2-3 day loop trips from Denver?

[NowthatIamretired]

I’m hoping to get back to Denver this summer to see family. Last fall we did a great three day side trip up to Estes Park, though RMNP to Winterpark and then back to the Denver area. I’d like to do something similar this time but a different direction. I saw Moab/Arches listed as a weekend trip suggestion. Is it? I saw it’s under 400 miles but realistically is that a one day trip? Also, can it be done as a loop to see something different? I know I need an access pass for Arches. Does anyone have other ideas for basically a 2-3 day, or two nights away trip from Denver? We like nature, sight seeing. I’ll be doing all the driving so distances do concern me as I usually stop about every two hours for a break. Would love to hear some ideas. Thanks.

[AZBuck]

While Moab/Arches is a worthwhile destination, it is over 300 miles each way from/to Denver. That would eat up most of your available time, especially if it turns out you can only devote two days to this excursion. One still on my bucket list might make a better destination is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This would make a nice loop using (clockwise) US-285/US-50/I-70 and possibly including Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado National Monument, and Vail. Oh, and the roads aren't bad either!

AZBuck

[Southwest Dave]

Heading south to Clorado Springs you could visit Garden of the Gods, Cave of the winds and even Pikes peak. From Woodland park it's quite a scenic drive along CO67 through Deckers. You could head to Golden and Lookout mountain where you will find the Buffalo bill museum and grave. That would be under 200 miles and a relaxed 3 day break. You could head further south to visit the Great sand dunes NP.
The drive along US50 to Black canyon is wonderful and you could head back up through Carbondale to Glenwood springs, but it would come with more driving at around 550 miles, spectacualr driving though ! Lots of great choices available, including Glenwood springs, Carbondale, Aspen (Maroon bells) to Twin lakes and visit the historic town of Leadville on the way back.

[NowthatIamretired]

Thanks. I see new ideas here that I need to get a map out and look at. As much as I want to see the Utah parks, this isn’t the trip for that. We’ve been to Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, plus our son took us up to Golden, Lookout Mountain and Buffalo Bills area but the others are all new. I had thought of the Great Sand Dunes NP but was told there are few places to stay and it’s off the track quite a bit. I still need to look at a map and see how it would fit in. Appreciate these, and any other ideas.

[DonnaR57]

Have you done Glenwood Springs? That's a gorgeous area!


Donna

[NowthatIamretired]

Have you done Glenwood Springs? That's a gorgeous area!


Donna

No. I’m sure I’ve been by it as we have traveled I-70 in that area but didn’t stop. Thanks for another place.