Top Denver Nature Parks in 2026

The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a fragrant, floral escape from the Mile-High City, right in the heart of a historic urban neighborhood. Your general admission ticket grants you access to 'living exhibits' of native Colorado species plus plants from around the world. Wander beautifully landscaped trails at your leisure, pop into Offshoots Cafe for a refreshment, and let the kids explore at a rooftop children’s garden.

Discover the best of the Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided full-day tour. Park entrance, along with round-trip transportation from Denver or Boulder is conveniently included. Set at a moderate pace, the hike 4-mile (6.4-km) is perfect for people with some experience who also want to take time to appreciate the scenery.

Climb from the streets of the "Mile High City" to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountains. Weave through small, historic towns and drive over alpine passes, as you scan the horizon for mountain wildlife such as elk, black bears, or moose.

Be inspired by Colorado’s majestic scenery on this private, full-day tour from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Travel in a luxury SUV or van through historic mining and resort towns to reach the celebrated national park, known for its abundant wildlife and towering vistas. Customize your own itinerary and explore peaceful hiking trails.

The Denver foothills are packed with some of Colorado's best sights, from Red Rocks Amphitheater to Lookout Mountain and scenic Lariat Loop. Throughout this half-day tour from Denver explore the scenic foothills, get panoramic views of the mountain surroundings, and stroll through small, historic towns before stopping in Golden for a coffee or craft beer. It's a quick escape from the big city buzz and a taste of life in the mountains just outside of "Mile High" City.

Combine a visit to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak with a trip on the Cog Railway with this tour from Denver. Your driver will pick you up at Union Station and take you to the Garden of the Gods, where you'll explore for a bit before taking the railway up to Pikes Peak. You'll then have time to visit Manitou Springs before returning to Denver.

Escape the city and explore 700 acres of natural beauty at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms. Wander 2.5 miles of scenic nature trails, discover vibrant wildflower gardens, view historic buildings dating back to the 1800s, enjoy the children’s play area and visit the seasonal butterfly house (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Set along the banks of Deer Creek with the foothills as the backdrop, this native plant refuge and working farm is an easy way to experience nature a short drive from Denver. Bring your binoculars—the area is known for exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

Enjoy a bespoke hiking experience during this private, full-day tour through Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow a customized, easy-to-moderate trail through the mountains. Travel comfortably in a private vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off from Denver or Boulder. Tours include snacks, bottled water, and optional snowshoes as needed. Lunch is not provided from November through May.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies on a full-day tour to Breckenridge. All-inclusive transportation from downtown Denver enables you to skip the hassle of navigating mountain roads and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. After a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheater and a trip over the Continental Divide, enjoy several hours of free time to explore Breckenridge independently. You can shop, sled, hike, ride the gondola, and more.

Head south from Denver on a small group tour to two of Colorado’s most majestic places. First, visit Garden of the Gods, a unique geological area with colossal red rock formations. Then take a drive up Pikes Peak, which inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” Have lunch and enjoy a bit of free time or shopping in the charming town of Manitou Springs, then take a scenic drive through the foothills back to Denver.

There are so many great hikes in the Denver area, how can you choose? Let a local do the work—on this guided tour, you’ll get whisked off to the mountains, where you’ll hike at your comfort level (snacks and breaks as needed), learn about the flora and fauna of the Rockies, and get incredible bird’s-eye photos of Colorado. Simply put, you'll get more out of your time spent in the mountains.

Maximize your time in Colorado on this private day trip visiting two of the state's top natural attractions. After leaving Denver, head to Garden of the Gods, known for its dramatic rock formations. Following a stop for lunch in Manitou Springs (own expense), continue to Pikes Peak, the highest summit in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

Explore Colorado’s famous protected playground on a small-group tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive through the foothills into the unspoiled western wilderness, stopping in the resort town of Estes Park and the historic—and allegedly haunted—Stanley Hotel. Wintertime means stops at snow-ringed lakes, cozy mountain hideouts, and visitors’ centers, while summer allows access over the soaring Trail Ridge Road and other alpine vistas.

Trade the bustle of Denver for the beautiful Rocky Mountains on this private, half-day tour. With just your guide for company, set off by car and take a scenic drive to the mountains, enjoying panoramic views from the comfort of your vehicle. Visit highlights including Idaho Springs, Echo Lake Park, and more, and benefit from a tour that's designed for visitors who are short on time and seeking a customized experience.

The trip kicks off with a 30-minute scenic drive to the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. We’ll drive through the park, take in the stunning rock formations, and get out to explore the world-famous amphitheater (if open). We’ll continue our trip to Lookout Mountain, with some of the best views of the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains and Denver. From there, we’ll take the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway into Golden, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains where you have time to enjoy a local coffee shop, craft brewery or stroll along Clear Creek Trail.

Visit one of the most beautiful parks in the American West on a full-day tour from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Picnic among a summer landscape of thick green trees and wildflower meadows, and drive above timberline on an alpine road with stunning mountain views. Stroll around and look for Colorado wildlife inside the park, with time for a dose of mountain culture in the charming resort town of Estes Park.