If you are a Colorado native, you may think that you have seen all there is to see and have done all there is to do, but we can guarantee that there is a whole other side of the Centennial State that you have yet to explore! Since we believe the possibilities are endless, we recommend breaking things up into bite-size pieces, beginning with one of these fun day trips in Colorado, one for each month of the year. If you’re looking for good day trips in Colorado, consider this your year-long bucket list.
- January - Soak away your cares in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs
TripAdvisor/jjtmcd No list of Colorado day trips is complete without Strawberry Park Hot Springs. The holiday season has come and gone, but you may still feel a little tense from family drama, cooking fiascos, and/or gift-related credit card debt. Sound familiar? Don’t carry around that stress all year; instead, treat yourself to a soak at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, which is home to some oh-so soothing 104-degree mineral water set amidst the snowy mountainside. Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, 44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA
- February - Hike Around The Great Sand Dunes
Flickr/Casey Reynolds One of the most popular of natural landmarks in Colorado is the mighty Great Sand Dunes, which can become downright crowded and congested in the warm summer months. Want our advice? Visit them in February, when temperatures average nearly 40 degrees, and crowds are small at best. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USA
- March - Rub elbows with the ghosts of St. Elmo
Dariusz Kowalczyk/Wikimedia Commons Once a booming mining town, St. Elmo - like so many other former mining towns - is no more. Despite no one living in this Chaffee County community, it is arguably the best-preserved ghost town in Colorado, thanks to its beautiful homes, businesses, and churches. Saint Elmo, St Elmo, CO 81236, USA
- April - Cheer on your Colorado Rockies
Flickr/Max and Dee Bernt Nothing says “spring is here!” quite like a day (or night!) at Coors Field in Denver, so why not go out and cheer on Nolan, Charlie, and Trevor?! Coors Field, 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
- May - Enjoy a glass of wine (or two) at the picture-perfect Stone Cottage Cellars
TripAdvisor/management Let’s have a toast, as summer is just around the corner! Located in the heart of Colorado wine country, Stone Cottage Cellars is home to picturesque stone cottages, lush vines, chef-inspired meals, and - you guessed it - delicious Merlots, Pinot Noirs, and sweet dessert wines! Stone Cottage Cellars, Tasting Room will Re-Open May 2023, 41716 Reds Rd, Paonia, CO 81428, USA
- June - Climb aboard the Royal Gorge Railroad
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Facebook If you are looking for an exciting weekend away, look no further than Canon City and the Royal Gorge Railroad, which offers everything from incredibly scenic rides to special events like murder mysteries, the Santa Express, and decadent wine dinners. Royal Gorge Route Railroad, S 3rd St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
- July - Wrestle a gator at the Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook “Johnny, what did you do for summer break?““Oh, nothing much… just wrestled a freaking alligator!” That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? To take part in this rare but epic opportunity, visit the Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca, which is home to hundreds of reptiles and birds, AND the opportunity to wrestle a real alligator. Colorado Gators Reptile Park, 9162 Ln 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, USA
- August - Enjoy small-town living in Limon
ERoss99/Wikimedia Commons We know what you’re thinking, and yes, we’re talking about the town off I-70 with the McDonald’s and Wendy’s. If you take some time and get off of the interstate, however, you will find that Limon is about as charming as they come, thanks to their little-known Limon Heritage Museum, tasty Hipstir Wagon, and charming shops like the Quilted Heart. Limon, CO 80828, USA
- September - Welcome in the colorful fall from Georgetown
Visit Georgetown, Colorado Facebook Arguably the most picturesque of fall towns, Georgetown is loaded with charming shops, museums, and restaurants, and is also surrounded by some of the most pristine landscapes in the state. In addition to all of the above, Georgetown is also the place to go for outdoor excursions like biking, hiking, photography, and unique wildlife sightings. Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
- October - Take our unforgettable fall foliage road trip
Google Maps Can’t get enough fall colors and want to take in as much of it as you can? The easiest way to do so is by checking out our carefully curated Fall Foliage road trip. Trust us: It’s worth the tank of gas (or two).
- November - Give thanks for this glorious state at the equally magnificent Maroon Bells
TripAdvisor/Ryan W The Maroon Bells near Aspen are one of the most photographed spots in Colorado… can you guess why? Please note: Access to this majestic spot is a 12-mile (round-trip) hike, so begin your training now! Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
- December - Stroll down Salida’s festive Main Street
Christmas Mountain U.S.A Facebook Merry Christmas, Colorado! Whether you are a lover of this most wonderful time of the year or need a little convincing, you will want to check out downtown Salida, which is home to colorful light displays, parades, and the one-of-a-kind Christmas Mountain (pictured). Salida, CO 81201, USA
Who will you be taking with you to experience these fun day trips in Colorado? Let them know by tagging them in the comments! For even more must-visit places, check out some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Colorado.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Colorado November 02, 2020 Beth C. What are the best road trips to take in Colorado? As you might have guessed from our road trip outlining the best day trips in Colorado, the Centennial State is chock-full of adventures. Some of the best road trips in Colorado include:
Colorado Green Chile road trip Colorado waterfall road trip Colorado abandoned places road trip
What are some one-of-a-kind attractions in Colorado? We’re so glad you asked! There are dozens upon dozens of one-of-a-kind attractions in Colorado that tend to fly under the radar, such as:
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park Canyons of the Ancients Fifty-Two 80’s Linger Eatuary Magic Mushroom House
What are the best waterfalls in Colorado? Colorado is home to an impressive array of cascades, falls, and gorges. Some of the best waterfalls in Colorado include:
Adrenaline Falls in Durango Box Canyon Falls in Ouray Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs
- January - Soak away your cares in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs
TripAdvisor/jjtmcd No list of Colorado day trips is complete without Strawberry Park Hot Springs. The holiday season has come and gone, but you may still feel a little tense from family drama, cooking fiascos, and/or gift-related credit card debt. Sound familiar? Don’t carry around that stress all year; instead, treat yourself to a soak at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, which is home to some oh-so soothing 104-degree mineral water set amidst the snowy mountainside. Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, 44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA
- February - Hike Around The Great Sand Dunes
Flickr/Casey Reynolds One of the most popular of natural landmarks in Colorado is the mighty Great Sand Dunes, which can become downright crowded and congested in the warm summer months. Want our advice? Visit them in February, when temperatures average nearly 40 degrees, and crowds are small at best. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USA
- March - Rub elbows with the ghosts of St. Elmo
Dariusz Kowalczyk/Wikimedia Commons Once a booming mining town, St. Elmo - like so many other former mining towns - is no more. Despite no one living in this Chaffee County community, it is arguably the best-preserved ghost town in Colorado, thanks to its beautiful homes, businesses, and churches. Saint Elmo, St Elmo, CO 81236, USA
- April - Cheer on your Colorado Rockies
Flickr/Max and Dee Bernt Nothing says “spring is here!” quite like a day (or night!) at Coors Field in Denver, so why not go out and cheer on Nolan, Charlie, and Trevor?! Coors Field, 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
- May - Enjoy a glass of wine (or two) at the picture-perfect Stone Cottage Cellars
TripAdvisor/management Let’s have a toast, as summer is just around the corner! Located in the heart of Colorado wine country, Stone Cottage Cellars is home to picturesque stone cottages, lush vines, chef-inspired meals, and - you guessed it - delicious Merlots, Pinot Noirs, and sweet dessert wines! Stone Cottage Cellars, Tasting Room will Re-Open May 2023, 41716 Reds Rd, Paonia, CO 81428, USA
- June - Climb aboard the Royal Gorge Railroad
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Facebook If you are looking for an exciting weekend away, look no further than Canon City and the Royal Gorge Railroad, which offers everything from incredibly scenic rides to special events like murder mysteries, the Santa Express, and decadent wine dinners. Royal Gorge Route Railroad, S 3rd St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
- July - Wrestle a gator at the Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook “Johnny, what did you do for summer break?““Oh, nothing much… just wrestled a freaking alligator!” That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? To take part in this rare but epic opportunity, visit the Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca, which is home to hundreds of reptiles and birds, AND the opportunity to wrestle a real alligator. Colorado Gators Reptile Park, 9162 Ln 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, USA
- August - Enjoy small-town living in Limon
ERoss99/Wikimedia Commons We know what you’re thinking, and yes, we’re talking about the town off I-70 with the McDonald’s and Wendy’s. If you take some time and get off of the interstate, however, you will find that Limon is about as charming as they come, thanks to their little-known Limon Heritage Museum, tasty Hipstir Wagon, and charming shops like the Quilted Heart. Limon, CO 80828, USA
- September - Welcome in the colorful fall from Georgetown
Visit Georgetown, Colorado Facebook Arguably the most picturesque of fall towns, Georgetown is loaded with charming shops, museums, and restaurants, and is also surrounded by some of the most pristine landscapes in the state. In addition to all of the above, Georgetown is also the place to go for outdoor excursions like biking, hiking, photography, and unique wildlife sightings. Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
- October - Take our unforgettable fall foliage road trip
Google Maps Can’t get enough fall colors and want to take in as much of it as you can? The easiest way to do so is by checking out our carefully curated Fall Foliage road trip. Trust us: It’s worth the tank of gas (or two).
- November - Give thanks for this glorious state at the equally magnificent Maroon Bells
TripAdvisor/Ryan W The Maroon Bells near Aspen are one of the most photographed spots in Colorado… can you guess why? Please note: Access to this majestic spot is a 12-mile (round-trip) hike, so begin your training now! Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
- December - Stroll down Salida’s festive Main Street
Christmas Mountain U.S.A Facebook Merry Christmas, Colorado! Whether you are a lover of this most wonderful time of the year or need a little convincing, you will want to check out downtown Salida, which is home to colorful light displays, parades, and the one-of-a-kind Christmas Mountain (pictured). Salida, CO 81201, USA
Who will you be taking with you to experience these fun day trips in Colorado? Let them know by tagging them in the comments! For even more must-visit places, check out some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Colorado.
TripAdvisor/jjtmcd
No list of Colorado day trips is complete without Strawberry Park Hot Springs. The holiday season has come and gone, but you may still feel a little tense from family drama, cooking fiascos, and/or gift-related credit card debt. Sound familiar? Don’t carry around that stress all year; instead, treat yourself to a soak at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, which is home to some oh-so soothing 104-degree mineral water set amidst the snowy mountainside.
Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, 44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA
Flickr/Casey Reynolds
One of the most popular of natural landmarks in Colorado is the mighty Great Sand Dunes, which can become downright crowded and congested in the warm summer months. Want our advice? Visit them in February, when temperatures average nearly 40 degrees, and crowds are small at best.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USA
Dariusz Kowalczyk/Wikimedia Commons
Once a booming mining town, St. Elmo - like so many other former mining towns - is no more. Despite no one living in this Chaffee County community, it is arguably the best-preserved ghost town in Colorado, thanks to its beautiful homes, businesses, and churches.
Saint Elmo, St Elmo, CO 81236, USA
Flickr/Max and Dee Bernt
Nothing says “spring is here!” quite like a day (or night!) at Coors Field in Denver, so why not go out and cheer on Nolan, Charlie, and Trevor?!
Coors Field, 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
TripAdvisor/management
Let’s have a toast, as summer is just around the corner! Located in the heart of Colorado wine country, Stone Cottage Cellars is home to picturesque stone cottages, lush vines, chef-inspired meals, and - you guessed it - delicious Merlots, Pinot Noirs, and sweet dessert wines!
Stone Cottage Cellars, Tasting Room will Re-Open May 2023, 41716 Reds Rd, Paonia, CO 81428, USA
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Facebook
If you are looking for an exciting weekend away, look no further than Canon City and the Royal Gorge Railroad, which offers everything from incredibly scenic rides to special events like murder mysteries, the Santa Express, and decadent wine dinners.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad, S 3rd St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
“Johnny, what did you do for summer break?““Oh, nothing much… just wrestled a freaking alligator!” That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? To take part in this rare but epic opportunity, visit the Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca, which is home to hundreds of reptiles and birds, AND the opportunity to wrestle a real alligator.
Colorado Gators Reptile Park, 9162 Ln 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, USA
ERoss99/Wikimedia Commons
We know what you’re thinking, and yes, we’re talking about the town off I-70 with the McDonald’s and Wendy’s. If you take some time and get off of the interstate, however, you will find that Limon is about as charming as they come, thanks to their little-known Limon Heritage Museum, tasty Hipstir Wagon, and charming shops like the Quilted Heart.
Limon, CO 80828, USA
Visit Georgetown, Colorado Facebook
Arguably the most picturesque of fall towns, Georgetown is loaded with charming shops, museums, and restaurants, and is also surrounded by some of the most pristine landscapes in the state. In addition to all of the above, Georgetown is also the place to go for outdoor excursions like biking, hiking, photography, and unique wildlife sightings.
Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
Google Maps
Can’t get enough fall colors and want to take in as much of it as you can? The easiest way to do so is by checking out our carefully curated Fall Foliage road trip. Trust us: It’s worth the tank of gas (or two).
TripAdvisor/Ryan W
The Maroon Bells near Aspen are one of the most photographed spots in Colorado… can you guess why? Please note: Access to this majestic spot is a 12-mile (round-trip) hike, so begin your training now!
Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
Christmas Mountain U.S.A Facebook
Merry Christmas, Colorado! Whether you are a lover of this most wonderful time of the year or need a little convincing, you will want to check out downtown Salida, which is home to colorful light displays, parades, and the one-of-a-kind Christmas Mountain (pictured).
Salida, CO 81201, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Colorado
November 02, 2020
Beth C.
What are the best road trips to take in Colorado? As you might have guessed from our road trip outlining the best day trips in Colorado, the Centennial State is chock-full of adventures. Some of the best road trips in Colorado include:
Colorado Green Chile road trip Colorado waterfall road trip Colorado abandoned places road trip
What are some one-of-a-kind attractions in Colorado? We’re so glad you asked! There are dozens upon dozens of one-of-a-kind attractions in Colorado that tend to fly under the radar, such as:
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park Canyons of the Ancients Fifty-Two 80’s Linger Eatuary Magic Mushroom House
What are the best waterfalls in Colorado? Colorado is home to an impressive array of cascades, falls, and gorges. Some of the best waterfalls in Colorado include:
Adrenaline Falls in Durango Box Canyon Falls in Ouray Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you might have guessed from our road trip outlining the best day trips in Colorado, the Centennial State is chock-full of adventures. Some of the best road trips in Colorado include:
- Colorado Green Chile road trip
- Colorado waterfall road trip
- Colorado abandoned places road trip
What are some one-of-a-kind attractions in Colorado?
We’re so glad you asked! There are dozens upon dozens of one-of-a-kind attractions in Colorado that tend to fly under the radar, such as:
- The Paint Mines Interpretive Park
- Canyons of the Ancients
- Fifty-Two 80’s
- Linger Eatuary
- Magic Mushroom House
What are the best waterfalls in Colorado?
Colorado is home to an impressive array of cascades, falls, and gorges. Some of the best waterfalls in Colorado include:
- Adrenaline Falls in Durango
- Box Canyon Falls in Ouray
- Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs
- Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs
- Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs
