There are plenty of things to do in the Denver area, but if you take only a few hours visiting the following place, you won’t even skim the surface of everything there is to see. Take a day off from your day to day routine and plan a trip to Mount Evans just a short hour and a half away.

To get to the top of the mountain, you can drive up the mountain’s paved road for 14 miles, then walk up the remaining path (about 1/4 mile). From there, you can see a stunning view of Colorado nature at its best. If a quarter of a mile isn’t enough hiking for you, there are plenty of trails you can hike through the park that will be sure to get your heart pumping.

Mount Evans also boasts many lakes in which you can fish. If the fish aren’t biting, you can take your bike up the paved road up the mountain. Beware though; the elevation incline is dramatic inside or out of a car, so be careful.

Even though the weather may a little warmer because it’s summer time, the weather atop the mountain will be much cooler. Be sure to be prepared with the necessary clothing. Also be sure to bring plenty of water on your long hikes. Visiting during the weekend can be troublesome to find parking, so try to get a day off work and go to Mount Evans early in the morning. There will be plenty of room for you to view the sunrise with few people around you.

(photo courtesy of dherrera_96 by Flickr)