Whether living in or visiting Denver, you’re just a short drive away from dozens of charming, quirky, downright gorgeous mountain towns. While everyone flocks to Vail or Aspen for the ‘gram, this list will help you discover the best spots for a quick reset that are hiding in plain sight.
What Makes a Good One-Day Town?
Here’s what I looked for when putting together this guide:
✅ Drive time under 3 hours from Denver
✅ Walkable main street, good food, and local charm
✅ Nature access, quirky shops, or hot springs (bonus points for all three)
Nederland
Drive time: ~1 hour
This funky little town in the foothills punches way above its weight in personality. There’s a glacier lake, historic carousel, and the famous Frozen Dead Guy Days festival (yes, really). The walk around Barker Reservoir is a chill way to stretch your legs with a mountain view.
🧭 What to Do: Walk the lakeside trail, check out the quirky shops, ride the carousel
🍽️ Eat here: New Moon Bakery & Cafe – cozy spot with gluten-free treats and strong coffee
Idaho Springs
Drive time: ~40 minutes
A classic Colorado town right off I-70 with more than just gas stations and ski traffic. Come for the hot springs or quick hikes, stay for the pizza. There’s also a short trail to St. Mary’s Glacier if you want a scenic workout.
🧭 What to Do: Soak at Indian Hot Springs, explore the historic main street
🍽️ Eat here: Beau Jo’s Pizza – order a Mountain Pie with their gluten-free crust
Lyons
Drive time: ~1 hour
Lyons has a small-town charm with an artsy edge. Nestled between Boulder and Estes Park, it’s the perfect spot to browse local galleries, dip your toes in the river, or grab a latte before heading into the mountains.
🧭 What to Do: Explore artisan shops, hang by the St. Vrain River
🍽️ Eat here: The Stone Cup – local favorite for breakfast and coffee
Fairplay
Drive time: ~2 hours
You’re basically walking onto the set of a Western. Fairplay is full of South Park history, old-timey saloons, ghost town vibes, and sweeping alpine views. You won’t find high-end spas here, but you will find soul. If you’re a serious hiker, Fairplay is also close to the spot where you can hit 3-4 fourteeners in a day.
🧭 What to Do: Visit South Park City Museum, drive scenic Highway 9
🍽️ Eat here: Java Moose – lowkey and satisfying with solid coffee
Salida
Drive time: ~2.5 hours
100% worth the slightly longer drive. Salida is one of those places that will make you slow down. With a vibrant arts scene, river walk, and geothermal soaking nearby, it’s ideal for a mellow, creative day.
🧭 What to Do: Window shop downtown, stroll along the Arkansas River, check out the hot springs
🍽️ Eat here: Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop – ask about gluten-free bread and get the house special
Glenwood Springs (stretch)
Drive time: ~2 hrs 45 min
Okay, this one toes the line of being a day trip, but if you’re an early riser, it’s totally doable. Glenwood is a spa-town-meets-outdoorsy-hiker hybrid. If you can snag a permit, hike at Hanging Lake, then relax with a soak in the hot springs.
🧭 What to Do: Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Hanging Lake Trail
🍽️ Eat here: CO Ranch House – for hearty mountain food and great cocktails
Evergreen
Drive time: ~40 minutes
The most “you could live here” town on the list, evergreen is peaceful, pine-scented, and full of elk. It has a picture-perfect lake, boutique shopping, and some of the best brunch just outside Denver.
🧭 What to Do: Walk around Evergreen Lake, spot elk in town, check out the local galleries
🍽️ Eat here: Wildflower Café – small, adorable, gluten-free substitutions available
Tips for Planning the Perfect Day Trip
Leave early and plan your route ahead
Pack snacks, sunscreen, layers, and real shoes
Always check the weather + road conditions (especially in shoulder seasons)
Anchor your day around a great meal or one key activity
Don’t rush—let the town’s pace slow you down
You don’t need a weekend getaway or expensive lodge stay to reset. Sometimes, the best mental refresh lives just 90 minutes away.
Extra Content to Check Out ⬇️
🌆 9 Easy Day Trips From Hamburg, Germany
👜 What to Pack for a 3-Day Weekend in the Mountains (coming soon)
🍽️ My Gluten-Free Guide to Colorado (coming soon)
