Best Road Trips From Denver
Top Road Trip Destinations From Denver
![Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA with sand dunes in the foreground and mountains in the distance on a clear day.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/0d/6a/0d6a8820acfd90b72169c69f81cc178e-bb.webp)
๐ 239 miles โฑ๏ธ 3 hours, 50 minutes
Head to Great Sand Dunes National Park, with the tallest sand dunes in North America. The unbelievable landscape is perfect for hiking and enjoying views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
![Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, at dusk with the rugged mountains in the background](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/4e/3c/4e3c0c899b9f2bd21757ce6c63580f74-bb.webp)
๐ 70 miles โฑ๏ธ 1 hour, 25 minutes
Discover the charm of Colorado Springs, found at the foot of Pikes Peak. With stunning drives and the Garden of the Gods along the way, you are in for a treat.
![An image of Santa Fe, New Mexico during dusk with street lights on, buildings on both sides of the road, and the mountain in the background still visible.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/0c/70/0c705efb7d8dbecbea9b05c858807e6f-bb.webp)
Santa Fe
๐ 360 miles โฑ๏ธ 6 hours, 30 minutes
The rich culture and art scene of Santa Fe draws visitors back time and again. Explore the historic Plaza, charming stores and tasty authentic Southwestern dishes.
![Madison River near the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/e6/4f/e64f28e53e49801cbec13b6a38db0749-bb.webp)
๐ 509 miles โฑ๏ธ 8 hours, 30 minutes
You can expect a memorable adventure to Yellowstone National Park, home to geothermal wonders, stunning landscapes and wildlife aplenty. Hike to breathtaking waterfalls, and marvel at the beauty of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
![Travel in Devil's Bridge Trail, scenic view panoramic landscape, Sedona, Arizona, USA](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/9c/af/9caf1a2974b3202ce8a840bcaf790d97-bb.webp)
Sedona
๐ 740 miles โฑ๏ธ 11 hours
Renowned for its red rock formations and vortex sites, in Sedona you can expect hiking trails, breathtaking sunsets, and a chance to recharge and unwind at this desert oasis.
![A street view in Telluride, Colorado where snow is on the road and some buildings are on the both sides of the road. The San Juan mountain can be seen on the background.t.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/f7/d2/f7d23e47ba6f5a1be690bba8bf24f493-bb.webp)
Telluride
๐ 370 miles โฑ๏ธ 6 hours, 30 minutes
Experience the charm of Telluride, surrounded by stunning San Juan Mountains. With world-class skiing in winter, and scenic hikes in summer, its a must for outdoor fans. Plus it's has a historic town to explore too.
![Scenic views around Breckenridge Colorado ski resort town with skiers travelling on ski lift](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/49/39/4939e2695f6f0bf834ff9005e9d6bf4a-bb.webp)
Breckenridge
๐ 80 miles โฑ๏ธ 1 hour, 30 minutes
Breckenridge, famous for its world-class skiing, it's a must if you want to hit the slops. However whether you're hitting the slopes or strolling through town, Breckenridge offers something for everyone year-round.
![Estes Park sign etched onto large rock, surrounded by mountains and blue skies](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/e4/84/e48471777e9b873e2f7aebf2f4c62e89-bb.webp)
Estes Park
๐ 66 miles โฑ๏ธ 1 hour, 25 minutes
Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is stunning, with plenty of scenic trails to soak up the mountain views. Don't miss the charming downtown area with its interesting stores, galleries, and restaurants.
![Cliff Palace Indian Ruins, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. This spectacular ruin is the largest in all of North America, comprising over 150 rooms. It was built by the Anasazi around 1200 AD.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/1e/a7/1ea7235eea64b7e115c767bf6fc0684e-bb.webp)
๐ 415 miles โฑ๏ธ 8 hours, 10 minutes
Explore the ancient cliff dwellings and rich history of Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about the Ancestral Puebloans as you hike this epic Park.
![Panoramic shot showing the jagged, gray eroded peaks of Badlands National Park at sunset, with a purple-pink hued sky](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/79/4b/794b0c5624f6c1998b68febc0c61ec09-bb.webp)
๐ 430 miles โฑ๏ธ 7 hours, 15 minutes
Experience the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, with striking rock formations. You are likely to catch sight of bison and bighorn sheep as you take on the trails. Time with a sunset for a memorable hike.
![View down into the Grand Canyon at sunset.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/93/6f/936f5eb4f8e668a95f766b5f38e7d6ad-bb.webp)
Grand Canyon
๐ 692 miles โฑ๏ธ 12 hours
Tick off a bucket-list visit to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. When you stand on the edge of the canyon it's easy to see why this site has captivated visitors for centuries.
![Las Vegas Strip with hotels and casinos lit up and the Bellagio Fountain at night](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/46/72/4672fa7a1a616d033b241f40caa14ec9-bb.webp)
Las Vegas
๐ 810 miles โฑ๏ธ 12 hours
There is nothing quite like it! Experience the vibrant energy and endless entertainment of Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. With dazzling shows and world-class dining from morning to night, it's an unforgettable escape.
![Wide view of the Zion National Park and its canyon on a sunny day](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/41/99/4199ef944f875a07f435c981786bc2ed-bb.webp)
๐ 740 miles โฑ๏ธ 11 hours
Make a visit to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks for a real adventire, where you can wander the towering red rock formations and deep canyons.
![Bricked tunnel underneath mountains along a stretch of road at Big Bend National Park](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/8f/82/8f82f4a8f01d4050bd7b958ec755ba1f-bb.webp)
๐ 824 miles โฑ๏ธ 13 hours
The remote wilderness of Big Bend National Park makes this a special Park to visit, where the Rio Grande carves through desert landscapes. A hidden gem to experience calmness and real escape.
![Panorama of Downtown Golden Colorado from drone](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/1c/6c/1c6c5b90edd6c7a8c317d618d1d66b98-bb.webp)
Golden
๐ 15 miles โฑ๏ธ 24 minutes
Discover the charming town of Golden. With the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, here you can explore explore historic landmarks, visit local breweries, and enjoy hiking and biking along Clear Creek.
![Panorama showing landscape with brilliant fall colors along road to Capitol Peak near Aspen Colorado on sunny autumn afternoon](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/7f/5a/7f5a7fd92458a72038bcb53e96a3acc9-bb.webp)
Aspen
๐ 185 miles โฑ๏ธ 4 hours
Known world-wide as the place to head for the very best skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure. Aspen also enjoys charming streets lined with boutiques and art galleries, against jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountains.
![The winding Animas River running through Durango with trees on either bank and mountains in the distance. Water babbling over rocks.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/40/d6/40d69134f010b4ec496f50b341ba5812-bb.webp)
Durango
๐ 375 miles โฑ๏ธ 6 hours, 50 minutes
Discover the historic town of Durango, within Animas River Valley. Here Old West charm meets outdoor adventure, so make sure to take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and explore local ancient ruins.
![Daytime view of downtown Phoenix, Arizona](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/fc/20/fc2079b55063ca64a544a92b62c11237-bb.webp)
Phoenix
๐ 820 miles โฑ๏ธ 13 hours
Escape to the sunny oasis of Phoenix, with desert botanical gardens, scenic trails and a lively atmosphere and nightlife in the heart of the city.
![Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA with moody clouds above colorful golden lit needles in Elephant Canyon in the Needles District.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/35/89/3589157e1b76ad7f261779d05e2fa6d1-bb.webp)
Moab
๐ 480 miles โฑ๏ธ 9 hours, 20 minutes
With stunning red rock formations and iconic national parks like Arches and Canyonlands, Moab is has plenty going on. And if you are a mountain bike fan, then this is the place to head for some world-class trails.
![Wasatch Mountains in the fall as you approach Salt Lake City on the road trip from Denver.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/13/f1/13f17e2450c8b9fc18885b3e4e49531b-bb.webp)
Salt Lake City
๐ 525 miles โฑ๏ธ 8 hours
Discover the vibrant capital of Utah, Salt Lake City. Found between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountain, the historic Temple Square, world-class museums, and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, make this a popular place to head.
![Hot air balloons in the sky with no cloud in sight](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/fa/59/fa59448b2b96e70251da2908ba1642fd-bb.webp)
Albuquerque
๐ 520 miles โฑ๏ธ 9 hours, 10 minutes
The rich heritage of Albuquerque, where Spanish colonial history meets modern Southwestern charm, makes this an extra special find. Explore Old Town, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway, and enjoy delicious New Mexican treats.
![Alkali Flat Trail in White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, USA against a blue sky.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/f0/ee/f0eea85e9962f0de81bd767953459558-bb.webp)
๐ 564 miles โฑ๏ธ 8 hours, 40 minutes
Beautiful White Sands National Park is hard to beat, where the gypsum dunes make for a stunning place to hike or sled down. Make sure to stay longer and enjoy the memorable sunset views.
![Panoramic view of Upheaval Dome Crater, Canyonlands National Park, with red and yellow jagged rock beneath a blue sky](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/1b/b3/1bb382b95f122bdb29eb0915ede06515-bb.webp)
๐ 438 miles โฑ๏ธ 7 hours, 30 minutes
Explore the stunning landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks,near the charming town of Moab. The ancient rock art and hiking trails draws in those looking for a sense of history and adventure.
![Shows the faces of past US presidents carved on granite as a massive sculpture on Mount Rushmore during a sunny day](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/26/2a/262a7b3a2b2585feeca02fde16f598b2-bb.webp)
๐ 580 miles โฑ๏ธ 10 hours
Iconic Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a must visit. The faces of four American presidents are carved into the granite cliffs, with the surrounding Black Hills region equally impressive to see.
![Perfectly still water on Gem Lake with reflection of blue sky, clouds, mountains, and trees, Estes Park, Colorado](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/a4/1c/a41cd34c19e7e341c76bad124b6de7f9-bb.webp)
Georgetown
๐ 45 miles โฑ๏ธ 50 minutes
Charming Georgetown, Colorado, is a historic mining town located in the Rocky Mountains. Explore its quaint streets lined with Victorian architecture, visit local stores and galleries, and ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad.
![Ancient dwellings of Taos, with a hill in the background on a sunny day with a few clouds](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/20/ac/20ac4e7584df581ed736bd20247e9408-bb.webp)
Taos
๐ 330 miles โฑ๏ธ 6 hours
Enjoy the arts scene and rich cultural heritage of Taos, dotted with historic buildings and interesting museums, all surrounded by the impressive Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
![Empty scenic highway in Monument Valley, Arizona, USA](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/22/79/2279309ace54c2ab25b9f7fcd81530f2-bb.webp)
๐ 630 miles โฑ๏ธ 13 hours
Experience the stunning landscapes of Monument Valley, straddling the Arizona-Utah border. It gives a chance to explore the Navajo Tribal Park, where you can take a guided tour and see close-up this incredible landscape.
![Dog sledding from the point of perspective of the rider, through snow](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/30/53/3053bab170791ba13924ea161297e86c-bb.webp)
๐ 156 miles โฑ๏ธ 3 hours
Experience the charm of Steamboat Springs, a stunning mountain town renowned for its world-class skiing and hot springs. Make sure to visit the scenic Yampa River Botanic Park during your stay.
![People walking on busy streets next to skating rink. Stores, mountains in the background at Vail, Colorado](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/12/fe/12feea747491710a341f33b34d4ab468-bb.webp)
Vail
๐ 98 miles โฑ๏ธ 1 hour, 35 minutes
The small village of Vail is amidst the White River National Forest, and well known as a popular skiing destination and vibrant aprรจs-ski scene. Experience outdoor adventures, gourmet restaurants, and mountain views during a visit.
![Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Reflection of mountains on Jackson Lake near Yellowstone.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/15/88/1588cf48d2a7a8f51da811c176aa98c9-bb.webp)
Jackson Hole
๐ 700 miles โฑ๏ธ 12 hours, 20 minutes
Embark on an adventure to Jackson Hole, a pretty valley surrounded by the stunning Teton Range. From here you can enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the iconic Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, and soak up Old West charm in the town square.
Longer road trips from Denver
![A beautiful view of the skyline with the light from the sunrise reflecting the buildings of Los Angeles](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/97/0a/970a9ebeae39bc0aae7384b35ae6bd30-bb.webp)
๐ 1,140 miles โฑ๏ธ 17 hours, 50 minutes
LA, the entertainment capital of the world. Make sure to visit Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios, and Santa Monica Pier in the California sunshine.
![Tall buildings reflecting in blue water with setting sun and silhouetted palm trees](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/43/7c/437c73e71f5127afd80a4e31db3b1e96-bb.webp)
๐ 1,250 miles โฑ๏ธ 21 hours
Relax in sunny San Diego, and visit Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. There is no end to the adventure you can have in America's Finest City.
![San Francisco, California, USA with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset.](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/c7/27/c7273a3788b1e5494b839299482c5b45-bb.webp)
๐ 1,394 miles โฑ๏ธ 21 hours, 30 minutes
Enjoy vibrant city of San Francisco, strolling across Golden Gate Bridge, and visiting lively neighborhoods like Chinatown and Mission District.
![Panoramic view of high rise buildings of Denver skyline with green trees in the foreground and rocky mountains in the background](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/76/14/7614ed0fe277f9fd611278094d706637-bb.webp)
๐ 1,310 miles โฑ๏ธ 20 hours, 40 minutes
Chicago, known for its iconic architecture and world-class museums, has sites including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Navy Pier to pay a visit.
![The futuristic Space Needle dominates the Seattle skyline on a cloudy day](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/ef/68/ef68c21a8a7f16a367199f75b2b87bcb-bb.webp)
๐ 1,300 miles โฑ๏ธ 19 hours, 30 minutes
Discover the eclectic city of Seattle, with beautiful surroundings and landmarks including Space Needle and Pike Place Market to enjoy.
![Rare and unique panoramic view from the Belly River Region of Glacier National Park, with snowy mountain range and lakes](https://cdn.lazytrips.com/photos/04/85/0485d167756211ba09e832d50ee33874-bb.webp)
๐ 1,055 miles โฑ๏ธ 17 hours, 45 minutes
Within Montana's Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is known for its alpine scenery and crystal-clear lakes. Travel Going-to-the-Sun Road to take it all in.