Best Nature Day Trips in Colorado: Unforgettable Adventures in the Rockies

Are you ready to explore the best nature day trips in Colorado? From the breathtaking Rocky Mountains to the scenic rivers and lakes, Colorado offers an endless array of outdoor adventures and natural wonders to discover. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a break from the city, Colorado has something for everyone. In this article, we'll guide you through the top 10 nature day trips in Colorado, covering the best places to enjoy outdoor adventures and take in the natural beauty of the state. We'll explore the best hiking trails, camping spots, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing areas, as well as some of the state's most unique and hidden natural gems. So grab your hiking boots, pack your picnic, and get ready to discover the best nature day trips in Colorado. From the rugged mountains to the serene landscapes, we'll take you on a journey through the state's most breathtaking natural wonders.

Top 10 Nature Day Trips in Colorado

Explore the West Elitch Gardens and Mount Evans

West Elitch Gardens is a unique day trip destination that offers a mix of natural beauty and adventure. Located in the Rocky Mountains, this scenic area features stunning views, hiking trails, and the chance to explore an abandoned theme park. Combine this with a trip to Mount Evans, the highest paved road in North America, for a day filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.

Best Time to Visit: Late Spring to Early Fall

Distance from Denver: 60 miles (97 km)

Recommended Activities:

• Hiking and exploring the abandoned theme park at West Elitch Gardens
• Driving the highest paved road in North America to the summit of Mount Evans
• Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities

Discover the Natural Wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With over 60 mountain peaks above 12,000 feet, this park offers endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring. Take a scenic drive through the park, hike to the summit of a mountain, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from one of the many overlooks.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but best during summer months

Distance from Denver: 120 miles (193 km)

Recommended Activities:

• Hiking and backpacking through the park's many trails
• Camping under the stars in one of the park's many campgrounds
• Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities

Best Places to Enjoy Outdoor Adventures in Colorado

Explore the Beauty of Maroon Bells and Crested Butte

If you're looking for a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure, consider a day trip to Maroon Bells and Crested Butte. Located just a few hours from Aspen, these two natural wonders offer breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, and a charming mountain town to explore.

Maroon Bells, known for their stunning maroon-colored peaks, offer a range of hiking trails for all skill levels. Take a leisurely stroll around Maroon Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to the summit of one of the peaks. After a day of hiking, head to the charming town of Crested Butte for a relaxing meal and some exploration of the town's historic architecture.

• Maroon Bells: Hike to the summit of one of the peaks or take a leisurely stroll around Maroon Lake
• Crested Butte: Explore the town's historic architecture, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains

Experience the Natural Beauty of the San Juan Mountains

The San Juan Mountains offer a range of outdoor adventures, from hiking and camping to skiing and snowboarding. Take a scenic drive through the mountains, hike to the summit of one of the many peaks, or explore the charming towns of Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton.

One of the most popular attractions in the San Juan Mountains is the Million Dollar Highway, a scenic drive that winds its way through the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. For those looking for a more challenging adventure, consider hiking to the summit of one of the many peaks in the area or exploring the many trails and lakes of the Weminuche Wilderness.

• Million Dollar Highway: Take a scenic drive through the San Juan Mountains and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks
• Weminuche Wilderness: Hike to the summit of one of the many peaks or explore the many trails and lakes of the area
• Telluride: Explore the charming town of Telluride, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains

Discover the Natural Beauty of Colorado on a Day Trip

Explore the Scenic Trails of the Flatirons

The Flatirons, located just outside of Boulder, offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in Colorado. With a range of trails for all skill levels, you can explore the unique rock formations and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

One of the most popular trails in the Flatirons is the Chautauqua Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that takes you through a beautiful meadow and offers stunning views of the Flatirons and the Rocky Mountains. For a more challenging hike, consider the Royal Arch Trail, a 3.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the summit of the Flatirons and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

• Chautauqua Trail: A 1.2-mile loop through a beautiful meadow with stunning views of the Flatirons and the Rocky Mountains
• Royal Arch Trail: A 3.5-mile round-trip hike to the summit of the Flatirons with panoramic views of the surrounding area
• Flatirons Vista: A scenic overlook with stunning views of the Flatirons and the Rocky Mountains

Discover the Hidden Gems of the Colorado National Forest

The Colorado National Forest, located in the western part of the state, offers a range of outdoor adventures and hidden natural gems. From hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife viewing, there's something for everyone in this beautiful forest.

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Colorado National Forest is to take a scenic drive through the forest. The Million Dollar Highway, a 25-mile stretch of road that winds its way through the forest, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and access to many of the forest's best hiking trails.

• Million Dollar Highway: A 25-mile scenic drive through the Colorado National Forest with stunning views of the surrounding mountains
• Weminuche Wilderness: A 460,000-acre wilderness area with hiking trails, lakes, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains
• San Juan National Forest: A 1.8-million-acre forest with hiking trails, camping spots, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains

Experience the Breathtaking Views of the Continental Divide

The Continental Divide, a 3,100-mile-long mountain range that stretches from Alaska to Mexico, offers some of the most breathtaking views in Colorado. With a range of hiking trails, scenic drives, and camping spots, you can experience the natural beauty of the Continental Divide on a day trip from Denver.

One of the best ways to experience the Continental Divide is to take a scenic drive along the Mount Evans Highway, a 14-mile stretch of road that winds its way to the summit of Mount Evans, the highest paved road in North America. Along the way, you'll have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and access to many of the area's best hiking trails.