Posted in Colorado October 28, 2020 by

12 Unforgettable Colorado Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

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 unforgettable Colorado day trips, one for each month of the year. If you’re looking for the best day trips in Colorado, consider this your year-long bucket list.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. January - Soak away your cares in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs
TripAdvisor/jjtmcd
No list of the best day trips in Colorado 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. 

To learn more about Strawberry Park Hot Springs, check out Everyone In Colorado Must Visit This Epic Natural Spring As Soon As Possible.
2. 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.

Do you want to know even more about the Great Sand Dunes? Click here.
3. 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. 

For more information, click on Everyone In Colorado Should Visit This One Ghost Town.
4. 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?!

Before you go, please read The 7 Wonders Of Colorado Springtime You Must See Before They’re Gone.
5. May - Enjoy a glass of wine (or five) 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!

To learn more about Stone Cottage Cellars, check out The Remote Winery In Colorado That’s Picture Perfect For A Day Trip.
6. 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. (Psst... While you are there, why not also check out the Royal Gorge Bridge, which is one of the highest suspension bridges in the WORLD?)

Do you want to know even more about the Royal Gorge Railroad? Click here.
7. 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. 

For more information, click on Visit This Fascinating Farm In Colorado That Has The Strangest Collection Of Animals Around.
8. 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 it 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.

For more information, click on The Small Town In Colorado You’ve Never Heard Of But Will Fall In Love With.
9. 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. 

To learn more about the 1880 Train, check out This Charming Colorado Town Is Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip.
10. 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 Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Colorado Like Never Before. Trust us: It's worth the tank of gas (or two). 
11. 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! 

Do you want to learn even more about the majestic Maroon Bells? Click here.
12. 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). 

For more information, click on The Most Enchanting Christmastime Main Street In The Country Is Salida In Colorado.

Who will you be taking with you to experience the best 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.

Address: Salida, CO 81201, USA
Address: Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
Address: Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
Address: Limon, CO 80828, USA
Address: 9162 W Co Rd 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, USA
Address: 330 Royal Gorge Blvd, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
Address: 8310, 41716 Reds Rd, Paonia, CO 81428, USA
Address: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
Address: St Elmo, CO 81236, USA
Address: Colorado, USA
Address: 44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, 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. Figuring out the best road trips to take in Colorado means pinpointing your interests. Are you someone who loves exploring Colorado’s best restaurants? Then try out our custom green chile trail. Do you love exploring the great outdoors? You can’t go wrong with our waterfall road trip through Colorado. Or maybe you’re fascinated and intrigued by the paranormal. We have just the trip for you: a haunted road trip that leads to Colorado’s most abandoned places.

Where can I go in Colorado that only the locals know about?

We’re so glad you asked! There are dozens upon dozens of one-of-a-kind attractions that tend to fly under the radar. These are the kind of destinations that only the locals know about. If you’re curious to check them out, you can start with any of the following places: the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Fifty-Two 80’s, Swetsville Zoo, Linger Eatuary, Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker, Rainbow Falls, Pikes Peak Summit House, Denver’s Dinosaur Museum, and the Magic Mushroom House in Aspen.

Does Colorado have any waterfalls?

Colorado is home to an impressive array of cascades, falls, and gorges. Exploring all of them would require nearly a lifetime, but it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend one’s free time than waterfall chasing. Some of the most iconic waterfalls in Colorado include Adrenaline Falls in Durango, North Clear Creek Falls in Lake City, Box Canyon Falls in Ouray, Rifle Falls State Park, Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs, Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs, Seven Falls in Colorado Springs, and Solider Canyon Falls in Lory State Park.

Address: Salida, CO 81201, USA
Address: Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
Address: Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
Address: Limon, CO 80828, USA
Address: 9162 W Co Rd 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, USA
Address: 330 Royal Gorge Blvd, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
Address: 8310, 41716 Reds Rd, Paonia, CO 81428, USA
Address: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
Address: St Elmo, CO 81236, USA
Address: Colorado, USA
Address: 44200 Co Rd 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA