Road trips in and around Denver

Question

Hello,

I plan to visit Denver in end of April and plan road trips to following locations

1.Rocky Mountain National Park

2.Denver to Breckenridge Day Trip With Red Rocks

3.Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Garden of the Gods

I cannot rent car so what are other means of cheaper way to travel - e.g. renting with a driver or any other options.

Traveling with family and total 8 people.

Please suggest.

Thanks

Answer

Visiting Denver and planning day trips to iconic Colorado destinations without renting a car is absolutely possible, especially with a family of 8. While car rentals are convenient, there are several alternative ways to access these locations affordably and safely.

Here are some options for transportation and planning your trips:

Private Van or Minibus Rental with Driver: For a group of 8, hiring a private van with a driver can be cost-effective, flexible, and comfortable. You can book through local transportation companies or tour operators that offer full-day services. This allows you to customize your schedule, stop for meals or scenic viewpoints, and avoid worrying about navigation or parking.
Guided Day Tours: Several companies offer organized day trips from Denver to major attractions:

Rocky Mountain National Park: Day tours with pickup from Denver hotels, including guided hikes and wildlife spotting. Ideal for a stress-free experience without worrying about road conditions or parking.
Denver to Breckenridge via Red Rocks: Some operators combine scenic drives with short hikes or sightseeing stops, including Red Rocks Amphitheatre and mountain passes.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Garden of the Gods: Full-day tours including transportation, tickets, and sometimes lunch options, often departing from downtown Denver.

Shuttle Services: For specific locations like Breckenridge or Garden of the Gods, regional shuttle services operate between Denver and nearby towns or attractions. These are usually less expensive than private van rentals but less flexible on timing.
Rideshare Services: Apps like Uber or Lyft could work for short trips around Denver, but for longer mountain excursions, costs can be high and availability limited.
Combination Approach: You could mix guided tours and private van hire — for example, take a full-day tour to RMNP and a private van for a more flexible Breckenridge or Pikes Peak day.

Additional Tips:

Book early, especially for end-of-April, as spring break and early summer tourism can make tours fill quickly.
Check group rates for guided tours or private vans; some companies offer discounts for 6–10 people.
Consider weather and elevation changes in planning; mountain roads can be unpredictable in April, so professional drivers or guided tours reduce stress.
Pack snacks, water, and layers; mountain areas can still be chilly in April.

Overall, for a family of 8 without a rental car, private van rentals with a driver or guided day tours are the most practical and cost-effective ways to enjoy Colorado road trips from Denver while maintaining flexibility and comfort.

Road trips in and around Denver

More Denver Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions