From the most popular national parks in the USA, to cozy mountain towns and nearby cities, here are some of the best road trips from Denver!
Colorado is one of the best places in North America for road trips. This diverse and mountainous state is packed with rugged natural beauty and scenic drives that extend through mountains, valleys, prairies, and more.
The capital city of Denver is a convenient place to base yourself for road trips around Colorado and the neighboring states. Enjoy Denver for a few days and then rent a car and hit the road!
Travelers looking for a quick road trip from Denver can head to a nearby ski resort town such as Steamboat Springs or Glenwood Springs.
Or you can take on long multiday road trips, such as down through Arizona to Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon.
You can visit unique national parks in Utah or South Dakota. Or explore a nearby city such as Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Wherever you choose to go, you are sure to encounter the dramatic scenery that makes western USA so popular. From the peaks of the Rockies, to the sandstone arches of Utah, to the fossils of South Dakota and more, there is a world of wonders awaiting you on these Denver road trips!
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Table of Contents
11 Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado
These road trips from Denver will take you all over Colorado and even out to surrounding states like Utah, Arizona, or Wyoming.
For each destination, we have listed the distance from Denver and the driving time for a direct road trip. If you want to make stops along the way and have a more leisurely road trip, the distances and driving times will be greater.
Some of these road trips can be done as a day trip, others are better suited to weekend trips as the driving times are more than 5 hours. Western USA is vast and full of wonders, so you could even combine lots of these destinations into one incredible road trip that lasts weeks or months!
If you’re short on time, check out these day trips from Denver for more ideas.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
- Distance from Denver: 64 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Easily one of the best Denver road trips is the Rocky Mountains! Located just a short drive northwest of the Mile High City, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the USA.
A road trip through the Rocky Mountains is sure to impress, particularly if you drive along the Trail Ridge Road. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States and offers panoramic views as it connects the eastern and western sides of the park.
Another scenic route in Rocky Mountain National Park is Old Fall River Road, a historic, one-way dirt road that provides a more adventurous route up to the Alpine Visitor Center.
While road-tripping through the mountains, you’ll want to stop and do some fun activities like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, wildlife spotting, and more.
Rocky Mountain National Park has over 300 miles of hiking trails that wind through lush forests, alpine tundra, and scenic meadows. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and black bears, making it a prime location for wildlife viewing and photography.
2. Steamboat Springs
- Distance from Denver: 156 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours
Another fun road trip idea is Steamboat Springs, a charming mountain town that offers a wealth of adventures year-round.
Steamboat Springs is most known for its world-class skiing. In winter, visit Steamboat Ski Resort to try some incredible skiing and snowboarding across the gorgeous terrain.
Beyond skiing, the town offers a range of winter activities, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and soaking in the natural hot springs at Old Town Hot Springs or Strawberry Park Hot Springs, which are perfect for relaxation after a day on the slopes.
Steamboat Springs is also worth visiting in summer! The surrounding mountains and forests offer excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Yampa River, which runs through the town, is popular for tubing, kayaking, and fly fishing.
Read next: 19 of the Best Things to Do in Breckenridge, Colorado
3. Yellowstone National Park
- Distance from Denver: 508 miles
- Driving time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Those looking for an epic multiday getaway from Denver should consider a visit to Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone is a natural treasure located primarily in Wyoming, with parts extending into Montana and Idaho. It’s also the oldest national park in the USA!
The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and extraordinary geothermal features. You could spend weeks road-tripping through the area and never run out of cool things to see and do.
Yellowstone National Park sits atop a supervolcano, which fuels its famous geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. The most iconic of these geothermal wonders is Old Faithful, a geyser that predictably erupts approximately every 90 minutes, attracting millions of visitors annually.
The vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring and the bubbling Norris Geyser Basin also provide a glimpse into the park’s geothermal activity.
Yellowstone National Park is also the perfect place for outdoor adventures. Go wildlife spotting and try to catch a glimpse of a mighty bison. Or try thrilling whitewater rafting, or bound across the park’s unique landscapes with a UTV rental.
If you need more adventures, you can also stop at cool locations on your way from Denver to Yellowstone, such as Hot Springs State Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming.
4. Grand Canyon
- Distance from Denver: 680 miles
- Driving time: 11 hours
Another long but incredible road trip idea from the Mile High City is the Grand Canyon. You could drive straight there in 1 or 2 days, but it’s better to spend at least a few days on the road trip and another few days exploring the Grand Canyon.
From Denver, you can take a few different routes to the Grand Canyon, but each passes through the stunning mountains and towns of southwestern Colorado and northern Arizona. Stop in gorgeous places like Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, or Antelope Canyon along the way.
Once you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park, endless wonders await!
This world-famous canyon carved by the Colorado River is truly a mind-blowing sight. Take on some incredible hikes, walk across the Skywalk for panoramic views, or fly over the canyon on a scenic flight.
If you can combine your visit to the Grand Canyon with some other incredible national parks and highlights of Arizona, you’re in for one of the USA’s most spectacular road trips!
5. Zion National Park
- Distance from Denver: 597 miles
- Driving time: 9 hours
From Denver, you can drive to the majestic national parks of Utah in a day. If you have a weekend or more to spare, consider an adventure through the otherworldly scenery of Utah!
Zion National Park in southwest Utah has some of the most amazing hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and dramatic mountain vistas.
Bryce Canyon National Park is right on the way to Zion from Denver. You could easily combine both Bryce and Zion National Parks into one gorgeous road trip!
Known for its unique rock formations and impressive stargazing, Bryce Canyon National Park is also great for hiking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more.
Explore more of Utah with these day trips from Salt Lake City!
6. Colorado Springs
- Distance from Denver: 70 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour
Colorado Springs, located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado, is one of the quickest road trips from Denver. It’s just an hour south of the Mile High City, making it an easy day trip for anyone on a time crunch.
Highlights of Colorado Springs include Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, both of which are famous natural wonders in Colorado.
Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s famous “Fourteeners,” or mountains over 14,000 feet. Include the Pikes Peak Highway Scenic Drive to the summit of the mountain in your road trip for some of the best alpine views.
Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark with dramatic red sandstone formations. It’s a popular spot for rock climbing, hiking, photography, and learning about the area’s geology and history. If you want a break from driving you can tour the area on a guided jeep tour!
Besides Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, other fun things to do in Colorado Springs include taking a sunrise hot air balloon flight, touring the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center or Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, or soaking mineral springs in the nearby Manitou Springs.
7. Santa Fe
- Distance from Denver: 393 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours and 50 minutes
Another one of the best road trips from Denver is to the capital city of New Mexico! Santa Fe is a city steeped in history, culture, and artistic expression. Established in 1610, it is one of the oldest cities in the United States and has a rich heritage influenced by Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures.
Highlights of Santa Fe that show off the history, adobe architecture, and religion of the city include the Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Santa Fe is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene. The city hosts numerous art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions that celebrate traditional and contemporary art from a variety of cultures.
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the galleries along Canyon Road are top draws for art lovers. Join a Canyon Road Arts District walking tour to learn more about the powerful art galleries and influences in New Mexico.
Santa Fe also hosts lots of cultural events and festivals, and it’s home to incredible food that showcases the diverse flavors of New Mexico.
8. Glenwood Springs
- Distance from Denver: 157 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Glenwood Springs is one of the nearby road trips from Denver that can be done as a day trip. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, this cozy mountain town is known for its therapeutic hot springs and outdoor adventures.
The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, one of the world’s largest mineral hot springs pools, has attracted visitors for over a century with its warm, soothing waters that are believed to have healing properties.
Nearby, Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a more intimate experience with a collection of smaller pools overlooking the Colorado River.
There are so many other cool natural attractions in Glenwood Springs besides the hot springs as well. Hanging Lake is a highlight of the area! Hikers can take on the Hanging Lake Trail to reach this pristine, turquoise lake perched in a narrow canyon.
The Roaring Fork River and Colorado River offer excellent fishing, rafting, and kayaking experiences. In winter, the nearby Sunlight Mountain Resort is one of the area’s best ski resorts that is perfect for winter sports. This adorable mountain town is one of the best road trips from Denver, especially for those who love outdoor fun!
9. Moab
- Distance from Denver: 350 miles
- Driving time: 5.5 hours
A road trip from Denver to Moab showcases the beauty of western Colorado and Utah. Head west from the city and make stops in iconic Colorado destinations like Idaho Springs or Grand Junction. Then cross the border into Utah and head to some of the most visited national parks in the western USA!
Moab is the perfect gateway for exploring one of the most famous national parks in Utah, Arches National Park.
Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations and desert landscapes. There are thousands of sandstone arches in the park, including the famous Delicate Arch.
Other notable formations include Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in North America, and Double Arch, a pair of giant, connected arches that create an impressive natural spectacle.
Aside from hiking and sightseeing in Arches National Park, Moab offers lots of adventerous things to do. Go on a guided astrophotography and stargazing hike, go for a mountain bike ride, try river rafting in Castle Valley, go skydiving, try rock climbing, and more.
You can also check out other national parks nearby such as Canyonlands National Park, or explore Dead Horse Point State Park. Moab is an adventure-seeker’s paradise!
10. Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Distance from Denver: 235 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
One of the coolest road trips from Denver is the magnificent Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado.
This is one of the most beautiful national parks in the state and is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the views here are out of this world.
Some of the sand dunes are over 700 feet tall, and visitors can hike, sled, and sandboard through the golden slopes.
Great Sand Dunes National Park also offers the opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems that surround the dunes, including grasslands, wetlands, and alpine forests. There are amazing hiking trails, lots of flora and fauna to discover, and places to go stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the contiguous United States.
11. Badlands National Park
- Distance from Denver: 372 miles
- Driving time: 6 hours
Check out the nearby state of South Dakota with another one of the best road trips from Denver!
Head north from Denver where you can check out nearby cities like Boulder or Fort Collins. Then continue up through Wyoming and into South Dakota. On the way to Badlands National Park, stop at some of the most famous landmarks in the USA, the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore.
Once you arrive at Badlands National Park, there are so many mindblowing natural sights and exhibits to see.
Badlands National Park features an otherworldly terrain of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires that have vibrant natural colors. Visitors can explore the park’s unique geology through scenic drives like the Badlands Loop Road, which offers breathtaking viewpoints and opportunities to spot wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
In addition to its stunning scenery, Badlands National Park is also packed with ancient fossils! The park’s fossil beds are among the richest in the world, preserving the remains of countless fascinating ancient mammals. The Fossil Exhibit Trail provides an accessible way to learn about these prehistoric creatures, with interpretive displays along a boardwalk trail.
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