Boulder is a small city situated at the foothills of the famous Rocky Mountains, and it’s also home to the famous University of Colorado. With an abundance of natural preserves, parks, and recreational spaces, this destination is ideal for nature lovers. Boulder is also an interesting city because it’s ranked highly for its quality of life, and the locals really put in the effort to prioritise their personal wellbeing. We can see this in the clean environment and the rise of natural and organic product companies within the city, so this is definitely a great place to live! It also offers tourists historic hotels and amazing vacation rentals. Aside from that, there are also many beautiful towns and small cities surrounding Boulder that make for great day trips. In this article, we’re going to explore some of them. Read on for the best day trips from Boulder, Colorado.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park (from USD 159.0)
If you’re thinking of a day trip from Colorado, the first one that might come to mind is Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s only an hour’s drive from Boulder, and this 265,461-acre (107,428-hectare) park is home to lots of surprising natural wonders that will definitely enamour you! Aside from the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, you’ll also get to see gorgeous alpine lakes and wild animals. There are plenty of nature trails in the area, but if you really want to explore the best of this majestic park, it will be best to travel by car, as the mountain roads are steep and slippery.
Denver/Boulder: Rocky Mountain National Park Hike
Duration 8 hour
2. Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a town in Colorado two hours away from Boulder, and it’s a place that’s really famous for its ski resorts. Located about 9,600 feet (2,926 metres) above sea level, Breckenridge is definitely a gorgeous alpine town. If you visit during the winter, you might even catch the International Snow Sculpture Championships and get to see beautiful, hand-carved and intricate sculptures created by artists. This place is, however, a great place to visit any time of the year! Visit during the summer to experience water sports like water rafting. If you’re up for a hike in the beautiful wilderness, there are waterfall hikes with incredible nature views as well.
3. Frisco
Frisco is a mountain town located 1.5 hours away from Boulder. The adventurous ones will love this place. With an array of ski resorts situated near here, snowboarders and skiers can expect an exciting time. For those who just want to have a relaxing trip, you can enjoy sleigh rides amidst snow-capped mountains and enjoy fantastic views all around. The best time to visit is during the winter, so you can enjoy Wassail Days and embark on a delicious wassail-tasting journey.
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4. Golden
Golden used to be the first capital of Colorado, and this small town - which used to be the most important city in the state - is just a 30-minute drive from Boulder. Its rich gold resources gave the place its name and rich heritage. You wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to visit Golden if you’re travelling to this state. If you wish to understand more about its history, visit Golden History Museum. Check out the cabins from the 1800s, take a look at the special exhibits, and explore Golden History Park.
5. Fort Collins
An hour’s drive from Boulder will take you to Fort Collins, a very picturesque municipality in Colorado. One reason why people love visiting this place is because of its old vibes, beautiful architecture, and great sceneries. Aside from being home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins is also well-known for its microbreweries. Remember to go on a brewery tour and give some of their refreshing craft beers a try!
6. Nederland
Did you know that another beautiful town is just a quick, 30-minute drive away from Boulder? The most well-known festival in Nederland is likely the Frozen Dead Guy Day event, which is held annually in March. You’ll get to see participants dressed up as frozen, dead corpses. Into arts and culture? Then be a part of NedFest, a three-day festival celebrating arts and culture and featuring a wide variety of microbrews. If you think that isn’t enough, there’s more - Nederland is also home to an array of different hiking trails.
7. Eldorado Springs
Eldorado Springs is located just outside of Boulder, so it’ll only take you about 20 minutes to get here. Big Radium Pool, once the largest swimming pool in all of America, is what draws visitors to this destination. What’s so special about the pool is its tasty spring water that’s filtered by sandstones. If you’re wondering, yes - you can totally swim here. Nestled within Eldorado Canyon State Park is Eldorado Canyon, where there are more than 1,000 technical rock-climbing routes in varying levels of difficulty. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you definitely have to visit this place.
8. Crestone
Drive up north from Boulder and you’ll reach Crestone after four hours. Also known as the “Shambala of the Rockies”, this town nestled within the San Luis Valley is home to lots of New Age events and represents various world religions, including Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. With so much spiritual activity within the town, it might seem weird at first, but it’s definitely an interesting experience and a trip you must embark on with a very open mind. Also, if you’re a fan of gemstones, you should visit Sangre de Cristo Mountains - it’s full of quartz and other precious gemstones.
9. Estes Park
Estes Park is a town located right at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, and it only takes 30 minutes to get here from Boulder. This town is definitely one of the best choices for a day trip for couples or families since it’s filled with awesome cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you’re in the mood to appreciate breathtaking views from atop a mountain, you must ride Estes Park Aerial Tramway.
10. Pikes Peak
Get a panoramic view from atop the highest summit over at the southern part of the Rocky Mountains at Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is actually a 14,115-ft-tall (4,302-metre) mountain located within Pike National Forest, and it’s so prominent that it can be seen clearly from a distance. However, if you want to explore the mountain, you can do it by driving your vehicle all the way up to the summit. If you prefer to enjoy gorgeous mountain views, you can also opt for a guided tour.
Plan your day trip from Boulder right now
The nearest day trip location is just 20 minutes away so there’s actually nothing much to consider if you really want to take a break. These trips are great for couples, families, or even a solo vacation! While there are plenty of hiking spots to explore and other fun things to do, you’ll be pleased to find out that there are more activities you can participate in outside of the city. Colorado is known for its large nature parks and other nature-related attractions, so this is a good way for you to get out of the city and relax a little.