Road trip from Brighton, CO to Castle Pines, CO
Brighton, CO and Castle Pines, CO are two beautiful cities located in the state of Colorado. These two cities have a lot to offer to tourists, and the best way to explore them is on a road trip. The road trip takes approximately an hour and a half, and the halfway point is the city of Aurora, CO. There are several highlights on this trip, including picturesque views of the Colorado mountains, an abundance of outdoor recreation, and rich historical sites.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Visit the Rocky Mountain National Park
Located just over an hour's drive from Brighton, CO, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place for nature-loving enthusiasts. The park features over 415 square miles of alpine forests, pristine lakes, and wildlife species. The park is famous for its trails that take you through the mountains while giving you breathtaking views. The park is open all year round, and visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
Interesting fact: Hallett Peak, one of the most famous peaks in the park, was named after William H. Hallet, who was the first person to climb it in 1911.
2. Go to the Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion is an indoor conservatory located in Westminster, CO, just a few miles from Brighton. The conservatory is home to thousands of butterflies and other invertebrates, making it a perfect destination for children and adults who love nature. Visitors can see different stages of a butterfly's life cycle, from egg to adult, and learn about their habitats and behaviors.
Interesting fact: The Butterfly Pavilion is the first stand-alone non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world.
3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Going on a hot air balloon ride is undoubtedly an experience of a lifetime. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of Colorado as they float over the Rockies. Several companies offer hot air balloon rides, and visitors can choose the one that suits them best.
Interesting fact: Colorado is one of the few states in the US that does not have any restrictions on hot air balloon transportation.
4. Visit the Colorado Railroad Museum
Located in Golden, CO, about an hour's drive from Brighton, the Colorado Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of railroads in Colorado. Visitors can see vintage locomotives, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the history and contribution of railroads to Colorado's development.
Interesting fact: The Colorado Railroad Museum features over 100 locomotives and cars, which are among the oldest and most unique in the US.
5. Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is a famous park located near Morrison, CO, just a few miles from Castle Pines. The park's natural amphitheater is built entirely from red sandstone, which enhances the beauty of the park. Visitors can hike, bike, and even attend concerts at the amphitheater, which has hosted countless big-name performers.
Interesting fact: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is considered to be one of the most acoustically perfect venues in the world.
Conclusion
This road trip from Brighton, CO, to Castle Pines, CO, offers numerous exciting activities and destinations for travelers to explore. Visitors can visit the Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy the stunning Colorado scenery, learn about the colorful butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion, or take a hot air balloon ride for a bird's eye view of the Rockies. They can also visit the Colorado Railroad Museum to learn about the state's railway history or explore the historic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. The trip takes approximately an hour and a half, making it an enjoyable day trip for people looking for a fun and adventurous vacation.