Looking for places to visit near denver colorado? Red rock formations, mountain towns and lakes give you plenty to choose from.
I especially love the mix of little downtown streets and big mountain views in these pictures.
You can keep your plans close to Denver or turn them into a longer Colorado trip. These 20 images include repeat destinations and some much farther away, so they aren’t 20 separate nearby stops. A few locations also need confirming before you build an itinerary around them.
Colorado places and views worth saving
Red Rocks amphitheatre
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous Red Rocks view. I love how the rows of seats curve beneath that huge slanted rock wall.
There’s so much to look at before you even reach the stage.
Check visiting access around the event schedule before heading over. The snow between these rows is also a good reminder to watch your footing.
Garden of the Gods
How beautiful is that gap between the orange rock walls? Garden of the Gods gives you these towering formations with green trees tucked around their bases.
If you want a Colorado Springs stop with plenty of scenery, save this one. Choose a designated walking route rather than assuming every opening between the rocks is a trail.
an alpine lake and jagged peaks
I am obsessed with this mix of blue water, evergreens and snow tucked into the mountains. The pale rocks beside the lake make the water look even prettier.
This resembles the Dream Lake area in Rocky Mountain National Park, but the exact viewpoint needs confirming. Use it as hiking inspiration rather than a verified trail guide.
another side of Red Rocks
This is another Red Rocks view, but it’s a little different from the seating area above. Long stairways run between the trees and reddish walls, with rock formations beyond them.
Read also: 20 Isle of Skye Hidden Gems and Beautiful Views to Inspire Your Trip
Give yourself time for the stairs if you visit. I’d keep this as part of the same Red Rocks outing rather than a separate stop.
Breckenridge after dark
How cute are these colorful storefronts? The turquoise trim and glowing windows look so pretty beneath the snowy ski slopes.
This scene appears to be downtown Breckenridge.
If you’d rather wander a mountain town than plan a hike, this is a lovely direction to take your trip. Check the forecast and road conditions before making winter plans.
a train above the river
The train fans are going to love this view! Yellow cars curve around a rocky ledge with a green river far below.
This appears to show the Durango & Silverton railroad in southwestern Colorado, not a nearby Denver excursion. Save it for a longer trip and confirm the route before booking.
a rocky mountain overlook
Don’t want your whole trip to revolve around downtown stops? A mountain hike might be more your thing.
I love the layers of forested ridges beyond this rocky trail.
The image doesn’t identify the location. Before choosing a hike with a similar view, check its elevation gain and terrain rather than judging difficulty from the photo.
Estes Park street inspiration
The flower baskets and little storefronts are so cute here. Signs identify Estes Park, while a dramatic mountain backdrop fills the top of the image.
Save Estes Park for a town-and-mountains outing, but don’t expect this exact composition. The scene looks potentially altered, so it isn’t a reliable guide to a real street viewpoint.
Hanging Lake waterfalls
I love this clear green water with the waterfalls spilling over the rocky edge. The fallen branches beneath the surface are such a pretty detail.
This appears to be Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, farther from Denver than the foothill stops. Check current trail access and permit requirements before planning your visit, then enjoy the water from designated viewing areas.
Read also: 20 Places to Visit in California for Coastlines, Desert Views and Cute Towns
snowy peaks above blue water
Those snowy peaks above the blue lake are gorgeous. If you love mountain scenery, I can see why this image would catch your eye.
I especially like the golden trees around the water.
This may be another Maroon Bells view near Aspen, though the exact image source still needs confirming. If confirmed, it belongs with the farther-away stops in your Colorado plans rather than a quick outing from Denver.
Pikes Peak summit views
If you are looking for a big open view, this one is for you. The Pikes Peak image shows a railed viewing platform above a rugged slope, with the landscape stretching into the distance.
Check current summit access and driving requirements before setting out. Give the elevation some thought too, especially if you’ve just arrived in Colorado.
another look at Hanging Lake
This is a similar waterfall scene to the one above, but the submerged branches really stand out from this angle. I am in love with that deep green water.
It appears to show Hanging Lake again. Despite the image’s near-Denver heading, treat it as a farther-away outing rather than a quick local hike.
Maroon Bells and wildflowers
The little purple and yellow flowers may be my favorite part of this view. Behind them, the lake reflects green slopes beneath the recognizable Maroon Bells.
This is an Aspen-area destination, so give it room in a longer itinerary. Check seasonal access and transportation arrangements before planning your lake visit.
the Manitou Incline
That staircase just keeps going! The Manitou Incline climbs straight through the trees, with people scattered along the steep route.
Save this for when you actually want a strenuous outing, not a casual stroll. Check current reservation rules and the recommended descent route before you go.
wildflowers above turquoise water
I am obsessed with these bright flowers above the turquoise lake. Pink, yellow and purple blooms fill the foreground, with tall evergreens between them and the water.
The exact lake isn’t identified here, so this needs a location check before becoming a trip recommendation. Wherever you find a similar view, keep to the trail rather than stepping into the flowers for a picture.
Vail village details
How cute is this Vail village scene? The flower-filled window boxes, shutters and glowing ground-floor windows give you plenty to admire without heading onto a mountain trail.
I especially love the small fountain in front. You could plan a village wander as the main outing instead of squeezing it between bigger activities.
sandboarding at the dunes
Who says a Colorado trip has to be all lakes and pine trees? This picture shows visitors carrying boards across broad sand dunes, with mountains along the horizon.
It appears to be Great Sand Dunes National Park, which belongs on a longer road trip from Denver. If you want to try sandboarding, look into suitable equipment and current conditions first.
red rock sunset inspiration
The orange light on these pointed rock formations is so pretty. A winding path runs through the grass below, with bright clouds filling the sky.
This stylized image suggests Garden of the Gods scenery, but the exact view isn’t verified. Use it as inspiration for a red rock visit, not a promise of a particular trail or sunset.
Read also: 20 Places to Visit in the US for Gorgeous Views and City Strolls
planning around Dillon Reservoir
If you like seeing how your stops fit together, this map is for you. Dillon Reservoir sits in the middle, with Frisco, Dillon and several recreation areas labeled around the shoreline.
Pick the part of the reservoir you want to explore before setting off. Use a current official map to confirm access rather than relying on this image for navigation.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Last but definitely not least, we have this dramatic canyon view. The narrow river looks tiny between those tall, dark rock walls.
I love the patches of green along the water.
This appears to be Black Canyon of the Gunnison, another destination for a longer Colorado trip rather than a nearby Denver stop. Choose an established overlook and check current park access before visiting.