Here Are 10 Unique Day Trips In Colorado That Are Bucket List-Worthy

Here in Colorado, we never tire of the endless opportunities for adventure. No matter the season, there's always a hiking trail, new restaurant, or whimsical roadside attraction for you to admire in the Centennial State. If this sounds like something that is right up your alley -- or down your road -- then check out these 10 unique day trips in Colorado you'll want to take. So load up the car, pack your camera, and let the adventures begin!

1.) Estes Park

Estes Park is undoubtedly one of the most unique day trips in Colorado. To start, Estes is the perfect location for a day trip since it is only a few hours from almost everywhere in Colorado (keyword: almost). While you're there, you can enjoy lunch at Smokin' Daves, shop around the quaint downtown area, and explore the forest via horseback all in one day. Not to mention your proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park.

2.) Southwestern Colorado

To our friends in the Southwest: When is the last time you checked out the sights in the area? Begin your road trip with breakfast in Pagosa Springs, followed by perusing historic downtown Durango, and ending with a wine tasting at Mountain View Winery in Olathe. We know it's a bit of a drive from each place to the next, but driving through the stunning San Juan National Forest is half the fun!

3.) LoDo

Whether you're from the mountains, plains, or even Denver, you must play tourist around lower downtown at least once -- brunch at The Delectable Egg, sip beers at the Rox game, and finish the day with dinner inside Union Station.

4.) Golden

Golden is a beautiful Denver suburb with lots to offer the entire family! Ride the trains at the Colorado Railroad Museum, hike Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and take an obligatory tour of Coors before calling it a day.

5.) Lariat Loop

Since you'll be so busy while you're in Golden's city limits, you will have to come back another day to drive the scenic and historic Lariat Loop Byway, hitting Red Rocks, Hiwan Homestead Museum, and the Evergreen Lake House and Park.

6.) Peak to Peak Highway

The 55-mile route has something to offer everyone, so plan your excursion before hitting the road (might we suggest scouring the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, trying your luck in Central City, and enjoying dinner in Allenspark?)

7.) Eastern Plains

Is it just me or do the eastern plains often get overlooked? Before making a snap judgment, head east on I-70 and grab breakfast in Bennett, tour the Limon Heritage Museum, and end your day with a wine tasting at the Claremont Inn in Stratton.

8.) Georgetown

Less than an hour from Denver, Georgetown offers delicious food, unique shopping, and lovely views to all who visit! Get your antiquing on at the Antique Emporium, kick some bass while fishing Georgetown Lake, and grab a tasty, fresh ground coffee from Bierstadt Books & Beans before heading home.

9.) Black Hawk

Feeling lucky? Then head to historic Black Hawk and spend your day playing Blackjack, feasting on buffets, and touring historic Gregory Street!

10.) Dinosaur

To our neighbors in the north: You MUST play tourist and check out the Dinosaur area -- Dig up fossils at Dinosaur National Monument, take pictures overlooking Harper's Corner Trail, and see nature the way it was meant to be seen while cruising around the area.

What are your thoughts on these unique day trips in Colorado? Have you experienced any of them before? Be sure to join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below -- we'd love to hear from you!