Grab your friends, pile in the SUV, and celebrate the beauty of Colorado this Independence Day with these in-state destinations.

Colorado summers are a blast, especially when spent exploring a different hiking trail, driving up a mountain road, watching the Rockies play, or just enjoying a beer on a patio. If you've got a serious case of wanderlust and want to honor our nation's birth away from the huddled masses of Denver, we suggest you fill up your gas tank and go on a road trip. For SUV drivers who have room for friends, outdoor gear, and a cooler, give these routes a look and get ready to take vacation snaps worthy of the 'gram.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

This was the first road trip I ever took after I moved to Colorado and I was completely floored by the natural beauty. Expect love at first sight once you see the majestic Dillon Pinnacles.

Estes Park

Yes, I know it's touristy, but treating yourself to a cocktail at the Stanley Hotel after wandering through Rocky Mountain National Park or fly fishing in the Big Thompson River is a perfect ending to a day spent in one of the most beautiful areas of our state.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

For those who grew up with beaches but now find themselves landlocked, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve combines mountain views with a vast expanse of sand dunes. If you want to feel like you've left the world for the 4th or just want to reenact a Lana Del Rey music video, this is where you need to go.

Eleven Mile State Park

Just a little over an hour west of Colorado Springs lies this 7,660-acre park that offers a variety of perfect Independence Day-worthy activities. Whether you're into boating, camping, biking, fishing, or hiking, Eleven Mile State Park offers everything an aspiring outdoor adventurer could want - even dogs are welcome!

Have you been to any of the above Colorado destinations? What are your plans for the 4th of July? Sound off in the comments.