Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Broomfield, Colorado and Thornton, Colorado

By: Unknown

A trip from Broomfield, Colorado to Thornton, Colorado is bound to be filled with beautiful sights and amazing experiences. The drive is just about 16 miles, and it takes less than 25 minutes to get from one city to the other, via I-25 N. The journey mainly runs along the beautiful Flatirons Scenic Byway, which is famously known for its scenic landscapes and beautiful mountain ranges. If you're looking to embark on a road trip from Broomfield to Thornton, then there are a lot of breathtaking sights to see and activities to do on your journey.

Red Rocks Amphitheater Park

If you're traveling through the Flatirons Scenic Byway, it's hard not to notice the amazing Red Rocks Amphitheater Park, Located in Morrison, Colorado. The park is renowned for its stunning natural rock formations, and amphitheater built into the red rocks, making a music lover's dream come true. The park also has a great walking trail that allows visitors to fully take in the beauty of the area.

Interesting fact: The Red Rocks Amphitheater Park has hosted plenty of historical music performances, including some from The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and U2.

Downtown Denver

When driving from Broomfield to Thornton, you will pass through the Downtown Denver area. This is a perfect spot to take a breather and explore the city. You can visit the Colorado State Capitol, the bustling Larimer Square, or the famous 16th Street Mall. You’ll find lots of restaurants and coffee shops along the way, making it a great spot to take a rest or grab a quick bite to eat.

Interesting fact: Denver's 16th Street Mall is one of the largest pedestrian malls in America, with a length of over 1.25 miles.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver hosts an array of amazing botanical gardens, and one of the most stunning ones is the Denver Botanic Gardens. The gardens are located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, and it’s the perfect spot to take a stroll and take in the breathtaking displays of flowers and plants. The gardens are educational as well, with interactive exhibits that teach visitors about plant species, sustainable practices, and more.

Interesting fact: The Denver Botanic Garden consists of more than 15,000 species of plants, making it one of the largest botanical gardens in North America.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a 15,000-acre animal reserve located north of Denver. This amazing reserve is home to an array of wildlife species, ranging from coyotes, bison, and even bald eagles. The reserve features scenic walking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and even a visitor center that educates visitors about the area’s long and fascinating history.

Interesting fact: The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was initially used to manufacture and store chemical weapons during World War II.

Downtown Golden

The charming city of Golden is located just a few miles from Broomfield and Thornton. The city features several historic spots worth exploring, including the beautiful Clear Creek History Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and the stunning Coors Brewing Company. You'll get to sample some of Coors' renowned beers, alongside learning the fascinating story of the Coors family and how their beer was made.

Interesting fact: The Coors Brewery in Golden is the largest brewery in the world, and it produces over 10 million barrels of beer per year.

After exploring the above-listed amazing spots, visitors can turn around from downtown Golden and head back to Thornton with ease. The journey is less than 30 minutes and takes you through the beautiful Rocky Mountains ranges as well as the gorgeous downtown Denver. The trip is relatively short, roughly two hours, but with such beautiful spots to see along the way, it's best to take your time and enjoy the scenery.