Road Trips from Denver, CO
Denver's a great launchpad for a variety of drives, whether you're looking for a quick escape or a longer haul. You've got options from under an hour to over four hours away. Many routes feature high-altitude terrain with climbs, and several destinations offer access to parks, including national monuments. The drive scores are generally high, indicating enjoyable routes.
Total Routes
20
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
15
Under 2 hours
8 total in this range
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
10 total in this range
Monte Vista, CO
4h 52m214.4 mi one way
Ouray, CO
6h 38m333 mi one way
Grand Junction, CO
4h 39m243.8 mi one way
The longest drive at 4.7 hours and 243.8 miles, this route is mostly highway with a drive score of 8. It's a substantial trip and notable for its proximity to Colorado National Monument.
Rangely, CO
6h 4m277.3 mi one way
Clifton, CO
4h 30m238.4 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Monte Vista, CO
4h 52m214.4 mi one way
Mancos, CO
8h 11m360.9 mi one way
Eaton, CO
1h 26m69 mi one way
Ouray, CO
6h 38m333 mi one way
Mancos, CO
8h 11m360.9 mi one way
Ouray, CO
6h 38m333 mi one way
Grand Junction, CO
4h 39m243.8 mi one way
Clifton, CO
4h 30m238.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives might encounter high-altitude climbs. Pueblo West and Las Animas offer park access, potentially useful as conditions improve.
Summer
Summer is ideal for the longer drives like Grand Junction or Craig, with access to national monuments. High-altitude climbs are generally clear.
Fall
The fall offers opportunities for drives with high-altitude sections and climbs. Parks near Pueblo West and Las Animas could be scenic.
Winter
Winter may present challenges on high-altitude sections with climbs. Shorter, highway-focused drives might be more reliable.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Denver, CO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.