Here in Colorado, we never tire of the endless opportunities for adventure. No matter the season, there’s always a hiking trail, new restaurant, or whimsical roadside attraction for you to admire in the Centennial State. If this sounds like something that is right up your alley — or down your road — then check out these 10 unique day trips in Colorado you’ll want to take. So load up the car, pack your camera, and let the adventures begin!

1.) Estes Park
Flickr/Ken Lund
Estes Park is undoubtedly one of the most unique day trips in Colorado. To start, Estes is the perfect location for a day trip since it is only a few hours from almost everywhere in Colorado (keyword: almost). While you're there, you can enjoy lunch at Smokin' Daves, shop around the quaint downtown area, and explore the forest via horseback all in one day. Not to mention your proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park.
2.) Southwestern Colorado
Flickr/W.G. Dayton
To our friends in the Southwest: When is the last time you checked out the sights in the area? Begin your road trip with breakfast in Pagosa Springs, followed by perusing historic downtown Durango, and ending with a wine tasting at Mountain View Winery in Olathe. We know it's a bit of a drive from each place to the next, but driving through the stunning San Juan National Forest is half the fun!
3.) LoDo
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Whether you're from the mountains, plains, or even Denver, you must play tourist around lower downtown at least once -- brunch at The Delectable Egg, sip beers at the Rox game, and finish the day with dinner inside Union Station.
4.) Golden
Flickr/justinknabb
Golden is a beautiful Denver suburb with lots to offer the entire family! Ride the trains at the Colorado Railroad Museum, hike Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and take an obligatory tour of Coors before calling it a day.
5.) Lariat Loop
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
Since you'll be so busy while you're in Golden's city limits, you will have to come back another day to drive the scenic and historic Lariat Loop Byway, hitting Red Rocks, Hiwan Homestead Museum, and the Evergreen Lake House and Park.

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6.) Peak to Peak Highway
Kent Kanouse / flickr
The 55-mile route has something to offer everyone, so plan your excursion before hitting the road (might we suggest scouring the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, trying your luck in Central City, and enjoying dinner in Allenspark?)
7.) Eastern Plains
Evan Anderman / flickr
Is it just me or do the eastern plains often get overlooked? Before making a snap judgment, head east on I-70 and grab breakfast in Bennett, tour the Limon Heritage Museum, and end your day with a wine tasting at the Claremont Inn in Stratton.
8.) Georgetown
Flickr/Don Graham
Less than an hour from Denver, Georgetown offers delicious food, unique shopping, and lovely views to all who visit! Get your antiquing on at the Antique Emporium, kick some bass while fishing Georgetown Lake, and grab a tasty, fresh ground coffee from Bierstadt Books & Beans before heading home.
9.) Black Hawk
Kevin Oliver / flickr
Feeling lucky? Then head to historic Black Hawk and spend your day playing Blackjack, feasting on buffets, and touring historic Gregory Street!
10.) Dinosaur
david_jones
To our neighbors in the north: You MUST play tourist and check out the Dinosaur area -- Dig up fossils at Dinosaur National Monument, take pictures overlooking Harper's Corner Trail, and see nature the way it was meant to be seen while cruising around the area.

What are your thoughts on these unique day trips in Colorado? Have you experienced any of them before? Be sure to join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below — we’d love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

unique day trips in Colorado

Beth C. | September 16, 2020

What are the best little-known attractions in Colorado?

As you might have guessed from reading the above article highlighting the most unique day trips in Colorado, the Centennial State is positively brimming with little-known attractions and hidden gems to discover. Some of the best little-known attractions in Colorado include Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan, Canyons of the Ancients, Fifty-Two 80's in Denver, Swetsville Zoo in Fort Collins, Linger Eatuary in Denver, Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker in Colorado Springs, Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs, and Pikes Peak Summit House in Cascade. Of course, this list just barely scratches the surface. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our hidden gems road trip that will take you to some of the coolest castles in Colorado.

Which hidden gems in Colorado should I visit?

There are so many wonderful hidden gems to discover in Colorado that the options can be overwhelming at times. Fortunately, we've got an impressive list of places you can start with. The following locations are some of the best hidden gems in Colorado: Pearl Lake State Park, Wheeler Geologic Area, Blue Lake, Last Dollar Road, Star Dune at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Bear Lake State Park, Kenosha Pass, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Snowmass Lake, and Colorado State Forest State Park. Happy exploring!

What can I do with kids in Colorado?

If you're wondering what kinds of things you can do in Colorado with kids, you're in luck! Colorado is a family-friendly state with tons of activities and attractions for the little ones in your life. In fact, one of Colorado's top attractions, Rocky Mountain National Park, is a wonderful place to visit with children. Stop by the visitor's center and you can learn more information about the best kid-friendly hikes in the park. Other landmarks include the Denver Zoo, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Mountain Top Children's Museum, the Trailhead Discovery Museum in Crested Butte, Cave of the Winds, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

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Explore Colorado

Featured Addresses
Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Denver, CO, USA
Golden, CO, USA
Lariat Loop Rd, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Peak to Peak Hwy, Nederland, CO, USA
Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
Black Hawk, CO, USA
Dinosaur, CO 81610, USA