Denver's Best Summer Day Trips to Take When You're Broke

Denver is a bustling town with a ton ofnew activities to seek , food to sample , andbeers to drink . However , with summertime ’s end quickly set about , it could be your last chance to get out of the Mile High and pip up some escapade right outside our urban center limits . And the secure part ? They ’re all low-priced and accessible . All you really need is a car and a safe soundtrack .

Manitou Springs

Distance from Denver : 70 milesHead to the foothills near Colorado Springs and you ’ll regain this townsfolk , which is menage to mineral springs that were considered sacred by Native American tribes . Today , there are eight springs around town where you may satiate cups or jugs with the mineral - robust piddle . Guided toursare useable spare on Saturdays through September 3rd , or pick up a brochure and go on a ego - manoeuvre " spring - about " while you research the townsfolk ’s eclectic shops . Should you find yourself hungry , there are peck of low - key eateries , likeSavelli ’s , where a slice is only $ 3.75 , orCreekside , where you may satiate up on apps like fried pickles ( $ 5.95 ) and poutine ( $ 7.95 ) . If you ’ve still got energy , head just alfresco of Ithiel Town to theThe Broadmoor , a place you probably ca n’t give to stay at , but which makes for a gorgeous backdrop for an evening stroll . Or put on your hike shoe ( you did n’t forget those , did you ? ) and check out nearby – and entirely liberal –Garden of the GodsorRed Rock Canyon Open Space . Then steer home and get some rest . You will be exhausted .

Black Hawk

Distance from Denver : 38 milesHeading to the hills to adventure may not seem like the in effect programme when you ’re low on cash , but it ’s totally possible to have a packed solar day here without evacuate your wallet as long as you have a little self - ascendance . Throw $ 10 in the centime slot at any gambling casino and dramatic play … tardily . Drinks are free while you ’re spending money ( just remember to save a duet single to point ) . If you really want to live town on the loud , though , The Lodgeis your expert bet . The bars will pour out you costless boozy beverage – only one per hour , so step yourself ( though there are three bar … just saying ) . The casino ’s also home to a free photo booth where you’re able to grab a spry souvenir , along with the best cheap meal in town , the bivalent cheeseburger from Jake ’s Deli ( $ 6.50 ) . ask some new air ? Head alfresco and take a stroll on the riverbank itinerary through town and peruse the historic buildings ( there are historical markers all over ) before going home – either a little poor , or mayhap a little richer , if luck is on your side .

Estes Park

Distance from Denver : 64 milesAs the most popular introduction point to Rocky Mountain National Park , this town is typically busy on weekends all summer long . But you do n’t need to follow the crew into the park to have a great time in this scenic mountain town . There ’s plenty of tramp that lies outside the park ’s William Henry Gates , include an easy but wholly picture - sodding path around Lily Lake . After that , head back to town where you’re able to do a small unpaid spook - hunt at theStanley Hotel , aka the place that invigorate Stephen King to writeThe gleam . An prescribed tour will be you some cash , but it ’s free to search on your own . Take the time to chat with some staff member ; many have their own stories of weird happenings that they ’re more than unforced to share . If you ’re not too freaked out once you ’re done await for spirit , you’re able to take hold of some surprisingly diverse nutrient on the cheap here . Try Oppa Asian Bistro for bulgogi sliders ( $ 6.95 ) and kimchee Polish sausage and Fry ( $ 6.95 ) , or pass over straight to dessert and grab a fade of pie ( $ 4.75 ) from theEstes Park Pie Shop .

Lyons

aloofness from Denver : 43 milesThree years ago , this small town was hit with annihilating flooding , and while you may still see the aftereffects in some areas , Lyons has a lot to offer . It ’s the original home toOskar Blues , a brewery that spearhead the craft beer in a can drift in 2002 when it started canning Dale ’s Pale Ale . Stop by the original brewpub to try on some before heading toLyons Pinball . Yup , it ’s a whole building fulfill with over 35 vintage pinball machines for your playing pleasure . If you ’re a first - time customer , ensure to impress the voucher on its website for four free game . For cheap , fresh food for thought , you ca n’t puzzle theLyons Dairy Bar , where you could seduce some soft serve and a hot pawl for well under $ 10 .

Golden

Distance from Denver : 17 milesSo close that you’re able to still see the Denver sensible horizon , Golden still feels like a getaway thanks to scenic spots , none of which beat the view from the aptly named Lookout Mountain . A drive up will get you easy access to tramp trail and the fortune to scope out the gravesite of the infamousBuffalo Bill . The on - situation museum costs $ 5 per mortal , but you may skip that and see the gravesite itself ( and test on faux animal pelt hat in the giving shop class ) for liberal . Craft beer might be having its moment , but Coors is still a Colorado original , and afree tourof its monolithic facility in townsfolk also comes with three loose beers in the tasting room ( and one bonus pour in the fresh beer room during the tour ) . If the atmospheric condition ’s still live , snap up a cheap inflatable and hit Clear Creek in town to cool off , or stay dry and explore the path along the river . terminate the day at theBuffalo Rose , a no - frills biker bar and frequent server to live medicine that serve a solid buffalo burger that ’s regularly on particular for less than $ 10 .

Breckenridge

Distance from Denver : Approx 90 miles depending on the routeThis head trip is as much about the journey as it is the goal . You ’ve got a duet of options on the style up . Take the less - crowded 285 out of town , then , if route conditions are still good , you could either catch Boreas Pass Rd ( between Jefferson and Fairplay ) or continue to Fairplay and take the Hoosier Pass to Breckenridge . Both head straight over the Continental Divide , and either fashion you ’ll avoid some highway traffic and score gorgeous Rocky Mountain opinion . Once you make it to town , Breckenridge offers all the quintessential Colorado outdoor activities . motorcycle , hike , Pisces the Fishes , or even lead to the kayak parkland to watch some of the action at law . If getting extreme is n’t your thing , take a decidedly non - extreme stroll Downtown , but be sure to store your cash for a stop atStella ’s Hungry Horse , a small but mighty food outdoor stage where almost everything on the menu is less than $ 10 , including a Mile in high spirits reuben . When you ’re ready to head back , take Highway 9 north to I-70 for a quicker itinerary back with all - newfangled scene to enjoy .

Colorado road trip