In the event you’re visiting Denver you’re fortunate, there are tons of close by locations to see with one tank of gasoline! The toughest a part of a one tank journey from Denver is selecting which route to discover. With so many nationwide parks and forests close by, you received’t be quick on outside actions. However for this journey we’re heading south alongside the Entrance Vary to go to a number of the sights exterior of Denver.
This one tank journey from Denver is 353 miles and takes roughly 7 hours and 46 minutes of drive time. As at all times, your mileage and time might differ relying on what you’re driving.
Denver
Denver is stuffed with enjoyable issues to do within the metropolis. Take a go to to the Denver Botanical Gardens, the Denver Artwork Museum, or the Denver Zoo. And there’s a lot to discover exterior city as nicely, like mountain climbing the Boulder Flat Irons or visiting the a number of close by ski cities.
However earlier than you allow Denver you must take a aspect journey to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. Whereas it’s an hour and a half north of Denver (and we’re heading south west on this one tank journey) we’d nonetheless suggest taking a while to go to this wonderful nationwide park! There’s over 300 miles of mountain climbing trails all through park and is stuffed with lovely views of lakes, mountains, streams, flowers, and woodlands.
Backyard of the Gods
After you’ve explored Denver begin your one tank journey south towards Colorado Springs. First up is Backyard of the Gods Park. This unbelievable city-owned park is a well-liked place to hike, mountain bike, journey horses, and rock climb. The crimson sandstone formations tower over the panorama giving off an virtually otherworldly ambiance.
If you wish to wander by the park, the principle path is the Perkins Central Backyard Path. This paved, 1.5-mile-long path is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it provides you views of the spectacular crimson rocks. There are additionally miles of unpaved mountain climbing trails all through the park, in addition to roads with bike lanes. Technical mountaineering can be allowed in sure areas of the park. It’s favourite place for rock climbers to check their abilities.
The park additionally features a dwelling historical past museum and a customer’s heart with academic reveals and a presentation in regards to the park. There are even guided excursions which you could reserve to be taught extra in regards to the space.
The park is free to go to. It’s open November 1 – April 30 from 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Might 1 – October 31 from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cave of the Winds
A brief drive from Backyard of the Gods is one other pure landmark, though it’s hidden underground! Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is an effective way to discover the wonders of underground caves. Take one of many guided excursions just like the Discovery Tour the place you’ll be taught in regards to the historical past of the caves whilst you stroll previous the geological formations or the spooky Haunted Lantern Tour stuffed with ghost tales.
Again exterior, go to the outside park with amusement rides, a zipper line, a climbing wall, and the three story Windwalker Problem course. In the event you’d fairly keep on the bottom there’s actions for everybody within the household, from panning for gem stones to sliding down the enormous playground slide and even throwing axes.
Cave of the Winds is in Manitou Springs and is near a number of different stops on this journey. The open hours differ all year long so examine their web site for instances.
Pike Nationwide Forest
You’ll barely should drive to this subsequent place in your highway journey. Pike Nationwide Forest is dwelling to the very best summit on the southern Entrance Vary – Pikes Peak. This mountain is one among 23 ‘fourteeners” (a peak over 14,000 ft tall) which might be positioned inside the nationwide forest. Summit Pikes Peak, or spend your time mountain climbing, biking, fishing, mountaineering, or simply enjoyable and having fun with the sweeping views.
One of the crucial icon issues to do within the park is to take the Pikes Peak Freeway. There are a number of methods to get to the summit. The primary method is driving up the freeway, which helps you to go at your personal tempo and cease whenever you want. In the event you determine to drive your self in summer time you’ll want reservations, and it’s a difficult piece of highway.
In order for you the driving force in your celebration to additionally have the ability to benefit from the views, take a shuttle or guided tour. A number of native outfitters supply excursions up the mountain, providing you with details about the realm and letting you deal with having fun with the surroundings as a substitute of driving. There’s additionally the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Purchase a ticket a journey up Pike’s Peak in a cog railway automotive. The journey is three and a half hour spherical journey from Manitou Springs.
And naturally you may as well hike your technique to the summit. Nevertheless, this 14er is finest achieved by skilled hikers who’re ready for the trek. It’s a 13.5 mile hike with an elevation achieve of over 7,400 ft. This isn’t for newcomers! In the event you’re not an skilled hiker, persist with a number of the simpler mountain climbing trails within the nationwide park and get to the summit by one of many different incredible choices.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Subsequent on this journey is the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. This 10-mile-long gorge is a 1,200-foot-wide canyon alongside the Arkansas River in southern Colorado. The bridge is without doubt one of the world’s highest suspension bridges because it crosses the gorge at over 1,000 ft within the air. You’ll positively need to deliver your digital camera or telephone for some epic pictures!
There are many methods to discover the realm. Take a gondola journey throughout the gorge for panoramic views, or in the event you’re courageous go for a journey on America’s highest zip line or strive the mountaineering expertise. There’s additionally whitewater rafting down the river in the event you’d fairly keep near the earth as a substitute of up within the air. You can even preserve your ft on the bottom by testing the historic railroad, the youngsters play space, and the historic dinosaur expertise.
The park is open all year long with various hours. Try their web site for actual opening and shutting instances.
Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park
The final cease on this one tank itinerary from Denver is a visit to Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park. This nationwide park in southern Colorado is dwelling to a 30 sq. mile area with the tallest sand dunes in North America. One of many largest attracts is the chance to slip down the dunes on a sandboard or sled, however there’s extra than simply sand sledding at this park!
The remainder of the park is full of a mixture of environments from grasslands to wetlands to forests. You’ll be able to hike and even 4-wheel drive on trails all through the park. There’s additionally the seasonal Medano Creek that runs by the park and affords an opportunity to swim and splash throughout a part of the 12 months. There are additionally ranger led actions all year long. And the park’s rural location and elevation makes it an ideal place to look at the celebrities at night time. This Worldwide Darkish Sky park is incredible for stargazing and night time images of the sky. Verify the calendar on nps.gov for summer time nighttime actions within the park.
For the reason that park is a bit far-off from different locations, it’s an ideal place to camp and spend a day or two. There are campsites contained in the park which you could reserve prematurely, in addition to a number of different non-public campgrounds inside 20 miles of the park. There’s not a ton of different locations across the park, so deliver meals, water, and something you’ll want for a day of exploring the area.
The park is open 12 months spherical however concentrate on chilly and freezing temperatures through the winter months.
Take a One Tank Journey
We’ve obtained an inventory of 1 tank journey itineraries for a number of different cities. Verify them out beneath!
And don’t neglect to move over to RVshare.com in the event you want an RV rental to begin exploring!
