Backpacking Near Denver

Best National Parks for Backpacking Near Denver, CO

National parks near Denver, CO ranked by backpacking quality, with drive times and distances.

Updated

Day Trip (Under 2.5 hours)

Ptarmigan in winter coat

Rocky Mountain

CO

Busy

74 mi -- about 1.3 hr drive

Weekend Getaway (2.5 to 5 hours)

Girls Sand Sledding

Great Sand Dunes & Preserve

CO

Moderate CrowdsHidden GemDark Sky

180 mi -- about 3.3 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

shallow pools with a double rainbow in the background

Canyonlands

UT

Moderate CrowdsHidden GemDark Sky

367 mi -- about 6.7 hr drive

The yellow mounds are peaking out of the formations in this photo.

Badlands

SD

Busy

392 mi -- about 7.1 hr drive

a broad, red arch with rock pinnacles in the background

Arches

UT

Very CrowdedDark Sky

333 mi -- about 6 hr drive