Longmont Day Trip from Denver

Longmont makes an excellent day trip from Denver - close enough for a half-day visit, but with enough to do for a full day if you want. The brewery scene rivals Boulder at lower prices, Button Rock Preserve offers quality hiking, and downtown has emerged as a legitimate dining and shopping destination.

Getting There

From Denver: Take I-25 north to Highway 119 (Longmont/Diagonal Highway). Follow 119 northwest directly into Longmont. About 35 miles, 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Alternative route: I-25 to Highway 66 (Lyons exit) offers a slightly different approach and easy connection to Lyons and Button Rock Preserve.

Traffic: Rush hour (7-9am, 4-7pm) adds time. Weekend mornings are easy. The 119/Diagonal can slow during peak commute times.

Brewery Day Trip

For beer enthusiasts, Longmont is a destination:

1. Start at Left Hand Brewing - the flagship, famous for Milk Stout Nitro
2. Head to Wibby Brewing - excellent German-style lagers
3. Finish at Oskar Blues - full restaurant for food with your beer

Breweries are spread around town, so you'll need to drive between stops. Plan for a designated driver or rideshare. Allow 4-5 hours to do it properly with food breaks.

Outdoor Day Trip

For hiking and nature:

1. Morning hike at Button Rock Preserve - arrive early for parking
2. Lunch in downtown Longmont - plenty of options
3. Afternoon walk on St. Vrain Greenway or relax at Golden Ponds
4. Beer reward at a brewery

Button Rock requires arriving early on weekends - the parking lot fills by mid-morning in summer.

Downtown Day Trip

For a relaxed town exploration:

1. Morning coffee at a local cafe
2. Browse Main Street shops
3. Lunch at a downtown restaurant
4. Visit the Longmont Museum
5. Afternoon brewery visit

This itinerary works well combined with Boulder - morning in Longmont, afternoon in Boulder, or vice versa.

Combine With

Boulder: Just 15 miles south on Highway 119. Easy to do both in one day. Longmont for breweries and hiking, Boulder for Pearl Street and additional attractions.

Lyons: Small town between Longmont and Estes Park. Good for a quick stop, especially if you're heading to Button Rock anyway.

Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park: Longmont works as a lunch stop on the way to or from RMNP. About 35 miles from Longmont to Estes Park.

Tips

Saturday visit: Hit the farmers market in the morning (seasonal), then explore.

Summer Fridays: Rhythm on the River concerts make for a great evening activity.

Avoid rush hour: Leave Denver after 9am or before 4pm to avoid the worst traffic on I-25 and Highway 119.