EXCITING DAY TRIPS AND PLACES TO VISIT NEAR DENVER!
Denver serves as an excellent gateway to the wonders of the nearby Rocky Mountains. Here are just a handful of must-see attractions, gorgeous scenic drives and mountain town adventures, all within two hours of The Mile High City. Make Denver your basecamp for exciting day trips and explore the best places to visit near Denver.
DINOSAUR RIDGE
Distance from Denver: 23 miles (37 km)
16831 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
Dinosaur Ridge is a famous natural landmark, located along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, near Morrison, Colorado. It features famous Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877, and Cretaceous dinosaur footprints. A guidebook is available for use on self-guided tours and guided tours can be arranged through the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge.
RED ROCKS PARK & AMPHITHEATRE
Distance from Denver: 25 miles (40 km)
18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
A picture perfect setting with flawless all-natural acoustics 70 million years in the making, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a true Colorado original. In addition to its blockbuster summer concert series (everyone from the Beatles to U2 have played here), Red Rocks is open year-round, featuring the Red Rocks Performers Hall of Fame and the Trading Post Loop Hiking Trail, a 1.4-mile adventure through spectacular rock formations, valleys and a natural meadow.
BUFFALO BILL MUSEUM & GRAVE
Distance from Denver: 25 miles (40 km)
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain, Golden
One of the most famous cowboys to ever ride the range, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody epitomized the Old West. Upon his request he was buried atop Lookout Mountain, a site boasting one of the best views in all of Colorado. The Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, which opened in 1921, offers a look into life in the Old West, with exhibits on Buffalo Bill’s life, the Wild West shows, Indian artifacts including Sitting Bull’s bows and arrows, Western art, and firearms.
AMERICAN MOUNTAINEERING MUSEUM
Distance from Denver: 27 miles (43 km)
710 10th St., Golden
The American Mountaineering Museum is a “must-stop” new attraction on your way to the mountains! From 14ers to Everest, experience mountaineering through interactive exhibits and high tech displays. Cross a crevasse, pick your route up Everest, and follow the footsteps of famous climbers as you prepare to hike in Colorado!
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