Top 5 Road Trip Destinations From Denver

Denver is a great base for any adventure across Colorado, especially if you’re planning to travel by road. All you need is an idea of where you’re headed, and an appetite for some epic drives. 

Here are a few top-tier destinations to plot out as part of your next asphalt adventure.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Just an hour and a half from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is your ultimate nature escape and needs to be on your Colorado bucket list.

You’ll be driving up winding roads, seeing towering peaks punctuate the skyline like sentinels guarding paradise. 

It also offers:

• Hiking Trails: Over 350 miles of trails for every level.
• Wildlife Spotting: Elk, bighorn sheep, and moose make frequent appearances.
• Trail Ridge Road: The highest continuous paved road in North America offers breathtaking vistas.

When you get to Bear Lake, the scenery mirrors something out of a postcard, combining crystal clear waters with snow-capped mountains as the backdrop.

And if you’re into fishing or camping, spots like Moraine Park offer serene settings that can’t be beat. A quick detour through Estes Park on your way back means tasty local eats and unique shops await.

Garden of the Gods

Drive just over an hour south from Denver, and you’ll find yourself in the otherworldly landscape of Garden of the Gods.

The towering red rock formations piercing a bright blue sky create quite the vibe. 

Attractions include:

• Climbing Opportunities: World-class rock climbing for all skill levels.
• Hiking Paths: 15 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
• Visitor Center: Offers educational exhibits and panoramic views.

This park is a playground for photographers, hikers, and climbers alike. The Siamese Twins trail rewards you with unique rock formations framing Pikes Peak in the distance.

Cyclists can also enjoy paved bike lanes winding through surreal scenery. Nearby Manitou Springs offers quirky shops and cozy cafés, perfect for unwinding after exploring these geological marvels.

If your road trip takes you to this part of the state, you’ll need a reliable vehicle to ferry you to your unforgettable destination.

Choosing quality models from reputable dealerships like EchoPark in Denver, Thornton is the best way to go about this if you’re in the market for a new ride you can count on.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Around 3 to 4 hours from Denver, you’ll stumble upon a landscape that feels like it’s been plucked from another world.

Great Sand Dunes National Park showcases towering sand dunes set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. 

You can enjoy:

• Sandboarding and Sledding: Glide down the tallest dunes in North America.
• Medano Creek: A seasonal creek perfect for splashing around or tubing.
• Stargazing: Some of the darkest skies in Colorado make it an astronomer’s dream.

Hike up Star Dune for panoramic views that’ll leave you speechless. And when Medano Creek is flowing, it’s like having your own beach at the base of these mammoth sand piles. 

For those seeking more adventure, 4×4 trails provide thrilling off-road experiences.

Not far off is Alamosa, which offers charming local eateries and all sorts of lodging options to round out your trip.

Aspen

A scenic 3 and a half hour drive from Denver lands you in Aspen, a town where luxury meets the great outdoors.

With high-end boutiques nestled between towering pine trees, it’s no surprise that it helps to encourage 14.8 million visitors to check out Colorado’s skiing scene each year.

Look out for:

• Ski Resorts: World-renowned slopes at Aspen Mountain and Snowmass.
• Maroon Bells: Iconic peaks perfect for hiking and photography.
• Fine Dining: Gourmet restaurants offering exquisite culinary experiences, including the French Alpine Bistro and Acquolina.

In winter, ski enthusiasts can hit some of the finest powder on Earth.

Summer reveals a different charm, and hiking trails like those around Maroon Lake provide unforgettable views of reflective waters mirroring rugged peaks.

And let’s not forget about cultural events; from classical music festivals to art shows, there’s always something happening in this vibrant town.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

If you’re up for a longer road trip, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is about six hours from Denver and harks back to a key point in American history.

Hop onboard after you arrive and soon you’ll be riding through breathtaking canyons and lush forests in a vintage steam train.

• Historic Steam Engines: Authentic locomotives dating back to the 1880s.
• Scenic Routes: Stunning views of the San Juan National Forest and Animas River.
• Cultural Experience: Interactive museums and historic depots.

The ride offers a first-hand glimpse into Colorado’s rich mining history. You’ll pass rugged cliffs that seem almost close enough to touch. For photography buffs, every twist and turn presents another picture-perfect moment. 

Once in Silverton, explore this charming old mining town with its quirky stores and appealingly anachronistic architecture.

The Bottom Line

All these options prove that Denver is a great starting point for a road trip. So whether you are a local or just visiting, grab a map or fire up your navigation app of choice and see what excitement awaits in the environs of the city.