Colorado is an adventure hub for every outdoor enthusiast. Camping and off-roading are extremely popular and easily enjoyed just a short drive from the heart of Denver. Through the Department of Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Colorado residents can purchase a Colorado State Parks Pass to enter all of Colorado's national parks. It is an incredible opportunity to ensure you get first pick at park reservations for an overnight adventure and easy access for day trips (reservations may still be required.) It's worth noting that parks may only open reservations between Memorial Day and Labor Day and fill up quickly, so check in on the park's website to ensure you can snag a reservation for entry.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife offers a variety of passes and packages perfect for every type of visitor, whether you're visiting or a Colorado resident. We love a good weekend adventure and maximizing our time outdoors, so when we look for a quick nature fix, here's our go-to list, including estimated drive times from Denver.
Underrated Camping Spots
There are tons of spots near Denver for a quick weekend of camping. We've pulled together some of our favorites. Still, if you're looking for something more eclectic and unique, we recommend visiting hipcamp, an online resource to book unique outdoor experiences, yurts, glamping, and more!
Angel of Shavano Campground | Salida, CO | 3 hours
Bassam Guardstation and Cabin | Hartsel, CO | 2 and 30 minutes
Belle of Colorado | Leadville, CO | 2 hours
Goose Creek Campground | Sedalia, CO | 2 hours
Cheyenne Mountain State Park | Colorado Springs | 1 hour and 30 minutes
Jackson Lake State Park | Orchard | 1 hour and 20 minutes
Buffalo Creek Recreation Area | Pine, CO | 1 hour and 15 minutes
Beartracks Lake Trail | Evergreen, CO | 1 hour and 15 minutes
Must-Do Off-Roading
The Colorado scenery is the perfect backdrop to put the top down and cruise through miles of roadway. On or off the road, you'll be amazed at the incredible views and landscape we have here. Preparing and researching before embarking on any of these drives is imperative. When selecting a route, guarantee it is comparable to your skill level and vehicle's capabilities and that the weather and road conditions won't hinder your reflexes. The last thing you want is to end up in a position you are not skilled to get out of.
Some routes can be treacherous with limited cell service available, so complete your due diligence and prepare for the unexpected to enjoy a successful adventure. Packing a kit with essential items you can bring on every adventure is imperative. Make sure to include the necessities such as a tire patch kit, medical kit, extra gas, a full spare tire, tow cables, jack, and additional mechanical gear just in case things take an unexpected turn. Our very own in-house adventure seeker Parker Eyrich, recommends investing in a 2-way satellite phone to guarantee successful communication to first responders in the event of an emergency.
We've included the level of difficulty based on a sliding scale of 1 to 10. Make sure to do your own due diligence and research to ensure your skills are up to the challenge.
The Gulches | Divide, CO | 2 hours and 30 minutes | Level of Difficulty: 7
Weston Pass | Fairplay, CO | 2 hours | Level of Difficulty: 2
Boreas Pass | Breckenridge | 1 hour and 30 minutes | Level of Difficulty: 2
Switzerland Trail | Nederland, CO | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Level of Difficulty: 2
West Magnolia | Nederland | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Level of Difficulty: 2
Yankee Hill | Idaho Springs | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Level of Difficulty: 5
Beaver Creek/Muddy Creek | Fairplay, CO | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Level of Difficulty: 3
Devil's Canyon | Idaho Springs | 1 hour | Level of Difficulty: 4
The Best of Both Worlds: Camping & Off-Roading
Bill Moore Lake and Empire Loop | Bill Moore Lake | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Level of Difficulty: 7
Jones Pass Road | Parshall, CO | 1 hour | Level of Difficulty: 2
Vasquez Ridge | Winter Park, CO | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Level of Difficulty: 3
State Forest State Park - Walden | Waldon, CO | 3 hours | Level of Difficulty: 5 (ATV only)
There is no question that Colorado is THE place for the outdoor adventure seeker. No need to take a week off because the adventure is just outside your door and can be enjoyed for a day or a short weekend. There's no limit or rule book to embracing the outdoor lifestyle here. There is truly an activity for everyone at any time of year. If you're interested in relocating to our beautiful state or looking for a new home, explore our list of dedicated neighborhood experts to find the right location for you.
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