Top Denver Nature Parks

Climb from the streets of the "Mile High City" to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountains. Weave through small, historic towns and drive over alpine passes, as you scan the horizon for mountain wildlife like elk, black bears, or moose.

Head south from Denver on a small group tour to two of Colorado’s most majestic places. First, visit Garden of the Gods, a unique geological area with colossal red rock formations. Then take a drive up Pikes Peak, which inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” Have lunch and enjoy a bit of free time or shopping in the charming town of Manitou Springs, then take a scenic drive through the foothills back to Denver.

There are so many great hikes in the Denver area, how can you choose? Let a local do the work—on this guided tour, you’ll get whisked off to the mountains, where you’ll hike at your comfort level (snacks and breaks as needed), learn about the flora and fauna of the Rockies, and get incredible bird’s-eye photos of Colorado. Simply put, you'll get more out of your time spent in the mountains.

Visit one of the most beautiful parks in the American West on a full-day tour from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Picnic among a summer landscape of thick green trees and wildflower meadows, and drive above timberline on an alpine road with stunning mountain views. Stroll around and look for Colorado wildlife inside the park, with time for a dose of mountain culture in the charming resort town of Estes Park.

Discover the best of the Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided full-day tour. Park entrance, along with round-trip transportation from Denver or Boulder is conveniently included. Set at a moderate pace, the hike is perfect for people with some experience who also want to take time to appreciate the scenery. Stop for a complimentary packed lunch, which can be prepared to accommodate dietary restrictions.

The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a fragrant, floral escape from the Mile-High City, right in the heart of a historic urban neighborhood. Your general admission ticket grants you access to 'living exhibits' of native Colorado species plus plants from around the world. Wander beautifully landscaped trails at your leisure, pop into Offshoots Cafe for a refreshment, and let the kids explore at a rooftop children’s garden.

Enjoy the beauty of a hike in the Rockies without the worry of getting lost or picking an unsuitable trail during this full-day excursion. Plus, save your strength for the hike thanks to round-trip transportation and learn about the wildflowers and wildlife from your guide, something that would be harder to do alone.

Explore Colorado’s famous protected playground on a small-group tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive through the foothills into the unspoiled western wilderness, stopping in the resort town of Estes Park and the historic—and allegedly haunted—Stanley Hotel. Wintertime means stops at snow-ringed lakes, cozy mountain hideouts, and visitors’ centers, while summer allows access over the soaring Trail Ridge Road and other alpine vistas.

Combine a visit to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak with a trip on the Cog Railway with this tour from Denver. Your driver will pick you up at Union Station and take you to the Garden of the Gods, where you'll explore for a bit before taking the railway up to Pikes Peak. You'll then have time to visit Manitou Springs before returning to Denver.

Immerse yourself in a world of illumination during a 1-hour light show in Denver. Get swept away through a combination of lasers, guided meditation, and accompanying rock music. Offered hourly seven days a week, the immersive experience is easy to fit into any schedule and perfect for all ages. In addition to the show, your ticket grants you unlimited access to the Church's retro arcade lounge, art gallery, movie theater, and Gandhi Garden, with dozens of Instagram worthy picture spots throughout the Church.

Explore the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and learn more about the flora and fauna, with this guided half-day hike with a small group of no more than eight people. With a knowledgeable local guide in the lead, you don’t have to worry about route finding and can enjoy the scenery and experience, while learning about the ecosystem and wildlife from your guide.