There are so many sights to see and places to visit here in Colorado that it’s impossible to ever feel bored! Even when you think you’ve done it all, you can rest assured something new will catch your eye and drag you into the wonderland that is the Centennial State. Embark on one of the best day trips in Colorado to enjoy some time spent in the mountains, cities, and towns that make our state the absolute best in the nation.
- San Juan Mountain Blue Lakes
Flickr/Bryant Olsen If you have never seen these magnificent pools of blue before, you’re not alone; the lakes can only be accessed via an 11-mile hike (round trip) through the rough and bumpy mountains. However, if you are up for the walk, the end goal is well worth it. (Are you seeing these pristine, turquoise waters?)
- Royal Gorge Bridge (Canon City)
Wikimedia Commons Built in 1929, the 1,260 foot long, 18 foot wide bridge was built within a six month period as an intended tourist attraction. This 1,292 planked wonder can hold numerous pedestrians at a time and is truly a Colorado rite-of-passage that must be experienced once.
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Steamboat Springs)
Strawberry Park Hot Springs website Located just outside of the popular Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park features several stream-fed soaking pools that vary in temperature from 101 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. No matter the time of year, you are guaranteed a relaxing and well-deserved break at this incredible resort!
- Chimney Rock National Monument (Archuleta County)
Wikimedia Commons Located in the scenic San Juan National Forest, Chimney Rock is a massive 4,726-acre national monument that features not only the beautiful colors you would come to expect from the San Juans, but also Ancestral Puebloan sites from some odd 1,000 years ago. (Please note: Since the area is highly protected, it is only accessible via guided tours.)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver)
Wikimedia Commons Quite possibly the most tranquil spot (with the most recognizable garden) in the Mile High City, the Botanic Gardens are home to 24 acres of flourishing gardens, special events, and concerts. (P.S. If you think they look spectacular in the spring, wait until you see them all lit up at Christmas!)
- Old Town Museum (Burlington)
Burlington, CO Facebook Situated near the Colorado/Kansas border lies the small town of Burlington, which boasts such family-friendly activities as their turn-of-the century Old Town (complete with 21 fully restored buildings, working soda fountain, shops, and can-can dancers) and stunning Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel #6.
- St. Elmo
Wikimedia Commons One of Colorado’s most famous and well-preserved mining towns is that of St. Elmo: a now ghost town that continues to intrigue and excite anyone who visits. During the 1890s, St. Elmo was seemingly unstoppable, continually welcoming new families to the area as well as an array of (once) thriving businesses. Sadly, as quickly as the town grew, it diminished, even losing its post office in the early 1950s.
- Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Flickr/Bo Insogna, TheLightningMan.com With its winding, scenic and unforgettable trails, the Garden of the Gods may just have the best hike in the entire state. Offering both short beginner (like the Perkins Central Garden Trail, which features a short, 1 1/2 mile trek through the heart of the formations) and moderate hikes (the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail runs 3-miles around the main park and contains uneven, rocky paths), there is truly something for everyone at this Colorado gem.
- Colorado Gators Reptile Park (Mosca)
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook Check out the wide variety of both reptiles (including, of course, alligators, tortoises, snakes, iguanas, and much more) and birds at this remarkable sanctuary! You’ll feel like you’re on safari, and can have up-close encounters with these misunderstood little dinosaurs.
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs)
Yelp/Andrew W. Coming in at #6 on USA Today’s 10 Best Zoos competition (2017), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a multi-award winning zoo that allows guests the opportunity to see (and feed) exotic animals via their African Rift Valley, Aquatics, and Rocky Mountain Wild exhibits. In addition to “just” the animals, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also houses a number of other various attractions like carousel rides, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, Mountaineer Sky Ride, and numerous classes and special events.
- Palisade
Flickr/Don Graham No matter your interest, you are sure to find it here in this Western Slope town! Do you crave fresh produce and exciting farmer’s markets? Palisade’s got it. Locally produced wines? Sip, sip, hooray; this is Colorado wine country, baby! Hiking with a jaw-dropping view? Let’s just say that you haven’t seen ANYTHING until you have seen the view from the Mount Garfield Trail!
Who will you be taking with you on your epic day trip? Let them know by tagging them in the comments! For more of the best places to spend a day here in Colorado, read 12 Unforgettable Colorado Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year and mark your calendar for a year of adventures!
Flickr/Bryant Olsen
If you have never seen these magnificent pools of blue before, you’re not alone; the lakes can only be accessed via an 11-mile hike (round trip) through the rough and bumpy mountains. However, if you are up for the walk, the end goal is well worth it. (Are you seeing these pristine, turquoise waters?)
Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1929, the 1,260 foot long, 18 foot wide bridge was built within a six month period as an intended tourist attraction. This 1,292 planked wonder can hold numerous pedestrians at a time and is truly a Colorado rite-of-passage that must be experienced once.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs website
Located just outside of the popular Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park features several stream-fed soaking pools that vary in temperature from 101 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. No matter the time of year, you are guaranteed a relaxing and well-deserved break at this incredible resort!
Located in the scenic San Juan National Forest, Chimney Rock is a massive 4,726-acre national monument that features not only the beautiful colors you would come to expect from the San Juans, but also Ancestral Puebloan sites from some odd 1,000 years ago. (Please note: Since the area is highly protected, it is only accessible via guided tours.)
Quite possibly the most tranquil spot (with the most recognizable garden) in the Mile High City, the Botanic Gardens are home to 24 acres of flourishing gardens, special events, and concerts. (P.S. If you think they look spectacular in the spring, wait until you see them all lit up at Christmas!)
Burlington, CO Facebook
Situated near the Colorado/Kansas border lies the small town of Burlington, which boasts such family-friendly activities as their turn-of-the century Old Town (complete with 21 fully restored buildings, working soda fountain, shops, and can-can dancers) and stunning Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel #6.
One of Colorado’s most famous and well-preserved mining towns is that of St. Elmo: a now ghost town that continues to intrigue and excite anyone who visits. During the 1890s, St. Elmo was seemingly unstoppable, continually welcoming new families to the area as well as an array of (once) thriving businesses. Sadly, as quickly as the town grew, it diminished, even losing its post office in the early 1950s.
Flickr/Bo Insogna, TheLightningMan.com
With its winding, scenic and unforgettable trails, the Garden of the Gods may just have the best hike in the entire state. Offering both short beginner (like the Perkins Central Garden Trail, which features a short, 1 1/2 mile trek through the heart of the formations) and moderate hikes (the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail runs 3-miles around the main park and contains uneven, rocky paths), there is truly something for everyone at this Colorado gem.
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
Check out the wide variety of both reptiles (including, of course, alligators, tortoises, snakes, iguanas, and much more) and birds at this remarkable sanctuary! You’ll feel like you’re on safari, and can have up-close encounters with these misunderstood little dinosaurs.
Yelp/Andrew W.
Coming in at #6 on USA Today’s 10 Best Zoos competition (2017), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a multi-award winning zoo that allows guests the opportunity to see (and feed) exotic animals via their African Rift Valley, Aquatics, and Rocky Mountain Wild exhibits. In addition to “just” the animals, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also houses a number of other various attractions like carousel rides, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, Mountaineer Sky Ride, and numerous classes and special events.
Flickr/Don Graham
No matter your interest, you are sure to find it here in this Western Slope town! Do you crave fresh produce and exciting farmer’s markets? Palisade’s got it. Locally produced wines? Sip, sip, hooray; this is Colorado wine country, baby! Hiking with a jaw-dropping view? Let’s just say that you haven’t seen ANYTHING until you have seen the view from the Mount Garfield Trail!
If you’ve got an idea for an amazing day trip destination here in CO, let us know by nominating it here!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Blue Lakes, Colorado 80424, USAAddress: Royal Gorge, Colorado 81212, USAAddress: 44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USAAddress: Chimney Rock National Monument, 3179 CO-151, Chimney Rock, CO 81121, USAAddress: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, USAAddress: 420 S 14th St, Burlington, CO 80807, USAAddress: Saint Elmo, St Elmo, CO 81236, USAAddress: Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, USAAddress: Colorado Gators Reptile Park, 9162 Ln 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, USAAddress: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USAAddress: Palisade, CO 81526, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Colorado January 26, 2021 Kim Magaraci Which state parks should I visit in Colorado? The stunning State Forest State Park is one thats certainly worth visiting! It’s home to the largest population of moose in the state, with over 600 of these enormous creatures in residence. Another popular state park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, is an easy to access mountain park with trails for all sorts of recreation. If you’re an angler or birdwatcher, plan a trip to Spinney Mountain State Park, which is home to a beautiful reservoir. What are the most unique towns in Colorado? Palisade is a great town if you’re looking for a quiet and remote paradise. Enjoy a visit to the vineyards and restaurants, or explore the unique canyons and cliffs that surround the town. Creede is an itty bitty town that’s earned a reputation for being full of history and one of a kind shops. Another unique town in Colorado, Fairplay, is worth a visit even if only to see South Park National Heritage Area. This list of free things to do in Colorado has several unique places to visit, too! What are the oldest attractions in Colorado? There are dozens of national historic sites in Colorado, and many of them are among the oldest attractions in the West. Bent’s Old Fort was built in 1833 along the Santa Fe Trail, and you can visit the old fort today. If you love learning about railway history, come take a journey on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which was established in 1882 and still offers rides! Anyone who can appreciate art and sculpture would want to visit the Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel No. 6 in Burlington. This gorgeous carousel was built in1905 and still runs an original 1901 Wurlitzer. If you’re in need of more inspo, here are 13 historical landmarks you absolutely must visit in Colorado.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Colorado
January 26, 2021
Kim Magaraci
Which state parks should I visit in Colorado? The stunning State Forest State Park is one thats certainly worth visiting! It’s home to the largest population of moose in the state, with over 600 of these enormous creatures in residence. Another popular state park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, is an easy to access mountain park with trails for all sorts of recreation. If you’re an angler or birdwatcher, plan a trip to Spinney Mountain State Park, which is home to a beautiful reservoir. What are the most unique towns in Colorado? Palisade is a great town if you’re looking for a quiet and remote paradise. Enjoy a visit to the vineyards and restaurants, or explore the unique canyons and cliffs that surround the town. Creede is an itty bitty town that’s earned a reputation for being full of history and one of a kind shops. Another unique town in Colorado, Fairplay, is worth a visit even if only to see South Park National Heritage Area. This list of free things to do in Colorado has several unique places to visit, too! What are the oldest attractions in Colorado? There are dozens of national historic sites in Colorado, and many of them are among the oldest attractions in the West. Bent’s Old Fort was built in 1833 along the Santa Fe Trail, and you can visit the old fort today. If you love learning about railway history, come take a journey on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which was established in 1882 and still offers rides! Anyone who can appreciate art and sculpture would want to visit the Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel No. 6 in Burlington. This gorgeous carousel was built in1905 and still runs an original 1901 Wurlitzer. If you’re in need of more inspo, here are 13 historical landmarks you absolutely must visit in Colorado.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
What are the most unique towns in Colorado? Palisade is a great town if you’re looking for a quiet and remote paradise. Enjoy a visit to the vineyards and restaurants, or explore the unique canyons and cliffs that surround the town. Creede is an itty bitty town that’s earned a reputation for being full of history and one of a kind shops. Another unique town in Colorado, Fairplay, is worth a visit even if only to see South Park National Heritage Area. This list of free things to do in Colorado has several unique places to visit, too!
What are the oldest attractions in Colorado? There are dozens of national historic sites in Colorado, and many of them are among the oldest attractions in the West. Bent’s Old Fort was built in 1833 along the Santa Fe Trail, and you can visit the old fort today. If you love learning about railway history, come take a journey on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which was established in 1882 and still offers rides! Anyone who can appreciate art and sculpture would want to visit the Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel No. 6 in Burlington. This gorgeous carousel was built in1905 and still runs an original 1901 Wurlitzer. If you’re in need of more inspo, here are 13 historical landmarks you absolutely must visit in Colorado.
