How to take the Perfect Day Trip from Denver

This post, The Perfect Day Trip from Denver, was originally published in 2018 and has been completely updated in August 2021.

Looking to take the perfect day trip from Denver?

Have a day in Denver and want to try something new?

Want to explore outside of the Denver area but don’t want to have to travel too far?

I have the perfect day trip from Denver for you to consider then:

The final or ‘turn-around’ point is a great little town called Idaho Springs and it’s located about 40 minutes outside of Denver, towards the mountains.

And since it is so close to Denver you could even make it into a wonderful weekend trip.

Which is why I also want to give you several other suggestions for on your way there and/or on the way back.

These Idaho Springs restaurants and hot springs can certainly be enjoyed during your day trip or o their own or on that weekend road trip! 🙂

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But first, let’s talk about the scenery.

It is beautiful, with the mountains looming in the distance and all the evergreens.

If your trip will be in the winter, don’t worry, just drive carefully.

I lived up in the Colorado Rockies for about 4 years with no 4-wheel drive and never had a problem.

They are used to snow so they do a pretty good job with keeping the roads clear.

Now on to the trip!!!

Mother Cabrini Shrine (7,000+ feet)

Now, on the way, I suggest you stop at Mother Cabrini Shrine. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be religious to go.

It’s only about 30 minutes from Denver and from there it’s 26 minutes to Idaho Springs.

They have a cool lookout area that will give you some awesome views of the mountains and surrounding areas.

The lookout area does involve walking up a wonderful outdoorsy stairway but they’ve included benches to rest on just in case.

Just in case of what you might ask?

Well, so this is a great place to mention some health points to be aware of when visiting Colorado, in general.

Altitude Sickness

If you’ve never been, just know that Denver is 5,280 feet above sea level (exactly one mile – hence its nickname The Mile High City).

And what does that mean to you?

Well, have you ever heard of altitude sickness?

Basically, there is less oxygen in Denver and therefore even less up in the mountains.

Some of the symptoms: headache, dizziness, and nausea!

Not pleasant, trust me. I’ve experienced it and it’s not fun.

Did you notice the altitude at Mother Cabrini Shrine?

Almost 2,000 feet higher than Denver.

So, if you’re not used to being in high altitudes, please, make sure you drink plenty of water and take it easy!

A great water bottle or what they call a camelback or hydration backpack will help keep water handy and easy to get to.

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If you can give yourself at least a day at lower elevations before heading up into the mountains, that can be helpful. Even one day to allow your body to do a little adjusting might be enough to help you not get altitude sickness.

For me, simply going back down in elevation helped me feel better.

But please!, if you have any concerns please consult a medical professional. (Remember, I’m not a doctor.)

The Sun

Because you are up higher, the sun is also closer. And I know it sounds weird but it really does make a difference and you can definitely feel it.

Make sure you have and use plenty of sunscreen and any other sun protection, like a great sun protection wrap or hat to help protect your head, eyes, face, etc.

Speaking of eyes, make sure you have your sunglasses, especially if it’s winter! Trust me!

Idaho Springs ∼ The perfect day trip from Denver.

O.k., o.k., sorry, I’ll stop being a mom!

Back to the trip 🙂

Idaho Springs (7,500+ feet)

Once you arrive in Idaho Springs, I have three options for you, and depending on the time you arrive will probably determine the order in which you enjoy them.

First, let’s look at what activities you can do:

Indian Hot Springs

Just what their name suggests with so many more different options to choose from than just sitting in some springs.

They have a large pool, private pools, spa options, accommodations, just to name a few!

It’s really a great place to relax and get to experience real hot springs!

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Remember that water suggestion?

If you treat yourself to the Idaho Springs hot springs please, please make sure you drink lots of water during and after!

And once you’re done, how about eating 🙂

Beau Jo’s

If you like pizza then let’s talk about some delicious and seriously filling pizza!

Think a Chicago-style pizza but mountain-sized!!!!

And did you know this?

At Beau Jo’s, their crust is so thick that they provide honey to finish it off like dessert 🙂

Except that they have dessert, which is equally as delicious!

Not only all this but Idaho Springs is its original location, founded in the 1880s. So if that’s not a cool reason to visit…?

Georgetown Valley Candy Company

Now, just in case you didn’t have dessert at Beau Jo’s, or you just need to satisfy a bigger sweet tooth during some other part of your trip, this is the place to stop!

Not only does it have malts and shakes to make your own, but they also have all sorts of other sweets to blow your mind and indulge in!

So, now that you’ve given yourself a relaxing time at the hot springs, you’ve eaten a fantabulous pizza and you’ve enjoyed some wonderful sweets, how about taking a beautiful drive and enjoying other great views?

Oh, did I mention you’ll also be able to say you’ve ‘climbed’ a 14er!

Let me introduce you to..

Mount Evans (14,200+ feet)

Yup, you read that right, 14,200+ feet, and yup, I said you’ll be able to ‘climb’ it!!!

Why you ask, is it in parentheses?

Well, because you can actually drive almost to the very top of Mount Evans then it’s a short, maybe a quarter of a mile hike/walk, to the very top.

Let me tell you, it’s very satisfying to make it up to a 14er even if you drove most of the way 🙂

Now, once you’ve accomplished ‘hiking’ your 14er, and you’re heading back to the Denver area, make sure you stop at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Red Rocks Amphitheater (6,400+ feet)

Have you ever heard of Red Rocks Amphitheater?

It’s this beautiful area that not only includes an awesome amphitheater but also has hiking trails, a visitors center, and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

If you are a concert-goer then I highly recommend checking out their website to see if anyone you like will be performing there during your trip.

They normally have a very eclectic lineup, so you might just be surprised.

And if you’ll be there during the summer check their movie schedule.

The red rocks provide not only a beautiful backdrop but also great acoustics. And the view is amazing!

So there you go!

The perfect day trip from Denver: Idaho Springs.

From Red Rocks, it’s a short 25-minute drive back to Denver.

You definitely won’t have any problems sleeping after a day like this 🙂

I hope you’ve enjoyed these suggestions.

And if you’re ready to go but wish you had a better packing list, grab my free Never Forget Anything Again Packing List!

Traveling with little ones? Then don’t forget to get your Toddler Checklist 🙂

What suggestions do you have for the perfect day trip from Denver? Have you ever visited any of these places? Please share with us in the comments below so we can learn new places to explore. Thanks!!!