5 Top Day Trips from Denver
Denver is among the popular destinations for tourists around the US due to its unrivaled craft scene, towering mountains and limitless entertainment. So, we know why you would not want to shy away from this magical capital city of Colorado which resides in the heart of the Rockies. In just a few hours, you can get access to wonderful destinations that surround Denver. There are mountain towns and larger cities situated across the border of Colorado. All you require is a relaxed weekend, a decent podcast and a little coffee for passing the serene time.
So, take out time and plan out to visit the following places in your next available long weekend. Let’s check out the destinations:
Steamboat Springs
Distance: 3 hours or so
Huddled in the breathtaking mountains at Denver’s northwest, steamboat springs is a beautiful mountainous town that offers a lot of experience and taste to see. Since steamboat is the attractive destination for skiers and different snow activities during winters, however, there is much to do here in the seasons of summer, spring and fall. The tourism industry at the centers of a steamboat at Mount Werner are considered as a supreme family-friendly vacation destination in Colorado.
While you are not going to hit the slopes, there is much to do in this hilly place. You can do hiking in the trails, dining and shopping as well. There are two significant areas for entertainment, dining and shopping – the Downtown area and Gondola Square. You have an option to be benefitted via bus system available for you at each commercial lodging property to take you through to your destination – all for free. So, don’t miss Aurum food and wine, Steamboat art museum, Steamboat Gondola and much more.
Where to stay?
There are quite a few resorts in Steamboat which are family-friendly; especially in the residential community of Wild horse Meadows. In those resorts, you can get the facilities of hot tubs, swimming pools, fitness centers and much more.
Aspen
Distance: Around three and a half hour
For the Dumb & Dumber fans, Aspen is not an exotic place. Aspen is a delightful mountain town which is full of adventure. It starts from exciting ski slopes and goes all through to extraordinary dining destinations.
As you have an expectation for any ski resort countryside, Aspen is actively considered as a popular destination during the winter season. Four mountains for skiing compile world’s renowned snow-mass resort. Some other activities during wintertime include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. During summers, residents and tourists enjoy paragliding, air ballooning, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, biking, hiking and rafting. Some residents describe Aspen as they came for the winter but stayed till the summers.
Where to stay?
A contemporary hotel called Meadows resort is near to downtown with facilities like health club, complimentary shuttle, and incredible views.
Palisade
Distance: Around quarter to 4 hours.
Palisade is located at the Grand Junction’s west and is a tiny place with a daunting personality. This place is named after the cliffs near the town site. Palisade is renowned around the US for its ample vineyards and peaches. Branched on the brink of the Grand Mesa, Palisade is a famous place for biking, rafting, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities. However, many people come here to take their peaches. Palisade is termed as “Peach capital of Colorado” due to its 78% sunshine, the growing season of 182 days alongside ideal climate. An event is celebrated every summer in this town called Palisade Peach Festival. Also, Palisade is known for its exceptional wineries. Celebrate wine at the annual festival called Colorado Mountain Winefest in the season of fall.
The city also offers you to do snowboarding and downhill skiing. If you are visiting in April, Colorado Lavender Festival and Honeybee Festival are waiting for you.
Where to stay?
A motel named spoke and vine (clean and comfortable rooms) which is just a few steps away from wine bars and restaurants in Palisade.
Moab, Utah
Distance: Around five and a half hour
Moab is perfectly located between the two Mighty 5 National Parks when you cross the state line into Utah. Every year, tourists from around the world visit Moab – considered as among the most popular destinations for outdoor recreation in the Southwest of America.
A trip to Moab would be incomplete without spending quality time at both the national parks. The parks are located just minutes from town. Canyonlands is renowned for its lovely desert landscape. For a panoramic view, head towards Island in the Sky and don’t miss the rock paintings in the “Horseshoe Canyon”. Another national park named Arches features above 2,000 organic sandstone arches. The contrast created by a bright blue sky with brilliant red-hued rock constructions will stop your heart for a moment.
Moab is a sought-after spot for off-roading, cross-country skiing, kayaking, rafting, climbing, biking, hiking and mountain biking alongside other action-packed ventures. After all the mentioned activities, you can fuel up yourself with food with brewed beer. The area of downtown is packed with a plethora of breweries, shops, art galleries, restaurants and much more.
Where to stay?
A luxurious and peaceful resort called Under Canvas waits for you situated just minutes away from Moab.
The Black Hills
Distance: Around 6 hours
The black hills are an isolated, small range of mountain in the west of South Dakota. The black cliffs are home to historic towns such as Keystone, Hot Springs, and Hill City, Custer, Deadwood and more. Millions of tourists visit this mountainous area every year. However, it is most popular and known for Mount Rushmore. There is much more to explore in the lengths and breadths of Black hills. From towns of Gold Rush-era to boundless outdoor recreation.
Where to stay?
Hinter wood Inn and Cabins, an ex-breakfast and bed transformed into modern vacation rentals and many newly constructed cabins – all snuggled in a valley a few minutes away from the best attractions.
Plan the trip
Apart from above, there are some more destinations nearby Denver. However, these five are must-have for your next road trip from Colorado’s Capital.
Author Bio:
Aadeshwar Sharma is an e-commerce freak. He is an avid blogger and B2B marketing specialist. He loves writing on range of topics like best places to visit, best terminal lugs and social media marketing to name a few. He also takes a keen interest in what is going on in the technology industry.