The modern rat race can get exhausting. Pushing deadlines and online meetings while navigating a balanced personal life isn’t the easiest thing to do. That’s why health experts argue for at least two vacations yearly to give your mind and body a much-needed recovery. Choosing the ideal vacation can be challenging, but if you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic getaway, look no further than beautiful Colorado. The Centennial State offers plenty of exemplary attractions, including fun-filled day trips from the picturesque municipality of Winter Park. Here’s a list of epic day trips from Winter Park, within a day’s drive from Winter Park.
Add Colorado Springs to Your Day Trips from Winter Park Itinerary
Colorado Springs lies nearly 133 miles from Winter Park and takes under two and a half hours to reach. This renowned destination offers over 55 thrilling activities ideal for solo travelers or large groups. If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping fun, try the zipline across the Royal Gorge for impressive views of the Arkansas River. If you prefer to take things slow, The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers an elegant 24-mile trip across Colorado’s granite cliffs. The train features a well-restored mid-century coach with a bar, lounge, and dining. For an action-packed on-water adventure, head down the Arkansas River on a whitewater rafting trip and enjoy the thrills of one of America’s most-beloved rivers.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park features sixty mountain peaks, some over 12,000 feet, offering a magnificent mountainous excursion. The park sits 43 miles from Winter Park, approximately an hour’s drive up Highway 40W and 34E. Once there, you can take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile road from Estes Park to Grand Lake. The trail rises above the tree line, reaching its highest point at almost 12,200 feet. Along the way, look out for elk and bighorn sheep, all while taking in the majestic views of the area. If you want to unleash your inner hiker, Rocky Mountain National Park offers 355 miles of trails ranging from simple strolls to intense climbs. Alpine Ridge Trail, Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, and Gem Lake feature easy to moderate treks. Sky Pond, Odessa Lake & Fern Lake, and Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida offer moderate to strenuous experiences for more seasoned hikers. If you’re interested in conquering the heights, Rocky Mountain National Park has numerous peaks towering over 12,000 feet, offering activities such as bouldering, easy climbs, and ice climbing in winter. Other areas worth exploring include Moraine Park, Alberta Falls, and Bear Lake.
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Nearly 55 miles from Winter Park, Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of Colorado’s most renowned geological attractions. The coliseum’s 300-foot walls catalog the 16-million-year history of the area, with fossil fragments of various ancient reptiles. There are also dinosaur tracks dating back to the Jurassic era. Summertime concerts and performances have been a local favorite for nearly two decades, with proceeding movie sessions. The movies usually start at dusk to maximize the natural light setting. Click on the Red Rocks website to purchase tickets and check out the film list. Red Rocks Amphitheater also offers heart-pumping exercise sessions thanks to its myriad of steep steps. Exercise groups and runners flock to the area to experience an intense cardio session and push themselves to the limit. If you’re up for a Red Rocks challenge, get your exercise shoes and test yourself against the park’s iconic terrain. Be sure to add this attraction to your day trips from Winter Park, CO itinerary!
Pikes Peak
When it comes to day trips from Winter Park, CO, be sure to add Pikes Peak to your list. Pikes Peak is 161 miles south of Winter Park and features several breathtaking attractions. If you’re an animal enthusiast, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers activities such as feeding the giraffes, up-close animal experiences, and views of rare and endangered species. The zoo has multiple animals, including penguins, tigers, mountain lions, a rhino, primates, bears, hippos, wolves, elephants, and birds. Aside from the animals, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers the Mountaineer Sky Ride, where you can enjoy epic views of the Pikes Peak area and Colorado Springs. For picturesque views of nature, Broadmoor Seven Falls features seven descending mountain waterfalls in Colorado Springs, where you can hike the trails and watch wildlife as you explore the falls and canyon. Other Pikes Peak attractions include Cripple Creek, Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, May Natural History Museum, and the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine.
Book Your Winter Park Accommodation Today
Winter Park is a fan favorite and has incredible attractions all year round. Whether traveling alone, as a couple, or with your loved ones, this Colorado gem is worth the visit. A quality vacation calls for quality accommodation to match, and Winter Park Escapes offers a robust list of vacation rentals to suit your holiday needs. We have Winter Park rentals, spring rentals, downtown vacation rentals, and pet-friendly homes with top-notch amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. As you plan your next trip to Winter Park, contact us to book your preferred vacation rental.
