I Live in Denver – Here Are 9 Day Trips That Aren’t Just Skiing

Every time someone visits me in Denver, they ask the same thing: “Should we go skiing?”

Look, I get it. Colorado = skiing. But lift tickets are $200+ now, and honestly? There’s so much other cool stuff within 2 hours.

These are the day trips I actually do. No ski gear required.

1. Georgetown (45 minutes)

Why go: Victorian mining town that looks fake it’s so cute

What to do: Walk the historic downtown, ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad

Georgetown is what people think all Colorado mountain towns look like. Perfect main street with old buildings, antique shops, decent restaurants.

The Loop Railroad is touristy but actually fun. They do this thing where the train goes over itself on a bridge. Engineering nerds love it.

Hit up The Happy Cooker for breakfast. Get there before 10am or prepare to wait.

2. Golden (25 minutes)

Why go: Coors Brewery plus actual charm

What to do: Brewery tour, Clear Creek, walkable downtown

Everyone does the Coors tour. It’s free, you get free beer. Worth doing once.

But Golden is actually cool beyond that. Clear Creek runs right through town – people tube it in summer. The downtown has good restaurants and isn’t just tourist traps.

Lookout Mountain is right there too. Buffalo Bill’s grave if you’re into that.

3. Boulder (45 minutes)

Why go: College town with insane mountain views

What to do: Pearl Street Mall, Chautauqua Park, eat everything

Pearl Street is exactly what you expect. Street performers, expensive restaurants, college kids everywhere. Still worth walking.

But Chautauqua Park is the real gem. Easy hiking trails with Flatirons views. Pack a lunch, eat on the grass.

The food scene is legit. The Med for tapas. Mountain Sun for beer and hippie vibes.

4. Red Rocks to Evergreen Loop (1.5 hours total)

Why go: Hit multiple spots in one loop

What to do: Red Rocks → Morrison → Evergreen Lake

Start at Red Rocks early (free before 9am usually). Do the Trading Post trail or just climb the amphitheater steps.

Stop in Morrison for lunch. The Fort is expensive but the experience is wild – buffalo, elk, rattlesnake on the menu.

End at Evergreen Lake. Walk the loop, rent a paddleboat if it’s nice. The downtown is cute for wandering.

5. Garden of the Gods (1 hour 15 minutes)

Why go: Insane red rock formations, totally free

What to do: Easy walks, visitor center, Manitou Springs after

This place looks fake. Like someone placed these giant red rocks vertically just for photos. But it’s real and it’s free.

The main loop is paved and easy. Tons of pull-offs for photos. The visitor center has good exhibits about how it formed.

Manitou Springs nearby is a weird artsy town with natural spring fountains. People bring bottles to fill up.

6. Idaho Springs (40 minutes)

Why go: Hot springs and mining history

What to do: Indian Hot Springs, mine tours, Beau Jo’s pizza

Indian Hot Springs has these cave pools that are amazing. Not fancy but authentic. The hot pools overlook the creek.

You can tour actual gold mines. The Argo Mill is huge. They do gold panning for kids (and adults who admit they want to).

Beau Jo’s pizza with honey on the crust. It’s a Colorado thing. Just go with it.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park (1.5 hours)

Why go: The most accessible national park from Denver

What to do: Scenic drives, easy lake hikes, Estes Park

You need a timed entry permit May-October. Book ahead or go super early.

Bear Lake is the classic easy hike. Sprague Lake if you want even easier. Just driving Trail Ridge Road is worth it for the views.

Estes Park is the gateway town. Touristy but fun. The Stanley Hotel inspired The Shining.

8. Mount Evans Scenic Byway (1.5 hours)

Why go: Drive to 14,000+ feet

What to do: America’s highest paved road

This is the lazy person’s fourteener. You literally drive to the top. Well, almost – last 100 yards you walk.

The road is terrifying if you’re scared of heights. No guardrails, steep drops. But the views are insane.

Mountain goats everywhere. They don’t care about cars. Bring layers – it’s freezing at the top even in July.

Note: Now requires timed reservations, closes in winter.

9. Black Hawk/Central City (45 minutes)

Why go: Old mining towns turned casinos

What to do: Gamble, eat cheap buffets, see weird mountain casino culture

Okay, this one’s different. These old mining towns are now just casinos. It’s Vegas in the mountains, which is as weird as it sounds.

The buffets are cheap and decent. The people watching is incredible. You can still see the old architecture between slot machines.

Not for everyone, but it’s definitely an experience.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer: Everything’s accessible but crowded. Leave early.

Fall: Aspen leaves are insane late September. Traffic is worse.

Winter: Some roads close. Check conditions. Beautiful though.

Spring: Mud season. Seriously, trails are muddy March-May.

The Day Trip Reality

Here’s what nobody tells you about Colorado day trips:

I-70 weekend traffic is soul-crushing. Leave before 7am or after 10am. Coming back, avoid 2-6pm Sunday.

Mountain weather changes fast. That sunny Denver morning means nothing.

Altitude hits harder than you think. Even just driving to 11,000 feet can make you lightheaded.

My Actual Favorite

If I’m being honest? The Georgetown/Guanella Pass/Breckenridge loop in fall.

Start in Georgetown, drive Guanella Pass (dirt road but passenger cars can do it), end in Breck for late lunch. Come back via Loveland Pass.

It’s everything people imagine Colorado to be. Just don’t tell everyone – traffic’s bad enough.

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What’s your favorite non-skiing day trip from Denver? Always looking for new spots.

Related: Georgetown Loop With Kids Was Better Than Expected