Top Colorado Day Trips

Explore Colorado’s natural playgrounds, just a short drive from downtown Denver. Escape the city and head for the Rockies with a guide to handle the road, so you can focus on the stunning scenery of Mt. Evans, Bear Creek Canyon, and beyond. Get a taste of mountain culture in the charming town of Evergreen, check out the dramatic formations of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and hike around serene Echo Lake on this half-day mountain sampler.

Explore the stunning Colorado Rockies on an intimate small-group half-day tour led by a local guide. Enjoy scenic drives, short walks at picturesque stops, and breathtaking mountain views. Relax in a comfortable vehicle and experience the tranquility of lesser-known areas. Perfect for connecting with nature and discovering hidden gems.

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.

See for yourself why Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the United States on this small-group day trip from Denver. Let a guide handle the winding mountain roads while you soak up views of dozens of peaks surrounded by alpine forests, lakes, and meadows. Cross the Great Divide on soaring Trail Ridge Road, look for abundant Colorado wildlife, and get a glimpse of the legendary Stanley Hotel: the inspiration for Stephen King’s "The Shining."

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.

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.

Venture beyond Denver, and discover what Colorado has to offer: on this small-group tour, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Continental Divide, and the ski resort town of Breckenridge, all in one day. Depart in the morning via comfortable vehicle: you'll explore Red Rocks before taking Loveland Pass along the Continental Divide, and stopping for photos along the way. At Breckenridge, enjoy free time to wander, shop, and eat lunch (own expense).

Enjoy unobstructed views–come rain or shine–as you discover all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer in a retractable glass-top vehicle. This 3- to 4-hour, small-group adventure takes you above the treetops, to cascading waterfalls and past glaciers. Fill your lungs with Rocky’s fresh mountain air during a pleasant short hike or two to some of the points of interest.

Immerse yourself in Rocky Mountain National Park’s spectacular landscape with miles of rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife. On this private tour, take a scenic drive and cover more ground in less time with a step-on guide. A fully customized itinerary allows you to make stops for photo opportunities and hiking.

Visit Mesa Verde National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site — on this full-day tour from Durango. With a guide, xplore the park's preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and other archaeological sites, learning about the history and culture of this ancient Native American community. Lunch is included.

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park on a full-day tour from Denver that includes scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and historic stops. Walk along a glacial lake, see elk in Moraine Park, and visit overlooks like Many Parks Curve and Horseshoe Park. Enjoy time in Estes Park for lunch, shopping, and an optional visit to the historic Stanley Hotel—without the stress of driving winding mountain roads.

Experience the jaw-dropping cliffs and narrow canyons of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with this self-guided audio driving tour. A friendly narrator shares stories of daring explorers, canyon geology, and wildlife — all while you drive and listen. Along the North Rim Scenic Drive, you'll stop at iconic viewpoints like Gunnison Point, Painted Wall View, Chasm View, and Dragon Point, or stretch your legs on the Rim Rock Trail and Warner Point Nature Trail. For a different perspective, descend the dramatic East Portal Road to the river’s edge. With turn-by-turn directions and engaging stories you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace—without missing a thing. Perfect for road trippers, families, or anyone seeking an immersive national park adventure. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Walk across the tallest sand dunes in North America and explore Great Sand Dunes National Park at your own pace. A friendly narrator tells you stories about how the wind and rivers shaped these giant dunes and about the people who lived here long ago. You can start at the Visitor Center, then climb the dunes, feel the sand in your toes, or slide down like you’re on a playground. Hike to Zapata Fall, stroll the Montville Nature Trail under aspen trees, and follow the Dunes Overlook Trail for big views. And, if you have time, walk the Mosca Pass Trail if you have more time. This tour works without cell service. It gives turn by turn directions, travel tips as you explore and it never expires. Download the tour, walk in the sand, tell your friends about dunes, waterfalls, and stories of Great Sand Dunes National Park enjoy this amazing park your way. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Discover the stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountains on this guided group hike near Denver. Enjoy a worry-free adventure as you explore scenic trails, choose between two hiking routes, and soak in the breathtaking views. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights about local flora and fauna, ensuring a rich experience with nature. This tour includes round-trip transportation from a coffee shop near downtown, snacks, fun and a perfect day of exploration. Ideal for travelers seeking an easy to moderate hike while making new friends in a group setting. - Full-day guided hike with expert guides - Choose between two hiking route options for varying fitness levels - Snacks included; please bring your own reusable water bottle - Maximum group size of 12 for a personalized experience - Ride from the meeting spot to and from the trailhead included for up to 6 people

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.

Discover some of Colorado’s wildest Rocky Mountain Scenery on this full-day, small-group tour from Denver. In the morning, meet near Union Station, hop aboard your vehicle, and head first to the Garden of the Gods—a nature park known for its staggering sandstone rock formations. Next, drive all the way to the summit of Pikes Peak for extraordinary views over the landscape. Finally, pass through Manitou Springs en route back to Denver.

Journey into the heart of Colorado with a full-day tour to Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. Experience the stunning views along the scenic drive up Pikes Peak, where you can breathe in the crisp alpine air and take in expansive vistas. After exploring the historic town of Manitou Springs, enjoy a leisurely lunch, then marvel at the breathtaking sandstone formations at the Garden of the Gods. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, this tour offers a local expert guide to navigate the route for you, ensuring an enriching adventure. *Fall through spring, access to Pikes Peak summit may be limited due to weather. - Full-day tour lasting 8.5 hours, departing from Denver - Scenic drive with photo opportunities at Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods - Explore charming Manitou Springs with time for lunch on your own - Limited to 13 travelers for an intimate experience with a local guide

The first national park to “preserve the works of man,” Mesa Verde stands alone as a national park, archaeological site, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this half-day tour, you’ll skip the search for parking and go straight to exploring the ancient cliff dwellings with a guide, learning about the park’s flora and fauna, geology, and human mystery—these ruins were abandoned around the year 1300.

This isn't just another bike ride; it's a meticulously crafted journey that seamlessly blends the exhilarating power of e-bikes with the breathtaking majesty and quirky charm of the Colorado Rockies. What sets this tour apart is its effortless fusion of adventure, unparalleled scenic beauty, and authentic local discovery. Imagine gazing upon the dramatic cliffs of Boulder Canyon, and the expansive panoramas of Rocky Mountain National Park, then pedaling along the historic Switzerland Trail – all made accessible and utterly enjoyable by our premium e-bikes. Beyond the stunning landscapes, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant, unique spirit of Nederland, culminating in a well-earned celebration at a local brewery. This is your chance to forge unforgettable memories, feel truly alive, and experience Colorado's diverse soul in one perfectly curated, exhilarating day. Don't just visit Colorado; experience it – book your extraordinary adventure now!

Discover Colorado’s most majestic landscapes within easy driving distance of Denver with this pair of self-guided driving tours of Rocky Mountain National Park and Garden of the Gods! In the Rockies, you’ll soar to astonishing heights, stop by the famous Bear Lake, and experience snow-capped vistas. In the Garden of the Gods, you’ll witness stunning red rock formations like the jaw-dropping Montezuma Tower and physics-defying Balanced Rock. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, & enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Explore the picturesque landscapes of Colorado on a guided E-bike tour. We'll lead you on quiet roads and bike paths to visit Dinosaur Ridge, Golden, Morrison, and the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. We pedal along the mountains finding beautiful views at every turn. Ice cream awaits half way, and a stop at the world renown Red Rocks Amphitheater museum is always a highlight. The premium E-bikes allow all level of cyclists to enjoy the ride without exhaustion. With options to be picked up in Denver or meet in Golden, we will make this trip convenient and fun! This tour is perfect for private groups and team building. Return home with a memory you will never forget!

Our resident geologist, Ranger Rod, will direct you through Rocky Mountain National Park from the comfort of your own vehicle. He will take photos of your group's adventure as you travel through time in RMNP witnessing evidence of major rock and mineral forming processes that took place billions of years ago. Discover ancient mountains that started rising shortly after the dinosaurs went extinct, as well as landscape formed by later volcanic eruptions. More recently (in geologic time) learn how the mountains were sculpted by massive ice age glaciers and about early human history after the valley glaciers covering the area melted 12 thousand years ago. Seeing these natural wonders through the eyes of an experienced local geologist, will evolve your worldview of mountain landscapes and enhance future RMNP adventures. 6 hour tour times are only available in the summertime when Trail Ridge Rd is open, 4 hour tour reservations are available year-round.

Meet at our office in Durango, located at **360 South Camino del Rio, Suite 200**, approximately 20 minutes before departure. From there, you'll travel to Mesa Verde National Park in one of our comfortable touring vehicles with 15 passengers or fewer. This five hour experience is primarily a driving tour, giving you time to enjoy the spectacular scenery while your guide shares the archaeology, history, oral traditions, and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Along the way, you'll stop at one or two carefully selected overlooks or archaeological sites before continuing to the highlight of the day, **Cliff Palace**. Your tour includes the hard-to-get tickets for the National Park Service ranger-led tour, allowing you to spend approximately 45 minutes exploring the largest cliff dwelling in North America. After your visit, relax on the scenic drive back to Durango with a deeper appreciation for one of America's most remarkable national parks. Remember, we meet in DURANGO, not the Park.