Summer is officially here and while we deal with the summer heat, now is the perfect time to plan a getaway to one of our nation’s national parks where the raw beauty and diverse landscapes of the United States are on full display. The allure of our national parks offers a connection to the great outdoors, spectacular vistas, and the promise of adventure. Fee-free national park days are a great way to visit your favorite park or to experience a new destination.
Here are some national parks within a one to two-day drive from Denver that deserve a spot on your summer (and beyond) to do list. Hop in the car and get outside and enjoy the life you love at one of our showstopping national parks!
Fee-Free Days Nationwide
August 4th – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 28th – National Public Lands Day
November 11th – Veterans Day
Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Montrose, CO (5-hour drive)
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The park’s namesake canyon, with its dark, sheer walls dropping nearly 2,000 feet, provides a striking backdrop for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.
Great Sand Dunes – Mosca, CO (4-hour drive)
The Great Sand Dunes National Park offers towing sand dunes amongst snow peaked mountains. These massive dunes, some reaching heights of over 700 feet, create a unique playground for sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing.
Mesa Verde – Cortez and Mancos, CO (7-hour drive)
Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.
Rocky Mountain National Park – Estes Park and Grand Lake, CO (1.5-hour drive)
Towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife characterize this sprawling park. Trail options range from leisurely strolls around Bear Lake to challenging hikes up Longs Peak. Scenic drives like Trail Ridge Road provide sweeping panoramas of the Continental Divide, making this park a photographer’s paradise.
Utah
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks – Moab, UT (5.5-hour drive)
Cross into Utah to explore the otherworldly landscapes of Arches National Park and Canyonland National Park. Famous for their natural stone arches and rock formations sculpted by wind and water, these parks offer unparalleled opportunities for hiking, photography, and geological exploration.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Bryce Canyon, UT (9-hour drive)
Bryce Canyon is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places for stargazing in the United States. On clear nights, visitors can see thousands of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
Capitol Reef National Park – Torrey, UT (6.6-hour drive)
This park’s most distinctive feature is the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long warp in the Earth’s crust that exposes layers of ancient rock formations. This geological wonder creates a stunning landscape of cliffs, domes, canyons, and natural bridges.
California
Death Valley National Park – Death Valley, CA (13-hour drive)
While predominantly in California, Death Valley National Park’s eastern edge extends into Nevada. This park is famous for being the hottest and driest place in North America, with surreal landscapes like the salt flats of Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America), colorful sand dunes, and rugged mountains.
Joshua Tree National Park – Twentynine Palms, CA (14-hour drive)
Named after the unique Joshua tree, this park is a sanctuary for these peculiar-looking plants that thrive in the Mojave Desert. The landscape is dotted with these trees, creating a surreal and photogenic environment.
Yosemite National Park – Sierra Nevada, CA (18.5-hour drive)
This park is the furthest distance on our list, but it is well worth the time it takes to get here. Visitors are rewarded with iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, a towering granite monolith that attract climbers from all over the world, Bridalveil Fall, a waterfall cascading 617 feet down a sheer granite face, and Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.
Idaho
Craters of the Moon National Park – Arco, Carey and Rupert, ID (10.5-hour drive)
The park’s landscape is dominated by vast lava fields, cinder cones, and volcanic craters formed by eruptions from the Great Rift volcanic zone. Indian Tunnel, the largest accessible cave in the park, allows visitors to explore its dark passages and marvel at the natural formations created by molten lava.
Yellowstone National Park – WY, ID, MT (9-hour drive)
Yellowstone is home to the largest free-roaming herd of bison in the United States. The park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, grizzly bears, and wolves. Lamar Valley is particularly renowned for wolf-watching opportunities.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Infrastructure Considerations: Infrastructure conditions vary widely across these parks, so be sure to check for road closures and construction projects.
- Accommodations: While some parks offer camping facilities, others may have limited lodging options nearby. Plan ahead and book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Additionally, some parks require a reservation during summer months.
- Park Regulations: Respect wildlife and follow park regulations to preserve these natural treasures for future generations. It needs to be said, but do not approach the wildlife.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with the natural world, these parks offer an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a journey to discover the untamed beauty that awaits in Colorado and beyond.
**Drive times from Denver are approximate.