10 Best Fall Break Road Trip Destinations Within 600 Miles of Denver, CO
As summer turns to fall, many people start planning their next adventure to take advantage of the cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and outdoor activities that come with the season. Luckily, for those in Denver and the surrounding area, there are plenty of amazing destinations within a 600-mile radius that are perfect for a fall break getaway. From the stunning red rock canyons of Moab to the charming small towns of New Mexico and Colorado, there's no shortage of options for those looking to explore the beauty of the Southwest this autumn. In this post, we'll highlight ten of the best fall break destinations that are within a day's drive of Denver, so you can start planning your next adventure today.
Moab, UT
Nestled in the heart of the red rock country of southern Utah, Moab is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. And offers a wonderful change of scenery from Denver. The town is surrounded by two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, which offer breathtaking landscapes and a range of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and off-roading. In addition to outdoor adventure, Moab also offers a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Santa Fe, NM
For those looking for a more cultural experience, Santa Fe is a great destination. The city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore museums, galleries, and historic sites, including the Palace of the Governors, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, and the Loretto Chapel. Santa Fe also offers a range of dining options, from traditional New Mexican cuisine to contemporary fusion dishes.
Telluride, CO
Located in southwestern Colorado, Telluride is a picturesque mountain town known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding. The town offers two ski resorts, Telluride Ski Resort, and Mountain Village, as well as hot springs, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also explore the historic downtown area, which features Victorian-era architecture and a range of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Park City, UT
Another popular ski resort town, Park City is located just east of Salt Lake City, Utah. The town is home to two major ski resorts, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort, as well as a range of other outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing. Park City also offers a vibrant downtown area with a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as a range of cultural events throughout the year.
Durango, CO
Durango is a charming town in the southwestern corner of Colorado in the San Juan Mountains. The town is known for its historic narrow-gauge train, which runs from Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton. Visitors can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. The historic downtown area features a range of shops, restaurants, galleries, and various cultural events throughout the year.
Taos, NM
Located just north of Santa Fe, Taos is another great destination for those interested in art and culture. The town is home to various museums and galleries, including the Millicent Rogers Museum and the Taos Art Museum. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, hot air balloon rides, and hiking. The town's historic district features a range of shops, restaurants, galleries, and various cultural events throughout the year.
Jackson, WY
Located in the heart of the Teton Mountains in Wyoming, Jackson is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by two major ski resorts, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Snow King Mountain Resort, as well as various other outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore the town's historic downtown area, which features a range of shops, restaurants, galleries, and various cultural events throughout the year.
Aspen, CO
One of the most famous ski resorts in the world, Aspen is located in central Colorado and offers a range of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. The town is home to a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including the Aspen Music Festival and the Aspen Ideas Festival. Depending on the weather visitors can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and hot air balloon rides, as well as a range of dining and shopping options.
Glenwood Springs, CO
Located just 40 miles west of Aspen, Glenwood Springs is known for its hot springs and historic downtown area. Visitors can soak in the town's natural hot springs, which are located at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. In addition to the hot springs, Glenwood Springs offers a range of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. The town's historic downtown area features a range of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Breckenridge, CO
Located in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Breckenridge is another popular ski resort town known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding. In the fall, visitors to Breckenridge, Colorado can take a scenic drive to see the stunning fall foliage, go hiking or mountain biking on the nearby trails, or explore the town's charming downtown area with its many shops and restaurants. Other popular activities include attending fall festivals and events or simply enjoying the cooler temperatures and beautiful mountain scenery.
Seriously, there are plenty of great destinations within a 600-mile drive of Denver, Colorado for those looking for a fall break getaway. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just relaxing in natural hot springs, there's something for everyone in these destinations. From Moab's red rock canyons to Santa Fe's rich history and arts scene, from Telluride's world-class skiing to Park City's outdoor adventures and cultural events, these destinations offer a range of activities and experiences for visitors. So, pack your bags and hit the road for a fall break you won't forget!
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