Are you planning a trip to take brewery tours in Colorado? You have picked an excellent “beercation” destination!
In this Colorado brewery tours guide, I’ll share the best Colorado breweries that offer behind-the-scenes tours, guided beer tours that visit multiple craft and microbreweries, and even a couple of biking tours that stop for local brews along the way.
Disclosure: This guide to beer tours in Colorado contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you click on one of these partner links and make a purchase. Of course, this is at no extra cost to you.
Why Plan a Beercation in Colorado?
If you enjoy tasting craft beers, learning about different beer styles, and seeing the brewing process firsthand on brewery tours, you should consider taking a vacation to explore the Colorado beer scene.
Like California, Oregon, and Washington are the top destinations for wine travel in the United States, Colorado is one of the country’s best states for beer travel. In fact, some even say Denver is the “Napa Valley of Beer.”
The Centennial State boasts over 450 craft breweries, ranking fourth nationally in total craft breweries per state and sixth per capita, as of 2024. It’s home to the legendary Coors brewery and an Anheuser-Busch facility, but the state’s craft breweries and brewpubs truly make Colorado a beer lover’s destination.
With hundreds of breweries to explore, let’s look at the best brewery tours in Colorado to take on your next beercation!
Best Greater Denver Brewery Tours (Single Brewery)
Did you know Denver produces more beer than any other American city?
It’s also home to 70+ breweries, and there are more than 150 breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms in the Greater Denver area.
Additionally, this beer-centric city hosts the annual Great American Beer Festival®, the largest ticketed beer festival in the US and one of the biggest beer festivals worldwide.
So, if you are looking for a city to base your exploration of the Colorado brewing scene, Denver is it. The following breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours in the Denver and Boulder area.
Denver Brewery Tour: Great Divide Brewing Company
You can’t talk about craft brewery tours in Denver without starting here. Touring Great Divide Brewing Company is a must for craft beer enthusiasts visiting Denver.
It’s one of the most decorated craft breweries in the country, having earned at least 19 Great American Beer Festival medals and five World Beer Cup Awards.
On a behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll see the original brewery and taproom in Denver’s Ballpark District. You’ll also receive a commemorative stemmed beer glass and one full pour of any beer you want to try on tap.
Tour Info:
- Where: 2201 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO 80205
- When: 3 p.m. & 4 p.m. daily
- Cost: $10
- Age Requirement: 16+
- Closed-toe shoes required
Must-Try Beer: Yeti Imperial Stout
Where to Stay: The Ramble Hotel
Boulder Brewery Tour: Avery Brewing Co
Avery Brewing Company is located in Boulder, about 32 miles northwest of Downtown Denver. It’s worth the 45-minute drive to taste this beloved Boulder brewery’s unique, award-winning beers.
On Avery’s production facility tour, you’ll sample three of its acclaimed beers as you learn about the beer-making process, from grains and fermentation to barrel-aging and packaging.
Afterward, sip one of the Belgian-style ales or barrel-aged stouts on the dog-friendly patio, or order the customer-favorite fried chicken sandwich at the onsite restaurant, which offers 30 beers on tap and a locally sourced, seasonal menu.
Tour Info:
- Where: 4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301
- When: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday
- Cost: $11 per adult
- Age Requirement: None
Must-Try Beer: Tweak Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee Stout
Where to Stay: Hotel Boulderado
Golden Brewery Tour: Coors Brewery
Head to the Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado, to taste Colorado’s brewing history. Located about 15 miles from Downtown Denver, this historic Colorado brewery has crafted its golden Coors Banquet with the same traditional recipe since 1873.
Today, Coors annually brews up to 22 million barrels of beer, making it the largest single-site brewery in the world!
On the 90-minute brewery tour, you’ll witness how the Coors beers are made, from malting and brewing to packaging.
You’ll also see Coors memorabilia from years past, including archived photos, vintage beer cans and bottles, and old neon signs.
Three beer samples are included for visitors 21 and older, but non-alcoholic beverages are also available.
After your tour, visit the gift shop to pick out a souvenir hat, shirt, or other Coors-branded apparel and gifts.
Tour Info:
- Where: 502 14th St. Golden, CO 80401 (Tours depart from the parking lot at the southeast corner of 13th and Ford Streets.)
- When: Various times between 10 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Thursday – Monday
- Cost: $20 for adults 21+; $10 for active military, veterans, and ages 3-20; free for children younger than 3 (Please note: Ticket prices do not include sales tax or the non-refundable 10% service fee.)
- Parking: Private parking lot
- Age Requirement: None
- Reservations are required, and tours regularly sell out. Reservations open 25 days before the tour date.
- Strollers, bags, and purses are not allowed. Please refer to the Coors Brewery Tours website for the full list of prohibited items.
Must-Try Beer: Coors Banquet
Where to Stay: The Eddy Taproom & Hotel
Best Denver Beer Tours
Are you looking for Denver brewery tours that visit multiple breweries?
Do you want a local guide to show you the unique street art or iconic landmarks along the way?
If you answered yes to either question, check out the following beer tours in Denver!
LoDo Craft Beer Tour – Denver Microbrew Tour
Dive into Denver’s beer history while visiting four of the city’s most famous craft breweries on Denver Microbrew Tour’s LoDo Craft Beer Tour.
Though the tour itinerary differs from day to day, stops may include some of the most well-known Denver breweries, including Great Divide, Oskar Blues, Wynkoop, and/or the original Rock Bottom Brewery.
The one-mile walking tour also passes by noteworthy LoDo landmarks, like the 16th Street Mall pedestrian promenade. Along the way, you’ll hear shocking stories from Denver’s past.
This craft brewery tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours and includes 10+ beer tastings. It also accommodates guests who don’t drink beer, with many stops offering gluten-free options, like cider or wine, and/or non-alcoholic drinks.
Tour Info:
- Where: Tours start from Rock Bottom Brewery (Friday tour), Great Divide Brewing’s Ballpark Brewery & Taproom (12 p.m. Saturday tour), and Wynkoop Brewing Company (3:15 p.m. Saturday & Sunday tours)
- When: 3:15 p.m. Friday – Sunday, 12 p.m. Saturday
- Cost: $55
- Parking: Denver Microbrew Tours recommends the Independence Plaza parking garage below Rock Bottom Brewery.
- Age Requirement: 21+
RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour – Denver Microbrew Tour
Explore the Mile High City’s street art scene as you visit four breweries (and possibly a cidery) on Denver Microbrew Tour’s RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour.
During the one-mile tour, follow your local guide on a beer-filled journey through the city’s most brewery-dense neighborhood, tasting 10+ beers or ciders and hearing the stories behind the street art.
Along the way, beer trivia and “scandalous” tales of local history will be sprinkled into the commentary as you visit a brewery started by former punk rockers in Denver’s coolest neighborhood.
Tour Info:
- Where: Tours start at Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
- When: 3 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 12:15 p.m. Friday & Sunday, 11:45 a.m. Saturday
- Cost: $55
- Parking: Denver Microbrew Tours recommends finding street parking along Walnut and Blake streets between 28th and 31st streets or parking in the Denver Central Market parking lot.
- Age Requirement: 21+
Denver Street Art & Murals Tour + Brewery Visit/Beer Tasting – Discover Denver Tours
Another art and beer tour option in the RiNo neighborhood is Discover Denver Tours’ The Famous Denver Street Art & Murals Tour.
This two-hour walking tour of street art murals includes a brewery visit with a craft beer tasting of three 4-oz. samples or a non-alcoholic beverage.
Perfect for craft beer enthusiasts who also appreciate art, this tour explores the mural-lined streets and hidden alleyways of Denver’s vibrant arts district. Throughout the tour, your local guide will share the stories behind the artworks, and you may even spot an artist at work on a mural.
Tour Info:
- Where: The Denver Central Market, 2669 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
- When: Late afternoon/evening, Fridays & Saturdays, May – early November
- Cost: $39
- Parking: A public parking lot is located south of Denver Central Market, with an entrance on Larimer Street. There is also a public lot at 27th and Blake. Otherwise, you may find street parking near Denver Central Market.
- Age Requirement: Ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
From Denver: Private Brews ’n Views – Aspire Tours
If you and your companions want to take in the mountain views and sip locally brewed beers while visiting Denver, this private, half-day tour is for you.
During the private Brews ’n Views tour, your knowledgeable local guide from Aspire Tours will take your group to multiple Denver area breweries. You’ll also see scenic views of Rocky Mountain peaks and canyons along the way.
Tour Info:
- Where: The tour departs from Denver Union Station.
- When: 1 p.m. Friday
- Cost: $119
- Parking: Finding a parking spot near Union Station can be challenging. Use public transportation instead.
- Age Requirement: 21+
- Not wheelchair accessible
Private Party Bus Brewery Tours – Denver Brew Tours
Are you planning a bachelor or bachelorette party, a corporate event, or another private celebration? Let Denver Brew Tours safely shuttle your group in a private party bus!
You can create your own custom itinerary to explore the Denver brewing scene.
Keep the party going on the bus between stops at the Denver area’s best craft breweries, cideries, and/or distilleries.
Bike & Brew – Mile High Bike Tours
A fun alternative to combine sightseeing in Denver with local beer is Mile High Bike Tours’ Bike & Brew.
During this three-hour bike tour, leisurely pedal about 10 miles past famous Denver landmarks, historic buildings, beautiful parks, interesting public art, and professional sports stadiums to the RiNo neighborhood.
As you cycle past RiNo street art, your guide will highlight some of this hip neighborhood’s best breweries. Then, you’ll stop at a local hot spot to sample a craft beer.
The tour cost includes your bicycle (or e-bike), helmet, and water, but not your beer tab.
Tour Info:
- Where: Tours begin at 2301 Champa St., Denver, CO 80205
- When: 12 p.m. daily late fall – early spring, 1 p.m. daily the rest of the year
- Cost: $84 for bicycle, $99 for e-bike
- Parking: Nearby parking garages. Use SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find and reserve available parking spaces.
- Age Requirement: 11+
Best Colorado Brewery Tours Near Fort Collins
Boasting more than 20 breweries, Fort Collins is another Colorado Front Range destination for beer lovers.
I’ve provided hotel recommendations near these Fort Collins area breweries, but you could also visit Fort Collins on a day trip from Denver.
Since Fort Collins is about 65 miles north of the Mile High City, the drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Travel Tip: To save money on parking in Denver, rent a car only on the day of your day trip to Fort Collins. As always, remember to designate a sober driver.
Fort Collins Brewery Tour: New Belgium Brewing
For drinkers of Belgian-style beers and sour ales, visiting New Belgium Brewing should be on your Colorado trip itinerary.
The brewery behind Abbey and Fat Tire offers two brewery tour experiences:
Option 1: The free New Belgium Tour is a family-friendly 45-minute tour that ends with a ride down the brewery’s famous curly slide.
Option 2: The Production Tour takes beer lovers behind the scenes on a 90-minute tour. You’ll see the brewing in action, hear about New Belgium’s unique history, and learn how your favorite New Belgium beers are made.
Both tours include beer samples for visitors ages 21 and older.
Tour Info:
- Where: 500 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
- When: The free New Belgium Tour runs at 4 p.m. daily and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Production tours are offered from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. daily.
- New Belgium Tour Cost: $0
- Production Tour Cost: $15 + a small booking fee
- Parking: Private parking lot, street parking
- Age Requirement: All ages are welcome on the New Belgium Tour, 12+ for the Production Tour
- Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended for the Production Tour.
Must-Try Beer: Le Terroir Wood-Aged, Dry-Hopped American Sour Ale
Where to Stay: The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection
Craft Brewery Tour in Fort Collins: Odell Brewing
Also in Fort Collins is Odell Brewing, known for its flagship 90 Shilling. The smooth and complex medium-bodied amber ale isn’t the only reason to visit, though!
During the immersive 60-minute tour of Odell Brewing, you’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at the custom 125-barrel brewhouse, the fermentation cellars, and the keg, canning, and bottling lines.
On a sunny day, head out to the beer garden after your tour to enjoy the tropical fruit flavors of Big Sippin’ Imperial Pineapple Sour, or, if you prefer classic beers, an Odell Pills. Then pair your libation of choice with a bite from a food truck!
Travel Tip: Are you traveling with someone who is sensitive to gluten? Odell makes a gluten-free beer and seltzer, and OBC Wine is available in the outdoor beer garden.
Tour Info:
- Where: 800 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
- When: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday – Sunday
- Cost: $10
- Parking: Private parking lot
- No reservations. Check-in at the taproom to join a tour!
Must-Try Beer: 90 Shilling Scottish Amber Ale
Where to Stay: The Armstrong Hotel
WeldWerks Brewery – Greeley
Many big names in the Colorado brewery scene — including Great Divide, New Belgium, and Odell — started around the early ’90s. Having opened in 2015, WeldWerks Brewery may be younger than the other Colorado breweries in this guide, but it is no less impressive.
In fact, WeldWerks was named the best new brewery by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards in its inaugural year. Since then, the brewery has won multiple Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup awards.
You can tour this award-winning brewery during its monthly tours in Greeley, about 30 miles (about 40 minutes driving) from Fort Collins and about 60 miles (about an hour by car) from Denver.
After your tour, head to the taproom to sip one of the brewery’s award-winning IPAs and chow down on Korean pork ribs, schnitzel with German potato salad, or chicken tacos and Mexican-style street corn.
Tour Info:
- Where: 508 8th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631
- When: Noon on the first Saturday of the month
- Cost: $6.63
- Parking: Private parking lot
- Age Requirement: 21+
Must-Try Beer: Medianoche Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
Where to Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Greeley at Lincoln Park
More Awesome Colorado Craft Beer Tours
Beyond Denver and Fort Collins, there are still hundreds of breweries to visit in Colorado. Here are a few more highly-rated craft beer tours in Colorado!
Wild West Pub Crawl – Golden History Tours
Mosey on the one-mile Wild West Pub Crawl to some of Golden’s best breweries!
During the three-hour walking tour, your “story-slinging” guide will share tales of Golden’s pioneers, outlaws, and wild past as you visit three local watering holes.
You’ll have your choice of beverage at each of these beer stops. Sip a German-style altbier or an oatmeal stout in the Gold City Brewery’s beer garden, try a reduced-gluten brew at Mountain Toad Brewing, or skip beer altogether for a non-beer or non-alcoholic drink!
Tour Info:
- Where: Tours start at Golden City Brewery, 920 12th St, Building 2, Golden, CO 80401
- When: 1 p.m. Saturday
- Cost: $55 adult, $44 military/public service (Active military, first responders, and teachers), $40 dry tour (no drinks included), $35 children (10 and younger, no drinks)
- Parking: Golden History Tours recommends parking in one of Golden’s parking garages, located east of Washington Avenue between 11th and 13th streets, or in one of the two parking lots in Miners Alley, west of Washington Avenue. Parking is free on the weekends.
- Age Requirement: Open to all ages
Colorado Springs Brew Tour – Rocky Mountain Ride
Explore the craft brewery scene in Colorado’s second-largest city on Rocky Mountain Ride’s Colorado Springs Brew Tour.
This small group tour of 4-14 participants is a fun and stress-free way to sample beers at a trio of craft breweries in Colorado Springs.
When you book your tour, you’ll have two options for your tour — one full pour at each stop or a beer flight at each brewery.
All tours include transportation to and from your Colorado Springs lodging, and snacks and water will be provided.
Tour Info:
- Where: Pick up from and return to your Colorado Springs accommodations
- When: Tours are available every 30 minutes from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday – Thursday
- Cost: $85 with one beer/stop, $105 with one flight/stop
- Parking: N/A
- Age Requirement: 21+
Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour – Ridden
Most of the brewery tours shared in this guide take place in Colorado’s Front Range, but the mountain towns also boast noteworthy craft beverage producers.
That is undoubtedly true in Breckenridge, where the local craft beverage scene began brewing in the 1990s.
During your visit to this alpine destination known for its ski slopes and hiking trails, carve out time for a scenic fat tire bike tour with tastings at Broken Compass Brewing Company and Breckenridge Distillery.
Tour Info:
- Where: Tours depart from Ridden., 520 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- When: 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. daily
- Cost: $85 adult, $45 child
- Parking: Street parking, private parking lot
- Age Requirement: All ages are welcome
Colorado Beer & Brewery Tours FAQ
What should I wear on a brewery tour in Colorado?
There is no need to dress up for a brewery tour in Colorado, but you should dress appropriately for the weather, especially for walking and biking tours.
I also recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, and some breweries require that you wear closed-toe shoes to tour their facilities.
For more information on what to wear, check out my size-inclusive Colorado packing guide for women.
What should I bring on a Colorado brewery tour?
Remember that some breweries, such as Coors, limit what you can bring on your tour. In general, I recommend you bring:
- Your ID (Passport, US state ID, or driver’s license)
- Cash to tip your tour guide
- Pre-purchased tickets printed or saved to your mobile device
- Sunglasses and sun protection for walking and biking tours (or even stops at beer gardens)
- Collapsible travel water bottle to stay hydrated!
- Optional: Beer-tasting journal and pen/pencil
Can kids go on brewery tours in Colorado?
Sometimes! Some breweries and brewery tour operators require tour participants to be of legal drinking age (21+), but some allow minors on their tours. You should check with the specific brewery or tour operator before booking.
Of course, all beer and alcohol samples are only provided to adults age 21 and older with ID. Some tours offer non-alcoholic drinks for minors, designated drivers, and anyone else not interested in sampling beers.
How many beer samples will I get?
This varies by tour. Most breweries that provide tours of their facilities offer 3-6 samples during the tour. On tours that visit multiple breweries, you may receive a pint, flight, or taster at each stop.
Colorado Brewery Tour Tips
It’s easy to overindulge during a brewery tour, so here are my tips for having a safe and fun day exploring Colorado’s breweries:
Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after your tour! Some tours will provide water, but I also recommend carrying water in a lightweight collapsible bottle.
Eat some food: Don’t go to your brewery tour on an empty stomach! Snacking as you go is best for tours with multiple stops. Many Colorado breweries also sell food or have a food truck on site.
Make a transportation plan: Unless you are booking a tour that picks you up from and drops you at your lodging, you should plan to have a designated driver, take public transportation, or use a ride-sharing service.
As seen throughout this post, Colorado is a beer-centric destination for your next beercation. I hope you use this guide to book a brewery tour and use my tips for a delicious, informative, and safe exploration of the Colorado beer scene.
Read Related Posts
- New Belgium Brewery Tour: The Can’t-Miss Activity in Fort Collins, Colorado
- Your Ultimate Guide to Colorado’s Front Range
- 10+ Fun Things to Do in Colorado Springs
- What to Wear in Colorado: A Size-Inclusive Colorado Packing Guide for Women
- Fort Lauderdale Beer Tour
- Guinness Storehouse Review: Why You Should Visit this Iconic Irish Brewery
Planning a beer trip in Colorado? Save this post on your Colorado Pinterest board to refer back later!
Discover more from The Epicurean Traveler
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a Reply