Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Castle Pines, Colorado and Fort Collins, Colorado

Castle Pines to Fort Collins is a scenic drive that offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. The trip is approximately 110 miles long and takes around two hours and fifteen minutes without traffic. Along the way, travelers will come across picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and hidden gems that are worth a stop. Thornton, CO is the halfway point on the journey, and visitors can take a break and explore its parks, shops, and restaurants.

Top 5 Things to Do

1. Visit the Estes Park

Estes Park is a popular mountain getaway located just an hour and a half from Fort Collins. The town is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and offers visitors stunning views, wildlife sightings, and outdoor activities. Visitors can hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park, take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, visit the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining"), or go shopping in the quaint downtown area.

Interesting Fact: Estes Park is home to the highest paved road in North America, the Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an altitude of 12,183 feet.

2. Explore the Cache la Poudre River Canyon

The Cache la Poudre River Canyon is a scenic byway that winds through the Roosevelt National Forest. The 101-mile drive offers breathtaking views of the river, the canyon walls, and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can stop at the Poudre Falls overlook, hike to the Greyrock Mountain summit, or go fishing in the river.

Interesting Fact: The name "Cache la Poudre" comes from a French phrase that means "hide the powder". It refers to an incident in the 1820s when French trappers had to hide their gunpowder along the river during a snowstorm.

3. Visit the Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs that offers visitors stunning rock formations, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The park is known for its red rock spires and for being a popular spot for rock climbing and horseback riding. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park or hike the trails to get a closer look at the formations.

Interesting Fact: The Garden of the Gods is home to a rare plant called the Colorado Columbine, which is the state flower.

4. Take a dip in the Hot Springs

The Hot Springs is a resort located in Glenwood Springs that offers visitors a chance to soak in natural hot springs while enjoying the mountain views. The resort features several pools, including one that is heated to 104 degrees. Visitors can also go on a zipline adventure or take a scenic gondola ride.

Interesting Fact: The hot springs were first discovered by a group of hunters in the late 1800s who noticed steam rising from the ground.

5. Go on a Beer Tour

Fort Collins is known as the "Napa Valley of Beer" for its numerous microbreweries and craft beer scene. Visitors can take a beer tour to sample some of the local brews and learn about the brewing process. Some popular breweries to visit include New Belgium Brewery, Odell Brewing Company, and Fort Collins Brewery.

Interesting Fact: New Belgium Brewery is the fourth-largest craft brewery in the US and is 100% employee-owned.

Conclusion

The road trip from Castle Pines to Fort Collins offers a diverse range of activities and scenery to suit every taste. Travelers can explore the mountain towns of Estes Park and Glenwood Springs, take a scenic drive through the Cache la Poudre River Canyon, visit the iconic Garden of the Gods, and indulge in some local craft beer. With a duration of around two hours and fifteen minutes, this is an ideal weekend getaway route that promises to leave visitors refreshed and inspired.