Top Single-Day Road Trips Around Denver
Salida (credit: Sharon Cain)How much have you explored Colorado? Whether you're a recent transplant or a life-long Denverite, there are so many amazing places to check out all over this beautiful state. You don't even have to commit to a few days for the trip, as there are lots of great spots within an hour or two drive. So make some plans for an upcoming weekend and check out these great day trips that you can take from Denver. Since they're all a short drive, you can do each in a day and you won't have to worry about the added expense of finding a hotel or campground.
666 O Street
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 346-5000
www.fs.usda.gov
Not everything in Colorado is about mountains. Head east to check out one of the most beautiful national grasslands in the country. The Pawnee Buttes National Grassland is about two hours east of Denver and it's a great place to go for a day trip for a truly picturesque hike. The buttes themselves rise out of of the ground as if from magic, and the birdwatching is plentiful. If you arrive prior to June 30, be sure to stay more than 200 yards from the cliffs, as they're closed to minimize any disturbance to the falcons, hawks and eagles that call this spot home. On the way there, stop and stretch your legs in Greeley, where you can catch a show at the Union Colony Civic Center, browse the Colorado Model Railroad Museum or sip on a micro brew at the WeldWerks Brewing Company.
www.salida.com
Salida is one of the surprise gems of Colorado. It's an astonishing city that's a little bit of a puzzle. It's one part small town and one part big city, and it's totally worth the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver. Wander through the town to check out all the great restaurants, with lots of delicious and modern eateries. Then head over to Riverside Park for a lovely stroll or try some wine tasting at Vino Salida Wine Cellars. The art and cultural scene in Salida is tops too, as you'll find great galleries and plenty of live music to check out while you're there. Along the way, be sure to stop in Fairplay, where you can enjoy an excursion to South Park City Museum, a living history museum that's just like walking back in time.
Related: Top Educational Day Trips In Denver
646 Loop Drive
Georgetown, CO 80444
(888) 456-6777
www.georgetownlooprr.com
Price: Prices vary depending on duration and trip
Since 1884 the Georgetown Loop Railroad has been one of the best visitor attractions in Colorado. It's a lovely and picturesque three miles to enjoy, as you go between Georgetown and Silver Plume, scaling about 640 feet over stunning terrain. While you're there, you can also browse through the quaint shops and antique stores or stop for a bite to eat in one of the many great restaurants. Along the way to the Georgetown Loop Railroad, take a short detour to stop at Buffalo Bill's Grave and Museum, the actual burial spot of the renowned historical figure. It has a one-mile hike down to the grave site, which is the perfect jaunt to stretch your legs before you hop back in the car to get to Georgetown.
15921 Elk Creek Road
Pine, CO 80470
(303) 838-0284
www.thebucksnortsaloon.com
When is a bar or saloon worth an hour-long drive from Denver? When it's located in the middle of nowhere. In fact, even if you use your GPS you'll probably think it's wrong, since the road to the saloon is a long, dirt path that couldn't possibly be right. But it is. And when you get there you'll fall in love with the rust Old-West charm of this iconic Saloon. Grab a cold pint of Antler Ale, served from actual antler taps, dine on a half-pound Buck Burger and be sure to pick up a souvenir to remember your trip, like a t-shirt that says "If you make it up here, you deserve a beer!" While you head out there, swing by the Hiwan Homestead Museum on the way. If you plan it right, you can arrange a tour of this one-room cabin from 1893, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Related: Top White Water Rafting Near Denver
246-V Rainbow Drive
Silverthorne, CO 80498
(866) 746-7686
www.outlestatsilverthorne.com
If you're a shopper, there are plenty of great day trips for you too. Located about 90 minutes outside of Denver, the Outlets of Silverthorne are more than just a shopping center to peruse. There are three different villages to explore here, with a free shuttle to transport you and your bags from one location to the next. If you are up for it, however, ignore the shuttle and set out on foot, where you can enjoy the beautiful trails, which have a system of bridges to take you over the Blue River. The drive to Silverthorne isn't too long, but if you're up for a short detour on the way, swing by BlackHawk for a bit of video poker, blackjack or slots to earn (or lose) a few bucks for your shopping trip. The jaunt to BlackHawk will add about 40 minutes to your trip, which isn't bad. Especially if you win big.
