Day Trips
Adventures within striking distance of base camp.
Day Trip Overview
Eleven Mile’s location in central Colorado provides access to diverse attractions—from extreme athletic challenges to geological wonders to historic mountain towns. Plan one or two day trips to break up your week and give everyone something to anticipate.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manitou Incline | 50 mi | 1 hr | Extreme fitness challenge |
| Garden of the Gods | 55 mi | 1 hr | Iconic scenery, easy walks |
| Florissant Fossil Beds | 15 mi | 25 min | Science, families |
| Eleven Mile Canyon | 5 mi | 10 min | Scenic drive, fishing |
| Leadville | 60 mi | 1.5 hr | History, highest town |
| Cripple Creek | 30 mi | 45 min | History, disk golf |
| Colorado Wolf Center | 12 mi | 20 min | Wildlife education |
Planning Considerations
Weather Timing
All day trips should depart by 9 AM to:
- Complete activities before afternoon storms
- Return to camp by dinner time
- Avoid driving mountain roads in thunderstorms
Packing for Day Trips
Even for short trips, bring:
- Water (1 liter per person minimum)
- Snacks
- Sun protection
- Rain jacket (afternoon storms)
- Camera
- Cash (small vendors may not take cards)
Age-Appropriate Selection
| Trip | Young Kids | Older Kids | Teens | Adults | Grandparents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitou Incline | ✗ | Some | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✗ |
| Garden of Gods | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Florissant | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓✓ |
| Canyon Drive | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓✓ |
| Leadville | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ |
| Cripple Creek | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wolf Center | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ✓✓ = Great fit | ✓ = Good | ✗ = Not recommended |
Combining with Activities
Split the Group
Not everyone has to do everything. Consider:
- Teens to Manitou Incline while younger kids go to Florissant
- Adventure seekers to Leadville while others enjoy a camp day
- Morning at Garden of the Gods, afternoon exploring different interests in Colorado Springs
One Full Day Trip + Camp Days
Many families find one major day trip per week is enough. The rest of the time, enjoy the park you came to visit. The day trip provides variety without exhausting the vacation.
Quick Reference
Distances from Eleven Mile
| Destination | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Lake George (gas, supplies) | 5 mi | 10 min |
| Woodland Park | 40 mi | 45 min |
| Colorado Springs | 60 mi | 1 hr |
| Cripple Creek | 30 mi | 45 min |
| Florissant | 15 mi | 25 min |
| Fairplay | 30 mi | 40 min |
| Leadville | 60 mi | 1.5 hr |
Services Along the Way
| Need | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Gas | Lake George, Woodland Park |
| Groceries | Woodland Park, Colorado Springs |
| Medical | Woodland Park (40 mi), CO Springs (60 mi) |
| Cell service | Lake George area, highways |