4 Summer Road Trip Destinations Within A Day’s Drive From Denver

Road-trips are back in a big way this summer and our location in Colorado puts us in a great position to reach some of America’s most beautiful natural places and charming small towns within a day’s drive. From Utah’s red rock arches and canyons to South Dakota’s badlands check out these four out-of-state road-trip destinations that are still around 8-hours or less drive from Denver.  

Arches National Park

Moab, Utah

At just under a six hour drive from Denver, Moab is one of our favorite summer road trips, especially if you like outdoor adventure activities. This small town serves as the gateway to big national parks like Arches and Canyonlands. Here you’ll find out of this world red rock formations and slot canyons to hike through.  The area is also famous for its slick rock mountain biking. 

For a little bit of everything activity wise, OARS is family owned and operated and has been running first-class whitewater rafting, hiking and multi-sport adventures since 1969. Their focus is on wild white water, however, and this outfitter runs more than a dozen unique river adventures in Utah. These range from a one-day rafting trip on the Green River through Split Mountain Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument to fully-catered, multi-day excursions deep in Canyonlands National Park. 

The Moab Adventure Center is another option for booking activities offering everything from horseback riding to four-wheeling adventures. They also run some lodging and activity packages (see their website here for more details). 

Moab has dozens of different lodging options, including traditional motel and hotel rooms. For something different, check out Under Canvas. Here you can experience “glamping” at their luxury camp just a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Arches National Park. Set in the midst of the desert landscape, guests sleep in safari-inspired canvas tents that come with floors, real beds and wood-burning stoves for heat at night.

Badlands National Park

Deadwood, South Dakota

Head north and east through Wyoming to Deadwood, South Dakota, which is also just about a 6 hour drive from Denver via I-25 and US 85. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark that dates back to South Dakota’s 1870s gold rush days. The town is also a gateway to Black Hills National Forest, which has some beautiful hiking trails. 

If you are traveling with the kids the free  daily Wild West re-enactments are a fun distraction, although with Covid-19 it is not known when they will start back up again. The town is also filled with a number of casino, many with an Old West vibe in its historic buildings. 

From Deadwood it is just a 1.5 hour drive to Badlands National Park. This park is home to South Dakota’s most compelling natural landscape with dramatic, lunar like rock formations and steep canyons set between sprawling grasslands. You can drive the Badlands Loop Road for a park overview. There are also hiking trails through the park. Kids will like the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is a boardwalk trail and displays various fossils discovered in the park. 

It is also easy to visit the Badlands on your way to or from Deadwood and Denver. Between Deadwood and the Badlands, you’ll also pass through Rapid City, which is home to Mt. Rushmore. 

When it comes to lodging options, Deadwood has properties for all styles of travelers. Check out this website for more info on various hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and vacation properties. 

The road to Grand Teton National Park

Jackson, Wyoming

At just over 8 hours and 500 miles from Denver, Jackson is a little longer trip driving wise, but the town and region is well worth the effort to reach (just plan for at least a week in this area as there is so much to do). Often referred to as Jackson Hole (which is actually the name for the entire valley), this old west town is set right at the base of the jagged Grand Teton Mountain Range. From here it is only 12 miles drive to the entrance to Grand Teton National Park. You can also get to Yellowstone National Park in just over an hour, making it the ideal exploration base. 

Besides exploring these two stunning national parks, Jackson is home to lots of other summer activities from horseback riding to fly fishing and whitewater rafting. In winter, it is known for its skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The town itself is charming with plenty of quality restaurants, fun Wild West style saloons and bars, shops and lodging options. For more on where to eat and stay, including updated info on what is open and closed due to Covid19 this summer, check out the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce’s website here. 

Downtown Park City

Park City, Utah

Just under an 8 hour drive from Denver, Park City is another pick for a perfect summer road trip destination. Nestled into the Wasatch Mountains just 40 minutes drive from the Salt Lake City airport, Park City is comprised from a historic town and the Park City Mountain Resort, which is the largest ski resort in the U.S. and a year-round outdoor adventure destination. Owned by Vail Resorts, in winter it boasts 300 trails accessible from 38 chairlifts and gondolas. In summer it shines with downhill mountain biking, an alpine slide and a kids’ ropes course and zip-line among other activities. 

If you’ve spent time at Copper Mountain, then you’re likely familiar with the Woodward brand. Park City just got its own edition, Woodward Park City. It is the nation’s first all-in-one action sports and ski resort and boasts an 125 acre campus with an action sports hub, action sports parks and mountain parks. In summer adventures include biking, skateboarding, BMX, scooter, parkour, cheer and digital media designed for all ages and abilities of athletes to participate in. 

Downtown Park City dates back to the late 1800s, when it was also a gold rush town. The Main Street is well preserved and buzzing with eclectic restaurants and shops. Handle is an excellent dining choice serving fresh and locally sourced dishes, including some excellent vegetarian options. 

There are resorts and condo rentals for all budgets around Park City. For something elegant, check out the Waldorf Astoria Park City at the base of the Canyons portion of Park City Resort. It features lots of crystal and dark wood in its design and the suites come with full kitchens. It is also dog-friendly. For more on Park City, check out Visit Park City’s website here.