family-friendly adventure at the Phoenix Gold Mine with an expert guide. This mine has been passed down for four generations and is family-owned and ran. Get a lesson in panning for gold and have the chance to test your skills and keep what you find. Stop 5: Miner St. Meander Finally, pass by Miner Street which is filled with historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. See small businesses, shops, art galleries, and more.

Looking for a way to turn Denver’s historic Lower Downtown into a giant game board? This interactive scavenger hunt combines the fun of the Amazing Race with a two-hour sightseeing tour of Denver’s LoDo district. Guided from any smartphone, groups make their way among well-known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. The adventure begins at a historic building and takes you on a well-designed course through the historic area, Coors Field, Union Station and Confluence Park you discover the rich history, art and culture of the original Denver. Using a smartphone as “the guide” allows participants to start when they want and determine their own pace of play. Since you are the creator of your own schedule, you can stop for lunch midway or for a later cold brew at one of the many hot spots in the area. Offered at a fixed price for a group vs. per person pricing, this city tour/game offers a great value to those on a budget.

Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park on this day trip from Denver. See nature at its finest as you take in unspoiled views and magnificent peaks. Cruise down Trail Edge Road and through Estes Park in a comfortable and airconditioned van. Stop for a nice picnic in a stunning natural setting. Meet your local guide at the Denver Union Station and climb aboard a spacious van with plenty of legroom. Sit back and relax on the drive to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take in views of the city of Boulder on the drive. Stop to see the iconic Flatirons red-rock formation. Admire views of this 300-million-year-old wonder that lies in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Feel as though you are on top of the world as you cruise down Trail Edge Road which offers plenty of opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. Indulge in delicious picnic lunch as you enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains in the background. Visit the Stanley Hotel which was made famous as the shooting location for Stephen King's film 'The Shining.' Encounter marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains as you drive through Estes Park. Return to your meeting point in Denver at the end of your Rocky Mountain adventure.