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Denver Day Trips and Scenic Spots Less Than Two Hours Away
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a gorgeous alpine retreat that offers multiple glacial lakes. The recreation area is full of various trails, allowing a unique experience each time you visit. Its beauty makes it quite popular amongst locals and tourists. Springtime typically offers vibrant spring flowers, and hikers in the fall can witness gorgeous golden leaves. The lake itself is stunning, as it is adorned with towering peaks. Located near Ward, Brainard Lake is a fantastic place to go if you want to avoid I-70 traffic. Sometimes a reservation is required during peak months, so be sure to plan your visit in advance.
Boulder
Located just a short drive northwest of Denver, Boulder blends outdoor adventure with a laid-back vibe. The college town provides dominant views of the stunning Flatirons formation. Chautauqua Park is full of several trailheads that showcase Boulder's natural beauty. The Pearl Street Mall is a pedestrian-friendly outdoor mall full of quirky shops and excellent food offerings. The city of Boulder has a strong commitment to open space and outdoorrecreation, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In the fall, Boulder is home to the nationally acclaimed Colorado Buffaloes football team. The stadium is always packed and provides an exciting college football atmosphere, and the sidelines are often frequented by celebrities.
When the traffic is light, it takes about 35 minutes to drive from Denver to Boulder.
Estes Park
Estes Park is a vast outdoor recreational area that includes part of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is truly a national treasure, offering stunning views of towering peaks, alpine lakes, and postcard-quality landscapes. The park is vast, offering plenty of things to see and do, like Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, dozens of restaurants, and plenty of relaxing spas. Estes Park is the type of place that offers a variety of activities that the whole family can enjoy, making it one of the best day trips from Denver.When traffic is favorable, it takes about 85 minutes to drive from Denver to Estes Park.
Idaho Springs
Should you want to learn more about Colorado history, Idaho Springs is an excellent destination. Nestled right along I-70, Idaho Springs is an ideal place to escape the city for an afternoon or a weekend. The town is full of abandoned mines that played a crucial role in Colorado's economy in the 1800s. There are plenty of exciting mine tours, where you can learn about old-fashioned mining operations. Many of the tour operators will even teach you how to pan for gold and let you keep what you find. Beyond history, Idaho Springs is full of outdoor adventure. There is no shortage of hikes around the town, and nearby Clear Creek is a popular spot for white water rafting.In good traffic, you can get from Denver to Idaho Springs in about 40 minutes. Note that I-70 tends to get congested on Fridays and Sundays, as it is the main highway from Denver to the mountains.
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly Mount Evans)
If you enjoy stunning alpine views but don't like hiking, Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is for you. This byway is the highest paved road in all of North America, reaching altitudes of over 14,000 feet. The byway ends at the peak of Mount Blue Sky, offering stunning panoramic views. Along the way, visitors frequently see mountain goats and bighorn sheep.The drive from Denver to Mount Blue Sky is about 1 hour. The drive is also along I-70, so be wary of weekend traffic. Also note that the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway may close in snowy conditions.
Leadville
Leadville offers a little bit of everything for everyone. As the highest incorporated city in North America (10,152 feet), Leadville is full of outdoor adventures that Colorado is known for. While full of scenic trails and lakes, Leadville offers so much more. Given its high altitude, Leadville is a popular home for professional cyclists. As such, bikers can find plenty of cycle-friendly trails across the area, with the Mineral Belt Trail being of particular note. Walking through downtown Leadville feels like stepping back in time. Most of the buildings are from the Victorian era, offering a charming aesthetic that blends the Wild West with traditional elegance. In the wintertime, Leadville is a well-known destination for snowmobiling.Leadville is 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Denver when there are good conditions. Most of the drive will be along I-70, so plan for extra time on weekends.
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If you’re itching to move to Denver after learning about these day trips, then give us a visit at Live On South Federal Apartment Homes. We offer 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans that feature double-galley and open-concept kitchen layouts, energy efficient appliances, cozy plush carpeting, and much more. Situated just west of the city, Live On South Federal provides residents with easy access to the front range, foothills, and all the mountain adventures. Schedule your tour today at Live On South Federal, where Denver discovers home.