Points of Interest between Castle Pines, Colorado to Aurora, Colorado

picture of Castle Pines, Colorado

Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Castle Pines, CO to Aurora, CO

Castle Pines, CO and Aurora, CO are two cities located in the Denver Metropolitan area, providing different attractions and scenery for visitors. If you're looking for a fun road trip option, the route connecting both locations is a well-known route for tourists and locals alike. With plenty of things to see and do, this trip promises to be an adventure filled with natural landscapes, cultural sites, and historical landmarks. The halfway point of the trip is Englewood, CO, a charming city located 30 minutes from both Castle Pines and Aurora.

Red Rock Amphitheater

As one of the most renowned venues in Colorado, Red Rock Amphitheater is a must-visit spot for travelers who appreciate music, nature, and unique experiences. The natural acoustics of the theater create a one-of-a-kind sound that enhances the performances and elevates the experience for the audience. Some of the most famous bands and artists in history have performed in this iconic venue, and visitors can also explore the park's trails and vistas before or after the show.

Interesting Fact: Red Rock Amphitheater was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936 and was named both a National Historic Landmark and a Colorado Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2015.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Located just a few miles away from Englewood, the Denver Botanic Gardens are a collection of themed gardens, conservatories, and art installations that inspire and educate visitors about nature and environmental conservation. The gardens are open year-round and offer a variety of activities and events for guests of all ages, such as guided tours, yoga classes, and seasonal exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the Offshoots Café, which features local and organic ingredients and a stunning view of the gardens.

Interesting Fact: The Denver Botanic Gardens feature over 50,000 plants from around the world, with a focus on native species from the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

For aviation enthusiasts or anyone interested in history and technology, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is a fascinating and educational stop on the road trip. Located in Denver, the museum showcases the history and evolution of aviation and space exploration, featuring artifacts and exhibits ranging from World War II planes to space shuttles and military drones. Visitors can also participate in interactive simulators, including flight simulators and a virtual reality experience that allows them to explore the inside of a B-17 bomber.

Interesting Fact: The museum is located in the former Lowry Air Force Base, which was active from 1938 to 1994 and trained over 1 million soldiers and pilots during World War II.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

As one of the highest paved roads in North America, Mount Evans Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding valleys, as well as a chance to explore the alpine tundra and its unique flora and fauna. The road starts in Idaho Springs, CO, and ascends to the summit of Mount Evans, reaching an altitude of 14,130 feet. Visitors can stop at several points along the way, including Echo Lake Park, Summit Lake, and the Mount Goliath Natural Area, where they can hike, picnic, and spot wildlife such as mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

Interesting Fact: Some parts of Mount Evans Scenic Byway are only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, due to the extreme weather conditions and snowstorms that can occur at high altitudes.

Aurora Reservoir

As the final destination of the road trip, Aurora Reservoir is a scenic and relaxing spot where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and other water activities. The reservoir covers over 800 acres and has a variety of amenities, such as a marina, a beach, and a picnic area. The clear and clean water of the reservoir attracts a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout and walleye. Visitors can also rent paddle boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, while children can play on the splash pad and the playground.

After exploring these five amazing sites, tourists have a good overview of the attractions that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer. The road trip from Castle Pines to Aurora usually takes around 45 minutes, but depending on the weather or traffic, it may take longer. Regardless of the time, visitors who embark on this journey will have fond memories of the natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance of Colorado.