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 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

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. I think this has to be one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter.

February: Hike Around The Great Sand Dunes

One of the most popular 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.

March: Rub elbows with the ghosts of St. Elmo

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.

April: Cheer on your Colorado Rockies

Looking for "day trips near me" in the spring? 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?!

May: Enjoy a glass of wine (or two) at the picture-perfect Stone Cottage Cellars

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! For us wine-loving adults, this is one of the best Colorado day trips you can take.

Now, if you'd like to turn this day trip into a weekend getaway, book a stay at the Stone Cottage. It's the ultimate winery and vineyard getaway, and a minimum of three nights must be booked.

June: Climb aboard the Royal Gorge Railroad

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.

July: Wrestle a gator at the Colorado Gators Reptile Park

"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. This is one of the best Colorado day trips the whole family can enjoy.

August: Enjoy small-town living in Limon

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.

September: Welcome in the colorful fall from Georgetown

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.

October: Take our unforgettable fall foliage road trip

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

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!

December: Stroll down Salida's festive Main Street

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).

Who will you be taking with you to experience these fun day trips in Colorado? Let them know by sharing this article with them. For even more must-visit places, check out some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Colorado.