Looking for the best road trips from Denver? Denver, Colorado is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and road trippers alike.
With its central location, there are plenty of options for road trips to breathtaking destinations. From the vast expanses of the Rocky Mountains to the desolate deserts of Utah, adventure awaits just a few hours’ drive from the Mile High City.
Also Read: 24 Best Day Trips from Denver, Colorado
Take a leisurely drive through the twisting canyons of Southwest Colorado, where cliff dwellings and mining towns await. Or venture further west to explore the red rock formations of Moab, Utah, where arches, canyons, and otherworldly landscapes will leave you awestruck.
Here is an ultimate guide to the best road trips from Denver, Colorado.
Best Road Trips from Denver, CO
With its convenient location right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado is the perfect jumping-off point for a memorable road trip.
Stunning natural wonders, charming small towns, or thrilling outdoor adventures, there are plenty of road trip options in every direction.
Take a scenic drive through the towering mesas, and the dramatic peaks of rugged mountain ranges of San Juan National Forest.
Or head north to explore the breathtaking national parks of Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota, where you can witness everything from roaring waterfalls to wild bison herds.
No matter which direction you choose, one thing is for sure: with so much natural beauty to discover, your road trip from Denver is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Here are the best Denver road trip ideas to plan now.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Just a short drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is every road trippers dream destination.
For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the park is a paradise, offering over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflower-filled meadows, and alpine lakes.
Most popular trails include the Bear Lake Loop, Dream Lake, and Alberta Falls Trail.
Be sure to get maps of the trails before you go.
The park is not just a hiker’s haven; it’s also a fantastic destination for mountain biking.
Experience the thrill of biking down the park’s diverse terrains and feel the rush of the cool mountain air against your face.
Rocky Mountain National Park is also known for its amazing wildlife.
Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer and moose sightings in the Rocky Mountains.
Keep some time aside for Estes Park, a small but charming mountain town, located at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is one of Colorado’s most unique attractions.
This place looks like something out of a dream, with its impressive sand dunes towering close to 750 feet high and stretching for 30 square miles.
Star Dune and High Dune within the park are amongst the tallest sand dunes in the world.
The park is also known for its diverse habitats, ranging from grasslands to wetlands, as well as alpine lakes and tundra.
Take a hike up the sand dunes for some amazing views or try your hand at sandboarding in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the nearby Zapata Falls, a 75-foot waterfall situated just north of the sand dunes.
Take a dip in one of the park’s natural hot springs or visit the ancient Medano Creek for an unforgettable experience.
The city of Alamosa is the closest town to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and makes a great base for exploring the area.
It is one of the best road trips from Denver to skip snow in winter.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, a two-hour drive south of Denver, is another must-visit road trip destination.
Set at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, it offers a vibrant mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.
Downtown Colorado Springs is known for its historic buildings and broad avenues.
The city also has excellent museums, galleries, and shops.
One of the highlights in the surrounding area is Pikes Peak.
At over 14,000 feet, it’s one of Colorado’s tallest mountains and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Drive, hike, or take the cog railway to the summit, where you’ll discover why Katherine Lee Bates was inspired to pen “America the Beautiful” after her visit.
A few minutes from the city center, you’ll find the Garden of the Gods.
This public park boasts dramatic sandstone formations that are over 300 million years old, set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.
Here, you can hike, bike, or even try rock climbing.
Also Read: Denver to Garden of the Gods Road Trip Itinerary
Last, but not least, is the Royal Gorge Bridge, billed as one of the world’s highest suspension bridges.
Hanging 956 feet above the Arkansas River, it offers adrenaline seekers a heart-stopping zipline ride across the gorge.
The less adventurous visitors may prefer to explore the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park’s walking trails, wildlife viewing, or the aerial gondolas.
For a unique experience, visit the nearby Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings to explore ancient cliff dwellings dating back to 800 AD.
Also Read: 17 Best Things to do in Manitou Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, a little over three hours from Denver, is a charming mountain town known for its world-class skiing in winter and its vibrant rodeo scene in summer.
This small community is the perfect place for an outdoor enthusiast to have some fun.
Take a scenic chairlift ride up Mount Werner for unbeatable views of the Yampa Valley and beyond.
If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to take in all the sights with an ATV tour or hot air balloon ride.
Downtown Steamboat Springs is also worth exploring.
Check out the variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries that line the town’s historic main street.
However, the crown jewel of this quaint town is the Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
Surrounded by Rocky Mountains, these hot springs are a must-visit for anyone seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
The natural mineral water is kept between 101 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a warm sanctuary even in the coldest months.
It is one of the best nearby road trips from Denver for families.
Also Read: Denver to Steamboat Springs Road Trip Guide
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, approximately three hours west of Denver, is a picture perfect Colorado town set in the Rocky Mountains.
Known for its irresistible outdoor activities, Glenwood Springs is a treasure trove of adventure and relaxation in equal measures.
The town is best recognized for the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world.
It is perfect for a rejuvenating soak after a long day of exploring.
Also worth visiting is the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
This is the only mountain-top theme park in America offering cave tours and thrill rides.
However, the true jewel of Glenwood Springs is the Hanging Lake.
A national natural landmark, Hanging Lake is a crystal-clear, turquoise lake tucked away in Glenwood Canyon.
The Hanging Lake Trail, a moderately challenging hike, leads you to this awe-inspiring sight.
The trail is nearly three miles round trip and rewards hikers with unforgettable views of the lake and the glistening waterfalls that spill into it.
This peaceful oasis in the mountains is a must-see for any road tripper from Denver.
Also Read: 9 Best Stops on Denver to Glenwood Springs Road Trip
Colorado National Monument
The Colorado National Monument is another great road trip destination from Denver.
This park offers stunning views of colorful canyons, towering rock formations, and desert landscapes.
The road winds through the park, providing spectacular views of its red rocks, sandstone cliffs, and deep canyons.
Families will love the 23 mile Rim Rock Drive, which takes you from one side of the Monument to the other.
Along the way there are plenty of picnic areas and hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Visitors can also take a scenic road trip through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located just south of Grand Junction on this road trip.
A drive on the South Rim Road is a must-do when visiting this park.
The 8 mile road offers breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and majestic waterfalls.
This road trip is the perfect way to experience Colorado’s incredible natural beauty.
Southwest Colorado
A road trip through Southwest Colorado is an absolute treat for nature lovers.
Boasting of some of the state’s most stunning natural wonders and historic treasures, this region offers an unforgettable road trip experience.
Starting your journey from Durango, a city known for the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Ride the train. Explore the town’s rich Wild West history and its vibrant local arts scene.
Also Read: Denver to Durango Road Trip Itinerary
Next, drive along the Million Dollar Highway, a spectacular stretch of U.S. Route 550, which boasts some of the state’s most awe-inspiring mountain views.
This scenic byway will lead you to Silverton, a former silver mining camp that has preserved its Victorian charm.
Further along your journey, you’ll encounter Ouray, fondly known as the “Switzerland of America”.
Located in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities from hiking to ice climbing.
Finally, don’t forget to visit the Mesa Verde National Park.
Home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States, the park offers an insightful look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years.
In Southwest Colorado, every turn offers a new adventure and every view, a postcard-perfect scenery.
It is an authentic slice of Colorado that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime, making this one of the best road trips from Denver for nature and culture lovers.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley, straddling the borders of Arizona and Utah, is a mesmerizing spectacle and a worthwhile destination for your road trip.
With its iconic red sandstone formations rising majestically from the desert floor, it’s no wonder this location has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films.
The self-guided Valley Drive offers a 17-mile loop where visitors can appreciate the scale and beauty of these natural wonders.
Notable landmarks include the East and West Mittens, Merrick Butte, and Three Sisters.
Each formation tells a unique geological story, with layers of sedimentary rocks sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.
The Navajo people call the area home, and their rich culture and history add a unique dimension to the Monument Valley experience.
You can explore the Navajo Tribal Park and visit Hogan, the traditional dwelling of Navajo people.
Here, you can learn about Navajo customs, sample traditional food, and even purchase authentic Navajo art and crafts.
Finally, one can’t speak about Monument Valley without mentioning its awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets.
The play of light over the towering sandstone buttes paints the landscape in a palette of reds, oranges, and purples, creating a spectacle that is both ethereal and unforgettable.
This is a place where natural beauty and cultural richness converge, making Monument Valley a highlight of road trips from Denver.
Yellowstone National Park
One of the most popular road trips from Denver!
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is one of the most famous national parks in America.
The park is a gem of the American West, sprawling across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
This massive park, the first of its kind in the United States, is renowned for its geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and, of course, its amazing hiking trails.
Spanning more than 900 miles, these trails take you through a variety of landscapes, from geysers and hot springs to sweeping valleys and towering peaks.
Some of the popular hikes include Mount Washburn, Fairy Falls, and the trek to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Each trail offers a unique view of the park’s natural beauty and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Here, you might encounter elk, bison, and even wolves in their natural habitat.
Yellowstone National Park offers hiking experiences that are as varied and impressive as the park’s geothermal wonders and its diverse ecosystems.
Yellowstone’s distance from Denver is over 500 miles, so keep 7 to 10 days for this road trip.
Also Read: Denver to Yellowstone National Park Road trip
Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming
Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming is a destination that combines natural beauty with relaxation and adventure, making it a great option for road trips from Denver.
The park is home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring, with over 8,000 gallons of mineral water flowing every day.
Visitors can take a rejuvenating dip in the State Bath House where the mineral-rich water is kept at a comfortable 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The park also boasts a series of terraces, formed over centuries by the deposit of minerals from the hot springs.
These terraces are a natural wonder to behold, with their vibrant colors a testament to the rich mineral content of the springs.
Alongside the hot springs and terraces, the park offers over 6 miles of trails, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Bison often roam freely in the park, offering a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Hot Springs State Park is about a 6-hour drive from Denver, making it a feasible destination for a long weekend trip.
Mt. Rushmore and Badlands National Park
South Dakota presents an exciting road trip destination as you venture from Denver. Your first stop is Mt. Rushmore.
This iconic sculpture features the faces of four U.S. presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln.
The grandeur of this monument and its surrounding Black Hills National Forest offers an unforgettable experience.
Next, make your way to Rapid City.
Known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills”, this town boasts a vibrant arts scene, bustling restaurants, and accessible outdoor adventures.
A walk downtown will introduce you to life-size bronze statues of the American presidents.
Don’t miss the Art Alley, a public area showcasing local artists’ vibrant murals.
Then, head over to Badlands National Park.
This 244,000-acre park is a geological wonder, characterized by rugged rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires.
The park’s unique topography makes it a paradise for hikers and photographers.
The park is also home to a vast mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs roam freely.
Your journey continues to Custer State Park, one of the nation’s largest state parks.
Here, you’ll find a diverse range of wildlife, including a herd of 1,300 free-roaming bison.
The park’s scenic drives, like the Wildlife Loop Road and the Needles Highway, offer breathtaking views of the landscape and ample wildlife viewing opportunities.
Lastly, round off your road trip with a visit to the Spearfish Canyon.
A part of the Black Hills National Forest, this canyon is renowned for its natural beauty, brimming with towering limestone walls, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls.
The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway offers a leisurely drive through this picturesque landscape.
This South Dakota road trip from Denver is a fantastic blend of nature, history, and culture, promising an unforgettable adventure.
Also Read: Denver to Mt. Rushmore Road trip
Las Vegas
A road trip from Denver to Las Vegas offers an exciting mix of natural wonders and urban delights.
You will be covering a distance of approximately 750 miles.
Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World, is a city that needs no introduction.
The Las Vegas Strip, one of the city’s most famous attractions, is a 4.2 mile-long section of South Las Vegas Boulevard.
It is packed with a myriad of world-class hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The Strip is home to many iconic landmarks such as the Bellagio Fountains, the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the Venetian’s Grand Canal.
Each hotel and casino offers its own unique attractions, making the Las Vegas Strip a vibrant and dynamic spectacle that is alive 24/7.
But Las Vegas isn’t all about glitz and glamour.
Natural attractions around Las Vegas
Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find Red Rock Canyon, a natural conservation area known for its fascinating geological features.
The area boasts a 13-mile scenic drive, numerous hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnic areas, nature observing, and a visitor center offering exhibition rooms and a book store.
Next, Hoover Dam, an iconic engineering marvel, is a must-visit.
Located about 40 miles southeast of Las Vegas, this massive dam on the Colorado River is a testament to human ingenuity and is also a National Historic Landmark.
The dam offers guided tours that educate visitors about its history, and the observation deck provides panoramic views of the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and the surrounding landscape.
Finally, your road trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Valley of Fire State Park.
Located just an hour drive from Las Vegas, it is Nevada’s oldest state park.
Known for its vibrant red sandstone formations, which appear to burn in the sunlight, the park offers a variety of hiking trails that lead you through an incredible landscape of rock arches, ancient trees and early man sites.
The park’s Visitor Center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and nearby region.
From the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip to the natural wonders of Red Rock Canyon, this road trip from Denver provides the ultimate year-round adventure.
Utah’s National Parks
Utah is home to several most visited national parks in USA.
From the ever-changing landscape of Bryce and Zion National Parks to the rock formations of Arches National Park, Utah offers a bounty of natural beauty.
Take your time and explore these parks at your own pace – you won’t find better scenic drives than those through Utah’s national parks.
Start with Capitol Reef National Park, where you can explore the colorful sandstone formations, hike through ancient petroglyphs, and take a horseback ride along the Capitol Gorge Trail.
Next up is Bryce Canyon National Park; the “hoodoos” of this park are unmissable.
Thousands of these spire-shaped rock formations stretch as far as the eye can see.
Zion National Park is a hidden gem of the American Southwest.
The park’s rugged landscape, made up of lofty cliffs and deep canyons, serves as a backdrop for hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
The popular Narrows Trail is especially breathtaking – here you can explore the unique canyon walls carved by the Virgin River.
Arches National Park is yet another natural wonder, filled with over 2,000 sandstone arches.
Spend a day hiking to Delicate Arch and Devil’s Garden before heading to Canyonlands National Park, where you can find mesmerizing slot canyons and stunning overlooks.
Utah’s national parks are a must-see for any road trip from Denver.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular national parks in America.
It is on every visitor’s bucket list and makes a great road trip from the Mile High City.
The park, known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, is a spectacle unlike any other.
Dominating the park is the Grand Canyon itself, a breathtaking landmark that showcases millions of years of geological history.
The South Rim of the park is the most accessible and most visited section, offering panoramic views that stretch across miles of rugged landscape, swirling with colors of red, orange, and gold.
Driving along the Desert View Drive, a scenic 25-mile route along the South Rim, introduces visitors to a range of vista points and historic sites.
This route also includes the Desert View Watchtower, where you can soak in an unobstructed 360-degree view of the canyon’s expanse.
For those seeking a more intimate encounter with the Grand Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience.
Starting from the South Rim, this trail descends 4,380 feet into the heart of the canyon, offering a unique perspective on the immense size and diversity of this natural wonder.
A visit to the Grand Canyon National Park promises an adventure filled with unforgettable vistas and experiences.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Horseshoe Bend in Page offers another spectacular view of the Colorado River, as it winds around a sharp bend in the rocks.
This horseshoe-shaped rock formation is easily accessible and provides panoramic views that will leave you speechless.
From here, it’s just a short drive to Antelope Canyons, another geological phenomena that is best experienced up close.
This slot canyon features two passageways – Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons – where you can marvel at the spectacular sandstone walls as they change colors throughout the day.
Be sure to add these must-see attractions to your road trips from Denver for an unforgettable adventure.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe, the state capital of New Mexico, is a city rich in native culture and artistic beauty.
The city’s unique architecture, a blend of Spanish colonial and Pueblo style, offers an enchanting backdrop for visitors.
Visit the downtown area where the adobe buildings house galleries, boutiques, and renowned restaurants.
The Santa Fe Plaza, a national historic landmark, is the heart of the city.
It’s an ideal place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy the vibrant energy of the city.
Nearby, the Palace of the Governors, a history museum housed in a structure built in the 17th century, offers insight into Santa Fe’s past.
Art enthusiasts will be enamored with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, home to many works by this iconic American artist, known for her depictions of New Mexico’s landscape.
Petroglyph National Monument offers a glimpse into the area’s pre-modern history with its thousands of ancient petroglyphs carved into the volcanic rocks.
Just a short drive from Santa Fe, you’ll find Bandelier National Monument.
This 33,000-acre preserve is home to the ancestral Pueblo people, with cliff dwellings and petroglyphs dating back over 11,000 years.
Take a hike along the Main Loop Trail to see these archaeological sites.
The Turquoise Trail, a scenic byway that links Santa Fe and Albuquerque, provides an unforgettable day trip opportunity.
This picturesque route winds through historic mining towns, natural parks, and artist communities.
It is a great underrated destination for road trips from Denver, CO.
White Sands National Monument
Located in southern New Mexico, White Sands National Monument is a breathtaking sea of white gypsum sand dunes spanning 275 square miles.
This park’s unique landscape seems to transport you to another world, with waves of bright white sand enveloping the horizon.
Visitors can explore the monument by hiking one of the five established trails, each offering a unique perspective of the dunes.
The Interdune Boardwalk is an easy, wheelchair-accessible trail that provides informative signs about the desert ecosystem.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the challenging Alkali Flat Trail offers stunning panoramic views of the dune field.
Fun activities in the monument include sand sledding, a favorite among kids and adults alike.
The monument also hosts regular moonlight walks and sunset strolls, providing a magical experience as the sands reflect the changing colors of the sky.
Wildlife enthusiasts may spot creatures that have evolved to survive in this harsh landscape, including the bleached earless lizard and Apache pocket mouse.
White Sands National Monument is a truly unique destination, offering stunning landscapes and memorable experiences.
It’s a must-visit for any road trip from Denver, beautifully capping off a journey filled with America’s natural wonders.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, nestled in the heart of Texas, is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable experience for road trippers originating from Denver.
This expansive park is named after the “big bend” in the Rio Grande.
It covers over 800,000 acres and features a diverse range of landscapes, from the rugged Chisos Mountains to the Chihuahuan Desert, and the lush river valley.
One of the park’s highlights is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
This 30-mile route displays some of the finest vistas in Big Bend.
The drive ends at the Santa Elena Canyon, where towering walls of limestone carved by the Rio Grande offer a dramatic spectacle.
For the more adventurous, the park provides numerous hiking trails that range from short walks to challenging multi-day treks.
A particularly popular route is the South Rim Trail in the Chisos Mountains, offering panoramic views of the park.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the park is home to more than 450 bird species.
You can also spot black bears, mountain lions, and a variety of reptiles in the park.
Big Bend National Park is not only a haven for outdoor lovers but also for those interested in night sky photography.
Its remote location limits light pollution, allowing the Milky Way and countless stars to be clearly visible.
Visiting Big Bend National Park on your road trip from Denver will create memories of a lifetime.
Also Read: West Texas Road Trip Itinerary
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in West Texas, encompasses the highest peak in the Lone Star State.
Texas’s Guadalupe Peak has an elevation of over 8,750 feet above sea level.
The park’s diverse ecosystem spans from desert to forests.
It is home to a rich variety of wildlife and teeming with an array of plant species.
The park is known for its extensive network of trails.
Hikers can explore over 80 miles of routes ranging from…
…easy walks like the Pinery Trail, showcasing the ruins of an old stagecoach station,
…to the challenging Guadalupe Peak Trail that ascends to the state’s highest point offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding area.
McKittrick Canyon, another park highlight, enchants visitors with its vibrant fall foliage display, a rare sight in the desert.
The park also protects the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, making it a significant geological site.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park’s solitude and unspoiled wilderness make it one of the great road trips from Denver for those looking to explore off the beaten track.
Embarking on a road trip from Denver opens up a world of awe-inspiring landscapes, historic landmarks, and rich cultural experiences.
Whether you’re marveling at the white gypsum sand dunes of White Sands National Monument…
…immersing yourself in the vast wilderness of Big Bend National Park…
…or conquering the highest peak in Texas at Guadalupe Mountains National Park…
the journey promises to be as captivating as the destinations themselves!
These road trips will lead you to appreciate the diverse natural beauty and profound historical heritage of the American Southwest.
What are your favorite destinations for road trips from Denver?
Did we miss any amazing ideas for road trips from Denver? Let us know below.