The capital of Colorado, Denver is an exciting, action-packed city that every adventure-lover must visit at least once in their lifetime. It is lively and creative, and there’s plenty of places within the ‘Mile High City’ to explore, from fascinating museums, live music and comedy venues, the beautiful Botanic Gardens, and the famous Coors Field to name just a few. However, with incredible landscapes and natural features like the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains just a stone’s throw away, it is worth getting yourself a rental car and heading out on a day trip outside of the city once or twice whilst you’re there too.
North America is notoriously breathtaking, and Colorado is no different. So, as soon as you take your first step outside of the confines of the city centre, you’ll find yourself enthralled by a world of natural beauty. And it’s not just the destinations you should be excited about. Driving in and near Denver is an eye-opening experience, and you will find only the best driving roads around, with gorgeous, panoramic views of the stunning northern scenery welcoming you around every corner. So, make sure you set some time aside during your trip to Denver to escape the city and head out on an exciting day trip or two. There is so much to discover, and you’ll see some of the most beautiful sights in the world along the way.
Day Trips from Denver
To inspire you, these are two day-trips that will have you cruising down the best driving roads near Denver:
1. Glenwood Springs, via Vail and Aspen
Colorado’s most idyllic city, Glenwood Springs is home to the largest hot spring pool in the world. This all-natural, earth-built spa is the perfect destination to relax in after you’ve travelled the curving, scenic roads through some of the state’s most beautiful towns and landscapes.
The journey from Denver to Glenwood Springs takes you via the scenic I-70 through an array of quaint mining towns settled into the rocky landscape. You’ll pass by the internationally renowned ski resort town of Vail by the breathtaking White River National Forest. Here you really are on top of the world as you drive high into the cloud-topped peaks of the Rockies. Then, once you’ve taken in the sensational 360-degree views, you’ll make your way down to Aspen, the northern city of glamour. You can take a break from the roads to shop ‘til you drop and grab a bite to eat before finally cruising on down to glorious Glenwood Springs.
Every inch of road on this day trip is somehow more beautiful than the last, with a backdrop of stunning north American scenery to marvel at around every turn. From towering mountains to sparkling lakes and serene waterfalls, this 6-hour drive is the perfect length for anyone looking for a longer road trip. With plenty of places to stop off at along the way, you could even turn it into a week-long road trip. No matter how you decide to enjoy the journey, we can guarantee it will feel like the trip of a lifetime for anyone lucky enough to embark on it.
2. Trail Ridge Road, in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want to get up close and personal with the clouds, then a day trip along Trail Ridge Road is just what you need. This skyward-bound highway stretches East to West through the Incredibly beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. US Highway 34, also known as Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway, covers 48 miles of natural land, with an elevation of over 12,000 feet. With evergreen trees, rocky outcrops, and jaw-dropping, panoramic views that go on for as far as the eye can see all around you, this incredible driving route is sure to have you reaching to the heavens.
Alongside the most beautiful views in northern America, you will also find an unimaginable number of local wildlife, as well as places to stop to go hiking, fishing, and mountaineering. The drive itself takes about two hours to get from one side to the other, but with opportunities to camp you can spend as much time as you want here soaking up the sunshine and revelling in the glorious heights. So, no matter what is on your holiday itinerary, make sure you book in some time to visit this incredible driving road near Denver for a day trip whilst you’re visiting. You won’t regret it.
Conclusion
With some of the most eye-catching scenery in the United States at your wheels, Denver and its surrounding areas in Colorado are a joy to explore by car. From the snow-capped Rocky Mountains standing proudly over the landscapes, to the winding roads that take you down to steaming hot springs in the middle of natural rock formations and valleys, every bend, twist, and corner holds another jaw-dropping sight that will have you grinning with excitement. So, what are you waiting for? Book your perfect rental car and you can be one step closer to exploring the best driving roads near Denver today.
We understand how important it is to get the right car for your needs here at HolidayCars.com. So, whether you’re planning on taking your family for the day trip of a lifetime up the Rockies, or you’re looking to explore the snowy Colorado scenery in the height of winter, we do our upmost best to find exactly what you need for affordable prices. By working with world renowned car rental agencies, we guarantee great quality and customer service, so all it takes is a few clicks and you’ll soon have the perfect rental car for your holiday to Denver.