Ready for a road trip? One of the best things about living in Denver is how easy it is to hop in the car and find yourself surrounded by jaw-dropping views, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike through towering mountains, slide down sand dunes, or explore ancient cliff dwellings, there are some amazing national parks just a few hours away. Perfect for a weekend getaway with the whole family!
Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
📍Estes Park, CO – 1.5 hours
🖤Why go? Colorado’s most iconic park, known for alpine lakes, epic peaks, and wildlife like elk and moose.
✨Don’t miss: Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, Dream Lake hikes
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (CO)
📍 Mosca, CO – 4 hours
🏖️ Why go? North America’s tallest dunes meet alpine forest and creeks.
✨ Don’t miss: Sandboarding, Medano Creek (in spring), Star Dune hike
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (CO)
📍 Montrose, CO – 4.5 -5 hours
🖤 Why go? Dramatic cliffs, steep drops, and some of the darkest skies in the country.
✨ Don’t miss: South Rim Drive, Warner Point Nature Trail
Mesa Verde National Park (CO)
📍 Cortez, CO – 7 - 7.5 hours
🖤Why go? Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.
✨ Don’t miss: Cliff Palace tour, Spruce Tree House overlook
Arches National Park (UT)
📍 Moab, UT – 5.5 hours
🖤Why go? Over 2,000 natural stone arches in a surreal red rock desert landscape.
✨ Don’t miss: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, The Windows
Canyonlands National Park (UT)
📍 Moab, UT – 5.5 hours
🖤Why go? Vast canyons, mesas, and rivers shaped by nature over millennia.
✨ Don’t miss: Island in the Sky, Grand View Point, Mesa Arch
Capitol Reef National Park (UT)
📍 Torrey, UT – 6.5 hours
🖤Why go? One of Utah’s least crowded parks with unique geological features and orchards.
✨ Don’t miss: Scenic Drive, Hickman Bridge, Fruita Historic District
Bryce Canyon National Park (UT)
📍 Bryce, UT – 8 - 8.5hours
🖤Why go? Famous for its crimson-colored hoodoos (rock spires) and otherworldly amphitheaters.
✨ Don’t miss: Bryce Point, Navajo Loop Trail
Zion National Park (UT)
📍 Springdale, UT – 9 Hours
🖤Why go? Towering sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and epic hikes like Angels Landing.
✨ Don’t miss: The Narrows, Angels Landing, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
BONUS: National Monuments & Recreation Areas worth visiting
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🦴 Dinosaur National Monument (CO/UT) – 5 hours
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🌋 Curecanti National Recreation Area – 5 hours
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🦕 Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument – 2 hours
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🏞 Colorado National Monument – 4.5 hours
Road Trip Tips:
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Make reservations in advance for high-traffic parks (like RMNP, Arches, Zion)
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Plan for changing weather—especially in mountain parks
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Bring plenty of water, snacks, and park maps (service can be spotty!)
Plan Your Adventure
Exploring the vast beauty of America's national parks is more accessible and affordable with the America the Beautiful Pass. This pass grants entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all 63 national parks, for a full year. It's an excellent value for frequent visitors, covering entrance fees for a private vehicle and its occupants or up to four individuals at per-person fee areas.
Types of Passes:
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Annual Pass: Available to everyone for $80, valid for 12 months from the month of purchase.
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Senior Pass: For U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or older. Choose between an $80 lifetime pass or a $20 annual pass. Both options offer a 50% discount on some amenity fees, such as camping and boat launches.
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Access Pass: Free for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities, providing the same benefits as the Senior Pass.
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Military Passes: Free annual passes for current U.S. military members and their dependents. Veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for free lifetime passes.
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4th Grade Pass: Free for U.S. 4th graders, valid from September through the following August, allowing free entry for the student and accompanying family members.
Passes can be obtained online through the USGS store, at participating federal recreation sites, or through authorized retailers. Investing in a pass not only saves money but also supports the maintenance and preservation of these treasured lands.
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