Best Day Trips from Denver

Denver is the capital of Colorado and one of the most popular cities in the American West. That's why here you'll find some of the best tours in the area.

Some of the best things to do in Denver include hiking the surrounding mountains, discovering some of the state's highest peaks, marvelling at one of the world's most famous natural amphitheatres and taking on the region's rivers on an adrenaline-fuelled white water rafting experience. Here are some of the organised tours that will take you to these sites and more.

If you're planning a visit to Denver and want to see one of the best places around the state capital, you can't miss the Garden of the Gods. Located about two hours south of the city, this site is a public park in Colorado Springs known for its spectacular rock formations. At these experiences you can visit the distinctive red sandstone and limestone structures.

The Garden of the Gods is named for the appearance of these formations, which rise into the sky like natural sculptures. It is also famous for its geological beauty, providing an ideal backdrop for some of the best photographs in the region. Also, if you plan to visit Denver during the summer, you can watch some of Colorado's most beautiful sunsets from here.

The site also offers adventure experiences, with trails to explore, allowing you to immerse yourself in this unique landscape. On a full-day hike, you can climb to the top of Pikes Peak, which rises more than 4,300 metres above sea level. This climb offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding region, providing a challenge for hikers.

Also note that the scenery here is very changeable throughout the year, so if you plan to visit Denver in November or during the winter months you'll be able to see the snow-capped peaks as one of the most beautiful images of this natural wonder.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 176 euros per person, including return transfers by private transport with hotel pick-up.
• Duration of these excursions: about 8 hours and a half.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to see some of the best scenery in Colorado and also discover one of the highest points in the region.
• Disadvantages of these tours: if you go on these tours during the winter some points may be closed to the public due to snow accumulation.

One of the best trips you can take from Denver is to Red Rock and Foothills, an experience that combines the natural beauty of the mountain scenery with the rich geological history of the region. Here you can experience one of the world's most famous outdoor amphitheatres, which is set amidst red sandstone rock formations, creating the perfect natural backdrop for concerts and events.

The Red Rock Amphitheatre also boasts amazing acoustics and panoramic views of the surrounding area from its grandstands. Here you can not only enjoy some of the best local events, but also take part in Denver's nightlife highlights.

In addition to the amphitheatre, during these experiences you can also visit the Foothills neighbourhood, which is distinguished by its rolling hills. Here, in addition to the richness of the local flora and fauna, you'll find Buffalo Bill's grave and museum, which will also connect you to Colorado culture.

On the other hand, during these excursions you can also visit the small towns along the route, which offer quaint shops, cosy restaurants and the opportunity to explore the region's mining history, which is closely linked to the Gold Rush of the 19th century.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 82 euros per person, including return transfers by private transport with hotel pick-up.
• Duration of these excursions: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see one of Colorado's most famous natural wonders and take a cultural tour of the Foothills and surrounding towns.
• Disadvantages of these tours: as these are half-day experiences, you won't have much free time to visit the sites on your own.

Rocky Mountain National Park tours will take you to one of Colorado's most famous natural sites. This park, located approximately 1.5 hours west of Denver, is famous for its mountain peaks, alpine forests and diverse wildlife. You can also check out Trail Ridge Road, a scenic byway that winds through snow-capped peaks and valleys.

There's a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy in the park. From hiking some of the many trails to spotting moose, deer and eagles, it's a place that offers a deep connection with nature. The higher peaks, such as Longs Peak, offer challenging climbing and hiking routes for the more intrepid adventurer.

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver will also allow you to learn about the geological history and diverse ecosystems of this site. Visitors can also explore educational visitor centres, learn about the formation of the mountains and marvel at the adaptation of flora and fauna to extreme high mountain conditions at one of the most popular sites in the American West.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 159 euros per person, including return transfers by private transport with hotel pick-up.
• Duration of these tours: about 8 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most visited natural sites of the American West in a complete experience which will also allow you to discover the adventure circuits.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: due to the demands of these tours, they are not recommended for the elderly or people with reduced mobility.

For an experience that combines the adrenaline rush of rafting with the scenic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, you can't miss out on a tour of the Clear Creek River. This torrid tributary has become one of the most popular rafting destinations around Denver in recent years, with rapids varying in difficulty from beginner-friendly stretches to sections that challenge even the most experienced rafters.

These tours, therefore, provide a unique opportunity to enjoy nature in a thrilling way. As you speed down the waters of Clear Creek, you will find yourself surrounded by the surrounding mountain scenery and forests. In addition, expert local guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, even if you plan to visit Denver during the winter when the temperature of the river is often very hostile.

Note that these experiences are available for all levels and ages, making it an ideal alternative for children in Denver.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 120 euros per person, including return transfers by private transport with hotel pick-up.
• Duration of these tours: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to discover the natural beauty of the region on an adventurous tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: in winter it can be a hostile experience due to Colorado's cold weather.

You can book these tours in advance online or book them once you are in the city, although if you plan to visit Denver during the summer or peak season months, I recommend that you purchase the tours prior to your arrival in the city to ensure your place on the experiences.

On the other hand, booking in advance will allow you to organise your itinerary and get the most out of your visit, as you can combine these excursions with some of Denver's best guided tours.

During these tours from Denver you'll be immersed in a variety of unique landscapes and experiences that reveal the natural richness and diversity of outdoor activities the city's surroundings have to offer. Booking a visit to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak will take you to explore the region's tallest rock formations, such as Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock, while enjoying the geological beauty of Colorado Springs.

Alternatively, from the heights of Pikes Peak you can take in panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, which is one of Colorado's most popular sites. Meanwhile, booking a tour to Red Rocks Park and Foothills will give you experiences that combine natural beauty, outdoor concerts and cultural tours.

If you're looking for an adventurous experience, the Clear Creek River Rafting Tour will take you down one of the region's most powerful rivers while taking in panoramic views of the nearby mountains and forests.

Colorado has a very changeable climate, so if you plan to visit Denver during the winter be sure to check the weather conditions and wear appropriate clothing. The Rocky Mountains are notorious for their climatic variations, so it's a good idea to pack a coat to cope with the temperature variations. Also, don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to explore the trails.

Also, plan your itinerary in advance to get the most out of your visit. Tours from Denver offer a variety of options, but several of them are full-day or multi-hour experiences, which could be incompatible with your trip if you are planning a 3-day stay in Denver or even less. So research the destinations and select the activities that best align with your interests.

Finally, keep an open mind and be prepared for adventure. Excursions from Denver offer the opportunity to explore Colorado's amazing natural diversity, including monumental rock formations and rushing rivers. But these experiences also require a visit to national parks that have their own rules, so I advise you to be respectful of the conditions at each location to avoid a bad time.

A trip from Denver to the surrounding area could prove to be an unforgettable experience. This destination is strategically located in the vicinity of some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the United States. This is why you should take advantage of this location to see the mountains and parks that make Colorado famous as one of the most interesting states in the country.

In addition, excursions from the city offer a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes and levels of adventure. Whether you prefer the serenity of nature parks such as the Garden of the Gods, the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting at Clear Creek or the cultural experience of outdoor concerts at Red Rock, there's plenty to choose from, including alternatives for a family and children's visit to Denver.

Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains also makes it the perfect starting point for those seeking outdoor adventures. Hiking, climbing, biking and other alpine activities are all within easy hiking distance, offering opportunities to explore untouched nature and experience the serenity of the high mountains in one of America's scenic epicentres.

Opting for a guided tour rather than exploring Denver's surroundings on your own will give you access to specialised knowledge. Guides are often local residents or experts in the region, offering you a unique perspective on the history, culture and geology of the destinations you visit. This information adds depth to your experience, allowing you to better appreciate the sites on each itinerary.

Comfort and logistics are also key factors when choosing a tour. Itinerary planning and activity coordination will be handled by the guide, freeing you from the organisational burden and allowing you to enjoy your experience to the fullest. In addition, booking a Rocky Mountain National Park tour will give you access to exclusive sites that you would not otherwise be able to access.

Safety is another crucial advantage of the tours. Guides are usually trained in first aid and outdoor mishaps, which ensures a safer environment, especially for activities such as hiking and rafting. In addition, in case of unexpected or unforeseen weather changes, the guide is equipped to make informed decisions to ensure the safety of the group.

Finally, social interaction is a positive aspect of guided tours. By joining a group you will have the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and share experiences. This can enrich your trip by providing additional perspectives and creating bonds with other travellers.