From Denver, you can drive less than two hours in any direction and strike gold! This state is so full of vast wonders that you cannot go wrong. Denver has one of the world's most stunning backyards: the majestic Rockies and everything that Colorado has to offer. The Mile High City is the gateway to amazing locations, just waiting for you to explore.
Dinosaur Ridge: Located only 23 miles from Denver, Dinosaur Ridge is a famous natural landmark, located along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, near Morrison, Colorado. It features famous Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877, and Cretaceous dinosaur footprints. A guidebook is available for use on self-guided tours and guided tours can be arranged through the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: Only about 25 miles from Denver, this park is a picture-perfect setting with flawless natural acoustics that has taken 70 million years to develop. The Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a true Colorado original. Open year-round, the Red Rocks Performers Hall of Fame and the Trading Post Loop Hiking Trail includes a 1.4-mile adventure through spectacular rock formations, valleys and a natural meadow.
Wild Animal Sanctuary: Located 30 miles from Denver, you’ll find Lions, Tigers and Bears. (Oh My!) Visit this 320-acre rescue and educational facility, located just 30 miles outside of Denver, where more than 300 large carnivores roam free. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is one of the only places in America where you can see prides of lions and groups of other carnivores living in their natural habitats.
Georgetown Loop Railroad: Only 54 miles from Denver is the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a reconstruction of one of Colorado's most famous railroads originally built in 1877. Steam-powered locomotives make the climb up the valley and across Devil's Gate Bridge, giving riders panoramic views and a glimpse into Colorado's railroad-centric past. From the open-air viewing cars, it is possible to see bighorn sheep and other wildlife. Well worth the ride and only an hour away from the city center.