Denver offers a gateway to Colorado’s vast outdoor wonders, making it the perfect starting point for unforgettable adventures in the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re seeking exhilarating outdoor activities near Denver, or scenic day trips, there’s something for everyone within a short drive of the Mile High City. In this post, we’ll dive into the best things to do near Denver, from hiking trails and whitewater rafting to scenic drives and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the weekend, these adventures will make your Denver experience truly memorable.
Top 6 Best Things to Do Near Denver
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Why it’s great: About a 90-minute drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning alpine lakes, wildlife sightings, and over 300 miles of hiking trails. The park’s landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from forests and valleys to high alpine tundra, making it a nature lover’s paradise and one of the best day trips from Denver. Just outside the park, Estes Park serves as the main gateway and offers charming shops, restaurants, and additional outdoor activities.
Pro tips: Visit Bear Lake or take the Trail Ridge Road for incredible mountain views. If you’re visiting in the summer, plan to go early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. After exploring the park, spend some time in Estes Park for a bite to eat or a bit of shopping.
2. Mount Blue Sky
Why it’s great: Take a drive to the top of one of Colorado’s many 14ers. Located within an hour’s drive from Denver, Mount Blue Sky offers striking panoramic views, plenty of fun hiking trails, and an array of outdoor experiences. Known for its scenic beauty and Colorado’s highest paved road, the drive up Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway to the summit is an adventure in itself, with spectacular views along the way.
Pro tips: Drive slowly and take time to enjoy the scenic overlooks on the way up. Be sure to bring layers, as temperatures can drop significantly even in the summer. It’s also wise to check the weather, as the summit can close unexpectedly due to weather conditions. Be sure to check for more details on park closures, parking permits, and more at the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area & Scenic Byway Forest Service.
3. Whitewater Rafting
Why it’s great: For thrill-seekers, whitewater rafting is one of the best things to do near Denver. Clear Creek, a quick day trip from Denver and located about 40 minutes west, provides a range of rapids perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced adventurers. If you’re willing to drive a bit further, the Upper Colorado River and Arkansas River are excellent alternatives, each offering unique rafting experiences.
Pro tips: Downstream Adventures offers three exciting Clear Creek rafting trips tailored to different experience levels. For beginners, the Middle Clear Creek trip provides a more gentle introduction to rafting with beautiful scenery and mild rapids. The Upper Clear Creek section is ideal for intermediate rafters, featuring a step up in intensity with fun, exciting rapids. For advanced thrill-seekers, the Lower Clear Creek trip delivers challenging rapids and fast-paced action. Be sure to bring quick-drying clothing and sun protection. After your adventure, Idaho Springs offers cozy restaurants, local shops, and relaxing hot springs to wind down.
4. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Why it’s great: About 20 minutes from Denver, Red Rocks offers beautiful geological formations and breathtaking views. The amphitheater, carved naturally into the red sandstone, is considered one of America’s best outdoor music venues and a marvel on its own. When there isn’t a concert, the amphitheater is free to enter, allowing visitors to explore and take in the stunning views from the stage and seating areas.
Pro tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. The Trading Post Trail is a local favorite hike for its manageable length and stunning views. Check out the Red Rocks Museum, which showcases the venue’s rich music history.
5. Visit Beautiful Golden, CO
Why it’s great: Just 30 minutes from Denver, Golden is a charming town with a historic downtown area, restaurants, and nearby attractions. Golden’s Coors Brewery is a well-known attraction, and the town is a fantastic place to relax and explore. For a unique dining experience, try The Golden Mill, a local food hall with a great variety of food and drink options. Golden is also known for tubing on Clear Creek, a fun way to cool off in the summer.
Pro tips: Check out Lookout Mountain for hiking and scenic views. After tubing or hiking, enjoy a relaxing meal at one of Golden’s local cafes or restaurants, like the Golden Mill or one of the creekside eateries.
6. Idaho Springs, CO
Why it’s great: Perfect day trip from Denver. Only 45 minutes away, Idaho Springs offers a quaint mountain-town experience and access to various outdoor adventures. Known for its Gold Rush history, the town offers mine tours that let visitors step back in time and learn about the area’s rich mining heritage. In addition to being the launch point for Downstream Adventures’ Clear Creek rafting tours, Idaho Springs is known for its local eateries, hot springs, and unique history.
Pro tips: Visit Indian Hot Springs for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring. For food, Tommyknocker Brewery is a local favorite for hearty meals and refreshing brews. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a gold mine tour and try your hand at gold panning for a true taste of Colorado’s past.
Conclusion
Whether you’re into outdoor thrills or scenic day trips, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do near Denver. From rafting Clear Creek with Downstream Adventures to exploring charming towns like Golden and Idaho Springs, these activities are sure to make your visit unforgettable. Ready for your next adventure? Start planning today by booking your whitewater rafting trip with us!
Downstream Adventures
Downstream Adventures was started by two brothers with a deep love for the outdoors and whitewater rafting. We are excited to bring our passion to you by sharing our knowledge of the area and what makes it so great!
