Spring is ideal for road trips around Denver—roads are clearing, wildlife is active, and mountain towns are waking up from winter. Grab your friends and a shuttle and finally visit your favorite mountain towns when the weather warms up. Here are some of the best spring road trips near Denver, perfect for a weekend getaway or even a long day trip:
🏞️ 1. Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park
- Distance: ~1.5 hours
- Why Go: Elk herds, snow-capped peaks, and spring hikes in Moraine Park or Bear Lake.
- Highlight: Trail Ridge Road often begins to open in late spring—check conditions before heading up.
🌄 2. Colorado Springs & Pikes Peak Region
- Distance: ~1.5 hours
- Why Go: Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, and the Pikes Peak Highway.
- Highlight: The Manitou Incline (if you’re up for a challenging climb) and spring festivals downtown.
🧙 3. Nederland & Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
- Distance: ~1–1.5 hours
- Why Go: Scenic mountain drive, quirky mountain town vibe, and views of the Continental Divide.
- Highlight: Grab a coffee at the Carousel of Happiness, then continue to Estes Park.
🍺 4. Fort Collins & Cache la Poudre Canyon
- Distance: ~1.5 hours
- Why Go: Brewery hopping, historic downtown, and nearby canyon hikes or fly fishing.
- Highlight: Spring is perfect for enjoying patios and watching the river flow high from snowmelt.
🌊 5. Glenwood Springs (via I-70 west)
- Distance: ~2.5–3 hours
- Why Go: Soak in natural hot springs, hike Hanging Lake (permit required), and explore Glenwood Canyon.
- Highlight: Scenic drive along I-70 through the Rockies is beautiful in spring.
🎲 6. Central City & Black Hawk (via Golden)
- Distance: ~1 hour
- Why Go: Historic mining towns with casinos, plus scenic drives up through Clear Creek Canyon.
- Highlight: Combine it with a stop at Lookout Mountain or Buffalo Bill’s Grave.
🏜️ 7. Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Distance: ~4 hours
- Why Go: Spring is the best time—cooler temps and Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes.
- Highlight: Try sandboarding or just relaxing with epic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
🏔️ 8. Buena Vista & Cottonwood Pass
- Distance: ~2.5 hours
- Why Go: Beautiful mountain town with whitewater rafting, hot springs, and mountain biking.
- Highlight: Drive Cottonwood Pass (check opening status) for amazing alpine views.
🛶 9. Steamboat Springs
- Distance: ~3 hours
- Why Go: Hot springs, hiking, spring skiing (early in the season), and scenic river trails.
- Highlight: Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a magical spot tucked into the forest.
🐑 10. Georgetown Loop & Silver Plume
- Distance: ~1 hour
- Why Go: Historic railroad ride, small-town charm, and scenic beauty.
- Highlight: Great for a short road trip with family or history buffs.
🧭 11. Idaho Springs
- Distance: ~45 minutes
- Why Go: Hot springs, scenic hikes, whitewater rafting, historic charm, and ziplining.
- Highlight: A great half-day or full-day getaway from Denver.
Whether you’re craving mountain air, scenic drives, quirky towns, or relaxing hot springs, spring is one of the most rewarding times to hit the road around Denver. With snow melting and nature coming back to life, these road trips offer a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation—without straying too far from home. So pack your layers, charge your camera, grab a shuttle, and get ready to experience the vibrant beauty of Colorado in bloom.
