National Parks Worth a Visit Near Denver

300 miles of hikes and trails, some of the regions greatest displays of wildlife and ‘The Overlook Hotel’ from The Shining. The Rocky Mountain National Park is extremely popular so booking in advance is essential. The incredible drive along the Trail Ridge Road summits several 12,000-foot (3,658-meter) peaks and on a clear day, the Rocky Mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. The small town of Estes Park is where you’ll be stocking up on supplies and where you can take a ghost tour of Room 217 at the Stanley Hotel – which features as part of Culture Trip’s specially curated small-group Colorado and Utah trip. Recommended by local insiders Rose Corbett and Lily Shipman

A bit of a drive from Denver but well worth it when you catch your first glimpse of this historical rock formation. Rising 870ft (265m) out of the earth and said to be created from the remains of a volcano, the Devil’s Tower National Monument holds incredible importance in Native American religious ceremonies. Nowadays, it is a hub for the modern climber and hiker with the challenge of the formation famous in climbing circles. If you have the time and unusual rock formations are your thing, keep heading north to the Badlands in South Dakota. Recommended by local insider Lily Shipman