Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins sits at the foot of the Rockies with access to Horsetooth Reservoir, Rocky Mountain National Park, and craft breweries.
Old Town Fort Collins and the Poudre Canyon offer urban and wilderness escapes.
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or browse all12 destinations near Fort Collins
Lantern Tour
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (5.0 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 13 min from Fort Collins · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Rocky Mountain National Park
USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.9 by 27.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 11 min from Fort Collins · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
The Tunnel
Golden, CO 80401
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.9 stars) · 1 hr 16 min from Fort Collins · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Garden of the Gods
CO 80904, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.9 by 57.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 5 min from Fort Collins · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Lookout Mountain Park
Golden, CO 80401
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 8.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 20 min from Fort Collins · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 2.0k+ visitors) · 47 min from Fort Collins · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Paul Smith Children's Village at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 47 min from Fort Collins · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
Laramie, WY 82070
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 8 min from Fort Collins · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Curt Gowdy State Park
Cheyenne, WY 82009
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 6 min from Fort Collins · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.7 by 17.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 14 min from Fort Collins · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Big Blue Bear
Denver, CO 80202
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 7 min from Fort Collins · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
The Birch Ruins
Estes Park, CO 80517
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 4 min from Fort Collins · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Fort Collins, CO?
The best day trips from Fort Collins include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Fort Collins?
Most great day trips from Fort Collins are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Fort Collins?
Many of the best day trips near Fort Collins are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Fort Collins?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Fort Collins, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Fort Collins?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Fort Collins make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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