Top Day Trips From Denver
Elk Falls in Staunton State Park in May 2015 (credit: Bill Nault)Sometimes you only have a day or two to get out of town for a little rest and relaxation. When that's the case, why not explore one of the many great day trips available around the Denver area? All located less than two-hours outside of Denver, you'll find lots of fun ways to explore Colorado, the mountains, history, culture and all the other exciting things found in these great places. Go for a hike, try some fishing, browse around some small shops, eat a delicious meal and stay in town, or head back home, since you're only an hour or two away. If you're looking for a few fun day trip suggestions, here are five places to get you started.
12102 S. Elk Creek Road
Pine, CO 80470
(303) 816-0912
www.cpw.state.co.us
Staunton State Park is the newest addition to the Colorado State Park system, it opened in May of 2013. Located less than an hour outside of Denver, you can explore this 3,828-acre park, the many new trails and other areas most people in Colorado have yet to explore. Bring along your hiking gear and make a day out of it, then spend time biking, hiking, hunting, horseback riding and doing all of those wonderful outdoorsy things that Colorado is known and loved for. For those who enjoy fishing, there is fishing allowed at Davis Ponds, Elk Falls Pond and the small streams throughout the park but a Colorado fishing license is required. There is no overnight camping in Staunton State Park but it's a short enough drive that you can definitely make a day-trip out of it, and for those that love exploring the beauty of Colorado, it's a fun chance to explore this newest member of the Colorado Park system.
Highland Haven Creekside Inn
4395 Independence Trail
Evergreen, CO 80439
(303) 674-3577
www.highlandhaven.com
A trip to Evergreen won't take you very long, but you'll feel like you've driven much further outside of Denver. It's one of those sweet, cozy towns with lots of small-town charm and plenty of fun things to do. Peruse all the little shops and enjoy some great dining, head over to the Evergreen Players for some wonderful local theater, go for a leisurely stroll around Evergreen Lake, go fishing or even rent a boat and paddle to sail your troubles away. Since Evergreen is just minutes from the mountains, you can easily head up for a day of hiking or exploring the Colorado Rockies, then head back and book a room at the beautiful Highland Haven Creekside Inn where you'll also get a delicious breakfast included in your rate. Evergreen is only 45 minutes outside of Denver, so you can make it a day-trip but stay for the weekend and see just why this is such a great little town to visit.
Niwot Inn
342 2nd Ave
Niwot, CO 80503
(303) 652-8452
www.niwotinn.com
Niwot is located about an hour outside of Denver, just a few miles northeast of Boulder. This historic town was named for Chief Niwot, a leader of the Arapaho people, who were first living in this area before the Gold Rush happened in the mid 1800s. There is a lot of history in this small town, so make sure to visit the Tree Sculpture Park located in Downtown Niwot. This little park is dedicated to a local sculptor named Eddie Running Wolf, who uses his skills to pay tribute to the tribe that once called this area home. For those who love visual arts, there are several beautiful public murals to see as well, including Colorado's largest hand painted mural, The Spirit of Niwot, which was completed in 2011 by Denise Chamberlain. When you are ready for some food, head over to Colterra, an award-winning restaurant surrounded by a massive canopy of 100-year-old trees and a beautiful patio. Then, retire to a room at the Niwot Inn, which also pays homage to the rich traditions of this beautiful town, keeping all the tradition and history alive, while also providing all the latest upgrades and accommodations you could want. If you only have one weekend to get out of town for a little relaxation, a trip to Niwot could be just what you need.
Hotel Chateau Chamonix
1414 Argentine St.
Georgetown, CO 80444
(303) 569-1109
www.hotelchateauchamonix.com
Another great town that is only about an hour outside of Denver is Georgetown, home of the famous Georgetown Loop Railroad, Hotel de Paris Museum and Guanella Pass. The Hotel de Paris Museum is older than the state of Colorado itself. This famous museum used to offer luxurious accommodations, food and rest for railroad tycoons, investors and businessmen. It has been restored to its original glory, offering you a glimpse into life in 1893. Or, take a leisurely drive over Guanella Pass to see the amazing beauty of the Pike and Arapaho National Forests. Book a room at the Hotel Chateau Chamonix, with lots of European charm and rooms featuring private hot tubs and steam showers. Though it only has 10 rooms, it's the perfect place to stay as you enjoy a weekend away from home, experiencing life in Georgetown.
100 4th St.
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-2387
www.southparkcity.org
Price: $10 for adults/$4 for children
Located in Fairplay, South Park City is a fully restored 1880s mining town, just ready for exploration, education and entertainment. You'll find lots of fun ways to learn about life in Colorado in the 1880s, and the whole family will enjoy this unique day trip. There are 34 buildings in the city, filled with more than 60,000 artifacts that showcase what life was like in a mining town. Depending on when you visit, you may even luck into Living History Days when the citizens of the town dress in historical costumes and host lots of fun attractions and events. Or, just explore this fascinating town on your own, as you wander from the livery to the drug store to the blacksmith to the barn, doctor's office, court house and more, learning about life and society at each stop along the way. The drive from Denver to South Park City is about an hour and a half, so you can make it in a day, or head into Fairplay for a night's rest before you head back. However you decide to spend your time in South Park City, your whole family will love this immersive, historical experience.
