Colorado is an amazing state with all kinds of landscaping and scenery. Denver is a great city to work in because you have access to many outdoors activities within a 1 to 2-hour drive. These are my top 6 activities I enjoyed doing while working outside of Denver, Colorado, that I highly recommend!
- Garden of the Gods – This free park is located in Colorado Springs with 300 foot sandstone rock formations. There are multiple walking trails, wildlife, and even rock-climbing opportunities. Be sure to go in the morning so you can find parking. It is free to enter, but if you are interested in a tour you will have to pay and make reservations.
2. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – Located in Denver, the naturally made amphitheater is a popular site for concerts and other events such as yoga. The red rocks park has 868 acres of geological marvels and wild life. There are opportunities for hiking and biking.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park – This national park is 1.5 hours north of Denver. It costs $30 per vehicle to enter, and during peak times such as the summer months, a reservation time permit is required. The mountain ranges are enormous and never ending. Plan to spend at least half a day at this park because it takes 3-5 hours just to drive through all the windy roads. There are some hiking trails but it can get difficult to breathe once you reach the summit. We saw some elk while we were there which was awesome. I recommend going at 6am because it is less crowded and you do not have to wait in line at the viewing points. I also recommend staying in Estes Park, CO before or after to make the drive more comfortable.
4. Glenwood Springs – This cute town is about a 2 hour drive west of Denver. They have a large natural hot springs pool that is enjoyable during colder months. The entry fee is a bit steep at $47 per adult, but is definitely worth it. You also have beautiful views of the mountains.
5. Day trip to Colorado Springs – Colorado Springs is a 1 hour drive south of Denver. I actually like it better than Denver because it has a gorgeous back drop of mountains and even red canyons randomly in the city. There is an opportunity to go on a hot air balloon there, and they have other tourist sites such as Caves of the Wind and Manitou Dwellings. Caves of the Wind is an underground cavern and Manitou Dwellings are Native American homes built into canyons. Check out Red Rock Canyon for more hiking.
6. Day trip to Boulder, CO – Boulder is about a 30 min drive north of Denver. Pearl Street area is a popular destination there. It’s an artsy area with shops and plenty of interesting dining options
