Boulder, Colorado — Several affordable road trips within a day’s drive of Boulder offer spring break escapes for students attending the University of Colorado Boulder and travelers across the Front Range.
With thousands of students studying at CU Boulder, nearby destinations across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region provide travel opportunities that often require only a few hours on the road, according to regional tourism agencies.
One of the most popular drives heads west to Rocky Mountain National Park, where visitors explore alpine lakes, wildlife viewing areas and scenic mountain routes including the well-known Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America.
Students also frequently travel south to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. The park features towering red sandstone formations, hiking trails and panoramic views of Pikes Peak.
Another common getaway is Estes Park, a mountain town at the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park known for scenic lake views and historic downtown streets.
Travelers looking for dramatic canyon scenery often head west to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where steep cliffs and deep river gorges create one of the most striking landscapes in Colorado.
Closer to Boulder, Eldorado Canyon State Park offers hiking trails, rock climbing routes and views along a narrow canyon carved by South Boulder Creek.
Boulder’s location along Colorado’s Front Range places mountain parks, canyon drives and alpine towns within reach of a manageable road trip.
For younger travelers and college students managing tight budgets, these destinations provide opportunities to explore the Rocky Mountains while staying within driving distance of the University of Colorado campus.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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