Adventure Collective
Explore Colorado Rockies with a Private Driving Tour - Denver

Explore Colorado Rockies with a Private Driving Tour

Denvereasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4–5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour is vehicle-based with short, accessible stops.

Overview

Experience the best of Colorado's Rockies with a private driving tour from Denver. Enjoy scenic views, local breweries, and historical stops all curated for your group.

Attraction
Brewery
City Tour
Events
Food Tour
Ghost Tour
History Tour
Photography Tour
Private
Denver, Colorado

Colorado: Gateway to the Rockies Driving Tour

From $755• 6-10 hours • Create your custom Colorado Experience!

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Adventure Photos

Colorado: Gateway to the Rockies Driving Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Summary

Half-Day Tour

Depending on where you’d like to explore, you’ll head out of Denver and start off with a drive to your first destination. Along the way, you’ll get to know your tour guide and hear tales of the old “Wild West”.

After we begin our ascent into the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, we’ll have a variety of destination options depending on the group’s interests and plenty of time to visit the top attractions in Colorado state.

A half-day driving tour from Denver (6 hours) is designed to highlight the best of the historical mountain cities. One such popular place is Golden, nestled up against the foothills, a prime place for what was nearly Colorado’s capital. Explore the beautifully preserved campus of the historic Colorado School of Mines and hop out of the vehicle to stroll along Washington Street to grab a photo in front of the “Welcome to Golden” sign.

Here and in the nearby towns of Evergreen and Morrison, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a short hike, take in majestic views of the Great Plains, hunt for fossils at Dinosaur Ridge, and maybe even spot some Colorado wildlife at the Buffalo Overlook!

Central City, another boom town during Colorado’s “Pikes Peak or Bust” mining era, features Victorian-Era gingerbread houses, historic cemeteries that tell the trials and tribulations of early settlers, and a main street that has preserved a past of saloons and even casinos.

Among our other recommended tour destinations is Idaho Springs, known for its iconic highway-side water wheel and waterfall and the hillside Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel. Arrange for entry tickets on this half-day option or our full-day experience.

Full-Day Tour

A full-day Rocky Mountains tour from Denver (7–10 hours) offers the chance to enjoy plenty of time at the stops you choose. There are numerous quaint, eclectic, and picturesque towns along the way, such as Georgetown, Nederland, and Boulder.

At Georgetown, we can arrange tickets for a short ride – great for all ages – aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad and even a Colorado gold mine tour where you might just strike it rich! You’ll want to take a leisurely walk along downtown’s tiny main street, which features fountain shops, antique stores, and art galleries.

Boulder is another very popular destination for Colorado-bound visitors, with its many shops, restaurants and breweries, and buskers along Pearl Street. We’ll have a chance to drive to the best viewing spots to awe in wonder at the tilted rock formations known as the Flatirons and drive through “the Hill” area to look at historical homes.

Deeper in the mountains, Nederland is a one-of-a-kind community known for its quirky nature and unusual tourist attractions. Take a ride on a carousel, get a coffee from a train car said to be from Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, and discover the connection between the town’s unusual name and its early mining history.

Whatever the interests of the group and what’s on your wishlist, we’ll make your tour of the Rockies an unforgettable one!

Included Local English-speaking guide

Not Included

  • Additional food and drink
  • Tips/gratuities for your guide

Adventure Tips

Bring Your Camera

This tour offers many scenic viewpoints perfect for photography, so have your camera ready to capture the stunning Rockies.

Dress in Layers

Mountain weather can change quickly, so wear layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Stay Hydrated

Altitude can dehydrate you faster; bring water and drink regularly during the tour.

Book in Advance

Private tours fill quickly—reserve your spot early to ensure availability for your preferred dates.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mule deer
  • Red-tailed hawks

History

The Gateway to the Rockies area played a key role in gold rush history and early railroad expansion shaping Colorado.

Conservation

Local guides promote Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural environment and support sustainable tourism.

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Adventure Hotspots in Denver

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture scenic mountain views and unique moments along the tour.

Layered Clothing

Essential

Weather can change quickly, so bring layers for comfort throughout the day.

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen

Essential

Protect yourself from strong mountain UV rays during sunny days.

spring|summer|fall specific