8 Day Trips From Douglas County CO

Douglas County sits between Denver and Colorado Springs, giving residents access to outdoor parks, historic towns, and cultural destinations in every direction. You can plan a full day without needing to travel far. With good road access and multiple trail systems nearby, these destinations make weekend exploration easy. These destinations give Douglas County residents multiple weekend options for exploring open space, visiting nearby towns, or walking new trails.

Here are eight ideas for day trips from Douglas County that offer something different each time you go.

Castlewood Canyon is located southeast of Castle Rock and offers a close-in destination for hiking through a natural canyon and historic structures. Trails run along the canyon rim and through the valley, with several access points allowing for different loop lengths and elevation gains. The East Canyon Trail includes views of the historic dam and passes through narrow canyon areas that stay shaded for part of the day. Because it’s located near Franktown, Castlewood Canyon is one of the shortest day trips from Douglas County that still delivers a complete outdoor experience.

Colorado Springs includes parks, neighborhoods, and urban spaces that support different types of day trips. You can walk through the Old North End for architecture and landscaping, explore downtown for structured shops and cafes, or drive to North Cheyenne Cañon Park for hiking and scenic pullouts. The park includes trails to Helen Hunt Falls and up to Mt. Cutler, with steep climbs and easier walking options. The city supports a longer day without repeating stops, making it a consistent destination for those looking to move between structured and open-air environments.

Garden of the Gods is a well-known public park located on the west side of Colorado Springs. It’s just over an hour from most of Douglas County, making it a practical destination for a full-day trip. The park features sandstone rock formations with walking paths that are open year-round. Paved and unpaved trails connect across the park, allowing you to do short loops or longer circuits. Parking areas are spread across the site, so you can focus on one area or drive to different trailheads. While the main walking routes are busy, some lesser-known paths around the back of the park provide quieter areas to explore.

Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and includes a walkable downtown with restaurants, mineral springs, and access to steep hiking trails. The Manitou Incline is a popular destination for those looking for a serious physical challenge. The trail climbs 2,000 feet in less than a mile, using a converted railbed made of old wooden ties. After the incline, most hikers return via the Barr Trail, which is less steep and loops back toward the start. Downtown Manitou Springs is compact and filled with local shops, public art, and access to mineral water fountains.

Evergreen is located west of Douglas County and offers access to mountain trails, small local businesses, and forested parks. Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is just outside downtown Evergreen and includes several trail loops that pass through pine-covered hills and open meadows. The trails range from short out-and-backs to longer loops that climb to overlook points. After hiking, the town of Evergreen offers a walkable downtown area with shops, cafes, and galleries. Evergreen Lake is close to the center of town and includes a walking path and seasonal boat rentals.

Golden is located northwest of Douglas County and includes museums, river walks, and direct access to Lookout Mountain. Visitors often begin the day walking through Golden’s downtown area or along Clear Creek Trail. The path runs beside the water and is well-maintained for walking or cycling. Lookout Mountain can be reached by car or hiking trails starting on the edge of town. The road to the top offers several pullouts for scenic views, and the summit area includes a visitor center and nature exhibits.

Boulder offers access to trailheads, open space preserves, and neighborhoods focused on food, retail, and coffee shops. Chautauqua Park is located just southwest of downtown and has multiple hiking trails leading into the Flatirons. Trails like Bluebell Mesa, Royal Arch, and the Mesa Trail connect through the park and range from moderate to more strenuous. Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall is a few minutes from the trailhead by car and offers a pedestrian-friendly space with food and independent stores.

Georgetown is a former mining town off I-70 that preserves many 19th-century buildings and offers access to Guanella Pass, a scenic mountain route. The downtown area is small but walkable, with coffee shops, antique stores, and the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which offers short train rides through the surrounding hills. Guanella Pass climbs south from town, including trailheads for Silver Dollar Lake, Square Top Mountain, and other alpine areas. The pass stays open seasonally and offers quick access to high-elevation hiking and photography without long backcountry routes.

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