Denver, Colorado — Several affordable road trips within a day’s drive of Denver offer spring break escapes for students attending the University of Denver and colleges across the Front Range.
With thousands of students living and studying in Denver, nearby destinations throughout 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 routes including 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 Breckenridge, a historic mountain town known for alpine scenery, hiking trails and walkable streets lined with shops and restaurants in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Travelers looking for dramatic canyon scenery often head west to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where steep cliffs plunge toward the Gunnison River through one of the deepest gorges in North America.
Closer to the city, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre offers hiking trails and scenic viewpoints surrounding the world-famous outdoor concert venue carved into towering red rock formations.
Denver’s location along Colorado’s Front Range places national parks, mountain towns and scenic canyon drives within reach of a manageable road trip.
For younger travelers and college students balancing tight budgets, these destinations provide opportunities to explore the Rocky Mountains while staying within driving distance of Denver campuses.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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