If you are a Colorado native, you may think that you have seen all there is to see and have done all there is to do, but we can guarantee that there is a whole other side of the Centennial State that you have yet to explore! Since we believe the possibilities are endless, we recommend breaking things up into bite-size pieces, beginning with one of these fun day trips in Colorado, one for each month of the year. If you’re looking for good day trips in Colorado, consider this your year-long bucket list.
1. January - Soak away your cares in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, 44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA
No list of Colorado day trips is complete without Strawberry Park Hot Springs. The holiday season has come and gone, but you may still feel a little tense from family drama, cooking fiascos, and/or gift-related credit card debt. Sound familiar? Don't carry around that stress all year; instead, treat yourself to a soak at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, which is home to some oh-so soothing 104-degree mineral water set amidst the snowy mountainside.
2. February - Hike Around The Great Sand Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USA
One of the most popular of natural landmarks in Colorado is the mighty Great Sand Dunes, which can become downright crowded and congested in the warm summer months. Want our advice? Visit them in February, when temperatures average nearly 40 degrees, and crowds are small at best.
Once a booming mining town, St. Elmo - like so many other former mining towns - is no more. Despite no one living in this Chaffee County community, it is arguably the best-preserved ghost town in Colorado, thanks to its beautiful homes, businesses, and churches.
Let's have a toast, as summer is just around the corner! Located in the heart of Colorado wine country, Stone Cottage Cellars is home to picturesque stone cottages, lush vines, chef-inspired meals, and - you guessed it - delicious Merlots, Pinot Noirs, and sweet dessert wines!
6. June - Climb aboard the Royal Gorge Railroad
Royal Gorge Route Railroad, S 3rd St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
If you are looking for an exciting weekend away, look no further than Canon City and the Royal Gorge Railroad, which offers everything from incredibly scenic rides to special events like murder mysteries, the Santa Express, and decadent wine dinners.
"Johnny, what did you do for summer break?" "Oh, nothing much... just wrestled a freaking alligator!" That has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? To take part in this rare but epic opportunity, visit the Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca, which is home to hundreds of reptiles and birds, AND the opportunity to wrestle a real alligator.
We know what you're thinking, and yes, we're talking about the town off I-70 with the McDonald's and Wendy's. If you take some time and get off of the interstate, however, you will find that Limon is about as charming as they come, thanks to their little-known Limon Heritage Museum, tasty Hipstir Wagon, and charming shops like the Quilted Heart.
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9. September - Welcome in the colorful fall from Georgetown
Arguably the most picturesque of fall towns, Georgetown is loaded with charming shops, museums, and restaurants, and is also surrounded by some of the most pristine landscapes in the state. In addition to all of the above, Georgetown is also the place to go for outdoor excursions like biking, hiking, photography, and unique wildlife sightings.
10. October - Take our unforgettable fall foliage road trip
Can't get enough fall colors and want to take in as much of it as you can? The easiest way to do so is by checking out our carefully curated Fall Foliage road trip. Trust us: It's worth the tank of gas (or two).
11. November - Give thanks for this glorious state at the equally magnificent Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells near Aspen are one of the most photographed spots in Colorado... can you guess why? Please note: Access to this majestic spot is a 12-mile (round-trip) hike, so begin your training now!
12. December - Stroll down Salida's festive Main Street
Merry Christmas, Colorado! Whether you are a lover of this most wonderful time of the year or need a little convincing, you will want to check out downtown Salida, which is home to colorful light displays, parades, and the one-of-a-kind Christmas Mountain (pictured).
Who will you be taking with you to experience these fun day trips in Colorado? Let them know by tagging them in the comments! For even more must-visit places, check out some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Colorado.
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best day trips in Colorado
Beth C. |November 02, 2020
What are the best road trips to take in Colorado?
As you might have guessed from our road trip outlining the best day trips in Colorado, the Centennial State is chock-full of adventures. Some of the best road trips in Colorado include:
