The city of Denver, Colorado, is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. But did you know that there are many amazing places to visit near Denver that are just a short drive away? From historic towns to breathtaking natural wonders, there’s no shortage of exciting destinations to explore. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top places to visit near Denver, Colorado, and what makes them so special.
Why Visit Places Near Denver?
Visiting places near Denver offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Colorado’s natural beauty, rich history, and charming small towns. By exploring these destinations, you’ll get to know the local culture, try new foods, and enjoy a range of outdoor activities. Plus, many of these places are easily accessible by car, making it a convenient and affordable way to see more of what Colorado has to offer.
Top Places to Visit Near Denver
In this article, we’ll cover the top places to visit near Denver, including:
- Estes Park: A charming mountain town at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park
- Golden: A historic town with a rich mining heritage and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities
- Georgetown: A picturesque town with a rich history and stunning mountain views
- Rocky Mountain National Park: A breathtaking national park with stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife
- Boulder: A vibrant college town with a thriving arts and cultural scene
- Winter Park: A popular ski resort town with world-class skiing and snowboarding
- Mount Evans: The highest paved road in North America, offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, culture, or adventure, there’s something for everyone near Denver. So pack up your car, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the top places to visit near Denver, Colorado!
Top Places To Visit Near Denver, Colorado
Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and rich history. However, there are many more amazing places to visit near Denver that offer a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and entertainment. In this article, we’ll explore the top places to visit near Denver, Colorado.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located about an hour and a half west of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers stunning mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can hike, camp, or take a scenic drive through the park’s stunning landscapes.
- Best time to visit: June to October
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, camping, scenic drives, wildlife viewing
Estes Park
Estes Park is a charming mountain town located at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The town offers a range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, as well as plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park’s stunning landscapes or enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs.
- Best time to visit: June to October
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, scenic drives, hot springs
Boulder
Boulder is a vibrant college town located about 30 minutes northwest of Denver. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving cultural scene. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains, or explore the town’s many shops, restaurants, and breweries.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 30 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, biking, scenic drives, shopping, dining, breweries
Golden
Golden is a charming historic town located about 20 minutes west of Denver. The town is known for its rich history, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the town’s many shops, restaurants, and breweries, or take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 20 minutes
- Activities: Shopping, dining, breweries, scenic drives, outdoor recreation
Georgetown
Georgetown is a charming historic town located about 45 minutes west of Denver. The town is known for its rich history, outdoor recreation opportunities, and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the town’s many shops, restaurants, and museums, or take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains. (See Also: Best Places To Visit Near Mt Fuji)
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 45 minutes
- Activities: Shopping, dining, museums, scenic drives, outdoor recreation
Winter Park
Winter Park is a popular ski resort town located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The town offers world-class skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter, and hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in the summer. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains or enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs.
- Best time to visit: December to April (winter), June to October (summer)
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hot springs
Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs is a charming historic town located about 30 minutes west of Denver. The town is known for its rich history, outdoor recreation opportunities, and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the town’s many shops, restaurants, and museums, or take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 30 minutes
- Activities: Shopping, dining, museums, scenic drives, outdoor recreation
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a unique geological formation located about 20 minutes west of Golden. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to the top of the mountain or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 20 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is a popular scenic drive located about 20 minutes west of Golden. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to the top of the mountain or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 20 minutes
- Activities: Scenic drives, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Mount Evans
Mount Evans is the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains, located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to the top of the mountain or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Scenic drives, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Mount Bierstadt
Mount Bierstadt is a popular hiking destination located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to the top of the mountain or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Grays Peak
Grays Peak is a popular hiking destination located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to the top of the mountain or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is a popular outdoor recreation destination located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The area offers hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas, as well as opportunities for fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, scenic drives
St. Mary’s Glacier
St. Mary’s Glacier is a popular hiking destination located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The glacier offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to the top of the glacier or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Kashi)
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Kenosha Pass
Kenosha Pass is a popular scenic drive located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to the top of the pass or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Scenic drives, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Guánica State Park
Guánica State Park is a popular outdoor recreation destination located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The park offers hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas, as well as opportunities for fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, scenic drives
San Isabel National Forest
San Isabel National Forest is a popular outdoor recreation destination located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The forest offers hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas, as well as opportunities for fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Activities: Hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, scenic drives
South Park
South Park is a popular outdoor recreation destination located about an hour and a half west of Denver. The area offers hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas, as well as opportunities for fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains or enjoy a relaxing picnic with a view.
- Best time to visit: Year
As we conclude our journey to explore the top places to visit near Denver, Colorado, we hope you’ve been inspired to plan your next adventure. From the scenic Rocky Mountains to the charming towns and cities, there’s no shortage of exciting destinations to discover.
In this article, we’ve highlighted the top places to visit near Denver, including the stunning natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, the historic charm of Georgetown, and the vibrant culture of Boulder. We’ve also explored the unique attractions and activities that each place has to offer, from hiking and skiing to art galleries and breweries.
We’ve also provided you with practical information on how to get to each destination, including transportation options and accommodation suggestions. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, we’ve got you covered.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Denver and its surrounding areas today! With its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and its rich cultural heritage, Denver is the perfect base for exploring the best of Colorado. We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and will continue to explore the top places to visit near Denver, Colorado. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Grand Palace Bangkok)
Here are five FAQs related to ‘Top Places To Visit Near Denver Colorado’:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top natural attractions near Denver?
The Rocky Mountains offer plenty of natural attractions near Denver. Some popular spots include Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Evans, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. These areas offer stunning views, hiking trails, and opportunities for camping and wildlife watching.
Are there any museums or art galleries near Denver?
Yes, there are several museums and art galleries near Denver. The Denver Art Museum is a must-visit, with its unique architecture and rotating exhibits. Other popular options include the History Colorado Center, the Museum of Nature & Science, and the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art.
Can I visit any historic sites near Denver?
Yes, there are several historic sites near Denver. The town of Golden, just west of Denver, is home to the Coors Brewery and the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. The town of Morrison, south of Denver, is known for its historic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. The town of Georgetown, west of Denver, is a charming historic town with a rich mining history.
Are there any amusement parks or theme parks near Denver?
Yes, there are several amusement parks and theme parks near Denver. Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park is located in downtown Denver and offers roller coasters, water slides, and other attractions. Water World is a water park in Federal Heights, just north of Denver. The Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science also offer interactive exhibits and activities for kids.
Can I go skiing or snowboarding near Denver?
Yes, there are several ski resorts near Denver. The closest resort is Loveland Ski Area, which is about an hour west of Denver. Other popular options include Arapahoe Basin, Keystone Resort, and Breckenridge Ski Resort, which are all within a two-hour drive. These resorts offer a range of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.