We’re really excited to share our lovely home state of Colorado with everyone visiting from elsewhere. We’ve heard from multiple people attending the wedding that they’re hoping to make this a larger trip to take advantage of the long weekend.
We’re more than happy to help come up with ideas for trips—please reach out to us individually if you’d like assistance planning!
Below, we’ve outlined a few day trips that are easily accessible from Boulder by car and well worth exploring. Oh, and we’ve also included a few that will take you further than a day away from Boulder.
We’ve included approximate times for completing these trips, but keep in mind these are estimates, and factors like traffic or weather can impact your schedule. Just don’t miss the wedding ceremony because you decided to go downhilling at Trestle Bike Park and lost track of time!
Quick Trips (1 to 3 hours)
There are a bunch of fun, small mountain towns that are nestled into the foothills just outside of Boulder. We've listed three down below that we feel are worth visiting and exploring.
- Nederland (Google Maps)
- The largest of the three towns, Nederland is home to the ski mountain Eldora and offers plenty of fun restaurants, bars, shops, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. If you want to bike, we recommend renting from Tin Shed Sports.
- Gold Hill (Google Maps)
- This historic mining community is a beautiful drive up the hill from Boulder. Popular among road cyclists, Gold Hill features a couple of charming restaurants. The Gold Hill Inn often hosts live concerts and is a great place to soak in the atmosphere.
- Jamestown (Google Maps)
- While more of a quick stop than a full destination, Jamestown is home to the charming Jamestown Mercantile, which is a great spot for a coffee or meal. Including Jamestown as part of a loop from Boulder > Nederland > Jamestown > Boulder makes for a fantastic adventure.
Medium Trips (3 to 6 hours)
If you’re willing to drive a little farther, these destinations offer incredible experiences that showcase the beauty of Colorado:
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Google Maps)
- One of the most classic day trips from Boulder is to check out Rocky Mountain National Park, about an hour’s drive north through the towns of Lyons and Estes Park. Rocky Mountain is beautiful and accessible, making it a great introduction to Colorado. Iconic trails like Emerald Lake and Gem Lake are must-sees. There’s so much to explore—highly recommended for first-time visitors!
- Boat on Dillon Reservoir (Google Maps)
- Located in Summit County (about 1.5 hours from Boulder and home to ski mountains like Breckenridge, Copper, and Keystone), Dillon Reservoir offers stunning views and plenty of activities. Rent a pontoon boat from the Frisco Bay Marina for a relaxing day on the water, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a sailboat from the Dillon Marina. The lake’s consistent winds make it a hub for summer sailing competitions.
- Bike Winter Park’s Trestle Bike Park (Trestle Bike Park)
- Located at Winter Park ski mountain, Trestle Bike Park offers some of the best biking in Colorado. Using the ski lift, you can easily access incredible downhill trails for all skill levels. Rentals are available on-site, so you can just show up in athletic clothing and be ready to ride. This is a perfect way to experience Colorado’s mountain biking scene without needing your own gear.
- Check Out the Town of Breckenridge (Google Maps)
- Known as one of the best ski towns in the U.S., Breckenridge is also a fantastic day-trip destination. The town features accessible hiking right outside its historic downtown, which feels like a step back in time with buildings dating back to the 1880s. We recommend the "B&B to Reiling Dredge to Minnie Mine" trail for a scenic hike. Don’t miss the free town gondola, which takes you up to the ski mountain’s base—a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
- Visit Grand Lake (Google Maps)
- We’ve camped and rented boats here often and love its relaxed vibe. Unlike Dillon Reservoir, swimming is allowed in these lakes, making it a favorite for paddleboarding and other water activities. For boat rentals, check out Trail Ridge Marina on Shadow Mountain Lake—it’s a bit more affordable than Grand Lake, and since the two lakes are connected, you can easily boat over to Grand, the true gem of the area. Still not convinced? Watch Lane 8’s sunrise set from a pontoon on Grand Lake to see just how beautiful it is!
Longer Trips (6 or more hours)
For those planning to stay an extra day or more, these longer trips offer unforgettable experiences:
- Hike a 14er
- Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks, or "14ers," are a bucket-list experience for many outdoor enthusiasts. For first-timers, we recommend Grays and Torreys Peaks or Mount Bierstadt. Plan to arrive at the trailhead by 5 AM, as parking fills up quickly and illegal parking is strictly enforced. For more advanced hikers interested in an overnight camping trip, Mount Harvard or Mount Massive are excellent options. Feel free to reach out if you’d like advice or guidance!
- White Water Rafting in Salida (Salida River Adventures)
- While we haven’t done this ourselves, it comes highly recommended by friends. Salida is a charming mountain town, and rafting on the Arkansas River offers a thrilling way to experience Colorado’s natural beauty.
- Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs (Garden of the Gods)
- Located near Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods features stunning red rock formations that are perfect for hiking, photography, or just soaking in the scenery. Nearby, Manitou Springs offers the famous Manitou Incline—a steep, challenging hike that rewards climbers with incredible views. The town also has charming shops and natural mineral springs to explore.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park (National Park Service)
- One of Colorado’s most unique landscapes, Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Visitors can hike the dunes, try sandboarding or sledding, or explore the nearby Medano Creek. It’s a surreal and unforgettable experience that’s worth the drive.
- Colorado Rockies Game at Coors Field
- Joey’s lifelong (and often painful) fandom aside, attending a game at Coors Field is a fantastic experience. Whether you’re a fan of the team in purple or just enjoy baseball, the stadium’s atmosphere and views make it a must. The Rockies will be home against the Diamondbacks from June 20-22 and against the Dodgers from June 24-26. Go cheer them on!
Road Trips
For those looking to turn their visit into a bigger adventure, road trips around the Mountain West are an incredible way to explore the region. Some of our favorite destinations within driving distance include:
- Steamboat Springs
- Crested Butte
- Leadville
- Taos, New Mexico
- Moab, Utah
If you’re interested in extending your trip to camp, hike, or explore one of these spots, please don’t hesitate to reach out! One of our favorite things to do is plan trips around this beautiful part of the country, and we’d love to help you create an fun experience.
Our favorite camping spot in Taos, NM overlooking the Rio Grande