Short distance from Boulder, about 15 minutes. Can be done in the same day if you visit Pearl Street Mall. Parking for the falls is right off the street and a very short walk to see a waterfall. The area is rocky once inside and can be slippery so be very careful if you’re going to take the kiddos!
Beautiful, tucked-away state park for a day trip. Entrance fee is only $10 and features colorful, gorgeous mountains surrounding you from every direction. Pull off in designated spots to walk around and enjoy the easy walks, and there are also more difficult hikes for the more daring. Picnic area at the end of the road. Be sure to always take a picture of the map at a trailhead so you don’t get lost if going on a hike!
The crown jewel of Colorado. About 1.5 hours away from the wedding destination. Great all day activity with tons of hiking; short or long depending on your capabilities. Take a drive up to Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, and more for gorgeous views. With 415 square miles of park to view, you can spend the whole day here! Download the AllTrails app to plan your journey. Reservations for timed entry will be required so be sure to plan in advance! $2 to book your timed entry and $15-35 entrance fee. Credit card only! Download the recreation.gov app for easy reservations Pack some food with you when you’re planning to visit or stop at a restaurant in Estes Park before or after your journey.
Great spot to take the kiddos for those traveling with children. Take a 1 hour train ride through the mountains with beautiful views, and visit a cute mountain town before or after your ride. Georgetown is a historic mining town and there are mine tours available as well! Book your tickets ahead of time because spots do fill up quickly! And be sure to book your tickets at the Devils Gate entrance.
Take Virginia Canyon Rd from Idaho Springs for best views. This road is an unpaved, gravel road through the mountains. Take it nice and slow. You’ll see historical mines and can visit an abandoned mining town called Russell Gulch. Little Las Vegas in the middle of the mountains (casino town)
Beautiful colors and walkable park Tucked away, you’ll have to take a short hike into the park
Free 480-acre park in Colorado Springs. About 2 hours away from wedding destination. Beautiful red rock formations, extensive hiking trails, opportunities for viewing wildlife, and more! This park is also drive-able with many parking lot stops to view different areas of the park.
Famous for its ski resort, Breck is a popular spot during the season. About a 2 hour drive from the wedding destination. Great town for shopping and walking around enjoying the views. Stop at Sapphire Point overlook for an incredible view of the town and Dillon Reservoir
For those who are staying longer and would like to see the Switzerland of America, this is a beautiful location to stay at. Features hiking, hot springs, the Million Dollar Highway, and much more. Along the Million Dollar Highway, there is a tucked away waterfall called Bear Creek Falls. Be sure to put it in your GPS so you don’t miss it! You won’t see it from the road; you have to stop at the pull off area! This is a commitment as it is 6 hours away from the wedding location, but definitely worth it!
If you’re planning to visit Ouray or would like another option, Telluride is a gorgeous town to visit as well! About an hour away from Ouray (because of the round trip around the mountains). Take the free gondola ride up the mountain for some breathtaking views. The town features plenty of shopping and great restaurants.