What are the most popular national parks visited directly after leaving Denver?

Travelers typically head to Rocky Mountain National Park first located 70 miles from Denver. From there the journey often branches in two directions: west to Utah's collection of five national parks (Arches Canyonlands Capitol Reef Bryce Canyon and Zion) or deeper into Colorado to explore Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Starting from Denver the transition into Rocky Mountain National Park was breathtaking - a perfect first stop."

What is the best time of year to take a tour starting from Denver?

Denver-based tours are busiest from June through September when weather conditions support outdoor activities. The height of the season falls in July and August with tour companies like Globus and Collette scheduling additional departures. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We lucked out with perfect weather in September - warm days cool nights and stunning fall colors in the mountains."

What are the most common first-day activities for tours departing from Denver?

The first day usually starts with exploring Denver's key sites including the gold-domed State Capitol and the Mile High marker. Groups spend time in the historic downtown areas before meeting for an evening welcome gathering often at the Sheraton Denver Downtown. Most tours head to Rocky Mountain National Park the next day. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Starting in Denver gave us a perfect introduction to the city before heading into the mountains - the contrast was amazing."

What are the most common accommodations for tours starting in Denver?

Accommodation options range from city hotels to wilderness camping sites. In Denver popular choices include the DoubleTree by Hilton Denver Central Park and Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. When visiting national parks guests stay in places like Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone or designated camping areas. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The hotels were great quality especially the Strater Hotel in Durango with its Louis L'Amore history and the Embassy Suites in Colorado Springs."

What meal arrangements are typically included on Denver-based tours?

Tour packages generally cover daily breakfasts and select dinners including welcome and farewell meals. Many tours feature regional dining experiences such as western BBQ dinners and chuckwagon cookouts. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The included meals were excellent especially the Bar T-5 Chuckwagon dinner in Jackson with authentic western cooking and entertainment."

What transportation options are available from Denver International Airport to tour starting points?

Many tours provide shuttle service from Denver International Airport to downtown hotels. Companies like Collette and Globus include private transfers while other visitors can use the airport's light rail to Union Station. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The shuttle transfer made arrival very smooth - we were met at the airport and taken directly to our hotel in downtown Denver."

How does the altitude in Denver affect the first few days of tours?

Denver's elevation of 5280 feet means tours usually set aside the first day for adjustment before ascending into the Rockies. Guides advise drinking plenty of water avoiding alcohol and taking a slow pace initially. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our guide made sure we understood the altitude effects and gave us time to adjust in Denver before heading to the mountains."

USA Tours from Denver

Denver is a dream mountain gateway, waiting for you to explore. Head to downtown's breweries and museums, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, discover Rocky Mountain National Park, tour mountain towns, and truly experiencing elevation. Check out Front Range peaks, taste craft beers, experience outdoor culture, and see why Denver works perfectly as base for exploring Colorado's mountains. It’s time for an adventure!

10 best USA tour packages from Denver

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Explorer
7-Days Tour of Denver, Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Salt Lake City (Bilingual: English+Chinese)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Denver, Cheyenne, Mount Rushmore National Memorial,Devils Tower,Green River,Rocky Mountains,Yellowstone National Park,West Yellowstone,Grand Teton National Park,Jackson,Utah Lake,Salt Lake City,Arches National Park,Grand Junction,Vail+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Western USARocky Mountains+1 more
Operated in
English, Chinese
Operator
Intertrips
From
US$1,499per person
+$105 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of the Canyonlands
4.5 (5 traveler reviews)
"Itinerary was just what I was looking for. I saw so much—more than I expected."
Joyce, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Denver, Vail, Moab, Arches National Park,Canyonlands National Park,Mesa Verde National Park,Monument Valley,Grand Canyon National Park,Las Vegas+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersRocky Mountains+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
From
US$2,850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
8-Day Western USA Highlights Tour from Denver | Canyon Spirit Scenic Train Included
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Denver, Mount Rushmore National Memorial,Yellowstone National Park,Salt Lake City,Moab,Glenwood Springs+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Western USARocky Mountains+1 more
Operated in
English, Chinese
Operator
Tourland
From
US$4,613per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Western Rails & Canyons with Canyon Spirit Rail Journey
5.0 (26 traveler reviews)
"Pleasant. Very knowledgeable."
Loretta, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Denver, Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park,Durango,Silverton,Mesa Verde National Park,Moab,Canyonlands National Park,Arches National Park,Glenwood Springs+7 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersRocky Mountains+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
4% Off
From $5,699
US$5,449per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
U.S. National Parks - The Rockies to San Francisco
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Cheyenne,Fort Laramie,Mount Rushmore National Memorial,Rapid City,Bighorn National Forest,Cody,Yellowstone National Park,Salt Lake City,Canyonlands National Park,Moab,Arches National Park,Capitol Reef National Park,Bryce Canyon National Park,Zion National Park,Las Vegas,Death Valley National Park,Mammoth Lakes,Yosemite National Park,San Francisco+18 more
Age Range
Ages 21+
Country Region
Western USA
Operated in
English
Operator
Omega Tours
4% Off
From
US$4,417per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$America\'s National Parks with Denver Tour$
$America\'s National Parks with Denver - 12 destinations$
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In-depth Cultural
America's National Parks with Denver
5.0 (872 traveler reviews)
"Lucked out on good weather."
Shigeru, traveled in September
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Denver, Rapid City, Keystone, Deadwood, Sheridan,Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument,Cody,Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Jackson,Salt Lake City+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
5% Off
From $4,749
US$4,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
7-Day Railroads of the Old West | Colorado
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Denver, Colorado Springs, Canon City,Great Sand Dunes National Park,Durango,Silverton,Ouray+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersColorado+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Southwest Adventure Tours
5% Off
From
US$3,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
5.0 (58 traveler reviews)
"Great itinerary."
Linda, traveled in October
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Denver, Breckenridge, Glenwood Springs, Ouray, Silverton,Durango,Mesa Verde National Park,Taos,Santa Fe,Chimayo,Albuquerque,Colorado Springs+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersRocky Mountains+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
5% Off
From $5,199
US$4,949per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$Peak Pursuits in Colorado\'s Rocky Mountain National Park (Women-Only) Tour$
$Peak Pursuits in Colorado\'s Rocky Mountain National Park (Women-Only) - 5 destinations$
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Hiking & Trekking
Peak Pursuits in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park (Women-Only)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Denver, Boulder, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersColorado+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventures in Good Company
5% Off
From
US$3,995per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$America\'s Greatest Treasures with Denver Start Tour$
$America\'s Greatest Treasures with Denver Start - 11 destinations$
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Explorer
America's Greatest Treasures with Denver Start
5.0 (164 traveler reviews)
"I came home refreshed and ready to conquer my world. Very excited for Ireland in 29 days."
LORIE, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Denver, Cheyenne, Rapid City,Mount Rushmore National Memorial,Deadwood,Sheridan,Cody,Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Jackson,Salt Lake City+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
5% Off
From $2,749
US$2,599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
The Colorado Rockies featuring National Parks and Historic Trains (Denver, CO to Colorado Springs, CO) (2026)
4.6 (82 traveler reviews)
"A well organised tour, with great coverage. Heather's background details, and little quizzes, helped me enjoy the tour greatly."
Stuart, traveled in August
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Denver, Boulder, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado National Monument,Grand Junction,Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park,Silverton,Durango,Mesa Verde National Park,Colorado Springs+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersColorado+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
7% Off
From $3,599
US$3,349per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Welcome to Colorado
4.2 (6 traveler reviews)
"All 3 made our trip exceptional."
Debra, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Boulder,Vail,Glenwood Springs,Aspen,Palisade,Colorado National Monument,Ouray,Silverton,Durango,Mesa Verde National Park,Great Sand Dunes National Park,Colorado Springs+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersRocky MountainsColorado+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $4,175
US$3,758per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Utah’s Mighty Five and The Rockies featuring 2 days aboard the Canyon Spirit train (Denver, CO to Las Vegas, NV) (2026)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Everything I could have asked for."
Arthur, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab, Arches National Park,Canyonlands National Park,Capitol Reef National Park,Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument,Bryce Canyon National Park,Springdale,Zion National Park,Las Vegas+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersMighty 5Utah+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
4% Off
From $5,999
US$5,749per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Historic Trains of the Colorado Rocky Mountains
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Denver, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado National Monument,Grand Junction,Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park,Silverton,Durango,Mesa Verde National Park,Colorado Springs+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersColorado+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Tours of Distinction
4% Off
From
US$3,099per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
8 Days Through Colorado’s National Parks: Mountains, Deserts & Canyons
4.2 (5 traveler reviews)
"Visiting the National Parks of Colorado on a Southwest Adventure Tour was super. This time I even white-water rafted ... and enjoyed it!"
JD, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Denver, Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park,Durango,Mesa Verde National Park,Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park,Grand Junction,Glenwood Springs,Rocky Mountain National Park+6 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Western USASouthwest USAFour CornersRocky MountainsColorado+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Southwest Adventure Tours
4% Off
From
US$3,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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