Day trips from Denver are absolutely full of spectacular mountain scenery. But there is also plenty of history, wildlife and family fun almost everywhere you point your car. We have compiled 5 day trips that are all under 2 hours from Denver, so you can fully enjoy your visit to the Mile-High City and the surrounding area. Because it can start snowing in August and continue to June, you may want to check road conditions and whether your destination is open before heading out (even if you’re in a four-wheel-drive vehicle). Then pack your camera, make sure you’re dressed for the weather, and have a fabulous day trip!
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Most don’t think of lions and tigers when they think of Denver, but here they are at the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Along with bears, jaguars, camels, alpacas and many more animals rescued and given sanctuary in over 720 acres. Just under a 1-hour drive northeast of Denver, in Keenesburg, Colorado, is the only place in the U.S. where you can see large mammals and birds in their natural habitats and not in a zoo exhibit. You tour the habitats on a 1.5-mile elevated walkway, so make sure your camera is ready to go!
Golden
Many will recognize this town as the home of Coors Brewing. And while fans may want to take the half-hour drive west to visit the Coors Brewery, there are plenty of other experiences in Golden, Colorado. Immerse yourself in the Old West with a visit to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave and separate fact from legend. Or try your hand at panning for gold at Clear Creek. Then you can visit downtown Golden to watch local artists at work and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Starting about 30 minutes west of Denver, this breathtaking byway is the highest paved road in the US, taking you up to over 14,000 feet. If you want to get to the top of Mount Evans, that’s another 1.5 hours. But there’s plenty to do all along the byway. There’s Echo Lake and its iconic log lodge dating to the 1920s. Or explore the trails at the Denver Botanic Gardens where you can see rare flowers and bristlecone pines that are over 1,000 years old.
Fort Collins
A college town 1 hour north of Denver, Fort Collins offers a wide array of experiences. The annual Flower Trial Garden is a colorful, fragrant delight; research never looked or smelled so lovely! For a more hands-on experience with research and learning, there’s the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, where you can design your own spacecraft or learn how light moves and musical instruments make those sounds! Or you can relax and discover downtown while riding the historic Fort Collins Trolley.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
It may seem weird to visit a concert venue with no performance, but Red Rocks is an exception. The 30-minute drive west brings you to a natural marvel, as Mother Nature formed this acoustically amazing amphitheater over millions of years. Between two huge sandstone structures, you can tour the facility as well as venture out and hike the trails surrounding the venue. Then visit the Red Rocks Hall of Fame and see if your favorite artist performed here and learn about their performances at this natural amphitheater.
SIXT Rent a Car in Denver
SIXT offers vehicles from various convenient Denver locations, including at the airport, the central train station and in surrounding suburbs. We have the perfect vehicle for your Colorado trip including full-size SUVs for trips into the mountains and luxury sedans for highway comfort. SIXT provides best deals in weekly car rental for long trips. And on top of our affordable rates, standard rentals come with unlimited mileage to ensure you make the most of Denver while you’re here!
