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My Ideal Three Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

May 13, 2019 by Anna 5 Comments

Hi everyone! I’m hijacking Silvia’s blog today to give you a three-day itinerary through Colorado.

After living in Massachusetts my entire life, I decided to move to Denver last summer. Driving across half of the country was awesome, and reminded me how beautifully diverse the United States is.

And since I stopped just east of the mountains, I was so excited when Silvia told me about her plan to explore parts of the West—so I jumped at the chance to go with her.

Since I live in Denver, Silvia and I didn’t spend much time there before venturing to our first destination, Salida. But if you want to explore this amazing city, I highly recommend it! We get “300 days of sunshine a year.”

Except of course when Silvia comes through. Then the temperature plummets from a breezy 80 degrees Fahrenheit to about 30. And of course, SNOW. In late April. But who doesn’t love a nice variety? Maybe I’ll even write up a Denver itinerary post in the future…

Oh and also, Silvia put together a video of our entire Colorado trip here:

Table of Contents

Day 1: Denver to Salida

Salida is about a 2.5-3 hour drive from Denver, though I’d recommend giving yourself extra time, as you’ll likely want to take pictures along the way.

Salida is a town of about 5,000 people. But we were told it swells to over double that in the summer. And I can see why—the downtown has numerous small shops and tasty restaurants housed in beautiful historical buildings that date back to the 1890’s in some spots.

If you’re hungry when you arrive, you can check out The Fritz for sandwiches, or The Boathouse Cantina if you’re more in the mood for Mexican cuisine. 

After lunch, you’ll want to stick around town to check out the local culture. Depending on what day you’re visiting, I highly recommend you try one of the Salida Walking Tours. There are tours running at 10:00am daily, or at 2:00pm Wednesday through Saturday. You can also book a longer, private tour through their website. 

After the tour (which is about 1.5-2 hours, depending which one you do), you’ll want to head toward the mountains for an evening hike. We went to the Hecla Recreation Site, but you can also check out Turret Trail 6045 (a steep, but short 2-mile roundtrip hike) or Ruby Mountain Trailhead (a 2.7 roundtrip hike to the river).

Accommodation

About 30-minutes north, in Buena Vista, is the adorable Surf Hotel and Chateau . It’s in downtown Buena Vista, so perfectly within walking distance of a few good restaurants (we recommend The Lariat).

If you’d rather stay a bit closer to Salida, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is a great option. As the name implies, they have several hot spring pools around the property, all of which are naturally odorless. (If you chose not to stay here, you can also take advantage of the hot springs by purchasing a day pass.)

Right in downtown Salida is the Palace Hotel —though you may end up seeing it on the Salida Ghost Tour….

You can read more about our experiences in Salida and Buena Vista here .

D ay 2: Salida/Buena Vista to Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is about 2.5-3 hours from Salida. Since this drive is again mostly mountains, you’ll want to account for weather changes that may delay you (as well as so, so many photo opportunities).

After an hour and half of driving, you’ll get to Three Barrel Brewing , where you can stop for a quick lunch if you’re hungry. If you’re able to make it to Pagosa without getting lunch, I highly recommend The Peak Deli once you arrive for a variety of tasty sandwiches. 

Since Pagosa is known for its hot springs, if you aren’t already staying at a hot springs resort, you’ll want to grab a day pass and hit up The Springs Resort and Spa (if you’re staying there, this is included with the room). They offer 23 individual hot springs pools (5 of which are adult only) spread out against the back drop of the San Juan River.

For an afternoon snack, check out The Choke Cherry Tree for a variety of sweet and savory dips, deserts, and chocolates. They even do free tastings!

Where to Eat

Riff Raff Brewing is the place to go if you enjoy good beer. They also offer a variety of burgers, salads, and bar food.

Or head over to Kip’s Grill and Cantina for tacos and margaritas.

Where to Stay

If you stay at the Springs Resort and Spa   you’ll have access to all of hot springs pools, including through the day of your check out. 

Or, you can stay right across the street, at Healing Waters Resort and Spa . They offer comfy log cabins and a seasonal RV park, on top of rooms and suites. And of course, more natural hot springs to soak in.

Read more about our time in Pagosa Springs here .

Day 3 Pagosa to Denver

The drive back to Denver is about 5-6 hours. If you aren’t pressed for time, I suggest you check out a few notable destinations along the way.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is about 2.5 hours northeast of Pagosa. They’re the tallest sand dunes in North America, and have a pretty backdrop of diverse landscape, including the often snow-capped Rockies.

Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls are also two places to check out on the ride back to Denver. Both are located in Colorado Springs and offer stunning views. They’re about a 3 hour drive from the Great Sand Dunes, and a 4.5 hour drive from Pagosa Springs. 

From there, Denver is about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive. If you decide to stay in the area for another night, Manitou Springs is a fun nearby place to check. There are a variety of restaurants and shops in the downtown area.

And that’s it!

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jade bevan says

May 13, 2019 at 6:54 pm

omg I hope to go colorado some day! this looks beautiful!

Abdillah says

May 18, 2019 at 1:09 pm

Loved this post! I’m most interested to visit colorado

May 19, 2019 at 10:32 pm

Thank you so much for this lovely post. That landscape is surely amazing!

May 21, 2019 at 1:02 am

Fantastic itenerary! Thanks for sharing.

Kimberly C Burns says

June 8, 2021 at 9:45 pm

Buena Vista with an “a”

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The Perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Looking for the best Colorado road trip itinerar y? We’ve got everything you need to know to plan the perfect road trip through Colorado!

Colorado is definitely one of the most beautiful states in the USA. Full of unique national parks, hot springs, forests, ski resorts, vibrant cities, and more, any Colorado itinerary is guaranteed to be full of beauty.

This article will outline an ideal Colorado road trip itinerary. With a scenic drive around the state, you can combine all the highlights of the state into one unforgettable adventure.

Go horseback riding through the majestic Colorado National Parks. Strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails at Colorado National Monument.

Go sand sledding in Great Sand Dunes National Park, or admire the ancient cliff palace in Mesa Verde. Tour Union Station in Denver , check out a former mining town turned ski resort in Breckenridge , or take a scenic drive along the famous Trail Ridge Road.

This Colorado road trip is packed with excitement. There are also suggestions for ways to modify your Colorado itinerary to suit your schedule.

Whether you have one week or one month, here is a Colorado road trip itinerary that will suit any type of traveler!

If you need more inspiration, check out our list of the best things to do in Colorado !

Table of Contents

How long is this Colorado road trip?

Colorado springs, great sand dunes national park, mesa verde national park, black canyon of the gunnison national park, grand junction, glenwood springs, hanging lake, breckenridge, estes park and rocky mountain national park, return to denver, if you have less time…, if you have more time….

This Colorado road trip itinerary covers about 1,000 miles of central and western Colorado.

You’ll drive along a loop that begins in Denver. From there, head south to Colorado Springs, home to the famous Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.

From Colorado Springs, you’ll continue southwest, hitting the top national parks before traveling north up to Grand Junction.

After Grand Junction, start heading east again towards Glenwood Springs, Breckenridge, and finally up to Estes Park in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. Then head back towards Denver with a stop in Boulder on the way.

In total, the entire loop is about 18-20 hours of driving. You can break the Colorado itinerary up however you like. We’ve included a recommendation for how long to spend in each location, though of course this can be altered to fit your schedule.

We recommend downloading Google Maps to help you with your road trip. You can use the map live or download a road trip map offline if you need. You can save all your destinations with a pin and create a Colorado road trip map to follow on your journey.

With the time recommendations we’ve given, this Colorado road trip will probably take around 3 weeks. There are also some ideas for those who have less time or more time at the end of the road trip itinerary!

No matter how long you have, this Colorado road trip itinerary encompasses the absolute highlights of this incredible state. You’re sure to see some gorgeous sights and have epic adventures regardless of your time frame.

The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re coming from another state or country, begin your Colorado itinerary by flying into Denver International Airport.

You can rent a car right at Denver International Airport. Denver is a pretty car-friendly city, so you may want your rental car with you while exploring Denver before your road trip.

However, you also have the option of exploring downtown using public transport and then picking up a rental car in the city when you’re ready to leave for your Colorado road trip. Either way, Denver is the best place to rent a car and begin any Colorado road trips.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

• Recommended time here: 3 days

Start your epic Colorado road trip in Denver, the capital city of Colorado. Spending at least 3 days here if you have time is recommended, as there is so much to do!

Boasting a mile-high elevation, Denver offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and a climate that attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Also known as the Mile High City, Denver is the perfect gateway to the adventure and beauty of western Colorado.

Denver’s neighborhoods each have a distinct character, from the historic charm of Larimer Square to the trendy vibe of the RiNo Arts District, providing residents and visitors with a rich tapestry of experiences to explore.

The cultural scene in Denver is as diverse as its landscape, with a thriving arts community, numerous museums, and a bustling music and entertainment scene.

The city is home to the Denver Art Museum, showcasing a wide range of international and contemporary art, and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an iconic outdoor venue renowned for its acoustics and stunning natural setting.

Other highlights of the city include the Denver Botanic Gardens , the Downtown Aquarium, Union Station, the History Colorado Center, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. There is a museum or a gallery that will entertain anyone, and the nightlife is thriving as well.

Denver is really a must-visit on any Colorado itinerary, as it is the heart and soul of the state. No matter how long you choose to stay in Denver, consider getting a City Pass to save money on select attractions. Whenever you’ve finished enjoying the Mile High City, grab your rental car and hit the road!

• Distance from Denver: 73 miles
• Driving Time: 1 hour
• Recommended time here: 2 days

From Denver, you’ll head about an hour south to Colorado Springs . Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Springs is a city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with urban amenities.

Home to the iconic Pikes Peak, whose snow-capped summit graces the city’s skyline, Colorado Springs is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Tackle one of the many hiking trails, ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, go mountain biking, or just admire the view of the famous Pikes Peak mountain from down in the town center.

The Garden of the Gods, a mesmerizing red rock formation, also stands as a testament to the city’s geological wonders, offering hiking and rock climbing amidst stunning landscapes. If you only have time to see one attraction during your visit to Colorado Springs, The Garden of the Gods should be at the top of your list! It’s a must on any Colorado itinerary!

The city’s historic downtown, with its charming boutiques, galleries, and cafes, provides a welcoming atmosphere. The Olympic Training Center, another notable landmark, underscores Colorado Springs’ status as the home of the United States Olympic Committee.

Visitors can explore the rich aviation history at the National Museum of World War II Aviation or take a scenic drive along the Pikes Peak Highway for breathtaking views.

With a diverse range of cultural events, a strong sense of community, and proximity to outdoor adventures, Colorado Springs captures the essence of Colorado’s enchanting landscapes and vibrant spirit. From here, it’s time to continue the road trip by driving south to the magnificent Great Sand Dunes National Park.

• Distance from Colorado Springs: 154 miles
• Driving Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in southern Colorado, is a surreal and captivating landscape that stands in stark contrast to the traditional image of mountainous terrain often associated with the state. It’s one of Colorado’s most unique national parks!

Surrounded by the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, with some reaching heights of over 700 feet.

The juxtaposition of these towering dunes against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks creates a breathtaking panorama that lures visitors seeking a unique and visually striking natural experience.

Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a variety of activities, from sandboarding and sledding down the dunes to hiking through the diverse ecosystems that surround them.

The park encompasses not only the expansive dune fields but also grasslands, wetlands, and the scenic Medano Creek. Spring and early summer bring a natural phenomenon known as surge flow, where the creek surges and recedes rhythmically, creating a refreshing oasis amidst the arid landscape.

Stargazers also find the park appealing, as the absence of artificial light allows for unparalleled views of the night sky. If you’re thinking of camping at any point on your Colorado road trip itinerary, Great Sand Dunes National Park is an amazing place to do it!

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a testament to the diverse and awe-inspiring wonders that nature can sculpt, offering a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for those who venture into its sandy embrace.

Looking to try more US road trips? Check out our Utah Road Trip Guide !

• Distance from Great Sand Dunes National Park: 199 miles
• Driving Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

From Great Sand Dunes National Park, continue driving through southern Colorado until you get to the southwest corner of the state. Here you’ll find Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unparalleled archaeological treasures.

Mesa Verde National Park is home to an extensive collection of well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, which date back over 700 years. The most famous among these is the cliff palace, a complex of interconnected rooms and dwellings built into the sheer sandstone cliffs.

Ancient structures like the cliff palace provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people, showcasing their architectural prowess and adaptability to the challenging terrain.

Beyond the cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde National Park offers a wealth of archaeological sites, including pit houses, kivas, and mesa-top villages, each contributing to the rich tapestry of human history in the region.

The park’s diverse landscapes, characterized by expansive mesas, deep canyons, and high plateaus, make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the network of trails that wind through the park, providing stunning panoramic views and access to archaeological sites.

Mesa Verde National Park allows travelers to admire the ancient civilizations and rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest. It’s a top destination to visit on any Colorado road trip itinerary!

• Distance from Mesa Verde National Park: 153 miles
• Driving Time: 3 hours
• Recommended time here: 1 day

From Mesa Verde National Park, continue the Colorado itinerary by heading north through western Colorado’s dramatic landscapes. Your next destination is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a unique natural landmark tucked away in the area’s rugged terrain.

The Black Canyon is a striking testament to the raw power of erosion and the geologic forces that shape our planet. The park encompasses a dramatic and narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years, creating one of the steepest and most awe-inspiring canyons in North America.

The dark, sheer cliffs that line the canyon walls plunge dramatically, with some sections so narrow that sunlight only briefly reaches the canyon floor during certain times of the day. The name “Black Canyon” is derived from the limited sunlight that penetrates the deep gorge, creating an atmosphere of mystery and allure.

Visitors to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can marvel at the breathtaking vistas from several scenic overlooks along the rim, each offering a unique perspective of the canyon’s depth and intricacies.

Hiking trails wind along the rim, providing opportunities for exploration and panoramic views of the rugged landscape. For the more adventurous, the park offers challenging routes leading down into the canyon, where the serenity and magnitude of the rock walls become even more apparent.

If you have 1 day to spend here, you can simply marvel at the stunning views. But if you’re someone who loves hiking and adventure, it’s worth spending an extra day to conquer some of the incredible trails.

Black Canyon is not just a geological wonder but also a haven for wildlife, with golden eagles soaring overhead and mule deer traversing the steep hillsides, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts’s Colorado itinerary and those seeking the profound beauty of the natural world.

Read Next: Learn more about the best day trips from Colorado Springs !

• Distance from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: 71 miles
• Driving Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

The next stop on your Colorado road trip itinerary is Grand Junction, a picturesque city that serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.

Situated along the Colorado River and surrounded by red rock canyons, Grand Junction boasts a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and agricultural charm. The city is renowned for its vineyards and orchards, producing some of the state’s finest wines and fruits and making it a great place for wine tasting on your Colorado itinerary.

One of the top things to do in Grand Junction is visit the scenic Colorado National Monument. A red rock wonderland offering breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and opportunities for rock climbing, the Colorado National Monument is the best place to soak in the stunning canyons and expansive vistas of the Colorado Plateau.

Grand Junction’s charming downtown area is a vibrant hub featuring tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and a lively arts scene. Main Street is dotted with boutique shops, art galleries, and local eateries, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The city hosts various events throughout the year, including the renowned Colorado Mountain Winefest, celebrating the region’s viticulture.

With its proximity to outdoor wonders like the Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction provides a unique blend of recreational opportunities, cultural experiences, and a warm community spirit. These all help make it a top destination on any Colorado road trip.

• Distance from Grand Junction: 87 miles

Next on your Colorado road trip itinerary, you can start heading back east towards the Rocky Mountains until you get to Glenwood Springs. Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this charming mountain town is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and rejuvenating hot springs.

The city is situated along the Colorado River, surrounded by lush valleys and towering peaks. Glenwood Springs gained fame in the late 19th century for its therapeutic hot springs.

Today, visitors can unwind in the historic Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the world’s largest naturally heated mineral springs pool, which has been soothing travelers for over a century. Stay right at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort if you want to treat yourself to some luxury on your Colorado road trip!

In addition to its relaxing thermal waters, Glenwood Springs offers a myriad of recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the scenic Glenwood Canyon, embark on whitewater rafting trips down the Colorado River, or go mountain biking through the surrounding mountains.

The charming downtown area boasts Victorian-era architecture, boutique shops, and a variety of dining options. The historic Glenwood Vaudeville Revue and the iconic Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park further contribute to the town’s appeal, making Glenwood Springs a perfect destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure in a picturesque mountain setting.

You could easily spend more than 3 days here, but there are still more destinations to visit on your Colorado road trip!

Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Colorado Springs

• Distance from Glenwood Springs: 10 miles
• Driving Time: 13 minutes

From Glenwood Springs, it’s only about 13 minutes to Hanging Lake. You could visit the lake during your time in Glenwood Springs, but it’s on the way to your next destination so it could be more convenient to visit on your way out of the city.

Hanging Lake is a natural marvel renowned for its pristine turquoise waters and captivating setting. Accessible via a moderately strenuous hiking trail, the lake is cradled within a geologic amphitheater, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation.

What sets Hanging Lake apart is the delicate ecosystem that thrives in this high-altitude oasis, with waterfalls feeding the crystal-clear lake and travertine formations that cling to the cliffsides.

The journey to Hanging Lake is as rewarding as the destination, with the steep, rocky trail offering panoramic views of the Colorado River and Glenwood Canyon. The trailhead, located just off Interstate 70, has become a popular destination, and visitors are encouraged to make reservations to manage the impact on this fragile environment.

Recognizing the need for preservation, the U.S. Forest Service has implemented measures to protect the lake, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the unique beauty of Hanging Lake while also appreciating the importance of responsible stewardship in maintaining this natural treasure.

After soaking in the beauty of this lovely spot, continue heading east through the Rocky Mountains! Before you take on the highlights of Rocky Mountain National Park, stop in Breckenridge to visit one of Colorado’s top ski resorts.

• Distance from Hanging Lake: 95 miles
• Driving Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Breckenridge , a picturesque mountain town nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, is renowned for its historic charm, world-class skiing, and vibrant cultural scene.

Originally a mining town during the Colorado Gold Rush, Breckenridge has preserved its 19th-century character, with well-preserved Victorian buildings lining Main Street.

The town’s charming downtown is a hub of activity, featuring boutique shops, art galleries, and a diverse array of restaurants and cafes. Visitors can stroll through the historic district, where the Blue River runs alongside the vibrant streets, creating a scenic backdrop for year-round festivals and events.

Breckenridge is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing winter sports enthusiasts with its renowned ski resort. In the colder months, the Breckenridge Ski Resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding across a vast expanse of slopes, while the summertime brings opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the surrounding trails and alpine meadows.

With a welcoming community, breathtaking mountain vistas, and a rich blend of history and recreation, Breckenridge has become a sought-after destination that seamlessly combines the best of the Colorado Rockies with the warmth of a mountain town.

Read More: Don’t miss this post on the best things to do in Breckenridge !

• Distance from Breckenridge: 130 miles
• Driving Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

From Breckenridge, take a small detour north to visit Estes Park. Known as the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a charming mountain town that captures the essence of the Colorado Rockies.

Known for its stunning natural beauty and a gateway to one of the nation’s best national parks, Estes Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The town is surrounded by majestic peaks, and the Big Thompson River meanders through the valley, providing a serene backdrop to the picturesque landscape.

Visitors can explore the quaint downtown area, featuring unique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, creating a welcoming atmosphere that complements the town’s mountain ambiance.

Estes Park serves as a base camp for those venturing into Rocky Mountain National Park, offering access to a vast network of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and scenic drives. This is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the iconic park!

A must-visit is Bear Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by picturesque peaks. Bear Lake Trailhead offers access to several stunning hikes, including the famous Dream Lake and Emerald Lake trails.

Driving along Trail Ridge Road is another one of the top activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. One of the highest paved roads in the United States, Trail Ridge Road provides amazing views of the alpine tundra and a chance to spot elk, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife.

Or you can book a guided driving tour of Rocky Mountain National Park in a glass-top luxury van. This allows you to sit back and relax while your guide educates you about one of the nation’s greatest national parks.

You could easily spend a week in Estes Park and take countless day trips into Rocky Mountain National Park. But Trail Ridge Road, Dream Lake, Bear Lake, and any hiking trails should all be at the top of your list, and you can easily do all of these in just a few days.

Once you’ve finished exploring Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, head over to Boulder to start wrapping up your Colorado road trip!

• Distance from Rocky Mountain National Park: 40 miles

Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a vibrant and progressive city known for its stunning natural surroundings, active lifestyle, and thriving cultural scene.

Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, a series of striking rock formations, serve as a backdrop to the city and offer an array of recreational opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, and photography.

The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its extensive network of bike paths, green spaces, and an eco-friendly ethos embraced by the community.

Home to the University of Colorado Boulder, the city exudes a youthful energy and intellectual vibrancy. Pearl Street Mall, a charming pedestrian street in the heart of downtown, is a focal point for shopping, dining, and street performances.

Boulder also boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a focus on locally sourced and organic ingredients. The city’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its numerous tech startups, research institutions, and a reputation as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, yogis, and wellness seekers.

With a backdrop of mountain scenery, a lively cultural calendar, and a commitment to a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, Boulder is a great stop on any Colorado road trip itinerary. And it’s only 30 minutes away from Denver, so it easily fits into a Colorado itinerary.

Check our list of the 30 best things to do in Boulder for more ideas.

• Distance from Boulder: 27 miles
• Driving Time: 30 minutes

From Boulder, head back to Denver and return your rental car. Your Colorado road trip is over!

There were so many amazing places included in this Colorado itinerary, from Great Sand Dunes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park to the charm of cities like Colorado Springs and Boulder.

There is always more to see when you visit Colorado. If you didn’t get to see all the Colorado national parks and ski towns that you wanted on this Colorado road trip, you’ll just have to come back!

For more fun things to do in the area, try these day trips from Denver .

Hopefully this Colorado road trip guide has been helpful!

For those who are short on time, here are some modifications that may come in handy while planning your Colorado road trip.

First of all, you can cut down the amount of days you spend in each location. We recommended around 2-3 days in each place, but you could get away with 1 or 2 in most places.

The driving times in between destinations are only around 1-3 hours, so you won’t be sacrificing too much time on the road.

The longest drive is from Great Sand Dunes National Park over to Mesa Verde National Park, which is just under 4 hours. Mesa Verde is pretty far out of the way in southwestern Colorado.

To save time on your Colorado itinerary, you could skip this national park and just go straight from Great Sand Dunes National Park to Grand Junction in 4.5 hours.

Or you could skip Boulder on your way back to Denver if you’re not a big fan of exploring cities. If you’re not big into skiing or snowboarding, you could also cut out Breckenridge since the ski resort is the main attraction here.

So even if you only have a week or two for a Colorado road trip, there are ways to make it work!

Read next: 21 Best Places To Visit In Colorado

If you have more time to explore Colorado, there are so many amazing road trip options for you. First of all, you could easily just spend longer in each destination listed on this Colorado road trip!

Or you can add other cool destinations to your Colorado itinerary.

For example, you could stop in San Juan National Forest on your way to Mesa Verde. Visitors to the San Juan National Forest can explore a network of trails that wind through dense forests, traverse alpine meadows, and reveal stunning vistas of the rugged San Juan Mountains.

Or if you want more skiing and snowboarding in your Colorado itinerary, add more mountain towns to your road trip.

You can stop at Telluride Ski Resort on the way to Grand Junction, taking the Million Dollar Highway to get there. The Million Dollar Highway, a legendary stretch of U.S. Route 550 in Colorado, is renowned for breathtaking and sometimes hair-raising mountain views on the scenic drive.

Or stop in Aspen on the way from Glenwood Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park. Or spend more time exploring the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, seeing destinations like Grand Lake and Adams Falls.

There are many different Colorado road trip routes you could take. The more time you have, the better! Have a great road trip.

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Perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary: 22 Stops You Need to See

Posted on Published: June 21, 2023  - Last updated: January 5, 2024

The state of Colorado is a little bit magical. From the stunning Rocky Mountains, alpine lakes, adorable mountain towns and adventure around every corner, this state is unlike any other! Here’s an ultimate Colorado road trip guide that takes you to the top places to see and things to do in Colorado.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Colorado trip planning is no easy task – there’s so much to see and do – how do you even begin to start?!

Including all the best places to vacation in Colorado, this guide is perfect if you’re looking for a Colorado road trip. You can customize your trip based on the length of your vacation. Pick and choose from the activities and road trip stops below.

To see it all, you’d need a minimum of 3 weeks, which would be an amazing Colorado road trip! This Colorado itinerary starts and ends in cities, but let’s be honest – a visit to Colorado is meant to be explored outdoors! With some activities for winter and others for summer, spring and fall, this itinerary will work in any season.

Colorado road trip map

If you choose to do all 22 stops on this Colorado itinerary, here’s the best route to take. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you can join the loop at any point. 🙂

This Colorado road trip route starts in Boulder and ends in Denver. But if you’re flying into Colorado, it’s best to rent a car in Denver and then drive to Boulder to start your journey.

By the way, I recommend searching for a rental car with Discover Cars . It’s a free search tool that finds the best rate from all the major rental companies. I typically save 10-30% using Discover Cars !

Road trip Colorado: what to pack

Here are some road trip essentials you might want to take into consideration as you plan a trip to Colorado…

• Collapsible cooler. Perfect for traveling this cooler folds down and pops up when you need to keep food and beverages cold.
• Sunscreen and layers . No matter what time of year you visit Colorado, you’ll want to add or peel off layers as you adventure around these amazing destinations. And at this high of elevation, you’ll need sunscreen to protect your skin.
• GoPro. Take beautiful action photos and videos from your car, while hiking or sightseeing with a GoPro camera . It’s perfect for smooth videos, but also allows you to save your phone battery.
• Satellite communicator. Driving through the mountains and more remote parts of Colorado, you’ll run into a lot of the state that’s not within cell phone range. This satellite communicator allows for 2-way communication in the case of an emergency. Use it on a hiking trail, in a national park or road where there’s no cell phone service.
• Hiking gear. If you’re even thinking about stepping foot on a trail, come prepared! Proper hiking boots and moisture-wicking hiking socks , trekking poles and hiking backpack will go a long way in ensuring you’re comfortable while hiking and are adequately prepared.
• First aid kit. Keep it in your car or hiking backpack for just-in-case situations. You just never know!

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Ultimate Colorado itinerary and road trip stops

Are you ready to see the best places to vacation in Colorado and an awesome route that takes you through the state? There’s truly so many things to see and do in Colorado!

Let’s dive in!

Start in Boulder, Colorado

Recommended time: 1 day

From Denver, hop in a car and head straight to Boulder – just 45 minutes away. Boulder is known as a food scene, the place to be for cold brews, and a gateway to the mountains, Boulder is a good time.

It’s got a cute and lively downtown that seems to be busy year-round, too!

Best things to do in Boulder

• Visit Pearl Street Mall. Watch street performers, shop cute boutique stores, grab some ice cream or people watch on one of the best downtown spots in all of Colorado.
• Do a tasting at a brewery or microbrewery. Boulder has more breweries per capita than any other city in the US, so you’ll likely find a good one. 🙂 Here’s some Boulder Breweries to check out.
• Hike or climb the Flatirons. A sight to see in real life, these giant tilted rock slabs are beyond impressive. The Mesa Trail is 13 miles and will take you past the best flatirons.
• Visit Eldorado Canyon State Park. View really cool landscapes and a great spot for a picnic, hike, climb, kayaking or paddle boarding. Note: check the official website for timed entry reservation days.
• Food! With over 300 restaurants, there’s plenty to choose from! We decided on tacos on a rooftop bar after a day exploring the area…perfection!

Speaking of food, the best road trips have great snacks! Check out the 101 Road Trip Food Ideas: Best Fun and Healthy Snacks You’ll Love

Estes Park (road trip Colorado: gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park)

Estes Park, Colorado is a fun mountain town best known for y ear-round outdoor activities. From snowshoeing to skiing, hiking and zip lining, Estes Park has something for everyone.

Since Estes Park is neighbors to Rocky Mountain National Park, the scenery is pretty incredible.

If you’e up for a thrill, head over to the the Stanley Hotel. It’s one of America’s most haunted hotels and was the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining . (I honestly wasn’t brave enough for this adventure during my time in Estes Park!)

Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road (a Colorado itinerary favorite)

Recommended time: 1-3 days

It’s the kind of place that takes your breath away. Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful beyond measure , and a place that you could spend a week exploring without getting bored.

But since this is a Colorado road trip itinerary, let’s keep it to 1-3 days, okay?

From Estes Park to the next destination in Grand Lake, you’ll take Highway 34 right through the Park, also called Trail Ridge Road. And it’s got to be one of the most beautiful drives in the state!

So popular, that the National Park Service is now requiring timed entry reservations for a majority of the time the road is open (it’s closed during winter). This will take a bit more planning in advance, so be sure to factor this in with your Colorado trip planning.

Top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park

• Hiking! There’s over 350 miles of hiking trails in the park – just pack your bear spray !
• Visit – or swim in – a gorgeous lake. Bear Lake, Adams Falls, or Sprague Lake are really beautiful.
• Witness the alpine tundra at the Alpine Visitor Center. We visited the park in late June and found many, many feet of snow still packed on the mountainside at the visitor center. While you’re there, make sure to hike the Alpine Ridge Trail to see the summit at 12,000 feet!

Pro tip: pack layers for Rocky Mountain National Park (my favorite travel pieces, merino wool , is perfect for this). Even if you’re just driving through for the day, at over 11,000 feet in elevation, getting out of your car is cold even in the hottest parts of summer.

Visit the quaint town of Grand Lake, during your Colorado road trip

Recommended time: 1-2 days

This picturesque town in Colorado is often overlooked by tourists – which is part of the appeal in my opinion! Grand Lake offers gorgeous lake and mountain views (it’s neighbors to Rocky Mountain National Park, after all) and is a quiet little village.

Walk the main street for little shops and restaurants. Or buy a souvenir to remember this amazing Colorado road trip adventure you’re on! Oh, and the ice cream shop in town is to die for so make sure you grab a cone while you’re there.

My favorite thing to do on Grand Lake is spend time on the water! Kayak the lakes and canals – it might just be the highlight of your trip!

Pro tip: rent kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats or even motor boats in advance as they sell out quickly in such a small town. Grand Lake water rentals here.

Colorado road trip continued – Central Colorado

Ok, so this adventure has explored some fun parts of northern Colorado – if you choose to add them to your Colorado itinerary! More scenic spots ahead!

Hit the slopes in Keystone, CO

Get your skis or board ready to experience some of the best skiing in the country! If you love being on the snow, the Rocky Mountains in Colorado is the place to do it.

For the purposes of this article I chose Keystone, but there’s a ton of spots to ski right off I-70. Breckenridge, Aspen and Vail are popular ski resorts, too. Just make sure to rent equipment and make reservations well in advance during peak ski season.

My first (and only) snowboarding experience was in the Rocky Mountains, and I’d highly recommend it!

Beautiful Colorado road trip spot: Dillon Reservoir

Recommended time: 1/2 to 1 day

If you like water activities, Dillon Reservoir is the place to be. A huge lake with the perfect mountain backdrop, Dillon Lake is gorgeous.

Kayaking or boating, hiking or bike riding, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. I highly recommend renting bikes and riding the trails around the lake for a unique Colorado experience!

One of the coolest things to do in Dillon is hike the Sapphire Point Overlook Trail. It’s more of a walk than a hike, and offers beautiful views of the lake. Best time to go is the middle of a sunny day with the sun overhead for truly sapphire colored water.

Be sure to head out to one of the local breweries in town for some brews, pizza or burgers to wind down the day. Such an amazing stop during this road trip Colorado!

Year-round adventure in Frisco, Colorado

Head to Frisco for all things adventure in Colorado! Of course there’s skiing, but there’s also tubing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, a dirt bike track, disc golfing, kayaking and hiking.

So basically, if you like being outdoors you’ll love Frisco! With plenty of options for accommodations and dining, this is a perfect one-day stop on an epic Colorado road trip.

Frisco is especially known as a winter destination for tubing and cross-country skiing in the winter. It’s the perfect stop for Colorado trip planning in the wintertime.

Experience Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado is the largest ski mountain in Colorado and it’s one of the bigger tourist spots on this list . Aside from mountain adventures, this town hosts lots of annual events and festivals, so there’s always something to do in Vail.

Vail is an excellent spot to enjoy a more luxurious side of Colorado. Find your zen at a yoga class or spa. Stay at one of the nicest resorts in all of Colorado, overlooking the gorgeous Rockies.

Head on over to Vail Village to experience for dining and shopping. Grab an ice cream cone at Sundae and walk the village.

Oh, and hit the slopes in over 5200 acres of terrain. If you’re into snowboarding or skiing, Vail is a great spot for it!

Sylvan Lake State Park (another favorite place to vacation in Colorado)

Okay, okay. This might be one of the most beautiful places in Colorado! I got the pleasure of spending a week exploring Sylvan Lake State Park a few years ago and honestly, I loved every minute of it.

If you’re looking for a more rustic vacation, try one of the cabins, yurts or campsites. Then rent kayaks or paddle boards on the lake and soak in the views!

Try the Sylvan Lake Trail or Sneve Gulch Trail for the best views of Sylvan Lake! Hiking through trails of Aspen trees is super fun, too. Just remember to pack your bear spray , hiking shoes and plenty of water.

Pro tip: if you’re planning to do any hiking in Colorado, be prepared with the right gear. These hiking shoes are my favorite and super grippy with ankle support. And trekking poles will definitely help you with those steep inclines, plus they’re compact too.

Perfect Colorado itinerary – heading west

As you transition from the jagged Rocky Mountains to the fun western part of the state, the landscape begins to change. With generally warmer weather, these destinations and activities will have you Colorado trip planning allll the places you can fit into your timeline!

Cross Hanging Lake off your bucket list

Recommended time: 1/2 day

I’ve already covered some beautiful places, and yet there’s more! Hanging Lake is one of the most uniquely gorgeous lakes in all of Colorado, and is extremely popular. Because of the beautiful lake’s allure, it’s accessible by permit only.

Schedule your hike weeks in advance during the summer months as it fills up fast. This trail is 2.4 miles round trip and it’s got a steep incline. You’re rewarded with a gorgeous view of this geologic gem! It’s so beautiful and such a unique experience, you’ll have fun crossing it off your Colorado bucket list .

Make reservations for Hanging Lake here .

Go hiking in Glenwood Canyon

Recommended time: 1/2 day to 1 day

The Glenwood Canyon area is one of my favorite spots in all of Colorado. Interstate 70 west of Denver runs along the Colorado River and both cut right through the canyon. And while the drive through the canyon is beautiful, seeing it while hiking is even better .

Best Glenwood Canyon hiking trails

• Glenwood Canyon Overlook Trail, 3.2 miles
• Glenwood Springs Boy Scout Trail, 6.2 miles
• Glenwood Canyon Trail, 14.3 miles
• Grizzly Creek Trail, 7.9 miles
• Wulfsohn Trail, 2.9 miles
• Jess Weaver Trail, 9 miles
• Doc Holiday Grave Trail, .7 miles
• Babbish Gulch, 3.2 miles
• Lookout Mountain Trail, 11 miles

Colorado itinerary continues: get hot in Glenwood Springs

The biggest thing that brings tourists to Glenwood Springs is the natural hot springs. Visit the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, which is the largest mineral hot springs in the world!

I’ve visited the hot springs in both winter and summer, and both seasons are fun. Make sure to get there early during summer and weekends, as the pool fills up quickly. Find out more about the Hot Springs Pool here .

While you’re in Glenwood Springs, make sure you check out the downtown historic district . It’s a great spot for street performers and to grab a bite to eat.

Speaking of which, I had the best tacos of my entire life at Slope and Hatch. They’ve received accolades from Travel & Leisure and Insider as one of the top taco places in the US. More on that here .

Colorado road trip with kids? Visit Fruita!

Recommended time: up to 1/2 day

The town of Fruita is relatively small, but for kids it’s an adventure land! One of the main attractions is Dinosaur Journey Museum.

It’s an interactive museum showcasing over 15,000 fossils, a dig site where kids can search for bones, visit a real paleontology lab, see robotic dinosaurs and more. My favorite is the Triceratops skull, which is possibly the largest ever found on earth.

Check out the Dinosaur Journey Museum’s Facebook page for the latest discoveries and event information.

Visit an icon: Colorado National Monument (must-do on this Colorado road trip itinerary)

By the time you drive to Colorado National Monument, Colorado, you’re no longer in the mountains – you’re in the desert! In fact, it’s one of the best stops on a Denver to Moab road trip as well!

Located near Grand Junction, on the western edge of the state, Colorado National Monument is the 2nd nationally protected on this list.

You could probably spend days exploring Colorado National Monument, but to see the highlights, make sure to take the scenic road – Rim Rock Drive . With 19 viewpoints in just 23 miles, it offers some of the best views in Colorado!

Other things to do Colorado National Monument

• Catch views of Monument Canyon
• Hike Devil’s Kitchen, 1.5 miles
• Window Rock
• Balanced Rock
• Independence Monument View
• Cold Shivers Point
• Hike the Canyon Rim Trail, 1.8 miles

Road trip Colorado – southern part of the state

While there’s simply too many good spots in Colorado to cover them all, here are the highlights of the southern part of the state. And the perfect way to loop back around to the starting point, with plenty of adventures along the way.

Let’s keep going!

Next Colorado road trip stop: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a huge park split up into 3 sections – South Rim, North Rim and East Portal. For the purposes of this Colorado itinerary, we’re going to focus on the South Rim section.

This national park is jaw-dropping beautiful, and to be honest, not for those afraid of heights! Many hiking trails and even the road is right beside steep drop offs, so use caution in this park.

One of my favorite parts of this park is the fact that it’s one of the least visited parks in Colorado. So it’s not packed with people, even during peak season! Making this park one of the best places to vacation in Colorado .

Top sights and things to do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

• Take the 7-mile South Rim Drive
• Painted Wall Overlook
• Hike Rim Rock Nature Trail, 1 mile
• Devil’s Lookout
• Pulpit Rock Overlook
• Hike Oak Flat Loop Trail, 1.3 miles
• Stay until dark and stargaze – it’s an international dark sky park!

Pro tip: if you’re planning to visit all the national parks on this list, be sure to get an annual pass – America the Beautiful pass – through the National Park Service. It allows you access to all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands for 12 months, which is a bargain if you plan to visit 3 or more.

I’ve used mine all across Colorado, but also while hiking Avalanche Lake Trail in Glacier National Park, while visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and underrated national monuments like Petroglyph and Bandelier in New Mexico.

Drive the Million Dollar Highway: Ouray to Silverton

Recommended time: 1 hour

If you’re looking for a scenic drive in Colorado , this is it! Highway 550 from Ouray to Silverton is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and if you’re on the best Colorado road trip ever, this needs to be part of the journey!

You’ll experience hairpin turns, jagged cliffs, fun lookouts that will leave you breathless. And all in less than 25 miles of road!

Bonus if you take this road in the fall with the gorgeous changing leaves. It’s truly one of the best scenic drives in all of the U.S.!

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (underrated stop on this Colorado itinerary)

Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, this place is beyond impressive! And let me tell ya, if you have some adventure in you, this is a great stop for your Colorado road trip itinerary!

One of the best things to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is sand sledding and sand boarding! Specifically designed to help you fly down sand hills, make sure you rent the right gear! Here’s more info for renting sand sleds and such .

More adventurous things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

• Go off-roading up the scenic Medano Pass Primitive Road (4-wheel drive necessary!)
• Camp with the best view of the stars!
• Hike to Zapata Falls, 0.9 miles

This is such an underrated stop on this Colorado road trip, but a fun adventure for all ages!

White water rafting down the Arkansas River

One of my first trips I took with girlfriends was a white-water rafting adventure trip in Colorado. The Arkansas River is powerful and impressive!

There are many great options for white-water rafting in Colorado . Perhaps one of the coolest spots is taking a trip down the Arkansas River under the Royal Gorge Bridge near Canon City, Colorado.

Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. Seeing it from underneath is a whole new perspective, too! More on the bridge, here .

Back to rafting…you can take a half or whole day rafting trip . Whole day trips include lunch and typically let you experience more views of the canyon, wildlife and of course the river.

Pro tip: most rafting companies only operate May 1st – September 30th, so make sure your trip is in this window if you’re wanting to raft down a river.

More on this Colorado road trip itinerary

The last stretch of this Colorado road trip is just as fun as the rest of it! With mountain views, city activities and a few more surprises, this beautiful is continuing to steal our hearts during this epic Colorado vacation!

Hang out with giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Ranked one of the top 10 zoos in the country , the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo does not disappoint! I’ve visited the zoo multiple times and the animal interactions are unique and fun. Feeding the giraffes is a must-do in this zoo!

The zoo is open year-round and has indoor and outdoor exhibits, perfect for even a winter Colorado road trip! Just a note though – there’s lots of hills so be prepared for a good walk when visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

You can enjoy as little as an hour visiting this zoo, or spend 1/2 day or more. It’s a fun spot for all ages on this road trip Colorado.

Visit Garden of the Gods (classic stop on this Colorado road trip itinerary)

No Colorado road trip is complete without a visit to Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs ! You could spend a day (or more) hiking the trails and checking out the scenery, but for this Colorado itinerary let’s keep it to a day.

For a simple hike with tons of scenery, I’d recommend the Perkins Central Garden Trail. It’ relatively flat and is about 1.5 miles. The best way to see the park is though the walking trails so plan to spend some time here checking out the scenery.

If you have a bit more time, you can hike the Siamese Twins Garden of the Gods . This scenic trail has fun views of funky rock formations, and overlooks the park and Pikes Peak.

Bonus: Garden of the Gods is free!

Colorado Springs is one of the best places to visit in August , so if you happen to be planning your adventure in late summer, you’re going to love it!

Epic views at Pikes Peak (a Colorado itinerary must-see)

Nicknamed America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak is a must-do on a trip to Colorado. With an elevation of over 14,000 feet, if you choose to drive you’ll have quite the climb!

Many people take a car up to the view point and visitor center. If you’re maybe not quite comfortable ascending 8,000 feet up from Colorado Springs, you can opt to take a guided tour .

Oh, and expect the viewpoints to be crowded. Nearly 6 million people visit Pikes Peak each year. Starting your route early in the morning may help to beat the crowds!

Pro tip: pack your layers here. I visited in the middle of summer and wasn’t as prepared as I could have been. Learn from my mistake, okay?

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Colorado road trip – Denver

Alright so no Colorado road trip itinerary is complete without some time in Denver. There’s about a million things to do in Denver, so it can be hard to choose what to do!

Each time I’ve vacationed in Denver, I made a visit to the 16th Street Mall in downtown. It’s the perfect spot for dining, bar-hopping, shopping and people watching. An outdoor pedestrian mall, 16th street is a mile long that offers a free shuttle, stopping at every block. So hop on and off as you please.

More things to do in Denver

• Denver Botanical Gardens
• Union Station
• Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
• Enjoy a brewery or microbrewery
• Art District on Santa Fe

As you finish your time in Denver, you can loop back up to Boulder, drive home or back to the airport to fly out. What an amazing adventure, right?!

Colorado itinerary: where will you go on your road trip?

Okay so now that you’ve seen all 22 Colorado road trip stops, which do you like best? I mean, with all the stuff to do in Colorado, you really can’t go wrong! I hope you have an amazing road trip with plenty of scenic drives too. 🙂

Comment below on which spots you think you’ll hit – I’m dying to know!

Don’t forget, if you’re planning to rent a car for this epic Colorado road trip, check out the cheap rates on Discover Cars . I typically save 10-30%, which can really add up! They search top car carriers to find the best deal, at no extra cost to you. Check rental car rates here

Related: Summer in Breckenridge: 30 Amazing Things to Do (Plus What to Know Before You Go) 26 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Dillon, CO Breckenridge Troll in Colorado: Everything You Need to Know Denver to Moab: 16 Scenic Stops You Gotta See to Believe 101 Road Trip Snack Ideas You’ll Love 15 Essentials to Pack on a Road Trip with Kids

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Sunday 25th of June 2023

I did a cross country national park road trip before the pandemic and Rocky Mountain National Park was one of my favorite parks (I made it to 22 of em' so it's saying something! :P ). I loved my time in Colorado and hope to go back again someday to visit!! Saving this for when I do!

Monday 26th of June 2023

Oh awesome Farra! Yes, RMNP is amazing. And wow what an adventure that sounded like. Hope you make it back soon!

Sunday 7th of August 2022

I have a trip coming up. 6 days to spend and a lot to cover. This list definitely helps. I have most of the spots from this list in my itinerary.

Tuesday 9th of August 2022

Oh I'm so glad to hear that Akash! I hope you have a fabulous time touring Colorado. It's such an incredible state.

Friday 23rd of July 2021

I'm going on a solo Road Trip to Colorado for 2 weeks in September. I'm so excited. Your article has given me a lot of places that I plan to hit now. I swim EVERY day, so I'm hoping to find places to swim each day of my trip. I hope that will not be hard to do. I'm an ice swimmer so if it's cold that's not an issue. Ha ha. I even plan to stay a night at The Stanley Hotel.

Sunday 25th of July 2021

Thanks so much for your comment - I'm so glad you found the post helpful! I love that you booked a night in the Stanley Hotel - such an iconic spot! I hope you have a wonderful time in Colorado!

Valerie Giacoma Wolenberg

Tuesday 22nd of June 2021

Planning a trip for August! Thanks for all the tips! Staying in Winter Park as our base.

Very cool, Valerie! You'll love Winter Park...and the rest of Colorado! Glad you found this post helpful :)

Wednesday 9th of December 2020

I've been pleased to learn about your journey with this blog post. I loved the photos that you have shared. And I am feeling fly to Colorado as soon as possible.

Friday 11th of December 2020

That's so great, Elisa. I hope you get to make it to Colorado soon :)

The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary to See the Best of the State

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Colorado is a land of epic mountains, abundant wildlife, historic mountain towns , natural hot springs, striking red rocks, more sunny days than Florida, and the BEST beer.

I always knew I would love Colorado , and it is no surprise that it is now one of my favorite places in the world, and a place that I am very lucky to call home – well, part of the time at least #nomadlife .

Since I first arrived in Colorado four years ago, I have been all over the state, crisscrossing road trips through the desert and over gravel mountain passes, up 14’ers, soaking in hot springs , to numerous charming mountain towns and haunting ghost towns, on beautiful and challenging hiking trails, and to more breweries than I can count.

There is so much to explore in Colorado that you could travel the state for a year and still not experience everything. It is an outdoor lovers’ dream that I just can’t get enough of, and there is so much Wild West history here too.

It is also a state that is best explored with your own set of wheels, you simply won’t see the best of Colorado without a vehicle. It is one of the best US Road Trips you can do, in a country that is made for road-tripping.

I have been wanting to put together a Colorado road trip itinerary for the longest time, an epic Colorado itinerary that will take at least three weeks to do, but would be better suited for a month or more of travel.

This ain’t no Denver /Vail/Colorado Springs jobbie, this is the real deal, super detailed, massive circular (kinda) road trip route that will take you to the best of the state, including hot springs, breweries, mountain towns, ghost towns, scenic drives, and awesome hiking trails – amongst other things.

It includes my favorite places to eat, the best drinking holes in town, and a handful of accommodation options per place, including budget hostel or camping options, vacation rentals, and a nicer lodge or hotel option, focusing on independent businesses that are historic or charming, rather than chain hotels. 

We have done a lot of incredible housesits all over Colorado, and this is an excellent way to travel as you get free accommodation and get to stay in someone’s home, which I think is so much nicer than staying in a hotel.

There are always loads of Colorado housesits on Trusted Housesitters. Sign up through my link to get 25% off your first year of membership – you can search for housesits before signing up.

Because it includes hiking trails and mountain passes that are only open from June/July till September/October, this road trip is designed for the summer and fall months.

This is the road trip that will make you fall head over heels for Colorado, and I warn you – once you have followed this Colorado road trip itinerary – you may just end up moving there.

So here it is, my super-duper, gigantic Colorado itinerary for an epic summer or fall road trip!

Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Colorado road trip route.

Check out my Colorado road trip interactive map here.

Here is my Colorado road trip route, with every overnight stop included as well as places to visit along the drive. As most people will be flying in and starting from Denver, this is where my Colorado itinerary starts and ends.

Denver – Boulder – Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park – Grand Lake – Hot Sulphur Springs – Steamboat Springs – Glenwood Springs and Hanging Lake – Grand Junction and Colorado National Monument – Montrose and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Crested Butte – Telluride – Ouray – Silverton – Durango and Mesa Verde National Park – Pagosa Springs – Great Sand Dunes National Park – Valley View Hot Springs – Salida – St Elmo Ghost Town – Buena Vista – Aspen and Maroon Bells – Leadville – Vail – Frisco – Breckenridge – Georgetown – Idaho Springs and St Mary’s Glacier – Denver

There are a few places that I really love in Colorado that I wasn’t able to fit into this route without a lot of backtracking, but check out my other Colorado posts to find out more.

This is the perfect route in my eyes, but everyone is different and likes different things. You can pick and choose from this Colorado itinerary and cut some things and add others to make it the perfect Colorado road trip for you.

I know not everyone has weeks to explore Colorado, so if you have less time and are looking for the best road trips from Denver for one week or even less, get in touch – I would love to help you out and give you some suggestions for the amount of time you have.

My Perfect Colorado Itinerary for 3 + Weeks

Denver 2-3 days.

Even if you aren’t a fan of big cities, I recommend spending at least two days in the city and surrounds of Denver.

The Greater Denver area is home to nearly half the population of the whole state, and I think to get a good understanding of Colorado you need to experience where so many Coloradans live.

I already have a detailed post about how to spend three days in Denver , so go and check that out for more details on places to go, where to stay, and where to eat in the city. Also, check out my Denver suburbs guide with a more in-depth look at what to do, eat, and drink in Denver’s best neighborhoods.

Denver highlights include soaking up 19th-century history in Larimer Square and LoDo, having an out-of-this-world experience at Meow Wolf, brewery and restaurant hopping in the Highlands, biking the riverside trails around the city, street art hunting in RiNo, hiking or catching a show at Red Rocks, hiking in Golden and tubing the river, and exercising and picnicking in expansive Washington Park.

Where to Stay in Denver: For budget options, Hostel Fish or Ember Hostel and The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa  or The Crawford Hotel for refined luxury. If you prefer vacation rentals, then check out  RiNo Luxury Flat ,  City Park One Bedroom , and Urban Refuge Carriage House.

Where to Eat in Denver: So many places! Go to Snooze or Sassafras for brunch, sample some creative small plates at Root Down where the focus is eating local, grab a burrito bowl at Illegal Pete’s, eat at a former mortuary turned eatuary – Linger, try delicious Native American fare at Tocabe, and make sure to check out a few of the food halls that Denver is known for including Avanti, The Denver Central Market, Zeppelin Station and Denver Milk Market to name a few.

Where to Drink in Denver: Again, so many places! Have pickle shots at the Retro Room, amazing craft beer at Denver Beer Company, Little Machine, Ratio Beerworks, New Terrain in Golden, Strange Craft, and Goed Zuur – a sour and wild beer-only bar, libations in the sun on the roof terrace at Avanti, and giant frozen margaritas on the patio at Rio Grande. And don’t miss one of the best speakeasies in the country – Williams and Graham.

Boulder 1-2 Days

Drive Time to Boulder: 30 minutes/27 miles

Boulder is both a mountain town and a college town and is a liberal place that is a great stop for eating and hiking, and a must on any Colorado Itinerary.

If you are short on time I recommend spending at least one day there, checking out the shops and buskers on pedestrian Pearl Street, wandering along pretty Boulder Creek, eating at one or two of the excellent restaurants in town, grabbing a beer at a local brewery, and doing a hike – Royal Arch in Chautauqua Park and the Mount Sanitas Loop are my favorites.

Where to Stay in Boulder: Boulder Adventure Lodge, Basecamp Boulder , or Hotel Boulderado. For vacation rentals, check out this Cabin on Boulder Creek , or this South Boulder Studio .

Where to Eat in Boulder: The beautiful, hand-painted Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse which was gifted by Tajikistan offers delicious teas and food from around the world, the Avanti food hall which has an awesome roof terrace with mountain views and various restaurants including a pizza place, Korean, and pupusas, and try the best pizza in Boulder at Pizzeria Locale.

Where to Drink in Boulder: There are tons of great breweries in Boulder, I would recommend Sanitas Brewing Co., VisionQuest, and Twisted Pine. Also make sure to check out the awesome Rayback Collective which has a cafe, bar, food trucks, and live music on site – it’s a great place to get a couple of hours of work done before knocking off for some beers.

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park 2-4 Days

Drive Time to Estes Park: 50 minutes/37 miles

After stopping for a look around and a drink at Oskar Blues in the cute town of Lyons , you will arrive in touristy but very pretty Estes Park – the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park . 

You can either explore Estes Park for a couple of hours and then head into Rocky Mountain National Park to camp, or you can base yourself in Estes Park – it’s up to you and they are both good choices.

Pro Tip: If you are planning to visit the four National Parks in Colorado as well as Colorado National Monument – they are all in this itinerary – then get the America the Beautiful Annual National Parks pass.

The pass lasts for one year, covers your vehicle and anyone in it, and costs $80. It will save you $35 in entry fees compared to purchasing passes to each park separately, and you can use it for one year at National Park sites all over the U.S. Buy it at the entrance gate to Rocky Mountain National Park.

In Estes Park, make sure to visit the infamous Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for The Shining, and reputed to be haunted. To avoid the entrance fee, park your car in town and walk up there to look around for free.

Estes Park is a great place to get your Colorado souvenirs, and if it is a rainy day, catch a movie at the historic Park Theatre, the oldest theater west of the Mississippi.

Rocky Mountain National Park

There is so much to see in Rocky Mountain National Park that you could spend weeks hiking the different trails. For a short visit of only a couple of days, I recommend doing the Gem Lake trail, which is in a section of the park very close to Estes Park, then heading into the park via the Beaver Meadows Entrance.

The most trafficked part of Rocky Mountain National Park is the area around Bear Lake, and you need to go as early as possible if you want to get a park there, otherwise, you can park at the park and ride and take the free bus.

Spend at least a day in the Bear Lake area, making sure to do the hike to Emerald Lake via Dream Lake, the short Bear Lake trail, and the longer trail to Sky Pond if you have time – my favorite trail in the park.

On your last day in Rocky Mountain National Park, spend a day driving Trail Ridge Road, stopping at viewpoints, the Alpine Visitor Center, and doing the short Alpine Ridge trail and Tundra Communities Trail.

For a longer hike, the Ute trail is very worth it, even if you just do a section of it.

On the other side of Trail Ridge Road, stop to do the short but interesting hike to the Holzwarth Historic Site, and perhaps a longer hike on the western side of the park – I have hiked to Cascade Falls on the North Inlet Trail and it is a beautiful hike. 

If you want to spend a couple of extra days in Rocky Mountain National Park, consider visiting the lesser-known Wild Basin area of the park. To get to Wild Basin, you need to take State Highway 7 from Estes Park towards Allenspark, before turning off to get to the entrance station.

One of the top hikes in the Wild Basin area is to Ouzel Falls, if you are hot after your hike make sure to take a shower under the falls. I have heard great things about the Chasm Lake hike too. Stop in Allenspark for a beer and pizza at Rock Creek Tavern and Pizzeria before heading back to Estes Park.

Where to Stay in Estes Park: Estes Park Adventure Hostel offers dorm accommodation and a communal kitchen right by town. Hotel options are Murphy’s River Lodge , Blue Door Inn , or The Stanley Hotel . For vacation rentals, stay in this charming rustic studio cabin , or this cozy downtown one-bedroom loft .

Alternatively, camp at one of the campgrounds on the eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park – Moraine Park or Glacier Basin. It is best to book these online in advance as they are full most nights in summer, especially weekends. 

Where to Eat in Estes Park: For good BBQ, try Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew, have a massive breakfast at Big Horn Restaurant, and have some beers and pub grub at The Wapiti Colorado Pub.

Where to Drink in Estes Park: After a day of hiking, try some local beers at Rockcut Brewing Co., Avant Garde Aleworks, and Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.

Grand Lake 1-2 Days

Drive Time to Grand Lake: 1 hour 40 minutes/46.5 miles

Grand Lake is the gateway to the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, and is a bit more rustic and less touristy than Estes Park.

The town isn’t large so a couple of hours looking at the shops, checking out the lake, and eating at one of the restaurants there should suffice, although if you get in late after driving Trail Ridge Road, it’s a good overnight stop.

Stay longer if you want to base yourself there to do some of the trails on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park – the East Inlet trail is meant to be a stunner.

Where to Stay in Grand Lake: Shawdowcliff Mountain Hostel or Grand Lake Lodge . For vacation rentals, stay at this affordable Grand Lake condo , or this dog-friendly lakefront rental . If you want to camp, Elk Creek Campground and RV Resort is right by town. 

Where to Eat in Grand Lake: Sagebrush BBQ and Grill for great BBQ in a rustic setting, Grand Pizza for a massive range of specialty pizzas.

Where to Drink in Grand Lake: The Worlds End Brewpub has the best selection of craft beers on tap in town, and a nice patio to enjoy them in the sun.

Hot Sulphur Springs – Half day

Drive Time to Hot Sulphur Springs: 30 minutes/25 miles

If you are a hot springs junkie like I am, make sure to stop at the small town of Hot Sulphur Springs on the way to Steamboat Springs for a few hours, to take a dip in the pool complex of the same name. This is one of my favorite hidden gems in Colorado .

There are 22 pools and private baths, all of different temperatures, and it is a relaxing and unassuming place that doesn’t get a load of tourism. But don’t expect anything fancy.

You can stay at the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort as an alternative to Grand Lake, and you get unlimited access to the pools from check-in to check-out. The Canyon Motel in town is also a great option.

For vacation rentals, stay at this Modern-Rustic Luxury Rock House , or this Hot Sulphur Springs Cottage .

Steamboat Springs 1-3 Days

Drive Time to Steamboat Springs: 1 hour 20 minutes/70 miles

Beautiful Steamboat Springs gets missed off many a summer Colorado Itinerary and that is such a shame, because it is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the state, and it’s home to one of the best hot springs: Strawberry Hot Springs.

I recommend spending at least one night in Steamboat Springs, to look around town, grab a beer at one of the brewpubs or breweries, eat a meal at one of the excellent restaurants, and hit the hot springs – evening is best.

Stay even longer and you can check out some of the hiking trails near town too – Fish Creek Falls is probably the most famous. This winter resort town is just as good in summer.

Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs: Stay at the Chalet Val d’Isere Bed & Breakfast , or  The Steamboat Grand . For vacation rentals, stay in this  quaint and luxurious studio , or this  downtown condo with balcony . Alternatively, stay at Strawberry Hot Springs in a caboose, a cabin, or camping. 

Where to Eat in Steamboat Springs: Winona’s for giant cinnamon rolls and big breakfasts, and Creekside Cafe and Grill for their very reasonable happy hour menu for snacks and drinks, and their garden patio overlooking a creek.

Where to Drink in Steamboat Springs: Mountain Tap Brewery for great local beer and wood-fired pizza, Storm Peak Brewing Company for eclectic craft beer, and The Barley Tap and Tavern for locally sourced beer and spirits.

Glenwood Springs 1-3 Days

Drive Time to Glenwood Springs: 2 hours 15 minutes/115 miles

Glenwood Springs is a historic town that is famous for its hot springs. My favorite part of town is the riverfront and Grand Avenue near the river.

Grab some food from one of the restaurants in this area, and if you love eclectic fashion, then check out the awesome Elizabeth Dean Boutique .

Skip the main Glenwood Springs Hot Springs and go to Iron Mountain Hot Springs instead, located on a hillside overlooking the river. These peaceful hot springs pools are absolute heaven and you should spend an afternoon and evening soaking here.

Calming music plays, and you can hop around the different pools of different temperatures.

Another big Glenwood Springs attraction is the hike to Hanging Lake, arguably the most famous hike in Colorado. Check here for up-to-date information about prices and reservations.

There are lots of other hikes in the area too, including the short hike to Doc Holliday’s grave, and the Roaring Fork River trail – both of which you can begin right in town.

Where to Stay in Glenwood Springs: Ami’s Acres Campround close to town, Hotel Denver , or Starlight Lodge . For vacation rentals, stay at Casa Del Sol with mountain views, or this modern one-bedroom in downtown Glenwood Springs.

Where to Eat in Glenwood Springs: Smoke Modern BBQ for delicious BBQ and mac and cheese, Grind for a wide range of burgers, beers and boozy shakes , and 19th Street Diner for a classic American Diner experience.

Where to Drink in Glenwood Springs: Casey Brewing Taproom for excellent craft beer – especially the sours, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub is a cozy spot for a local craft beer, and Doc Holliday’s Saloon is a historic western-themed tavern with drinks and pub grub.

Grand Junction and Colorado National Monument 2-3 Days

Drive Time to Grand Junction: 1 hour 20 minutes/87 miles

Grand Junction is the most populous city on Colorado’s Western slope and is the gateway to Colorado’s wine region.

Although Grand Junction is a pleasant city in itself and a great place to wander around and explore, the main reason people visit this college city is because of its proximity to Colorado National Monument . 

Spend at least a day hiking and driving the scenic roads through the red rock desert of underrated Colorado National Monument – my favorite hike was the Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon loop trail.

Also, make sure to visit pretty Palisade, home to some of the best peaches in the country and surrounded by wineries, farm stands, breweries, and even a distillery – visit the best by following the self-drive Fruit and Wine Byway routes.

Where to Stay in Grand Junction: Camp at Saddlehorn Campground in Colorado National Monument or stay at Hotel Maverick or the Grand Vista Hotel . For vacation rentals, stay at this affordable suite near downtown, or the charming Sweet Apple Cottage .

Where to Eat in Grand Junction: The Goat and Clover Tavern for English pub food, Pablo’s Pizza for inventive pizzas.

Where to Drink in Grand Junction: Edgewater Brewery and The Rockslide Brew Pub for local craft beer, and The Feisty Pint for generous happy hours and Colorado beer, cider, and spirits.

Montrose & Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 1-2 Days

Drive Time to Montrose: 1 hour/61 miles

Montrose itself is not terribly exciting, but it is the gateway to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and has a handful of good restaurants and breweries.

There is also an excellent living history museum – Museum of the Mountain West – that includes a number of 19th-century buildings, and all kinds of stuff from the past 150 years that the owner has painstakingly collected over his lifetime.

The entry fee includes a two-hour tour of some of the restored buildings and it was fascinating.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the least visited National Parks in the U.S. and comprises a very deep canyon of distinctive black rock.

It is a small park at only 231 acres, but there is enough to keep you busy for a day or two – from various viewpoints to hiking trails.

Where to Stay in Montrose: South Rim Campground in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. In Montrose, stay at Old School Lodge or Double G Ranch & Guestlodge . For vacation rentals, stay at this rustic mountain cabin , the beautiful Black Canyon Cottage on a private ranch, or this unique rustic treehouse .

Where to Eat in Montrose: Crash Burger for simple but delicious burgers, and Colorado Boy for inventive and delicious pizza.

Where to Drink in Montrose: Horsefly Brewing Company for local craft beer, burger and wings on their sunny patio, and Phelanies for top-rate cocktails.

Crested Butte 2-3 days

Drive Time to Montrose: 1 hour 45 minutes/92 miles

Crested Butte is my second favorite mountain town in Colorado – only just edged out by Telluride, and if you have the time then you should definitely add Crested Butte to your Colorado Itinerary, despite it being a big detour to get there.

Crested Butte is a vibrant and pretty mountain town that is surrounded by some of the most scenic wilderness in the U.S., with Maroon Bells right on its doorstep.

In the fall, drive Kebler Pass, Ohio Pass, or Cottonwood Pass for breathtaking fall colors, and hike Gothic Mountain for a summit hike with epic views and wildflowers.

Nearby Gothic Ghost Town is worth checking out, originally a silver mining town it now has a second life as a facility for the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

Where to Stay in Crested Butte: Crested Butte Hostel , Cristiana Guesthaus , or Nordic Inn. For vacation rentals, stay at this private guesthouse on Elk  or The Alley House , both in downtown Crested Butte.

Where to Eat in Crested Butte: McGill’s for their hearty breakfasts, awesome pitas at a great price from Pitas in Paradise, upscale pub grub at Irwin Brewing Company’s Public House, Sherpa Cafe for your Indian fix, awesome bagels from Butte Bagels, Secret Stash for perfect pizza.

Where to Drink in Crested Butte: Camp 4 Coffee for great coffee and breakfast burritos, The Dogwood for incredible craft cocktails, and local beer at The Eldo Brewery.

Telluride 2-4 Days

Drive Time to Telluride: 3 hours/157 miles

Telluride is one of my absolute favorite mountain towns in Colorado, and although it is a bit out of the way, you should definitely have Telluride on your Colorado Itinerary. This town is so dang gorgeous and has a vibrant and active community.

Telluride is also home to a number of festivals in summer, with the Telluride Bluegrass Festival being one of the biggest. If you want to visit during a festival, make sure to plan your tickets and accommodation in advance.

There are tons of things to do in Telluride and you should definitely hit up some hiking trails, take the gondola up to Telluride Ski Resort from town, and visit the nearby Alta Ghost Town.

Check out this post I wrote for more details about what to see and do in Telluride.

Where to Stay in Telluride: The Bivvi is an excellent affordable option with dorm and private rooms. Town Park Campground for camping right in town, Inn at Lost Creek in Mountain Village, or   the New Sheridan Hotel. For free camping, stay at beautiful Priest Lake. If you want a vacation rental, this bright one-bedroom with a patio overlooking the river and this cute studio are both great choices and both are right downtown.

Where to Eat in Telluride: Award-winning Brown Dog Pizza for delicious Detroit-style pizzas, Smuggler Union Restaurant and Brewery for a range of craft beers and pub-style food, and Baked in Telluride is the best budget option in town and had excellent pastries, soups, and sandwiches. If you are in Telluride on a Friday, don’t miss the weekly Farmer’s Market.

Where to Drink in Telluride: Telluride Brewing Company for inventive beer, Stronghouse Brewpub for craft beer, and rustic Last Dollar Saloon for its massive range of beers and awesome margaritas. 

Ouray 1-2 days

Drive Time to Ouray: 1 hour/50 miles

Rivaling Telluride in beauty, Ouray is another gorgeous historic mountain town that is absolutely picture-perfect and has a number of hiking trails nearby. It is a must-add to a Colorado Road Trip!

Other than just wandering around the town and swooning at the colorful flower boxes and historic buildings, I highly recommend you visit the Wiesbaden Hot Springs and Vapor Cave for a relaxing experience at a great price. This is one of the most unique hot springs in Colorado .

Wiesbaden is actually a lodge but you don’t have to stay there to visit the pools. There is a hot pool outside, and then under the lodge there is a small natural hot pool inside a cave with a waterfall – so cool!

Alternatively, Orvis Hot Springs is another great local hot spring set in a beautiful garden with a few outdoor pools, as well as private indoor pools which are included in the price. It is clothing optional.

A popular and very beautiful trail nearby is the Blue Lakes trail near the town of Ridgway to the north. This eight-mile out-and-back hike is moderate to difficult but so worth it to see these gorgeous lakes! For shorter hikes in town, hike along the river or do the Ouray Perimeter Trail.

Where to Stay in Ouray: Amphitheater Campground , Wiesbaden Hot Springs and Lodgings , Imogene Lodge , or Timber Ridge Lodge. For vacation rentals, this renovated historic home in the heart of downtown, and this modern studio apartment on the river.

Where to Eat in Ouray: Brickhouse 737 for eclectic American cuisine and cocktails – this is one of my favorite restaurants in Colorado!, Colorado Boy Southwest Pub for killer artisan pizza and Southwestern cuisine.

Where to Drink in Ouray: Ouray Brewery for award-winning beers on their rooftop with mountain views, or enjoy beers at Mr Grumpy Pants Brewing (also known as Ourayle House Brewery).

Silverton 1-2 days

Drive Time to Silverton: 45 minutes/24 miles

The drive from Ouray to Silverton on the Million Dollar Highway is one of the most beautiful in the country, especially in mid to late September when the fall colors are at their peak.

Silverton is a real wild west mountain town that is not polished like Telluride or Ouray, and in that lies its charm.

With unpaved streets and more historic buildings than you can shake a stick at, a walk around Silverton will make you feel like you have stepped back in time to the Gold Rush days.

This is another favorite Colorado road trip stop.

The best place to learn about the storied history of Silverton is at the San Juan County Historical Museum, which has loads of info about the founding of the town and mining history in the area, and it incorporates the old county jail.

Like most mountain towns in Colorado, there are a number of hiking trails nearby and it’s a great base if you want to get into the wilderness. I am dying to do the Ice Lake Basin trail myself.

Where to Stay in Silverton: Teller House or the   Grand Imperial Hotel. For camping, stay at Molas Lake Campground or Silverton Lakes RV Resort. For vacation rentals, stay at Stellar House in downtown Silverton, or this unique tiny house that is also downtown.

Where to Eat in Silverton: Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory for decadent funnel cakes, The Bent Elbow for excellent American dishes, Handlebars Food and Saloon for their extensive menu and western decor, Eureka Station for pasties.

Where to Drink in Silverton: Golden Block Brewery for local brews, The Bent Elbow for their old-timey bar.

Durango and Mesa Verde National Park 2-3 days

Drive Time to Durango: 1 hour/48 miles

Durango will feel like the big smoke compared to the mountain towns you have been visiting, but it’s still a lovely small city with beautifully restored historic buildings and a lively student population.

Mesa Verde National Park is only a 40-minute drive away so unless you are wanting to camp in the park, Durango is a great base as there are a number of good restaurants, breweries, and bars in town.

Mesa Verde National Park is one of the highlights of this whole Colorado road trip itinerary, especially if you are into history like me. The cliff dwellings here are simply spectacular, and are some of the best-preserved archeological sites on the whole continent!

Along with doing some hiking and visiting the viewpoints over the different cliff dwellings, you absolutely have to visit at least one of the cliff dwellings up close and personal. I highly recommend taking tours of Balcony House, Long House, and/or Cliff Palace and doing the self-guided tour of Step House.

For hikes in Mesa Verde National Park, I enjoyed the Spruce Canyon Trail, the Point Lookout Trail, and the Soda Canyon Trail.

Along with visiting Mesa Verde National Park, another popular attraction in Durango and one of the most beautiful train journeys in the country is between Durango and Silverton – the Narrow Gauge Railway.

I am yet to do this myself but I have heard great things! You can do the return train journey with two hours spent in Silverton in one nine-hour day trip.

Make sure to save an afternoon and evening to soak at the excellent Durango Hot Springs which has over 20 different pools to choose from and a restaurant onsite.

Where to Stay in Durango: Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park, or stay at The Strater Hotel or the General Palmer Hotel in Durango. For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy treehouse condo or this urban homestead in downtown Durango.

Where to Eat in Durango: Grab sliders, pizza, or tacos from one of the eateries at 11th Street Station which also has a bar and live music. Neopolitan pizza from Fired Up Pizzeria. 

Where to Drink in Durango: Awesome craft beer at Ska Brewing Co or Steamworks Brewing Company. Cocktails at the Old West-style Diamond Belle Saloon where the wait staff dress in period clothing.

Pagosa Springs 1-2 days

Drive Time to Pagosa Springs: 1 hour 10 minutes/60 miles

Pagosa Springs is a pleasant town set on the San Juan River and is most famous for its hot springs. There are a couple of different options in town, and if you love hot springs and want to try more than one.

I recommend the relaxing Overlook Hot Springs with various pools over three levels, and The Springs Resort and Spa which has pools sitting right on the river and is the premier hot springs complex in town (the price certainly reflects this).

If you want to stay longer, there are plenty of activities in the area like hiking, tubing, kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking to keep you busy.

Where to Stay in Pagosa Springs: Pagosa Riverside Campground , The Springs Resort and Spa , Fireside Cabins , or Healing Waters Resort & Spa . For vacation rentals, stay at this charming studio with mountain views, or this cozy downtown studio .

Where to Eat in Pagosa Springs: The Peak Deli for delicious breakfasts and sandwiches (the best breakfast burrito in Colorado!), Mountain Pizza and Taproom for pizzas and pour-your-own beer taps, Root House for coffee drinks and cafe fare.

Where to Drink in Pagosa Springs: Riff Raff Brewing Company for craft beer in a Victorian house.

Great Sand Dunes National Park 1-2 days

Drive Time to Great Sand Dunes National Park: 2 hours 10 minutes/108 miles

Great Sand Dunes National Park will make you feel like you are on the planet Tatooine, but without Luke Skywalker. You probably wouldn’t expect to see so much sand when you are so far from the ocean, but there it is. This is definitely one of the more unique stops on this Colorado Road Trip Itinerary!

This offbeat National Park is home to the tallest sand dune in North America, and you can hike up it. But if you don’t have nine hours, then hike up the highest dune on the first ridge instead, and then slide back down if you have something to slide on.

Along with all that sand, Great Sand Dunes National Park is also home to wetlands, grasslands, alpine forests, and tundra, and there are numerous hiking trails that will allow you to explore the diverse landscapes in the park.

In spring and early summer, cool off in Medrano Creek – it is only flowing during this short window each year.

Where to Stay for Great Sand Dunes National Park: For camping, Piñon Flats Campground in the park or Great Sand Dunes Oasis RV Park just outside the park. Nearby hotels are Great Sand Dunes Lodge or The Sunet Inn in Alamosa. For a vacation home, stay at this artsy Southwest house in Alamosa.

Where to Eat & Drink in Great Sand Dunes National Park: The only place to eat within 25 miles of the park is the Great Sand Dunes Oasis Restaurant. It’s best to bring your own food for your visit.

Valley View Hot Springs 1-2 days

Drive Time to Valley View Hot Springs: 1 hour 10 minutes/66 miles

If you manage to book a slot to visit or stay a night, you should definitely add the remote Valley View Hot Springs to your Colorado itinerary.

These rustic, clothing-optional hot springs are managed by a land trust, and you have to make sure you book in advance because only a certain number of people are allowed in each day.

Ring a week in advance to book and make sure you will be there on the day you say because the cancellation fee is hefty.

But believe me, this special place is worth the hassle. I met the most friendly and interesting people soaking in the various natural pools and the views are incredible down over the San Luis Valley.

Bring your own food because there are no restaurants or stores nearby. Be warned – if you are not comfortable around nudity then it is probably not the place for you, although it is perfectly acceptable to wear a bathing suit if you feel more comfortable.

Salida 1-2 days

Drive Time to Salida: 45 minutes/38 miles

Another day, another beautiful and historic mountain town – there really are so many in Colorado! Salida is home to Colorado’s largest National Historic District with 136 preserved buildings that have a wild west past.

You can either drop in for a short visit to Salida to check out the pretty main street and go for a stroll by the river or stay longer to do some hiking, mountain biking, or world-class white water rafting.

If it’s hot, you can swim in the river right in town, then grab a local beer at one of the town’s breweries.

Where to Stay in Salida: The Salida Inn and Hostel , American Classic Inn , or Silver Ridge Lodge. For vacation rentals, stay at cute Tenderfoot Cottage or turn-of-the-century Dvora’s Guest House , both downtown.

Where to Eat in Salida: Amicas Pizza Microbrew for wood-fired pizzas and beer brewed onsite, Tacos El Tapatio for authentic Mexican food. Brown Dog Coffee Company for good coffee and breakfast burritos in cozy surroundings.

Where to Drink in Salida: Try local craft beer at Soulcraft Brewing, Tres Litros Beer Company, and Moonlight Pizza and Brewpub. The Biker & The Baker is a great choice for wine and cocktails, and Benson’s Tavern and Beer Garden for drinks and live music.

St Elmo Ghost Town – Half Day

Drive Time to St Elmo Ghost Town: 50 minutes/32 miles

My favorite ghost town in Colorado, St Elmo is also one of the best-preserved in the American West. It is absolutely worth going a little out of your way to visit, whether you love history, photography, hummingbirds, or just exploring beautiful places.

On arrival, grab a pamphlet to take a self-guided walk of this late 19th Century historic town, where 43 buildings remain, including a saloon, a courthouse/jail, mercantile, and private homes.

Summer is an excellent time to visit if you love hummingbirds because there are dozens of them buzzing around the various feeders by the General Store in town.

There are also lots of chipmunks, I love those little cuties! In fall, the gold of the aspens surrounding the town is absolutely spectacular.

Another couple of ghost towns that are definitely worth visiting in the area are Vicksburg and Winfield.

Located in Clear Creek Canyon just north of Buena Vista, these two ghost towns are great for a wander and there is dispersed camping all along the gravel road. You can easily do this drive in a 2WD.

If you want to stay at St Elmo, you can camp at Iron City Campground right by it.

Buena Vista 1-3 days

Drive Time to Buena Vista: 40 minutes/20 miles

Buena Vista is another one of my favorite mountain towns, and I love the friendly locals, the cute downtown, and the proximity to hot springs, hiking trails, and other outdoor adventures.

I don’t see Buena Vista on many a Colorado Itinerary, but I think it should be on them all.

My favorite things to do in Buena Vista are to hang out around town looking at the boutiques and people-watching at a bar or cafe, walking along the river in fall to admire the fall colors, hiking alpine trails in the stunning Collegiate Peaks – like the popular Ptarmigan Lake, and soaking at one of the hot springs nearby – I love Cottonwood Hot Springs, but Mount Princeton Hot Springs is another popular option.

Like Salida down the road, Buena Vista is one of the best places in the country to go white water rafting so if that is something you are interested in, you should get on a rafting trip here.

I did a rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument and absolutely loved it!

Whether you are only passing through or you decide to stay a few days, you are going to love Buena Vista – we are even thinking of buying land here we love it so much.

Where to Stay in Buena Vista: Cottonwood Hot Springs Lodging for rooms, cabins, dorms and camping, Five Peaks , or Surf Hotel & Chateau. For vacation rentals, stay in this cute one-bedroom in the trendy South Main district, or this sweet cabin in the heart of BV.

Where to Eat in Buena Vista: The Buena Viking Food Truck is very popular with locals and visitors for their amazing burgers and sides, or try the pizza at Elkhorn Pizzeria.

Where to Drink in Buena Vista: Eddyline Brewery for local brews, The Lariat for cocktails and live music, art-filled local hot spot Buena Vista Roastery Cafe for craft coffee and tea drinks and baked goods.

Aspen, Maroon Bells and Independence Pass 2-5 Days

Drive Time to Aspen: 3 hours 15 minutes/162 miles

This is another big detour in this Colorado road trip itinerary. I have tried to take you on a mostly circular route but you shouldn’t miss Aspen and Maroon Bells – it’s worth the detour, I promise.

Take at least half a day to drive over scenic Independence Pass, the highest paved pass in North America which is only open in summer and fall.

Stop for photos or hike the Interlaken trail at Twin Lakes to the remains of a once luxurious resort, enjoy epic views at the Continental Divide Viewpoint, and learn about mining history at beautiful Independence Ghost Town .

This is also one of the best fall color drives in Colorado, and once you start the descent from the Continental Divide into Aspen, the golden display of aspen trees covering the mountains on both sides of the road will knock your socks off.

Aspen is a former mining town, turned hedonistic counter-culture town, turned ritzy mountain resort with some of the most expensive real estate in the country.

Unfortunately only the rich can afford to live in Aspen now but it is still a beautiful place to visit, with the gorgeous historical buildings and colorful flower baskets that you see in a lot of mountain towns in Colorado.

There is also a lot to do around Aspen with some incredible mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing.

No matter what, spend at least half a day in nearby Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness , which is one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the whole country. There are a number of hiking trails from short strolls to multi-day adventures.

Where to Stay in Aspen: Difficult Camping Ground , The Gant , or Tyrolean Lodge. For vacation rentals, stay at this newly remodeled studio condo or this similar studio – both in the heart of Aspen.

Where to Eat in Aspen: White House Tavern for premium sandwiches, snacks, and craft cocktails in a 19th Century Miner’s cottage, Grateful Deli for lovers of sandwiches and The Grateful Dead.

Where to Drink in Aspen: Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar for elevated cocktails, Aspen Brewing Co for local craft beer and pizza.

Optional: Backpacking Trip in Maroon Bells 2-3 days

If you are looking to add a multi-day hike to your Colorado road trip itinerary, I highly recommend doing one in Maroon Bells.

Two of the most popular hikes are the Four Pass Loop which takes three or four days to complete, and the two-day return hike to remote Conundrum Hot Springs.

But I recommend doing the Aspen to Crested Butte hike over West Maroon Pass and back on East Maroon Pass with a night in Crested Butte. If you do this you could cut the big detour to Crested Butte earlier in the road trip out.  

This was one of the best hikes I have ever done with incredible mountain scenery, wildflowers and wild berries everywhere, and you get to spend an afternoon and evening exploring the beautiful Crested Butte.

I wrote a detailed guide to this hike here . You can do this in two days or take your time as we did.

Leadville 1-2 days

Drive Time to Leadville: 2 hours 40 minutes/129miles

At this point of your Colorado road trip, you have been to a lot of mountain towns that were former mining towns and are full of history – but Leadville is one of the best.

Like Silverton, the buildings in Leadville’s historic downtown have been somewhat restored, but it still retains a real Wild West vibe and has a rough and readiness to it that I love.

Leadville sits at over 10,000 feet and the winters here are especially harsh, this attracts a special type of person and there sure are some colorful characters that call Leadville home.

If you are a fan of spending hours browsing through cavernous antique stores with old stuff piled everywhere (who doesn’t?!) then don’t miss Western Hardware Antiques, and the Old West memorabilia at the Legendary Silver Dollar Saloon has to be seen to be believed.

If you are interested in the history of Leadville, make sure to visit the Matchless Mine and Baby Doe’s cabin, do a tour of the Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin, and visit the National Mining Museum and Hall of Fame.

The second-highest mountain in the lower 48 states, Mount Elbert, is right by Leadville too so if you want to bag a 14’er this one is a great choice. 

Where to Stay in Leadville: For camping, stay at the Molly Brown Campground by Turquoise Lake, or Elbert Creek Campground if you are looking at summiting Mount Elbert. Another great budget option is to rent an ensuite room at The Mountain Hideaway Lodge , this is where we stay when we are in Leadville and we love the jacuzzi and sauna, the shared kitchen, and how close it is to town.

Hotel options include Inn the Clouds Hostel & Inn  and The Abbey. For vacation rentals, stay in one of Leadville’s tiny houses – my top picks are this one , this one , and this one . 

Where to Eat in Leadville: Treeline Kitchen for classic American plates done really, really well, and inventive cocktails. High Mountain Pies for great pizza.

Where to Drink in Leadville: The Legendary Silver Dollar Saloon for drinks in an Old West watering hole, and Two Mile Brewing Company for local brews.

Vail 1-2 days

Drive Time to Vail: 1 hour/38 miles

Drive Highway 24 via the cute town of Minturn to perhaps the most famous Ski Resort in the U.S. – Vail.

Vail is picture-perfect, but really – it’s more a ski resort than a real town. It doesn’t have the mining history of so many of Colorado’s mountain towns, and it shows. Rather than being full of historic buildings, it has been modeled to look like Switzerland or Austria, and although it is pretty, it’s all a bit fake if you ask me.

But – it’s still worth visiting as the setting is STUNNING and there are some great hiking and biking trails, including a lovely easy path that follows the river.

If you have ever wanted to hike with alpacas, you can do that in Vail, as well as horse riding, climbing, tubing, zip-lining, and riding an alpine coaster. And don’t miss the pretty Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.

Where to Stay in Vail: The Bunkhouse Hostel in Minturn, or Gravity Haus Vail or Tivoli Lodge in Vail. For vacation rentals, stay in the Birch luxury studio , or the Streamside Douglas one-bedroom villa .

Where to Eat in Vail: Up the Creek for relaxed dining by the river, Yeti’s Grind for coffee and breakfast burritos, Swiss Chalet Restaurant for fondue and Swiss eats.

Where to Drink in Vail: Vail Brewing Company and 7 Hermits Brewing Company for local craft beer, Shakedown Bar for drinks served with live music.

Frisco – Half Day

Drive Time to Frisco: 30 minutes/26 miles

On the way between Vail and Breckenridge, stop for a look around the lovely town of Frisco with its historic Main Street.

If you are into history, check out the free self-guided Frisco Historic Park and Museum which includes the Old Schoolhouse and Jail.

There are a number of hiking trails that start right in town, so stretch your legs on one of these before hitting the road again.

Where to Stay in Frisco: If you do decide to stay in Frisco, the Snowshoe Motel or Frisco Lodge are great choices. For vacation rentals, stay at Cedars Lodge studio condo , or this chic duplex – both downtown.

Where to Eat in Frisco: Butterhorn Bakery for the best breakfast in town, 5th Avenue Grille for delicious New American cuisine, Ein Prosit for German beer and sausages. The Mint Steakhouse in nearby Silverthorne is also a great choice – you cook your own protein and it is in the oldest building in Summit County.

Where to Drink in Frisco: Outer Range Brewing Company and Highside Brewing for great local craft beer.

Breckenridge 1-2 days

Drive Time to Breckenridge: 20 minutes/10 miles

Breckenridge is one of the big ski resorts in winter, but in summer it is host to a whole lot of fun warm-weather activities like world-class mountain biking, hiking, scenic drives, summer dog sledding, zip-lining, paddle-boarding, and river rafting, to name a few.

If you are looking for a party, then Breckenridge is great for that too. With over 100 restaurants and bars in Breckenridge and a young and lively population, Breck knows how to party.

And like Vail, Breckenridge is also home to a large number of festivals throughout the year – there is always something going on.

If you are visiting in the fall, don’t miss driving at least some of Boreas Pass, and do some of the fall hikes in the area including Aspen Alley for golden aspens and mining history.

And whatever time of year you are visiting, make sure to add a visit to the Breckenridge troll  to your Colorado road trip!

Where to Stay in Breckenridge: The Bivvi Boutique Hostel , Gravity Haus , or Mountain Thunder Lodge . For vacation rentals, stay at Peak 9 studio condo or this cute studio – both in downtown Breck.

Where to Eat in Breckenridge: Amazing Grace for killer breakfasts in a homey environment, American comfort food on the sun-soaked patio at The Canteen Tap House & Tavern.

Where to Drink in Breckenridge: Breckenridge Brewery & Pub for inventive beer and pub food, Broken Compass Brewery for their inventive and delicious craft beers – try their Ginger Pale Ale and Coconut Porter, and The Absinthe Bar for a wide selection of absinthe.

Georgetown 1-2 Days

Drive Time to Georgetown: 45 minutes/37 miles

Georgetown is a cute little town right off the I-70 near Idaho Springs, and is definitely worth a visit if you are into mining history or want to hike the closest 14’er to Denver – Mount Bierstadt.

The main street of Georgetown is full of historic buildings, and if you are interested in mining history – there are tours of the historic Capital Prize Gold Mine.

Drive the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway for stunning fall colors in September and gorgeous views all year round, and ride the Georgetown loop railroad on an old steam engine past several gold and silver mines from the past.

Where to Stay in Georgetown: Rose Street Bed & Breakfast or Georgetown Mountain Inn . For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy cottage downtown , or in this super affordable and cozy one-bedroom condo .

Where to Eat & Drink in Georgetown: Cooper’s on the Creek for elevated Colorado fare,   Guanella Pass Brewing Company for awesome local brews.

Idaho Springs – Half Day

Drive Time to Idaho Springs: 15 minutes/13 miles

Idaho Springs is yet another lovely historic mountain town and was founded during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in 1859. It is also one of the closest mountain towns to Denver .

As well as visiting the town itself, don’t miss hiking to nearby St Mary’s Glacier, and take a historic gold mine tour at Phoenix Gold Mine.

You can also drive to the summit of 14,270ft Mount Evans from Idaho Springs on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.

Make sure to time your visit to have lunch at the excellent BeauJo’s for Colorado-style pizza. What is Colorado-style pizza you ask? You should find out for yourself, but I will say that it involves honey. Wash it down with a beer from popular Tommy Knocker Brewery.

And then from Idaho Springs, it is only half an hour back to Denver!

Phew, so that’s it for now! I still haven’t been everywhere in Colorado so the more places I go, the more I can add on to this giant Colorado Itinerary.

I hope this helps in planning your own Colorado road trip Itinerary, and that you come away loving Colorado just as much as I do.

If you liked this – check out some of my other Colorado posts:

• 15 Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit Any Time
• 15 Best Colorado Hot Springs For True Hot Springs Enthusiasts
• 10 Best Hidden Gems in Colorado
• Fun Things To Do in Buena Vista, CO: One of My Favorite Mountain Towns
• The Perfect 3 Days in Denver Itinerary
• 14 Best Denver Suburbs To Visit and What to Do, Eat, and See There
• 11 Best Mountain Towns Near Denver (1 Hour or Less)
• Absolute Best Hikes in Golden To Work Up a Sweat
• Visit Telluride: The Best Mountain Town in Colorado
• Hike from Aspen to Crested Butte: The Best Hike in Colorado
• 15 Fun Things To Do in Golden CO That Won’t Break the Bank
• Experiencing Cannabis Culture in Denver with a Cannabis Tour

59 Comments on Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary to See the Best of the State

This is an excellent itinerary! We’re planning to travel to Colorado this summer with my 14 and 17 year old for 9 days. We’d like to tour some of the colleges in the state. Do you have an itinerary for 9 days with teens? Thank you.

Hi Kate, I’m happy to put together a quick itinerary if you email me at [email protected] . Let me know dates and interests. Thanks.

I loved your information. We’re a group of 5 seniors going to Colorado for 2 weeks in September. We would like your help in making an itinerary for the trip. Given our ages we may not be able to do a lot of hiking

Hi Toni, I most offline hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal for the next 2.5 weeks but send me an email at [email protected] letting me know what you like doing, places you definitely don’t want to miss and any other info and I can help you with an itinerary when I’m back on the grid properly.

Gosh, I’m so lucky that I have found your posts. It’s absolutely the best. Thank you so much for your great efforts! ❤️

Wonderful article with great suggestions for things to do/see in Colorado. I also really appreciate your dining/drinking recommendations. My husband & I will be visiting for the first time later this month. What would be your plan for a 6-day tour starting & ending in Denver? We love scenic drives, history, short hikes and good eats. Thanks!

Hi Dawn, it depends on how much driving you want to do. If you don’t mind a lot of driving, I would head straight down to the southwest corner of Colorado and visit Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, Durango, Pagosa Springs and Mesa Verde National Park. Visit Leadville on the way down and Great Sand Dunes National Park on the way back up.

This itinerary is so amazing, it’s so well-written along with your amazing pictures as well. enjoyed alot while reading this!

Thank you! I put a lot of time into it so I’m glad you enjoyed it

The mountain looks very amazing, all photos are so amazing! thanks for sharing your itinerary

No problem Toba 🙂

Coming from the view of a 31 year resident of Colorado I was a bit disappointed by the fact that this is a trip to tourist spots. I was hoping for a more off the beaten path trip. I live with the Colorado National Monument basically in my front yard. It is awesome to see,however, there are so many other great places to see when you get outside of the city.

These may be tourist spots for Coloradans but a lot of them aren’t as well known to people who aren’t from the state. I have written a hidden gems post about some of the less well-known spots.

I did a lot of research on my own, after driving around my first trip to CO in 2020. I planned a tour to go back, then discovered your article. I can tell you that it was very informative. I did have many of the stops that you described, but you gave names of places I didn’t know about and some of the smaller towns like Leadville, etc were interesting to read about. I am going again in Sept and want to do a lot of this but only in 10 days, so I will have to cut out some of the places I added to mine… too bad Steamboat Springs is up and out of the way, because I’d love to check it out. I was also thinking of going into Utah to see Arches National Park. I think I am always way too ambitious with my road trips! Thanks for sharing your journeys with us all!

Thanks for your feedback Crystal. I saw your email too and will reply in the next couple of days.

I am obsessed with this itinerary! Any ideas to shorten to 10 days for a summer trip with kids aged 9 and 13?

Thanks Marci! It depends on how much you want to drive and pack in. Send me an email at [email protected] with more details of what you are looking for and I would be happy to help.

Hello! Amazing post! Love all the hot spring you described! We are planning a trip to Colorado from California to meet up with family from Chicago. We have about 2 weeks together. Do you have suggestions as to what are the 3-4 places we should stay and have the greatest reach to nature, and activities? Thank you!!

Hi Siaumin – if you want to spend time in three places I would highly recommend basing yourself in Telluride, Crested Butte, Aspen/Carbondale and either Salida or Buena Vista. There is tons to do in these areas and they are my favorite places in Colorado.

Dear Katie!

I can’t believe you actually reply! THANK YOU!

Of course – I’m happy to help. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Wow! Great information here. I am planning a 9 day family trip starting in June 20 from Denver. Possibly, Denver, Estes Park, Rocky Mountains, Grand Lake, Vail, Aspen and C Butte to Denver. I know there are lots to see and do but any specific recommendations on my route? Am I missing another close by place to visit ?

Thanks Ed, sounds like a great trip! I would add Buena Vista/Salida as they are on the way back to Denver to Crested Butte, there are a couple of great hot springs here as well as one of the best ghost towns in the west (St Elmo). Enjoy!

Need advice on the best 4 day road trip starting & ending in Denver. Know Denver well So don’t need to spend much time in Denver.

Hi Pat, you could do a road trip to Denver – Boulder – Rocky Mountain National Park – Frisco – Leadville – Buena Vista – Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs – Denver over four action-packed days.

Thanks for the marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author. I will remember to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back someday. I want to encourage you continue your great job, have a nice day!

I’m coming into Colorado for just a week and want to see as much as possible!! Could you help me out? Flying into Denver!!

Hi Bethany, send me an email at [email protected] with places with your current travel plans/ideas for Colorado and I would love to give you suggestions and help you to plan a route.

What a great Guide to beautiful Colorado! I live in Pagosa Springs and your guide makes me want to start a 3-6 week road trip! Thank you for including Pagosa Springs and Mountain Pizza & Taproom!!

Thanks so much Bob! It means so much more coming from a Coloradan. Can’t wait till next time I can grab pizza at Mountain Pizza and Taproom again 🙂

This is a great post! My husband and I are both Colorado natives and we agree that this list absolutely nails it. You even mentioned the restaurant I work at 😉

Thanks so much, that means a lot! What restaurant do you work at?

Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Cheers

Sure, feel free to share it 🙂

Yay! I roadtripped through Colorado last summer and it’s definitely one of my favorite states! <3! I'd love to go back to explore more!

Glad you loved it too Farrah! There is always more to see – I have a big bucket list of new places in Colorado to explore this year (and lots of favorites to go back to!)

I love how detailed and informative it is! I definitely miss going on road trips and this one looks so much fun 🙂

Colorado is one of my favorite places in the world to road trip – I love a good road trip too

This post really spoke to me because I had to cancel my road trip through Colorado. I planned to go to a concert at Red Rocks. I will make a trip when things open up, though, and I’ll put your stops on my list! Thanks for this!

No problem, glad it is helpful

Such a great post and very helpful especially as I find myself waiting out current events in the state. I’ve been trying to find places to hike but it’s always difficult as I get altitude sickness at 9k. But, thanks to this post, I’ve found some places that I can’t wait to explore! Thanks

Happy to help! Enjoy

This is the ultimate guide! It makes we want to go there right now! I’ve booked for August, but is is looking less likely by the day. When I do – I’m headed straight for the giant sand dunes! Thank you for all the information I will need!

Thanks, I hope you make it there – if not this year then next.

Wow! What a thorough guide! Colorado has so many gems but the National Sand Dunes NP is my favorite. Such a random thing to find there. Now I have new spots to check out – thank you!

I went there for the first time last year and couldn’t believe I hadn’t been there before – so cool!

This makes me want to get off my ass and start hiking! You’re so lucky to live in such a wonderful state, thank you for sharing.

Thanks Rachael, I am very lucky!

This guide is so informative and comprehensive! Can’t wait to do a road trip in the US – looks like I need to consider Colorado as well 🙂

You definitely should! I have been to 42 states and Colorado is my favorite (of the lower 48 at least)

Wow Colorado is in my bucketlist and this guide is the best way to cover all the lovely places thanks so much for sharing

No problem! I hope you make it there

Love this! All of my best friends live in Denver so will have to check some of these places out when I go to visit!

You definitely should Kelli! Even if you only have time to do day trips from Denver – there are still so many options

This looks like an amazing road trip. One I definitely want to be a part of. I’ve been to Denver a couple times now and got out of the city too to explore Golden and some mountain towns on the way to a friend’s cabin. But I really love this state and can’t wait to go back and visit again. You’ve just given me some great ideas

Thanks Emma, there is so much to see in Colorado and you can easily make a shorter road trip using some of these places.

That is a very informative post and some areas are just mindblowing.

Wow this guide is massive! I can see how much work went into this, so thank you! I think my favorite would be Mesa Verde National Park, the cliff dwellings are so cool! But also, a ghost town!

Thanks, it was definitely a lot of work but I enjoyed it! Mesa Verde is amazing and so underrated

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The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

From hiking in national parks to exploring charming towns, here's what to see and do on a road trip through Colorado.

To experience the best of the U.S. via the great open road, look to Colorado. This picturesque state straddling the Rocky Mountains is home to some of the most astounding stretches of highway in the country, connecting mountain resorts and artists' colonies to pioneer towns. In short, it's the perfect place for the ultimate road trip. With that in mind, we've devised a route that hits plenty of spots that make the Centennial State so special.

Our itinerary takes you through three spectacular national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes. While the last one doesn't require an admission fee, the first two do ($30 per car, including entry for all passengers, for one day or $35 per car for seven days of access). As of May 24, 2024, you must reserve a timed pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. If you're interested in purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass, which gets you into all U.S. national parks and federal recreational lands, check each park's website below for more information about discounts for seniors, military members, and those with permanent disabilities.

Without further ado, here's our handy guide to everything you should do on a Colorado road trip.

iStockphoto / Getty Images

Colorado's capital and biggest city is inevitably where any road trip should start. Not only is Denver home to the state's largest and busiest airport, and therefore where most travelers arrive, it also acts as a gateway from the plains in the east into the Rocky Mountains. There's plenty to do here before you start your journey: Grab some green chiles at El Taco de Mexico, explore historic Larimer Square, go to one of the city's great museums — the Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science are great places to start — and perhaps buy yourself a pair of cowboy boots. Whatever you do, make sure your last activity is getting in your car and driving northwest.

Denver's smaller, more free-spirited sibling Boulder is home to the University of Colorado's main campus, which means you can expect a whole lot of restaurants and businesses catering to college students. You'll also find some sublime hiking on and around the Flatirons , an iconic formation formed by dramatic, diagonally tilted slabs of rock.

Tanya Nikolic / Travel + Leisure

Your journey northwest continues to Estes Park, the first destination on this route wholly within the Rocky Mountains. This quaint town has become a popular tourist stop, due to its proximity to some of the region's best rock climbing and mountain trails. Estes Park is also considered the jumping-off point for much of Rocky Mountain National Park , where you can easily spend several days exploring backwoods trails, finding waterfalls, and spotting wildlife. This part of the itinerary is optional, but definitely encouraged if you have the time.

Trail Ridge Road

If you're road-tripping between May and October, you're in luck. The next portion of the route contains what is considered to be one of the most beautiful drives in America: Trail Ridge Road , a switchback-saturated stretch of U.S. Highway 34 that crosses over the Continental Divide and is closed during the fall and winter. In the spring and summer, you can pass through some of the region's highest mountains. Witness the sun glinting off glaciers as you weave through dramatic passes and drive along impossibly blue ponds until you reach Grand Lake. Refuel, then it's onto the next oasis.

Glenwood Springs

The aptly named Glenwood Springs is the hot spring capital of the area, with huge natural hot springs bubbling up from the earth. It's just what you want to see after a long drive from Grand Lake, and a particularly scenic remedy for driving-related cramps. The town is located right where the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers meet, in a valley cradled by steep mountain faces.

Telluride and Ouray

Gallo Images / Getty Images

Drive a few hours from Glenwood Springs and you'll enter gold rush territory. Sure, you can try panning in the Uncompahgre or San Miguel Rivers — it's a good way to cool off, but maybe not to get rich — though the real draw in Telluride and Ouray is the history. These little mountain villages are chock-full of relics from the area's Wild West days, from museums like the Ouray Alchemist Pharmacy Museum to mining tours in Telluride. They're also both tucked away in furtive, but gorgeous, canyons. You can hit Telluride, which is larger, more bustling, and artsier (it's also home to the Telluride Film Festival ), or Ouray, which is smaller and more rustic. Either way, we're venturing south.

Mesa Verde National Park

Continuing south, you'll trade the gold rush era for more ancient times at Mesa Verde National Park . These lands in Montezuma County were once inhabited by the cliff-dwelling ancestors of the Pueblo people, who constructed homes out of the sandstone from the cliffs and mesas on which they were built. The result is extraordinarily dramatic and incredibly enlightening. While there are hundreds of these sites throughout the park, the most impressive is Cliff Palace, pictured above, which lies in the shadow of a magnificent rock arch. Check out its elaborate rooms and the decorative plasters, all of which have withstood erosion and time.

Michael Snell / Robert Harding World Imagery / Getty Images

Beginning our turn east, Durango is the first major town on the map after leaving Mesa Verde. It's a great place to stop and rest for a while, combining the laid-back charm of small-town America with a rich history rooted in its importance as a railroad hub. It has also served as the backdrop in many Hollywood Western films , and you can visit several shooting locations from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Visuals Unlimited / Getty Images

Drive three hours down Route 160 and you'll arrive in a place that feels so otherworldly, you'll feel like you're on another planet. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve seems totally incongruous with the landscape around it, but that's what makes it so enticing — towering, ivory-colored dunes up to 750 feet tall are an echo of the nearby mountains. Camping here is the move, as the effect of the clear night sky over the dunes is a popular astronomical phenomenon that must be seen to be believed.

There's no better place in Colorado to witness the awe-inspiring force of water than Cañon City, so named for the steep cliffs carved by the Arkansas River. Whether you're looking for a gentle, comfortable sightseeing experience like the Royal Gorge Route Railroad or a more extreme method like rafting, you'll find it here, in addition to plenty of wineries and restaurants where you can luxuriate after feasting your eyes.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is the last stop on your vehicular journey, and it's a bit of a doozy. Not only is this the second-largest city in the state, it's also a stone's throw from two of Colorado's most impressive natural landmarks: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods . The first can be easily ascended by car via Pikes Peak Highway, and the views from its 14,115-foot summit are truly magnificent — they actually inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write " America the Beautiful ." The second, Garden of the Gods, is a gorgeous public park that combines strikingly red rocks with lush forest scenery.

After indulging in your outdoor activity of choice, end your trip with green chiles at King's Chef Diner and bask in the success of a road trip well spent. If you're returning to Denver to fly home, it's just an hour's drive or so north to reach the airport.

The Perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

06/23/2023 by Megan MacGregor 12 Comments

Colorado is one of the best states in America for road tripping and camping. A bold statement, I know, but once you see the diversity and beauty I’m sure you’ll agree! 

The Rocky Mountains straddling the middle of the state give way to the vast desert and red rock plateaus in the west. In the south, the landscape turns arid, and small rural towns give it a unique character. Colorado’s diverse scenery just doesn’t stop! 

Home to the largest amount of “fourteeners” (mountains higher than 14,000 feet) in the United States, Colorado is a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. In summer, the state offers camping, mountain biking, and hiking; and in winter it is one of the best places for snowboarding and skiing in the United States. 

Whether you want to make your road trip span a week, ten days, or two full weeks, there’s plenty to see and explore along the way. We’ll start with places to see and explore in seven days, and add stops the logner your trip becomes. One thing is for sure, no matter how long you stay, you’re bound to find some of the most beautiful scenery in the Centennial State. Get yourself a rental car  and be ready for an adventure:

Table of Contents

Colorado 1-week Road Trip Itinerary

If you only have a week in Denver then I recommend sticking close to the city–but fear not, there’s still plenty to see and do. If you’ve never been to Denver then you’ll definitely want to make this awesome city a part of your week stay. From there, you’ll head to the mountain town of Boulder, and then you’re only a short drive from the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Day 1-3: Denver 

Denver is the largest city in Colorado and is a perfect jumping off point for your adventures in the Rockies.

Over the last decade, Denver has grown from a sleepy town into one of the most vibrant cities in the  western USA . Today it boasts world-class breweries ( go on a tour  if you have time), restaurants for all tastes, and plenty of historical landmarks ( Larimer Square, Union Station, and 16th Street Mall are among the most popular ones ).

And if you crave some culture, visit the Denver Art Museum, or the famous Denver Mint – a museum that chronicles the history of gold and silver coin production back in the days of Colorado’s mining boom. Finish your day in the RiNo (River North), a former industrial area that has undergone a transformation and is now one of the coolest parts of the city with street art, bars, restaurants, and cafes. 

Nicknamed “The Mile High City,” Denver sits a mile above sea level and has over 250 days with sunshine per year, so it’s a good idea to bring some  sunscreen . It’s a pedestrian-friendly city, and since you will be walking a lot, the last thing you want is to get a sunburn before your big road trip.

To really explore everything Denver has to offer, I recommend spending at least two to three days in this city. If you’re looking for a more budget friendly lodging experience, check out the 11th Avenue Hostel , an awesome spot to meet locals. If you have a little bit more cash to spare, then Thompson Denver is a great option.

Day 4-7: Rocky Mountain National Park (with a stop in Boulder)

Rocky Mountain National Park  is an unmissable stop on your Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. It’s one of the most scenic national parks in the state and it offers breathtaking scenery at any time of the year. From Denver, head north toward Rocky Mountain National Park and take a pitstop in Boulder, a quaint college town that gives you the hippy vibe of Denver without the big city mentality. Boulder has a grand outdoor culture and a booming tech scene and is just a fun place to walk around. I recommend staying one to two days to really see everything this town has to offer. There’s a range of places to stay from budget-friendly to higher priced locales .

After checking local stores and grabbing a bite along Pearl Street, explore hiking trails around the Flatirons – stunning rock formations that dominate the landscape of this town. Or take a challenging hike to Mount Sanitas to test your stamina. 

When you’re ready to head to Rocky Mountain Nationalal Park, hop on Interstate-70 and continue your journey from there. After a long day of hiking, you can stay in  Estes Park , the gateway to RMNP, however, make sure to  book your room in advance  as it’s extremely popular during the high season! The park is very accessible and driveable, but to fully experience what it has to offer, spend a minimum of two days exploring the park.

Colorado Ten-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Ten days is a solid amount of time to see what Colorado has to offer. Rocky Mountain can be included on this trip, but it’s in the opposite direction of Colorado Springs, so you’ll need to plan accordingly, and if you’d like to include the National Park, I’d recommend limiting your time in Denver.

Day 1-5: Denver to Colorado Springs/Garden of the Gods 

After your time in Denver (or Rocky Mountain) head south out of the city. Located at the foothills of Pikes Peak mountain, Garden of the Gods is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Denver.

Garden of the Gods  is a combination of incredible scenery, relatively easy hiking trails, and quirky rock formations that overlook Pikes Peak. Often referred to as one of the most popular hikes in Colorado, Garden of the Gods has over 15 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate. 

One of the best things about the Garden of the Gods is that it is free! From Denver, it’s about a ninety minute drive via I-25. I recommend staying two to three days to experience everything this cool town has to offer.

The owner of the park, Charles Perkins, wanted to donate this place to the public, however, he died before he could do that. Later, his family fulfilled his wish by donating the park to Colorado Springs.

Garden of the Gods is beautiful at any time of the year, however, summer tends to be the busiest season, as with many other places in Colorado. Winter is a great time to snap some cool photos as the red rocks get covered with white powder creating wonderful scenery throughout the park. Fall brings some beautiful colors and milder temperatures, and spring is warm enough but not yet crowded. 

PRO TIP: If you want to take good photos, try to visit the Garden of the Gods during golden hour on a bright sunny day when the bright red rock formations will create a beautiful contrast with the blue sky. 

And if you are still craving adventure after wandering around the Garden of the Gods, you can get to the top of Pikes Peak that can be accessed by car or by foot. 

Book your stay in Garden of the Gods here.

Day 6-10: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Colorado isn’t all forest, mountains, and lakes, and for your ten-day road trip this is your destination!

Head to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado and you will find the highest mountains of sand in all of North America! Located at the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, these majestic sand dunes stretch for 30 square miles. It’s a little under a three hour drive from Colorado Springs via I-25 and then 160.

Sand sledding and sandboarding are some of the most popular activities here. So grab a sand sled at one of the area’s rental stores and slide down a tall sand dune! Or take a leisurely hike along a sand dune, have a picnic, and set up your camping spot for the night to enjoy this enigmatic and tranquil place.

Thanks to its remote location in rural Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is also one of the prime locations for stargazing, with many dark enthusiasts coming year-round.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located about 35 miles away from Alamosa. While it’s often dry and warm during winter, winter brings cooler temperatures, so be prepared! Alamosa has a range of places to stay from budget-friendly to more upscale getaways, but fortunately both options are relatively affordable compared to other places in Colorado. I recommend staying about two to three days to experience everything there is to see.

This rounds out your ten-day road trip, giving you just enough time to head back to Denver. You can also break up your time in Colorado Springs for both parts of the trip so your drive back to Denver won’t be as long.

Colorado 2-Week Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re really down to see all Colorado has to offer, then this two-week road trip is for you. To make the most of this trip, I recommend organizing your trip so you limit your time in Denver. Either fly in late, crash at a hotel and drive the next morning or grab your rental car and get moving!

Day 1-3: Breckenridge/Frisco 

Breckenridge and Frisco are a classic Colorado stop in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and your first place to rest on your two week road trip. Located about an a hour and a half from Denver, you’ll take I-70 W for most of the drive, and when I say this is one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever done, I mean it. Cliffs tower over the roadside as you drive through tunnels dug into the mountainside. Keep in mind, this road will close during snowstorms if the weather gets out of hand so you’ll want to plan your trip accordingly.

Located near several fourteeners (or mountains with the elevation higher than 14,000 feet), Frisco is a year-round vacation spot that used to be a mining town in the old days. Whether you want to enjoy a hike to Quandary Peak (East Ridge is the easiest route that is perfect for beginners, while West Ridge is more suitable for experts), have some fun at Frisco Adventure Park skiing or tubing, Frisco has it all!

The neighboring Breckenridge is a small mountain town with the charming Main Street where you can find stores, pubs, and restaurants among other things. And while most people have come to associate Breckenridge with skiing, the town also offers many other activities such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and hiking. In addition, the town has a rich mining history and many well-preserved buildings from that era.

If you are visiting Breckenridge in summer, hiking is an absolute must. The area is home to hundreds of incredible hiking trails with gorgeous wildflowers and alpine lakes which make this destination so popular.

Similar to Telluride and Aspen,  Breckenridge hotels  can be pricey. Luckily, there are plenty of options for dispersed camping in the area. In addition, you can also try nearby  Frisco  and  Silverthorne . I recommend staying two to three days so you can explore both towns fully.

Day 4: Independence Pass

One of the highest paved passes in North America, Independence Pass, is a must for anybody who comes to Colorado. Located at an elevation of 12,095 feet, it begins near Leadville, stretches all the way to Aspen, and traverses through the Continental Divide. 

While the pass is only 32 miles, take your time when going over it. The views along the way are breathtaking and the two lane-road winds along sharp curves. While the road is closed in winter, it’s one of the most popular destinations in Colorado during summer with holidays and weekends being the busiest days. 

In addition to enjoying the scenery along the way, you can also enjoy several trails located right off the pass. One of the best hiking trails in the area is called Lost Man Trail that provides access to the beautiful alpine meadows and lakes. You won’t need to stay here, though, this will just be a fun place to drive through.

Keep in mind, the road is closed during the winter. If the road is open, however, the drive from Breckendridge through Indepdence Pass, takes a little under two hours via Interstate 24 to 82 and will take you across the pass and to your next destination–Aspen.

Day 4-7: Aspen 

Chances are you have probably heard of Aspen even if you have never been to Colorado. While Aspen is a great place to visit at any time of the year, it’s skiing that has made it so famous. 

People from all over the world come here to hit the famous Aspen slopes in areas such as Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Snowmass Ski Resort among others. 

However, it’s not just the winter season that offers plenty of things to do. In fall, visitors come to snap photos of the iconic Maroon Bells, the two majestic peaks reflected in the still waters of the Maroon Lake – one of the most photographed places in Colorado; or hike the Rio Grande Trail – one of the easiest trails near Aspen. 

If Independence Pass is open then you’re only a short 45 minute drive to Aspen along 82. If, however, the road is closed, you’ll be skipping Independence Pass and heading from Breckenride directly to Aspen, about a three and a half hour drive from I70 to 82.

PRO TIP: While  Aspen  tends to have more pricey accommodations, nearby towns  Carbondale ,  Basalt  and  Glenwood Springs  have more budget-friendly accommodations. Regardless of the time of year, Aspen has A LOT to see and do. I recommend staying two to three days to experience everything this famous town offers.

Day 8: Glenwood Springs

Aspen’s neighbor to the north, Glenwood Springs, is home to world-famous hot springs where you can soak in mineral-filled waters. The town also offers a vibrant outdoor and cultural scene.  Visitors enjoy rafting  down the river through the scenic Glenwood Canyon, biking the 14.4-mile Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail, and hiking the area’s scenic trails. 

Hanging Lake is one of the most beautiful hikes near Glenwood Springs, however, it has fallen a victim to its own popularity, as it began attracting thousands of visitors on a daily basis. As a result, local officials created a reservation system and a host of rules that didn’t exist years ago. 

If you want to enjoy Hanging Lake, I recommend  making your reservation  for a weekday. Glenwood Springs can be a pitstop for an afternoon, or you can stay longer–just remember, the next part of your two-week road trip is going to be a bit of a drive.

Day 9-10: Telluride 

Telluride, about three and a half hours from Glennwood Springs, has become one of the premier destinations for winter sports in North America. After mining in the region waned by the 1970s, the town was reinvented with the help of locals who built the area’s first ski resort. But Telluride’s spirit of Old West continues to live on to this day and you can feel it the moment you step in the city’s downtown. 

Today this small town is considered one of the top places for recreation in Southwest Colorado, thanks to its Victorian-era charm, hiking, mountain biking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in winter. People from all over the world come here to experience the incredible atmosphere.

But besides being an outdoorsman’s paradise, Telluride is also a major destination for festivals during summer months. Some of the most prominent events here include Mountainfilm, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and Telluride Film Festival.

Telluride accommodations  come at a premium price, especially during the high season. Check out nearby towns  Ridgeway ,  Ouray , or Montrose for budget-friendly options. And if you would like to camp, head to the gorgeous Alta Lakes outside of Telluride. I recommed staying here for atleast a day or two, possibly longer if you plan to get into the outdoors.

Day 11-14: Mesa Verde National Park

The final stop on your two week road trip will take you from Telluride to Mesa Verde National Park, an hour and forty minute drive along Interstate 145. Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park was created to preserve the archaeological sites that chronicle the heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here from 600 AD to 1300 AD. Translated as “Green Table”, Mesa Verde offers a combination of centuries-old history that can be seen in hundreds of cliff dwellings. 

Visitors can learn about the history of this place and explore hundreds of ancient cliff dwellings as part of a guided tour (tickets can be purchased at the park’s visitor center), or take a self-guided tour of the Step House at Wetherill Mesa at your own pace. 

And if you don’t feel like walking around the archaeological sites, you can visit many viewpoints and overlooks along the 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Road on the Chapin Mesa. 

It’s a great way to understand the unique history of the area because all of the sites are arranged in chronological order. If you’re left wanting more, check out the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum – a great alternative to being outside when it gets too hot in summer.

When you tour the park, don’t touch the dwellings. These ancient structures are fragile and can be easily damaged. Stay inside the park or in the nieghboring city of Cortez. Spend at least two to three days in the park to fully absorb this beauty.

And if you decide to go for a hike, Chapin Mesa also has several trails such as Spruce Canyon trailheads and the Petroglyph Point Trail. That’s it, friends! Your two week adventure is now set. Just keep in mind, if you decide to head straight back to Denver from Mesa Verde, it’s a seven hour drive, so depending on your patience, you may want to back track the way you came and split up the drive in other cities. Either way, you’re truly in for an adventure with this one!

Well you there you have it, folks! With these three different itineraries, you’re certain to have plenty of options to explore on your Colorado road trip. Follow each one directly or combine them to make your own. Either way, one thing is for sure: you’re in for a great time!

About Megan MacGregor

Megan MacGregor is Florida-based freelance writer with a heart that beats for travel and adventure. Her travel journey began in childhood, thanks to her parents, avid travelers who introduced her to the wonders of South American culture at a young age. Megan hopes to cross off all 63 National Parks in America and is well on her way there. When she's not traversing the globe, Megan writes fiction, pet sits, and rides horses.

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Lauren Pelkey says

08/17/2020 at 12:19 pm

Love these ideas! I have been to Denver a few times and recently camped in RMNP with my best friend…we had an absolute blast. Just need this pandemic to be over so I can plan my next trip!! Thanks for a great post 🙂

Kristin says

08/17/2020 at 2:07 pm

I hear you. I’m ready too!

Stephen says

10/09/2020 at 7:46 pm

I’ve passed through Colorado several times (a few by train, a couple by car). Fantastic scenery. One of my favourite towns is Idaho Springs. I visited there in 2008. Nice little place! Looking forward to cycling through there (and Colorado, in general) in a couple of years time (Covid-19 permitting!).

Sheila says

11/13/2020 at 4:55 am

Thank you for this itinerary! Colorado has been on my wishlist for quite a while. Now, I come from quite a flat country (Denmark) and have only tried driving in the mountains in Slovenia. I found that a little bit scary. How are the roads in general? Are there very steep drives with hair pin turns or not really? The roads in your pictures are quite large (compared to many mountain roads…!).

Thank you 🙂

11/14/2020 at 8:56 am

It really depends on the mountain, and the weather. Snow for me can be scary to drive on, but if it’s a trip in a different season in general yes, the roads in the US are bigger than in Europe I’ve found!

Cecilie says

03/31/2021 at 12:14 am

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Colorado again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to hoping for a better 2021 with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

– Cecilie

03/31/2021 at 9:09 am

Josh Brady says

09/06/2021 at 4:46 pm

This is a great itinerary for a trip to Colorado. There are so many beautiful places to see that even a resident would have a hard time seeing everything. One of my favorite places is Telluride with so much scenery all around you.

01/26/2022 at 5:53 pm

How many days would you recommend for this trip?

01/27/2022 at 12:27 pm

To hit all the spots, it’s always best to give it a couple of weeks to a month in a state that big, but you could always reduce the stops so you don’t feel like you are running from place to place.

05/30/2023 at 9:10 am

Hey there Kristin, We are flying into Denver at 6PM on a Friday and leaving the following Saturday at 9am out of Denver. If you had 8 nights, what cities would you plan to overnight and for how long? I don’t want to feel like we are constantly packing/unpacking and would love to stay in just 3-4 hotels/VRBOs if possible! I appreciate your feedback! Thanks! Cathy

06/08/2023 at 1:11 pm

Depends a lot on the time of year, but I’d personally prioritize being near national parks if it’s the summertime!

The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary – Map & Guide

Whether you’re looking to take a scenic drive near Denver or have your sights set on doing a road trip from Denver, you’re in for a treat. Our Colorado road trip itinerary will take you through some of the best places to visit in Colorado.

The state is jam packed with amazing sights and we’re going to give you some of our favorite places to visit in Colorado. Before you know it, you’ll be visiting some of the most beautiful places in Colorado.

Let’s get to it!

Southern Colorado Road Trip

The best part of a road trip is it can be for anyone. A Colorado road trip is perfect for families, folks who are on a budget, or anyone with a dog. Really and truly, the only thing that is hard to come by in Colorado is a bad time.

Before we dive in, below is a map of the Colorado road trip itinerary so you can follow the exact route we took. We may be biased, but our Colorado road trip was epic.

Jump Ahead To:

Getting Around Colorado

Alright, listen up road warriors, if you are wanting to road trip through Colorado, you’ll need a car – duh, right? If you’re using your own vehicle, right on.

If you’re thinking “meh, I don’t really wanna rack up miles on my own car”, do what we did during our Arizona Road Trip …. RENT A RV OR VAN ! It’s one of the best ways to road trip, in our opinion 🙂

Best Time To Visit Colorado

Let’s be honest, Colorado is great all year round, it just depends on what you want to do when you visit.

If you’re wanting to Ski, November to March are your months. If you’re wanting to go White Water Rafting, May through July are great times to visit Colorado.

However, for the purposes of this post, a good ole’ Colorado road trip, the Spring, Summer, and fall months are perfect times to visit. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, try visiting before the summer officially kicks off – before Memorial Day weekend – or after the summer season ends – after Labor Day weekend.

Ok, now to our Colorado road trip itinerary….

Stop 1: Explore Colorado Springs

Located 70 miles south of Denver, a little over an hour’s drive, lies the city of Colorado Springs. Nestled on the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs has a handful of attractions that will keep your little exploring heart entertained making it the first stop on our Colorado road trip itinerary.

Things To Do in Colorado Springs:

• Pikes Peak: Drive the 19-mile scenic Pikes Peak Highway to reach the tippy top of Pikes Peak, also known as America’s Mountain. Once at the 14,115 ft summit, be sure to eat a donut at the Summit House. Trust us, they’re good and are formulated to only be eaten at altitude.
• Garden of The Gods: Catch a sunrise or sunset at the famous Garden of The Gods. Offerings amazing views and free to enter, what’s not to like?
• Manitou Incline: If you’re looking to get a workout in, head to the Manitou Incline to climb the 2,744 steps to the top. Oh and gain 2,000 ft in elevation while you’re at it. Are your calves burning yet?
• Hiking: If you’re wanting to get out and into nature and do a bit of hiking, check out Red Rock Canyon, Cheyenne State Park, and The Broadmoor Seven Falls.
• Old Colorado City : From art walks and farmers’ markets to quaint shops and restaurants, Old Colorado City is a great place to wander about. Grab a beer at one of the craft breweries in town (Our pick? Cerberus Brewery) and a bite to eat and one of the many eating establishments you’ll find scattered about. Basically, mosey along and stop wherever your heart decides.

Where To Stay In Colorado Springs:

• The Luxury Inclined |  Garden of The Gods Club & Resort
• The Budget Conscious | The Academy Hotel
• Something in Between | SCP Hotel Colorado Springs

TIP: If you’re wanting to camp in Colorado Springs, don’t. It’s too dense of a city to find any decent campsite. Set your sights on the surrounding areas, around Pikes Peak, if you want a proper campsite.

Check Out: Camping for Beginners – Tips & Essential Camping Gear

Stop 2: Visit the Dillon Pinnacles in Gunnison

After a few days in Colorado Spring, set your sights a little further west, you’re headed to Gunnison, Colorado! Gunnison is located about 3 hours and 15 mins west of Colorado Springs making it an easy, and beautiful drive.

Now, the time you spend here is totally up to you. You can make Gunnison a pit stop on your way to your next destination or, stay a night or two. Or, once in Gunnison, head North and visit the AMAZING town of Crested Butte .

For us, we just stopped for a few hours in Gunnison but could have definitely spent more time .

While in Gunnison, be sure to grab a cup of coffee at Tributary Coffee Roasters before heading over to check out the Blue Mesa Reservoir and Dillon Pinnacles. The scenery is fantastic, to say the least.

Where To Stay In Gunnison, Colorado

• The Luxury Inclined |  The Inn at Tomichi Village
• The Budget Conscious | The Wanderlust Hostel
• Something in Between | Alpine Inn & Suites

Stop 3: Fall in Love With Telluride

Keeping the southwest theme alive and well on this road trip, you’re headed to one of the most famous towns in Colorado, Telluride. Located two and a half hours southwest of Gunnison, Telluride is a former mining town located within a box canyon.

Surrounded by mountainous peaks, Telluride is the epitome of picturesque Colorado. From fine dining to fantastic craft beer and epic hiking, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in Telluride.

Regardless if you are skiing, hiking about or just enjoying the quaint, historic town, plan to spend 2-4 days here. It’s well worth it, especially for you outdoor enthusiasts.

Read our guide on the 12 incredible things to do in Telluride !

Where To Stay In Telluride, Colorado

• The Luxury Inclined |  Element 52
• The Budget Conscious | Moun tainside Inn
• Something in Between | Camel’s Garden Hotel

TIP: Accommodations in the Telluride Ski Village and the town of Telluride are pricey. If you are looking for budget-friendly accommodations, consider booking in Ouray (1 hour from Telluride) or Ridgway (53 minutes from Telluride). Or, pack a tent and gear and do some camping around Telluride.

Stop 4: Drive The Million Dollar Highway to Durango

The name says it’s all. The Million Dollar Highway offers billion-dollar views to those who make the trip. The breathtaking mountain, valley, and gorge views, will have your jaw dropping after every turn. The views are really THAT good.

Read about everything you need to know to drive the Million Dollar Highway !

The section from Ouray to Silverton is what most consider to be the Million Dollar highway. However, on your Colorado road trip itinerary, you’ll be going a little further south than Silverton and let us tell you, the views never stop getting good.

From Telluride, make your way to Ouray, then onto Silverton, and finally, Durango, Colorado. The drive is around 3 hours if you don’t stop, but that’s nonsense, you’ll be stopping.

Reported to cost a million dollars a mile to build, the Million Dollar Highway is a must-do when in Southern Colorado.

Where To Stay In Durango, Colorado

• The Luxury Inclined |  The Strater Hotel
• The Budget Conscious | MainStay Suites
• Something in Between | Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn

Stop 5: Stand in Awe at Great Sand Dunes National Park

From Durango, Great Sand Dunes National Park is about a 3-hour drive away. Located near the towns of Alamosa and Fort Garland in Southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes is known for its towering sand dunes, its seasonal Medano Creek and the beautiful backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

Rent a board and go “sand-boarding” down the dunes. Take a hike to Zapata Falls or take a seat on the “high dune” and watch the sunrise and set. Regardless of what your plan is for the day, you should 100% plan to spend a full day at the National Park.

Read our complete guide to Sand Dunes National Park !

Where To Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

• The Luxury Inclined | Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
• The Budget Conscious | Dunes Inn
• Something in Between | Fairfield Inn & Suites

Stop 6: Hang Out in Taos, New Mexico

Okay, okay, you got us! Yes, we know that Taos is not in Colorado but WE had to add it to our Colorado road trip itinerary. It’s so close for us not to include it! It’s a perfect stop on any Colorado to New Mexico road trip.

Located about 2 hours south of Great Sand Dunes National Park , you’ll find the New Mexico high desert town of Taos. Perfect for art lovers, history buffs and of course, outdoor adventurers. Taos is a perfect place to spend a few days.

Spend time hiking or mountain biking in the Taos Ski Valley, book a white water rafting trip on the Rio Grande River, or spend the afternoon shopping at the art museums in town before heading out for dinner around the Taos Plaza.

Whether you’re out exploring or sitting back and enjoying the view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, we guarantee you’ll fall in love with Taos.

Get our guide to some of the BEST things to do in Taos, New Mexico !

Where To Stay In Taos, New Mexico

• The Luxury Inclined |  Hotel La Fonda
• The Budget Conscious | Sagebrush Inn & Suites
• Something in Between | Dreamcatcher B&B
• Something Unique | Hotel Luna Mystica

From Taos, if you are needing an airport, Santa Fe and Albuquerque are the two closest cities to Taos. Santa Fe is located 1.5 hours (70 miles / 112 km) from Taos whereas Albuquerque is a little further.

The trip from Taos to Albuquerque will take you around 2 hours and 15 mins (132 miles / 212kms).

If you’re wanting to road trip back to Denver, expect the drive to take you around 4.5 hours. No matter where you choose to go on from Taos, you can easily reach a handful of amazing Southwestern cities with ease.

Looking to spend more time in the Southwest? Check out our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary or Utah Road Trip to help you plan one epic trip.

Road Trip Must-Haves

It goes without saying that your license and registration, insurance, and spare tires are no-brainers to have. But what about the other stuff? No matter where you’re road-tripping to, check out some of our essential road trip items we never leave home without.

Staying Safe On The Road

Just like other destinations, we want to make sure you’re being safe and have coverage. Accidents happen. They’re unpredictable and can be problematic. We highly recommend getting  travel insurance .

We use  World Nomads  and it’s definitely come in handy a time or two for us!

WANT MORE INFO ON COLORADO?!

10 Epic Things To Do In Great Sand Dunes National Park

Your Complete Guide to Driving Colorados Million Dollar Highway

The Best Things To Do in Telluride

Can’t Miss Things To Do in Crested Butte

Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Black Canyon of The Gunnison

PIN IT FOR LATER!

For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram  @wanderingstus , Pinterest and on  Facebook . Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

Questions?! Let us know. Leave us a comment! Cancel reply

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5-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

by Duncan McHenry

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Of all the states in the Western USA, Colorado is among the best for road trips thanks to its excellent network of highways and interstates, a wide range of landscape types, and an abundance of attractions like national parks, monuments, and ski resorts. The main arteries of Interstate 70 and US Highway 285 are good focal points for anyone looking to plan a 5-day Colorado road trip itinerary, with plenty of possibilities to spend the entire 5 days focusing on one route through the mountains or take to the backroads and chart more of an unconventional path.

Colorado’s mountain mainstay towns like Estes Park, Salida, Steamboat Springs, and Breckenridge also offer some of the country’s best year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.

A 5-day road trip from Denver to Utah could have you skiing Vail Pass and mountain biking through the desert in Fruita within 48 hours, and a winter drive across the state could easily include a different stop at a world-class ski resort each day.

Whatever kind of trip you’re after, the three routes below will help you plan a Colorado adventure to suit your wants and needs.

Table of Contents

When to Visit Colorado

Weather is always the single biggest factor to consider when planning a road trip through the mountains of Colorado. When it comes to vehicles, tires with good tread are worth their weight in gold and might be second only to brakes in terms of what should be top of your list to have serviced before you hit the road.

Out of all four seasons, wintertime (roughly November through early March) is when you’re most likely to run into freezing temps (even in cities like Denver during winter! ) and the most difficult road conditions, so plan accordingly when driving in the mountains during these months. However, even visiting the Rocky Mountains in the winter can be very much worth it!

Spring, summer, and fall are all great times to take a road trip in Colorado, with late spring and summer standing out as the times with the mildest weather and the best opportunities for comfortable camping and backpacking.

The biggest bonus to planning an autumn road trip across Colorado would have to be the scenery, as vivid shades of yellow, orange, gold, and red blanket the aspen groves all across the state.

Photographers will be kept busy regardless of the season when traveling in the Rockies, but late September through early November is a time when you’ll want to be especially sure you don’t leave the camera at home.

The Perfect 5-Day Colorado Itinerary

For whichever of these Colorado road trip routes that you take, you’re going to need to have a car. If you need to rent a car for this trip, check out Rentalcars.com which shows a range of deals across major car hire suppliers. You can also rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy if you prefer to camp during your time in Colorado.

Classic Colorado Itinerary

Day 1: denver.

If you’re starting a 5-day road trip from Denver, odds are you’ll end up on Interstate 70 eventually, but this itinerary will loop you north past Rocky Mountain National Park in a way that makes sense before ending up in the high peaks of Summit County and the town of Breckenridge.

But before you strike out on this steeply climbing route into the mountains, be sure you spend at least a day enjoying Denver and its humming cultural atmosphere.

Downtown Denver and the surrounding area have enough to keep anyone busy for an entire 5-day itinerary, so it’s probably best to focus on one or two destinations if you’re only here for a day.

The Denver Art Museum, for example, is nationally renowned for its extensive collection of works and exhibits highlighting indigenous art, modern art, fashion, and everything in between. The Denver Botanic Gardens is another standout destination that also sometimes hosts summer concerts.

Where to Stay in Denver

Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver – Good for mid-range visitors looking for a comfortable hotel, this is a reliable place to stay in Downtown Denver. There are countless rooms available and daily breakfast.

Westin Denver Downton – A high-end option in Downtown Denver, there are several modern and spacious rooms and an unbeatable location for exploring the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Denver hotels

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain NP and its base camp town of Estes Park are located just under an hour and a half from Denver, making this a great day 2 stop on your itinerary.

Estes Park has great shopping and a good number of dining options along its main drag of E Elkhorn Avenue, so stop through town for a bite to eat and a chance to stretch your legs after driving from Denver. Then it’s just a 5 to 10-minute drive over to the RMNP entrance, where you’ll spend the rest of the day.

Once inside the park, the main paved artery of Bear Lake Road is easily drivable and affords great access to lots of trailheads and places to merely park the car and get out for photos and sightseeing.

The Fall River area of RMNP is another scenic zone with a number of trailheads based around the landmark of the Alluvial Fan, where a record flood in the early 1980s reshaped the landscape.

This is a particularly good part of the park for sighting bighorn sheep, with a dedicated observational area near the Fall River Entrance.

Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain NP

Murphy’s River Lodge – Located close to the Park entrance in Estes Park, this is a classic lodge that offers a swimming pool and hot tub, a great breakfast and several rustic rooms.

Streamside on Fall River – Situated in Ested Park, this hotel has numerous rooms (some including kitchenettes), barbecue facilities for guests and beautiful river views.

Private Rental – There are plenty of furnished homes to choose from – such as this grand cabin with panoramic mountain views – and this can make a great option when staying near the National Park.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Estes Park!

Day 3: Scenic Drive to Granby

Depending on the time of year you can either drive Trail Ridge Road—the highest paved road in any national park in the US—from Estes Park to the town of Granby or loop back to the south on Highway 7 (also known as “the Peak to Peak Highway”) and take I-70 to Highway 40.

Assuming you’re traveling in a month when there’s no closure of Trail Ridge Road (roughly April through October, depending on the year), this route through alpine tundra and the subalpine forest is not to be missed.

No matter which route you take, you’re in for one of the most memorable drives of your lifetime, as the Peak to Peak Highway leading south from Estes Park to I-70 also winds through the thickly forested terrain bordering on the scenic Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas.

And once you’ve arrived in the town of Granby, you’ll find a wide mountain valley with towns built around Grand Lake and the headwaters of the Colorado River. World-class hiking, boating, golfing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all easy to find here, and Winter Park, one of Colorado’s most prized ski resorts, is just around the corner.

Where to Stay in Granby

The Inn at Silver Creek Resort – If you’re looking for comfortable and spacious self-catering options in Granby, then this 2-bedroom apartment is fully equipped with everything you might need and is well-located to explore everything.

Lodge at Ten Mile & Granby Ranch – Another excellent self-catering option, this place has a few apartments to choose from depending on the size of your party. They come excellently well-reviewed and have a great location in Granby.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Granby hotels!

Day 4: Silverthorne/Breckenridge

From Granby, you could choose to drive back over Berthoud Pass and get back on I-70 before continuing your road trip west, but another good option for a more scenic drive is to take Highway 40 over to Kremmling before going south on Highway 9 toward Silverthorne.

This drive takes you along the beautiful ranchland that surrounds the upper Colorado River, as well as landmarks like Green Mountain Reservoir.

Once you’ve reached Silverthorne, the area surrounding Lake Dillon is an adventure playground where popular activities range from paddleboarding to guided fly fishing. This is undoubtedly one of the best stops when driving between Denver and Breckenridge!

The mountain town of Breckenridge is then less than a 20-minute drive from Silverthorne, so head over here for famed ski slopes, locally renowned craft breweries, and what can only be described as a quintessential Colorado vacation town experience.

Where to Stay in Breckenridge

Welk Resorts Breckenridge – A classic luxury lodge in Breckenridge, this is perfect for visitors after a plush stay. There are several different Alpine rooms to choose from along with 2 swimming pools, a fitness center and a bar.

Breck Inn – A comfortable and rustic 3-star getaway, this hotel is located five minutes from the Breckenridge Ski Resort. There are rooms to suit couples and families along with free parking and breakfast.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Breckenridge hotels!

Day 5: Vail

Vail is one of the most popular destination towns in Colorado for many reasons: it’s right along I-70, has some of the most diverse ski terrain in the country, and has developed a “high class” reputation akin to that of Aspen , just to name a few.

So for travelers looking to cap their 5-day Colorado road trip itinerary with a memorable stop, it’s hard to beat Vail—especially for any first-timers in the Rocky Mountains during the winter.

Even if you’re not skiing at the resort, be sure to spend some time in downtown Vail exploring this town’s retail stores, art galleries, and beautifully landscaped paths that run alongside Gore Creek. The Vail Scenic Gondola is a nice attraction to consider for tourists visiting for a day.

Where to Stay in Vail

Montaneros in Vail, A Destination Residence – Boasting beautiful furnished apartments of varying sizes, this hotel also has multiple swimming pools, barbecue facilities, free parking and much more.

Lodge at Lionshead – A comfortable lodge at the base of Vail Mountain, this place and a range of rooms to chose from, a great location, family rooms, a swimming pool and plenty more for guests to enjoy!

The Sebastian – A wonderful luxury option, this hotel not only has a range of gorgeous rooms, there is also an on-site spa, an inviting pool and simply breathtaking surroundings in Vail.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vail hotels!

Have More Time?

Make a Detour to Minturn – Just around the corner from Vail at the confluence of the Eagle River and Gore Creek, Minturn offers a nice contrast to the ski town vibes of its surroundings. The former railroad town has a nice selection of local restaurants and shops and is surrounded by many National Forest hiking trails.

Extra Day in RMNP – There’s so much to do in this national park that an extra day is more than warranted. If you’ve explored a particular area like Moraine Park, the Fall River area, or the Grand Lake side on day one, then branch out and enter the park from a different access point when you return.

Colorado Springs – You can take a leisurely drive back to Denver, stopping in Colorado Springs and exploring Pikes Peak or the Garden of the Gods.

Denver to South Fork Itinerary

This 5-day Colorado road trip itinerary also kicks off in Denver, though a drive south of I-70 past the small town of Morrison and onto US Route 285 is your trajectory this time.

While still in Denver, take the opportunity to pick one of the city’s affectionately named main districts—such as the River North (“RiNo” for the locals) or Lower Downtown (LoDo) areas—and strike out for some exploration.

If you choose to explore the RiNo area, for example, you’ll find lots of contemporary art galleries and a string of cocktail lounges, brewpubs, and patio bars along Upper Larimer Street. 

Day 2: Fairplay

Known to fans of the controversial show “South Park” as the source of inspiration for creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the small town of Fairplay is also “the official trout fishing capital of Colorado” thanks to its proximity to so many rivers, streams, and reservoirs.

Because the downtown area of Fairplay is relatively small, it’s probably best to plan for half a day of exploring the town and spending the rest of the day branching out for an activity in the surrounding mountain wilderness.

Some local favorite hiking trails near Fairplay include the Rich Creek Trail, Beaver Creek Trail, and multiple trails in Eleven Mile State Park.

Where to Stay in Fairplay

A Riverside Inn Travelodge – Centrally located, this hotel is an excellent place to rest your head in Fairplay if you’re looking for a basic hotel. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and there are good facilities.

Fairplay Cabin with Large Porch – If you’d rather stay in your own private place over a hotel, then this cabin is a good option. It’s well-located in Fairplay, they have 2 bedrooms, a great living area and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Fairplay hotels!

Day 3: Salida

As you continue south on US 285 from Fairplay, your next stop just an hour down the road is the town of Salida in the upper Arkansas River valley.

This is another postcard-worthy Colorado mountain town, though it stands apart from places like Breckenridge and Vail with a slightly more “down to Earth” feel that comes from not being quite as heavily invested in the ski industry (though Monarch Mountain is a popular ski option located about 20 miles away).

Beyond its restaurants, breweries, and art galleries that have a reputation for drawing a “hip” local crowd, Salida also offers lots of water-focused recreation on the Arkansas River, a scenic tramway that takes riders to an elevation of more than 11,000 feet, and easy access to explore the pristine Browns Canyon National Monument area, among many other activities, depending on the time of year.

Where to Stay in Salida

Browns Canyon Inn – Offering breakfast, free parking and rooms for both couples and families alike, this inn in Salida is a great choice. There are lots of great rooms to choose from and friendly owners.

The Salida Inn & Hostel – Great for those looking for a budget option, this inn has private rooms and dorms available, all equipped with a private bathroom. There is also free on-site parking.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Salida hotels!

Day 4: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Just a short detour to the east from your main artery of US 285, Great Sand Dunes National Park should be on anyone’s 5-day Colorado itinerary when traveling on this route.

This national park is somewhat unique in terms of how freely visitors are allowed to strike out independently and explore these mountainous sand dunes without even having to be on a marked trail or needing a tour guide.

With that said, the Great Sand Dunes also has an excellent visitor’s center and a staff of rangers and wildlife experts who put on presentations and events in the spring through fall, so stop in and see the experts if you want some help in planning your day here.

A good option is to head out on your own from the parking area to climb a dune and see the sunrise, and then consider booking a guided adventure such as an off-road 4×4 excursion on the Medano Pass Primitive Road in the afternoon.

Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes NP

Best Western Movie Manor – This cool hotel in Monte Vista is great for exploring the Park. Not only are there plenty of comfortable rooms available, there is also an on-site drive-in movie theatre!

Sandhill Inn & Suites – With several clean and modern rooms available, this hotel in Monte Vista has an indoor swimming pool and serves as a great base fore exploring the Great Sand Dunes.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels near Great Sand Dunes National Park!

Day 5: South Fork

The final stop on this trip to Colorado is the town of South Fork, which is located just about an hour west of the Great Sand Dunes and serves as a fitting basecamp for access to many surrounding destinations, including the town of Creede, Wolf Creek Ski Resort, and the La Garita Wilderness.

If you decide to make the drive up the Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byway to Creede, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mighty Rio Grande River’s headwaters.

The town of Creede itself is worth a stop thanks to its status as a historic mining town, and the opportunities for camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and more are seemingly endless in this hidden gem of a wilderness area.

Where to Stay in South Fork

Quality Inn & Suites – If you’re after some consistent accommodation, then this hotel is a great option. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available, an on-site indoor swimming pool and hot tub and 24-hour reception.

Grandview Cabins & RV Resort – If you’re happy for your trip to Colorado to include a stay in a cabin, then this is a great option for you. They have a number of rustic cabins available to suit all kinds of visitors.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more South Fork hotels!

Stop in Pagosa Springs – This could be a possible alternative as a last stop on your itinerary if you’d prefer to push on a little farther from the Great Sand Dunes. The Springs Resort & Spa, located right on the San Juan River, is a favorite attraction in this town.

Ski or Bike the Continental Divide – As mentioned earlier, the Monarch Mountain area is a big draw for visitors to Salida and the upper Arkansas River valley, no matter the time of year. In the summer, the Monarch Crest is a highly prized trail for serious mountain bikers, and when the snow falls, Monarch Mountain Ski Area has something for brand new beginners up to the most advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Mesa Verde National Park – If you have an extra couple of days, you can drive to Mesa Verde NP from South Fork to explore more stunning cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.

Steamboat to Gunnison Itinerary

Day 1: steamboat springs.

This itinerary will take you on a more unconventional north-south route across some of Colorado’s less-traveled, yet most scenic, highways and backroads. Travelers coming from Denver will find that the drive to Steamboat Springs, your day one destination, takes roughly three hours and comes with great views as Highway 9 traverses Rabbit Ears Pass.

Steamboat Springs is probably best known for its famed ski mountain that has long served as a training ground for Olympic-level skiers. But if you’re not here to ski, consider grabbing some brunch after your morning drive from Denver at one of the local favorite eateries like Winona’s or the Creekside Café and Grill.

From there, you have your pick from countless activities in and around Steamboat, from fly fishing or tubing in the Yampa River to a soak in the popular Strawberry Hot Springs, depending on the time of year.

Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs

The Bristol Hotel – If you’re traveling on a bit of a higher budget, then this lovely boutique hotel is a great option. Centrally located in downtown Steamboat Springs, they have a number of rooms available, an indoor hot tub and a restaurant/bar on site.

Mariposa Lodge Bed and Breakfast – If it’s basic yet comfortable accommodation that you’re after, then this hotel is a great option. They have a number of rooms on offer, a good location and offer breakfast in the morning.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Steamboat Springs hotels!

Day 2: Glenwood Springs

Day 2 of this 5-day Colorado itinerary will take you from one “springs” to another as you make the roughly two-hour drive down Highway 131 and eventually I-70 West from Steamboat Springs to Glenwood Springs.

If you made a stop at Steamboat’s Strawberry Hot Springs, you’ll have to visit the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. While both feature naturally heated hot spring waters, you’re sure to find that each one has its own personality and offers a unique set of wilderness views as you relax and soak in the springs.

Where to Stay in Glenwood Springs

Hotel Colorado – An excellent option for those traveling on a bit of a higher budget, this hotel has a lot to offer visitors. They have a range of lovely rooms on offer along with a full-service spa and a bar and lounge on site.

Glenwood Springs Inn – If you’re looking for basic and consistent accommodation in Glenwood Springs, then this hotel is a solid option. They have a number of rooms on offer, comfortable facilities, and they include breakfast.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Glenwood Springs hotels!

Day 3: Paonia

Today, you’ll really deviate onto the “road less traveled” as you leave the familiar traffic of I-70 and head down Highway 82, which will soon branch directly south at Carbondale onto Highway 133 and have you driving along the beautiful Crystal River.

This incredibly scenic mountain drive will take you past a slew of landmarks, such as Paonia State Park, before you reach the small town of Paonia.

Known for having a surprising number of wineries, and for generally being situated in one of Colorado’s most awe-inspiring valleys, Paonia is a great place to spend an afternoon or an evening after making the drive south from Glenwood Springs.

Where to Stay in Paonia

Bross Hotel B&B – This charming bed and breakfast is an excellent option in Paonia. Centrally located, they have a handful of comfy rooms available and, of course, an excellent breakfast included each morning.

Wisehart Springs Inn – Another fantastic option in Paonia, this inn boasts incredible mountain views and a great location in this Colorado town. There are a number of rooms on offer and they also include breakfast in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Paonia hotels!

Day 4: Montrose

Montrose is located just an hour south of Paonia, and you’ll have your choice of several possible routes once you’ve deviated from Highway 133 onto 92 just past the small town of Hotchkiss.

Montrose is quite a bit larger than Paonia and rests at a relatively low elevation to the west of the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas.

Since services are in such good supply here, Montrose is an ideal supply stop for visiting a gear shop if you’re planning on being outdoors in one of the many natural areas near Gunnison, such as the Gunnison Gorge or the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Where to Stay in Montrose

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Montrose – If you want a consistent and predictable chain to stay at in Montrose, then this is a good option. They have a myriad of rooms available, good amenities and include breakfast in the room rate.

The Blue Bungalow – If a private holiday home suits your fancy while in Gunnison, then this central house is a great option. Consisting of two bedrooms, this charming house is close to all the action and comes extremely highly reviewed.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Montrose hotels!

Day 5: Gunnison

The grand finale of this Colorado road trip that has ranged from the far north in Steamboat Springs to this southwestern part of the state is a stop in the town of Gunnison.

This is another valley with a reputation for being among Colorado’s most beautiful, and the town itself doesn’t disappoint thanks to a wide range of unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment experiences available to visitors.

Natural areas like the Black Canyon of the Gunnison—known for being both one of America’s least-accessed and most unforgettable national parks—are within easy striking distance of downtown. Other main attractions such as Blue Mesa Reservoir also present plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, depending on the time of year.

Where to Stay in Gunnison

The Inn at Tomichi Village – A great option for those who are looking for a bit of a splurge in Gunnison, this hotel has a lot to offer visitors. They have a number of great rooms available, a good location and a number of great amenities.

Rodeway Inn Gunnison – A solid option for those traveling on a mid-range, this centrally-located hotel has a number of great rooms available. It’s well-located, has a hot tub on site and also includes breakfast in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Gunnison hotels!

Crested Butte – If you feel inclined after visiting Gunnison, the town of Crested Butte is just a 30-minute drive to the north. Downhill ski and mountain bike trails dominate the surrounding landscape, and there are even Nordic ski routes scattered around town.

Aspen – If you felt inclined to really make this a snow sports-heavy itinerary, you could easily make a detour to the town of Aspen from Glenwood Springs or visit as an alternative ski resort to Vail or Breckenridge.

Boulder – This college town is a great place to explore more of Colorado with many preferring to base themselves in Boulder rather than Denver.

Planning a 5-day Colorado road trip itinerary should start with figuring out your goals in terms of activities and an overall trajectory for your trip. Hopefully, these three possibilities have given you the inspiration needed to plot your own route through the Rocky Mountains in the Centennial State.

Are you planning a trip to Colorado? Have questions about any of these routes? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

11 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive

10 Best Stops on a Denver to Durango Drive

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Boulder Itinerary

About Duncan McHenry

Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains.

I’m looking to find a place that would house around 10 people, in a central location of Colorado that would provide me a good central place to make day trips to Breckenridge, Estes park, Colorado Springs, etc… Where is a good central area to stay and make drives to these places?

Hi, thanks for your very helpful post. After a very hard year, my friend and I will be taking a road trip from Denver area, we have about 5-6 days and want to do something memorable, the only problem is that I get a bit stressed out on high mountain drives with big drops/no railings etc. which route will you take and which route will you advise? Anything’s helpful

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An Awesome Colorado Road Trip Itinerary For Your Bucket List

A Colorado road trip is one for the bucket list!

The State is an absolute treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting 4 National Parks and the Rocky Mountains. You’d be right if you’re thinking Colorado hit the outdoor adventure jackpot! But that’s until you realize these places are  just the start  of all the things to see and do in Colorado.

It’s impossible to see every last corner of this spectacular state in one visit, but this awesome Colorado road trip itinerary is the best way to cover a lot of ground and maximize how much you can see and do.

From National Parks to Colorado scenic byways to historic mountain towns with great eats, a Colorado trip will not disappoint!

Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Of course, you could spend countless days exploring all Colorado has to offer and still leave hoping for a return visit.

The Colorado itinerary below was based on having just over 1 week in Colorado. I also visited in the Fall to see the spectacular Colorado Fall foliage. This meant I planned a route to give the best chance of seeing the fall colors at their peak.

You could certainly decide to do this Colorado road trip itinerary loop in reverse if it’s better suited to your travel plans. Each stop has plenty to see and do making it easier to extend your trip if you have more time.

Lastly, some of the Colorado scenic passes are only open from late spring to late fall. (Check local road advisories for specific dates as they’re subject to the weather.) Road trips in Colorado outside of this time will likely have to be adjusted for winter weather road closures.

Day 1- Fly into Denver.

If you don’t live near Colorado, you’ll need to fly into the region. Unlike my Oregon Coast road trip itinerary , this Colorado itinerary is a loop, which makes it more cost-effective and convenient when searching for  cheap flights  and booking rental cars. 

For all my road trips, I use a tool like  Kayak  to search rental car costs because it compares prices on many sites all at once. You can reserve a car at the best available price without paying upfront and use this  car rental hack  to hopefully save even more!

Consider the time of year of your trip. Colorado is in the mountains. There are steep, curvy roads across the state. I rented a small SUV with 4-wheel drive and packed a few  road trip essentials  for a successful trip.

ProTip: Since my Colorado road trip was focused more on the outdoors and the small towns and cities along the way, I didn’t include time to explore Denver.

But the city has a vibrant food and craft beer scene, as well as popular places like the Denver Botanical Gardens and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Save money by bundling ticket costs into the  Denver Mile-High Culture Pass  for entry to 7 Denver attractions if you decide to stay for a couple of days.

Once you’ve picked up your rental car, head northwest for the 1.5-hour  drive from Denver to Estes Park , Colorado. Estes Park is the gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll find everything you need from food to gas to lodging.

The earlier you arrive in Denver the more extra time you’ll have to explore Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. 

But even if you arrive after dark, the night drive from the airport to Estes Park is straightforward. If you feel comfortable, I recommend doing the drive when you arrive so you can settle in and get ready for a fresh start in the morning.

If you get to Estes Park and have some time, check out:

10 fun things to do in estes park, where to stay:.

I recommend the  Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn  along the main road in town. The hotel includes breakfast, which is always a plus so you can fuel up before a day of hiking and outdoor adventures.  The hotel is on the main road through town and is just about 3 miles from the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

ProTip: If you’re planning a Colorado road trip in October like me, visit Rocky Mountain Park at the start of your trip. The park is in the northern part of the state and combined with the elevation, the leaves turn earlier than points further south. Watch for early winter weather systems, too, that can cause roads and hiking trails in the park to close.

Day 2- Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is set in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Jagged peaks, grassy meadows, evergreen forests, and mountain lakes reveal themselves around every bend as you drive into the park’s main access point, the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.

One of the main highlights of the park and the Estes Park area is the  abundance of wildlife . And since the elk and other herds are up early, so should you if you’d like the best chances at seeing them. 

On your way to the National Park, consider a quick detour to drive near the Estes Park Lake. You might just see a herd of elk make its way along the shores, grazing for breakfast.

ProTip: If you plan to do most or all of this Colorado itinerary, buy the  America the Beautiful Pass   to get free entrance to any National Park, National Monuments, and more for a whole year. After visiting just a few parks, the $80 pass will pay for itself. You should also find out ahead of time if you qualify for any other ways to save money on  National Park entrance fees . 

Rocky Mountain National Park is divided into east and west sides by the Continental Divide. Trail Ridge Road (U.S. 34) is open from Memorial Day until mid-October-ish (as weather permits). You won’t want to miss the views from this scenic drive! 

Trail Ridge Road  is the highest paved road in the entire country and, as you can imagine, comes with spectacular mountain panoramas, grassy tundras, and alpine lakes. There are pull-offs along the way so you can safely stop to take photos and to just relish in the unbelievable views.

Driving this road, looking for wildlife, and of course, making time for a hike combines for a perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Remember to pack water and lunch/snacks for the day. Estes Park has plenty of places to stock up before you enter the park. 

Day 3- Independence Pass to Aspen to Maroon Bells

Check out of your Estes Park hotel bright and early for full-day bursting with everything that makes road trips in Colorado fantastic.

The goal today is to drive along  Independence Pass , a Colorado Scenic Byway, which is part of State Highway 82. This mountain pass climbs 12,095 feet, across the Continental Divide and through swaths of National Forest. 

Independence Pass opens each year around Memorial Day until about mid-October or early November depending on the weather. Its elevation isn’t the only thing that’ll leave you gasping, either!

The road, complete with hairpin curves and narrow lanes, comes with terrific views of the Rocky Mountains, ghost mining towns, scenic overlooks, and in Fall, the Aspen Trees blaze in golden yellow. 

If you’re sticking to this Colorado trip planner, plan a half-ish day of sightseeing and road-tripping before following Independence Pass into the town of Aspen.

Outside of ski season, Aspen is a pretty mountain town with a walkable downtown. It also makes a great place to stop for lunch. Even on a weekday in Fall when I visited, the restaurants in town were bustling with diners, especially those with an outdoor seating area. 

Remember, even here in the town, you’ll feel the elevation. So don’t rush it and drink plenty of water. 

After lunch and a short stroll through town, dedicate some time to visiting  Maroon Bells . Not only is it a great spot to get out of the car to walk and do a short hike, but the landscape is also gorgeous in summer when all the wildflowers are in bloom and in Fall when the leaves turn.

From early June to early October, the only way to access the Maroon Bells area is by bus. The Aspen Highlands Visitor Center has parking and buses that take you the 8 miles to the natural wilderness area. Outside of these times, private cars can drive directly from Aspen to the Maroon Bells parking area.

Once you arrive, the easy Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and the more moderate Crater Lake Trail are the most popular trails for day visitors.

By late afternoon, head west to  historic Glenwood Springs , a mountain town famous for its hot springs and revitalized downtown area with plenty of restaurant choices for dinner.

Finish the day in Glenwood Springs, about 50 minutes from Maroon Bells and Aspen. I had a comfortable stay with breakfast included at the  Holiday Inn Express . I also looked at the  Hampton Inn  and the  Residence Inn  but both were slightly higher priced for my dates and I was also trying to maximize an IHG promotion.

I stayed in Glenwood Springs because overall hotel prices are cheaper than Aspen. It also positioned me close to the start of the next day’s drive. 

ProTip:  Glenwood Springs had a super cute downtown with great eateries. I highly recommend getting some tacos from  Slope and Hatch , arguably the best in all of Colorado!

Day 4- McClure Pass to Kebler Pass to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

If your road trip in Colorado is during the Fall, this could end up being one of your favorite days of the whole trip! Even in summer, today’s travel along 2 of Colorado’s Scenic Byways will have you taking photos at every turn.

After breakfast at your Glenwood Springs hotel, head back east on CO-82 towards Carbondale for about 20 minutes. Then, turn right (south) onto State Highway 133, also known as the  McClure Pass .

This pass is part of the  West Elk Loop  which takes you through arguably some of the prettiest areas of forest, parks, and wilderness in all of Colorado. Climbing more than 8,000 feet, this scenic drive is a road-trippers dream!

On top of the natural beauty closing in on your car from all sides, you’ll come across ghost towns and historic sights like the Redstone Coke Ovens where you can stop to stretch your legs and take photos.

Turn onto County Road 12 going east towards Crested Butte. This road is known as the  Kebler Pass.  This dirt road (but still easy to drive on even with 2-wheel drive) is closed in winter and reopens some time at the end of May until November when the snow has melted.

The Kebler Pass takes you through the spectacular Gunnison National Forest with its millions of Aspens that put on an absolute jaw-dropping show in the Fall.

The pass is also home to all kinds of wildlife which can appear at any time like this moose and her baby!

How long you spend on these passes is up to you, but we made it to the wild west looking town of  Crested Butte  for an early-ish to-go lunch stop, and that was with lots of stops to take photos and at least 20 minutes of awing over the moose we spotted.

ProTip: Be sure to gas up and grab water and snacks before leaving the Glenwood Springs/Carbondale area. The McClure and Kebler Passes have very little (if any) services along the way.

Leave Crested Butte along Co-135 South, also part of the West Elk Loop, heading towards the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. 

If you’ve never heard of  Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park , be prepared to be wowed at the power of nature! The canyon was cut and sliced by the Gunnison River of millions of years into the dramatic canyon you see today. The deepest parts of the gorge get just a couple of minutes of sunlight on any given day!

Depending on your timing, drive along the South Rim Road and see as many over the overlooks as you can. Don’t miss Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall View, and Sunset View.

Most overlooks include a short walk to the vista point. But if you’re looking for a bit more of a walk, save a half hour to travel on foot along the Rim Rock Nature Trail accessed from the South Rim Visitor Center.

For a detailed National Park guide, check out:

6 top things to do in black canyon of the gunnison national park.

When your National Park visit is finished, drive 20-30 minutes to the  town of   Montrose . It’s the gateway town to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. It has a small, old-time downtown area with shops and restaurants. Montrose has gas stations and hotels, as well.

The  Hampton Inn  in Montrose is a traveler-favorite. This Hilton brand hotel includes a free breakfast and is just a couple of minutes away from the downtown restaurants and just near gas service stations.

Day 5- Telluride to the San Juan Skyway to Durango 

The drive today starts by going 1 hour and 20 minutes from  Montrose to Telluride . Part of this drive covers a section of the San Juan Scenic Byway.

Getting to Telluride will require a little backtracking later on but it’s worth the time whether you’re visiting in summer to hike or in the Fall to Ohh and Ahh over the brilliant golden yellow of the Aspen trees. 

Set your GPS to Mountain Village, Colorado, where you can park and take the gondola for free directly into Telluride. The 8-mile ride takes about 15 minutes and gives you a birds-eye panoramic view of the spectacular San Juan Mountains. 

Once in Telluride, spend the morning hiking the Bear Creek Preserve Trail. The trailhead is accessible from town. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a view over the town of Telluride and waterfalls at the end. The hike is 2.5 miles one way to the falls and does climb steadily upwards, even going past a section where an avalanche once took out part of the forest.

To reach the falls, it’ll take about 1 hour 10 minutes. Just be mindful that the elevation could slow you down, especially if you stop for breaks.

If you’d rather not hike, stroll through the old mining town, stopping into shops and eateries as you go. 

After spending the morning in Telluride, opt for a grab and go lunch if you finished hiking and haven’t eaten since breakfast. Then, take the gondola back to your car to continue your road trip.

The  San Juan Scenic Byway  is a loop in southern Colorado, nicknamed the  Million Dollar Highway . It’s one of the most scenic drives in all the U.S, and even more so in the Fall when the colors of the leaves set the mountain peaks on fire.

Your final destination today is  Durango  but you don’t want to miss the scenic section of the Skyway in between Ouray and Silverton, especially.  From Mountain Village, backtrack to the north and east on CO-62 to ultimately land on US 550 South starting in Ridgeway, the top of this scenic byway loop. 

Head south until you reach Durango. Along the way, take in the millions of acres of the San Juan and Uncompahgre National forests, traverse the mountain peaks, and if you’d like, stop at historic wild west towns like Silverton and click away at scenic overlooks.

ProTip: If you’d rather not hike in Telluride, you could always go straight to Durango from Montrose. (Although, I recommend making a stop in the historic town of Silverton along the way.) The 2 1/2 hour drive along US 550 South allows you to drive part of the San Juan Scenic Skyway and then have more time to enjoy historic Durango.

Durango, Colorado in the State’s southwest corner offers the best of the American Southwest, complete with its historic steam train and downtown saloon. Durango is lined with shops, breweries, and restaurants. We stopped into the Derailed Pour House on Main Street for some delicious “Derailed” tacos.

The main road through Durango is lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. The  Hampton Inn Durango  is along this road, just a couple of miles from the heart of downtown. The hotel was quiet, comfortable, and once again, came with breakfast.

Day 6- Mesa Verde National Park

Today is all about the archaeological wonders found within  Mesa Verde National Park . The Park is just 40 minutes from Durango and unlike any other National Park in the country!

Before your day in Mesa Verde National Park, though,  you’ll need to make advance reservations . Many of the ancient cliff dwellings can be seen from overlooks from the park’s main roads. But for a closer look, you’ll need to join a ranger-led tour. These tours book quickly so reserve as soon as you know the date of your visit.

Luckily, the National Park Service has made this much easier to  reserve tour times online  ahead of time instead of (Ugh!) waiting in line on the day of your visit or trying to get to the park a few days before your actual visit.

Also, be sure to have your  America the Beautiful Pass ! It easily pays for itself if you plan to visit even just 2-3 National Parks or National Monuments in 12 months.

Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House are the most popular ancient Puebloan people cliff dwellings to see. These people lived and worked along these cliffs before disappearing around the year 1300.

Tours of the cliff dwellings are generally held between April and October, but check dates and times for your visit. No ranger-led tours are offered in the winter but the roads through the park are open, weather permitting.

If you’d like to do more than 1 cliff dwelling tour, follow  these NPS guidelines  for how much time to have between each tour.

You should also plan to drive the park roads in the Far View and Mesa Top Loop areas to view more of the Park’s archaeological sites from scenic overlooks.

Once your visit is done, head back out to US 160 East and make the 3 1/2 hour drive to Alamosa.

If you’re road tripping in the Fall and missed some of the peak colors further north, you might be in luck!

The Aspen trees on this section of the drive turn later since the southern part of the state is warmer later into the Fall. Even in mid-October, the yellow leaves were at their peak brightness. I found myself pulling over several times to take photos and marvel at the brilliant color!

Situated right on US 160, the  Comfort Inns & Suites Alamosa  is the perfect place to stop for the day and position for tomorrow.

Alamosa’s biggest asset is its convenient location relative to the highway and Great Sand Dunes National Park. There are also some fast food options and gas stations near the hotel. Complimentary breakfast is included with your stay. It’s easily the cleanest and most comfortable place to stay in Alamosa.

Day 7- Great Sand Dunes National Park

Colorado’s National Parks are each unique in their own way and  Great Sand Dunes National Park  is no different. Surrounded by mountain peaks and mountain rivers, North America’s highest sand dunes are just 40 minutes from Alamosa. Again, be sure to have your  America the Beautiful Pass !

The most incredible thing about Great Sand Dunes National Park is the sand, of course! The sand shifts with the wind and the elements, so every day the landscape looks different. 

Spend the day sand-boarding, driving to the park’s scenic viewpoints, and if you’re looking for a workout, hike in the sand to the top of High Dune. (The National Park also has a few forest trails, too, if you’d rather.)

When you’re ready to move on, set your navigation to Colorado Springs, Colorado. It’s 2 1/2 hours from Great Sand Dunes and has some of Colorado’s most famous sights and attractions.

Also, keep your camera ready. By now you know that a drive is never “ just a drive”  in Colorado.

The  Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites  in Colorado Springs is located just off the highway and near food options and gas stations. (Delivery to the hotel is also available.)

If you’ve shied away from the Best Western brand because you prefer a more upscale brand, this location in Colorado Springs will challenge that perception. Clean, spacious rooms, a full complimentary breakfast, and fantastic hospitality will leave you wishing you had more time to spend in Colorado Springs.

ProTip: Look for  Best Western promotions . They’ve been known to offer 1 free night certificate after staying 2 nights in a U.S. Best Western.

Day 8- Pikes Peak to the Garden of the Gods to Home

The action doesn’t stop on the last day of this Colorado road trip itinerary!

One of the great things about Colorado Springs is it’s less than 1 1/2 hours from Denver International Airport. You can easily spend part of the day in Colorado Springs and then make the drive straight to the airport for a late afternoon or evening flight back home.

Start the morning at  Pike’s Peak , nicknamed American’s Mountain, reaching up over 14k feet! You can begin your ascent by car at 9 a.m. There’s limited parking at the top due to construction so there are shuttle vans to bring you the last few miles. 

I recommend the shuttles because the higher you climb, the less oxygen there is. If you’re not used to altitude this high, expect to feel a little dizzy and lightheaded. (This is also why summit visits are generally on the shorter side.)

Most visitors to Pike’s Peak visitors station spend some time admiring the views and tasting the famous Pike’s Peak donuts, before starting back down. The spectacular views from above the clouds sweeping over the entire Colorado Springs area are not to be missed!

If you’d rather ascend Pike’s Peak with a guide, check out this  4×4 Jeep Tour.

Once you’re breathing easy again, drive to the  Garden of the Gods Park . It’s a top place to visit in Colorado Springs and a great way to stretch your legs before heading back to the airport and onto a flight.

Garden of the Gods Park is full of the signature red rock formations for which the southwestern United States is known. Depending on your timing, walk through the gorgeous red Garden Rock area. Or hike one of the trails, independently or on a guided walk.

Garden of the Gods is free to visit and could easily take up an entire day. The Visitors Center has information and child-friendly, interactive exhibits, too, that explain the geology of the park.

When it’s time, hit the road back to Denver International Airport to catch your flight home and reflect on a successful road trip through the beautiful State of Colorado!

ProTip: Colorado Springs has plenty to see and do. If you have the time, stay another night to see top sights like the United States Air Force Academy and the Old Colorado City Historic District. 

Want to extend your Colorado road trip?

If you’re looking for a variation on this itinerary that includes additional states and National Parks, and one-of-a-kind natural landmarks, here are a few ideas.

• From Durango and Mesa Verde National Park, you could plan a Colorado to Utah road trip for a  Utah National Parks adventure . Moab, Utah is the gateway town for both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It’s less than a 3-hour drive from Mesa Verde.
• Monument Valley  is also just 3 hours from Mesa Verde. The orange rocky landscape is the emblem of the American Southwest.
• Antelope Canyon  and Horseshoe Bend are natural wonders not far from Monument Valley. Why not plan extra time in the area to take a guided tour?
• And if you’ve made it this far, consider adding days to do part of this  Arizona road trip.  You can visit iconic landmarks like the  Grand Canyon’s South Rim  and uncover parts of Route 66 in nearby  Flagstaff .
• When you’re done, you can fly out of Las Vegas but not before a night in Sin City!

So, what are your Colorado road trip ideas? 

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2 thoughts on “an awesome colorado road trip itinerary for your bucket list”.

I loved Alamosa in the brief time I got to pretend like a local. I recommend pizza at San Luis Valley pizza, pub food at the SLV brewery, or greasy Mexican (can’t miss the green chili) at Calvillos. There is a super convenient HI express you can stay at so you’ll pass Kristi Mountain sports to pick up your sand sled on the way to the dunes. Be careful not to leave too much skin exposed in the summer – it sure is hot! The best time to go is right after an unexpected snow – the dunes are extra gorgeous when they’re layered that way!! If the weather waylays you, check out the cute town of Creede instead of heading straight to CO springs.

Thanks so much for reading, Artie. Appreciate the tips, too. They’ll come in handy for others planning this road trip. 🙂

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The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary for the Summer

Table of Contents

Colorado was a state I knew somewhat because of all the ski trips we had taken there over the years. However, I had never really explored Colorado’s national parks or hiked the majestic Rocky Mountains. This all changed in the summer of 2018 when hubby and I decided to spend our vacation there. I took it upon myself to sit down and obsessively plan what I considered to be the perfect Colorado road trip itinerary.

Finalizing Our Dream Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

I mapped it all out, then proudly presented hubby with a 23-day monster of a trip I had put together! Frankly, I knew it would be a long shot to get him to agree to it. I figured, if I went a tiny bit overboard, I would still get a pretty good deal after all the negotiations were over! Lo and behold, I was right! After hubby and I spent some time debating what to cut and what to keep, we ended up with an itinerary that both of us loved…And here you have it! I present to you what may be the greatest, two-week, Colorado road trip itinerary ever…Well, at least this is what I think! Check it out, and see if you agree! 🙂

15-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Depending on where you live, and how you plan to get to Colorado, you may need a few extra days. Therefore, plan accordingly, as this itinerary only counts the number of days you will actually spend in Colorado. If you are flying into Denver and renting a car there, you may have to shift the order in which you visit the attractions. This shouldn’t be hard to do, though. Denver is only about 70 miles north of Colorado Springs, so you could start with a visit to Garden of the Gods.

Get to Colorado

The important thing is, just get to Colorado one way or another, and let the adventures begin! Since we drove from Houston, Texas, we decided to take a couple of days to get there. I suppose we could have started driving at the crack of dawn and made it in one shot, but we might be getting just a tad too old for that. So, to keep it on the safe and reasonable side, we gave ourselves 2 days to make it to Colorado.

On day 1, we drove from Houston, TX to Amarillo, TX; On day 2, we made it from Amarillo, TX to Fort Garland, CO. Giving ourselves this extra time actually worked out really well because it allowed us to visit a surprise attraction along the way. Yup, with all the planning I did, I had not included Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico on the itinerary, and I should have! We truly enjoyed this stop, even though we got covered from head to toe in swarms of tiny annoying flies…but…that’s another story!

Day 1: Great Sand Dunes National Park

After driving for two days, we really needed to get a good night’s sleep. On day 1 of our Colorado road trip itinerary, we were planning on exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park . As you can imagine, hiking in sand would require a little more than just the very basic functions of our leg muscles.

HOTELS: Click HERE to see the highest-rated accommodations near Great Sand Dunes National Park on Booking.com. We have filtered out the lower-rated ones for you! Booking.com is one of our favorite websites for finding great places to stay all over the world!

Medano Creek in Great Sand Dunes National Park Photo credit: NPS/Patrick Myers

Sledding/Sandboarding

Our kids were very much looking forward to this adventure! They knew there would be an opportunity to sled down the sand dunes, which was the most exciting part for them! Since sledding on sand dunes in the middle of summer is a hot and exhausting experience, we decided to get it done early in the morning.

As luck would have it, it rained the night before we visited the park, so the sand was damp, and the sledding never happened. We were slightly disappointed, but also glad that we didn’t drag all the gear just to verify what we already knew from the park rangers. You can’t get too far on wet or damp sand! Instead, we ended up climbing up to High Dune while watching others get stuck on their sleds and sandboards. After lunch, we did a couple more short hikes with beautiful views of the dunes, so it all worked out nicely in the end!

Man sandboarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park Photo credit: NPS/Joseph Tumidalsky

Great Sand Dunes National Park at sunset Photo credit: NPS/Patrick Myers

Day 2: Drive to Colorado Springs

After visiting Great Sand Dunes, our plan was to drive to Colorado Springs, while making several stops along the way. Naturally, I researched everything I could possibly find in the area, and chose the attractions that sounded the most interesting.

HOTELS: In Colorado Springs, we stayed at The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs , which we really enjoyed. The main lobby was a fun place to hang out and the included continental breakfast was great. Click HERE to see the highest-rated accommodations in Colorado Springs on Booking.com. We have filtered out the lower-rated ones for you!

Bishop Castle

Our first stop was Bishop Castle , an intriguing structure, built single-handedly by a man named Jim Bishop. He worked on it without any known plans or blueprints most of his life, one stone at a time. The castle features bridges, turrets, and even a fire-breathing dragon, also handmade by Jim Bishop. Surprisingly, admission was free, so it cost absolutely nothing to see this!

Here it is, the crazy-amazing Bishop Castle in San Isabel National Forest, Colorado © Fotoeye75 | Dreamstime.com

Inside Bishop Castle, Colorado © Fotoeye75 | Dreamstime.com

A closer look at the intriguing exterior of Bishop Castle © Fotoeye75 | Dreamstime.com

Our kids were beyond thrilled to get out of the car and go rattle some of the metal walkways throughout the castle. Admittedly, they did make a couple of older ladies a bit nervous! Ooops…sorry!

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

Our next planned stop on the way to Colorado Springs was the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park . This is definitely one place you should include when planning a Colorado road trip itinerary. Located near Cañon City, the Royal Gorge Bridge happens to be the highest suspension bridge in America, so it is most definitely worth a visit. To be exact, it is suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River, far, far below. Besides the bridge, the park offers a number of rides you can take, including a hair-raising zip line across the deep gorge, as well as a gondola ride. We ended up taking the gondola, and this was an incredible experience. Once on the other side of the gorge, we let the girls loose in the kids’ play area there. Meanwhile, we relaxed in a shady spot with a coke and a beer. When this was all over, we enjoyed an extraordinary stroll back across the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Royal Gorge Bridge and the Arkansas River down below, absolutely breathtaking © R. Gino Santa Maria / Shutterfree, Llc | Dreamstime.com

Royal Gorge Train

I need to also mention here the  Royal Gorge Route Railroad , and the fascinating train ride you can take from Cañon City, CO. It offers a variety of seating and class options, and, of course, amazing views from within the gorge. Unfortunately, we could not fit this adventure into our already-packed Colorado road trip itinerary. If you can spend an extra day near Cañon City, by all means, ride this train!

Broadmoor Seven Falls

After we finished our adventures in the Royal Gorge area, the plan was to head towards the Broadmoor Seven Falls . This is a gorgeous waterfall that cascades down 181 feet in seven steps, crashing on the rocks that shape its path. There are 224 steps on the side of the waterfall that lead to the top where amazing views and additional hiking trails await. After we climbed up and down a whole bunch of stairs, we were exhausted and starving. Luckily,  Restaurant 1858 , located right near the bottom of the waterfall, had an open table that wasn’t reserved. So, we concluded the day with not only the most expensive, but also one of the most delicious dinners of this entire trip. It was truly worth every last dime, nickle, and penny!

The amazing Seven Falls and the steep stairs that lead to the top © Lisa Mckown | Dreamstime.com

Day 3: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Drive to Estes Park

On the following day, we planned to visit two of the most famous attractions in the Colorado Springs area: Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak .

Garden of the Gods

It was my goal to get us out of bed and to Garden of the Gods by…oh…8:00 am. Well, let’s just say, this didn’t happen because all of us overslept. Trust me on this one: You don’t want to repeat our mistake! Unless you really enjoy crowds and  lack of parking, set up your alarm and get there early! While the Visitors Center doesn’t open until 9:00 am, the park itself opens as early as 5:00 am, and admission is free, so you can just go on in. As a matter of fact, locals recommend that you visit around sunrise to take in all the beauty in peace. It sounds like a great plan, but it turned out to be a tad too ambitious for us. In any case, we still had a great time and really enjoyed seeing the park’s magnificent rock formations.

Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs © Randall Runtsch | Dreamstime.com

After we spent several hours in Garden of the Gods, the plan was to head straight for the summit of Pikes Peak . You can actually drive up there via the Pikes Peak Highway, reaching an altitude of over 14,000 feet! This is precisely what we did after purchasing tickets at the highway entrance. It took us a while to get to the top, but the drive was really quite spectacular. Our kids did experienced some altitude sickness, but fortunately they made it successfully up and down without losing their lunch!

Driving on the Pikes Peak Highway © Bill Kennedy | Dreamstime.com

In the past, you could also take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top. Unfortunately, as of 2018, the railway no longer operates due to safety and structural integrity concerns. Hopefully, you had a chance to ride it at some point during its 126 years of operation.

Pikes Peak Railway…unfortunately, no longer in operation © Wayne Mckown | Dreamstime.com

Other Points of Interest in the Area

The Colorado Springs area certainly has a lot to offer, and because of that, you may want to plan to spend an extra day there. If you do, a couple other points of interest worth visiting are Red Rock Canyon and the Manitou Incline .

Red Rock Canyon

Just like Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon is a free, public park near Colorado Springs. As the name suggests, it offers sights of interesting red rock formations. You can also enjoy hiking on trails that are less crowded than the popular Garden of the Gods.

The Manitou Incline

The Manitou Incline is a steep hike in Manitou Springs where hikers climb over 2,000 feet following the remains of an old funicular railway. You need to be in pretty darn good shape to get to the top and not feel like you are about to die. Hikers start at an altitude of 6,500 feet at the base, and ascend to over 8,500 feet at the top, all in less than a mile. Apparently, this is where many locals get their morning exercise in the summer.

We did not have time to enjoy Red Rock Canyon and test our physical fitness on the Manitou Incline, but hey, you always have to leave something for next time!

Onto Estes Park

After we explored as much as possible near Colorado Springs, we headed up north towards Estes Park near Rocky Mountain National Park. We didn’t stop in Denver on this trip, since our main goal was to discover more of Colorado’s natural beauty. If you have the time and the will, you can certainly add an extra day and enjoy the wonders of the capital city.

Days 4, 5 and 6: Rocky Mountain National Park

The following three days of our Colorado journey were dedicated to exploring Rocky Mountain National Park . Since this is one of the most popular parks in the US, we expected crowds of people and lack of parking. I was hoping that spending three days there would give us enough time to cover it well.

HOTELS: Click HERE to see the highest-rated accommodations near Rocky Mountain National Park on Booking.com. We have filtered out the lower-rated ones for you! Booking.com is one of our favorite websites for finding great places to stay all over the world!

Hallet Peak reflecting beautifully in Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo credit: NPS (National Park Service)

Bighorn rams on the tundra near Trail Ridge Road Photo credit: NPS (National Park Service)

So, we roughly planned our visit to Rocky Mountain National Park as follows: On day 1, we would explore the less crowded west side of the park; On day 2, we would venture into the most popular area near Bear Lake; On day 3, we would visit Wild Basin on the southeast end . I am happy to report that this plan actually worked out quite well. It even allowed us enough time to enjoy the town of Estes Park, which is lovely.

View from Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo credit: NPS (National Park Service)

Visitors watching the sunset near Alpine Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo credit: NPS (National Park Service)

Day 7: Frisco

After adventuring in Rocky Mountain National Park for three full days, we made our way to the town of Frisco in Summit County. Frisco has been our ski vacation hub for many years, and we had always enjoyed staying there during the winter. We had never visited it in the summer, however, so we thought, why not stop by and say “hello!”

HOTELS: Click HERE to see the highest-rated accommodations near Frisco, Colorado on Booking.com. We have filtered out the lower-rated ones for you!

Sapphire Point Overlook

While in Frisco, we discovered a truly incredible viewpoint above the nearby Dillon Reservoir. The name of the place is Sapphire Point Overlook, and it is located on the east side of the reservoir. While hubby and I were admiring the panorama, our daughters joined a bunch of other kids and fed the local chipmunks with peanuts. Afterwards, we walked on the short looping trail, which took us back to our car right before a huge storm rolled in.

Frisco Downtown Shopping and Dining

After the storm was over, we strolled around the cozy Frisco downtown area, and got some delicious food for dinner. We passed one of our most favorite spots there, the  Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe , a cute, little place that serves the best breakfast around. This is where we were planning to start out on the following day.

Dillon Reservoir

Another fun activity you might want to consider is renting a boat from the Frisco Bay Marina and enjoying some time out on the Dillon Reservoir . It is a beautiful body of water surrounded by scenic mountain panoramas. This is again one of those things we didn’t have time for, but it is definitely on our to-do list.

Dillon Reservoir, also known as Lake Dillon, near Frisco, Colorado © Scott Hippensteel | Dreamstime.com

Day 8: Independence Pass to Aspen and Drive to Glenwood Springs

On the morning after our fun day in Frisco, we had a delicious breakfast at the Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe, and then drove through Independence Pass to Aspen .  In case you aren’t familiar with Independence Pass, it is the highest paved road crossing the Continental Divide in the US. How high you wonder? It crosses the Continental Divide at an elevation of 12,095 feet! It is an absolutely spectacular drive, so be sure to include it in your Colorado road trip itinerary! Then, when you get there, take your time and enjoy the amazing views!

HOTELS: Click HERE to see the highest-rated accommodations near Glenwood Springs, Colorado on Booking.com. We have filtered out the lower-rated ones for you!

Independence Pass during early fall © Gary Gray | Dreamstime.com

After cruising through Independence Pass, we rolled into beautiful Aspen  and spent a few hours there. We got lunch, strolled around the Aspen Pedestrian Mall  in downtown, and enjoyed some ice cream while watching the local dogs play on the lawn at Wagner Park .  From here, our plan was to drive to the nearby town of Glenwood Springs, but before heading there, we made one final stop at Maroon Bells Scenic Area . Even though the late afternoon light is not the best for photos, we still loved seeing these majestic peaks and spending a little time at beautiful Maroon Lake. Once the sun got low in the sky, we hit the road again and made our way to Glenwood Springs.

Day 9: Glenwood Springs

Located about an hour away from Aspen, the beautiful town of Glenwood Springs has a lot to offer in terms of nearby tourist attractions and natural beauty.

Hanging Lake

On the morning after our arrival here, we had to get out the door really early because our first planned activity for the day was a hike up to Hanging Lake . This small, pristine lake is tucked away high up in the rocks of Glenwood Canyon, and it is literally hanging near the edge of a steep drop off.

Beautiful Hanging Lake, Colorado Photo credit: VisitGlenwood.com

I read somewhere recently that Hanging Lake is one of the most popular hikes in Colorado. Given that there is only one tiny parking lot near the trailhead, we had to get up at sunrise to get a parking spot. I am happy to report that we succeeded in this endeavor and were rewarded with views of stunning natural beauty. Without question, Hanging Lake is a place you should include on your Colorado road trip itinerary.

UPDATE: Parking near the Hanging Lake trailhead off I-70 is no longer allowed between May 1st and October 31st. During the summer months, you need to purchase a permit and ride the designated shuttle. Park and take the Hanging Lake Shuttle near The Hanging Lake Welcome Center at 110 Wulfsohn Road, Glenwood Springs CO 81601 . Be sure to reserve your permit and shuttle tickets in advance right HERE !

Rifle Falls State Park

After spending some time up at Hanging Lake, we headed west to Rifle Falls State Park . Honestly, I didn’t know much about this place, other than it featured a triple waterfall and small limestone caves. A local resident highly recommended Rifle Falls State Park to us, so we decided to check it out. I am sure glad we did because it turned out to be a magnificent place that wasn’t too crowded.

Glenwood Hot Springs Pools

After all the hiking we did, we dedicated our afternoon to soaking our sore muscles in the amazing Glenwood Hot Springs Pools . Coming here is definitely a MUST if you are in the area. At Glenwood Hot Springs you will find two main pools. The larger one is 405 feet long, and offers pleasant 90 degree water temperature; The smaller, 100-foot-long, therapy pool is 104 degrees, which feels especially heavenly in the middle of winter. (I am speaking from personal experience here!) Besides the two main pools, there are also a couple of water slides and a kiddie pool to keep the little visitors entertained. Currently, Glenwood Hot Springs is undergoing some exciting changes as they are preparing to bring new water attractions. So, don’t be surprised if it looks a little different when you visit in the future.

The water slides at Glenwood Hot Springs Photo credit: Glenwood Hot Springs

Glenwood Hot Springs Pools in the evening, absolutely heavenly Photo credit: Glenwood Hot Springs

Day 10: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Drive to Grand Junction

We spent the following day at  Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park , a truly unique local attraction. Described as “America’s only mountain-top theme park,” Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park caught my attention when I first started researching the area. It not only has a variety of fun rides, but also offers cave tours, and of course, amazing views. To get to the park, you actually have to take a gondola ride which, we thought, was really neat. If you have the time, definitely check it out! It is a theme park unlike any other!

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the Giant Canyon Swing as seen from Exclamation Point Photo credit: GlenwoodCaverns.com

Soaring on the Alpine Coaster at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Photo credit: GlenwoodCaverns.com

After our full day of amazing thrills, caves and fun, we were ready to head out west towards Grand Junction. The kids really didn’t want to leave, but we tempted them with the promise of snacks and dinner.

Day 11: Colorado National Monument and Drive to Montrose

When we travel in the United States, we try to visit as many National Parks as we can. However, we also try not to overlook the National Monuments since they, too, offer incredible sights and stunning natural wonders.

HOTELS: Click HERE to see the highest-rated accommodations near Colorado National Monument on Booking.com. We have filtered out the lower-rated ones for you!

While doing my research and planning this journey, Colorado National Monument caught my eye. It sounded like a beautiful place with amazing sandstone formations and deep ravines. So, I just had to add it to our Colorado road trip itinerary.  We made our way to Grand Junction for the night, and visited Colorado National Monument on the following morning. It was truly a fascinating place, one that was so different than everything else we had seen thus far. We found ourselves in a stunning desert, filled with monoliths and hair-raising canyons. The sun was bright and hot that day, but the experience – outstanding!

Misty Monoliths in Monument Valley, Colorado National Monument Photo credit: NPS (National Park Service)

Quick Detour

After we finished exploring the unique environment of Colorado National Monument, we were ready to hit the road again. The plan was to drive straight to the town of Montrose. We did, however, make a quick detour back to Glenwood Springs to pick up hubby’s lost (and now found) wallet from Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Still, we made it to Montrose just in time to have a nice dinner and get a good night’s sleep.

Day 12: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Drive to Telluride

The following day was dedicated to one of the lesser known US National Parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison .  This particular canyon gets so narrow and deep in places that very little sunlight can reach its bottom. Because many areas remain dark in the shadows, the canyon was named “black.” The Gunnison River carved this natural wonder over millions of years, and today, it continues to follow the same path between the steep canyon walls. The Black Canyon was an absolutely astounding sight, and we spontaneously decided to check out both the South and the North Rims. This made for a really long day, but the breathtaking views were worth the extra effort.

HOTELS: Click HERE to see the highest-rated accommodations near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on Booking.com. We have filtered out the lower-rated ones for you!

Cross Fissures Overlook in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Photo credit: NPS/Zach Schierl

At Black Canyon of the Gunnison, looking at Painted Wall on the right Photo credit: NPS/Lisa Lynch

Rainbow over Black Canyon of the Gunnison, seen from the South Rim Photo credit: NPS/Zach Schierl

Looking upstream at Chasm View Photo credit: NPS/Lisa Lynch

Day 13: Telluride, Mountain Village, and Drive to Cortez

On the following morning, we left Montrose early and drove to  Telluride ,  where we spent the day…And what a relaxing day it was! We strolled around Main Street, then took the free  Telluride Mountain Village Gondola . The views up there were magnificent, and Mountain Village was so peaceful and lovely. After enjoying the beauty of the area for several hours, we headed to the final destination on our Colorado road trip itinerary, the town of Cortez.

Main Street in Telluride, Colorado © Dave Newman | Dreamstime.com

I would like to mention here that Telluride has a lot more to offer in terms of attractions and hiking. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to squeeze in much else. However, if you have an extra day to spend here, consider hiking to Bear Creek Trail or taking Jud Wiebe Trail . These two hikes are local favorites, and the panoramas along the way will surely inspire you!

Day 14 and 15: Mesa Verde National Park

We spent the final two days of our Colorado journey exploring  Mesa Verde National Park , which is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site . In case you have never heard of Mesa Verde National Park, this is not only a park, but also a historical site. The main attraction here is the amazing collection of well-preserved ancestral puebloan structures. To visit some of the most popular dwellings, you will need to make a reservation for a tour at the Visitor Center on your way into the park.

HOTELS: Click HERE to see the highest-rated accommodations near Mesa Verde National Park on Booking.com. We have filtered out the lower-rated ones for you! Booking.com is one of our favorite websites for finding great places to stay all over the world!

The popular Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park Photo Credit: NPS/Sandy Groves

Long House in Mesa Verde National Park Photo credit: NPS/Cade Valcarce

I really didn’t expect that we would need two days here. However, after studying the map and watching a few videos, it seemed like it might be a good idea. We spent our first day exploring the dwellings in Chapin Mesa; this was probably sufficient, since most of the notable structures are found here. On our second day, we drove to Wetherill Mesa, which we found rather inaccessible. The distances between attractions here are quite large and the sun was blazing. Nevertheless, we managed to see some of the dwellings before heading out of the park.

Take the Memories Home

There you have it, your perfect two-week Colorado road trip itinerary! While this great state has much more to offer, I really feel that we did more than just scratch the surface. This trip included all four of Colorado’s national parks, exciting hikes, fun attractions, and a little bit of downtime. At the end of it all, our bodies were tired, but our hearts, minds, and memory cards were full. Colorado is a magnificent destination, and whether you see it all, or just a small part, you are sure to leave inspired. No matter how much time you have, never stop exploring, because even a small adventure will make you richer in ways money can’t!

Resources to Help Plan Your Perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Colorado general resources.

• Colorado.com – The most comprehensive Colorado vacation guide out there
• Colorado State Parks – Download this PDF brochure, and get to know Colorado’s 41 State Parks

Colorado National Parks and Monuments

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Colorado National Monument
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Hovenweep National Monument
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Yucca House National Monument

Aspen Area Resources

• Explore Aspen – Get information about the attractions and points of interest in the Aspen area from the Aspen Chamber Website
• Independence Pass Travel Information – A good page to check if you are planning on driving via Independence Pass to or from Aspen.
• Maroon Bells Guide – Check out this article by Day Hikes Near Denver to get the ultimate guide to Maroon Bells near Aspen.

Colorado Springs Area Resources

• Bishop Castle – Here is the official website for this incredible architectural wonder
• Broadmoor Seven Falls – Stop by this website to get all the information about the magnificent Broadmoor Seven Falls, and to make reservations for a special dining experience
• Garden of the Gods – This is the park’s official website; get the latest information before you visit
• Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain – Stop by this page to get the latest information about driving on the Pikes Peak Highway, and riding the Pikes Peak Shuttle
• Red Rock Canyon – If you have time to visit Red Rock Canyon near Colorado Springs, visit this website for trail information, history, geology, and anything else you want to know
• Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – Visit this website, and scroll to the bottom to find out what thrills and attractions await at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
• Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Stop by this website to buy tickets for one of the most spectacular train rides in Colorado
• Things to Do in Colorado Springs – Visit this page by Visit Colorado Springs to discover all there is to do in the area

Glenwood Springs Area Resources

• Glenwood Hot Springs Resort – Check out this website to find information about the amazing hot springs pools, which you absolutely have to try; you may even want to stay in the adjacent lodge, and get a relaxing spa treatment
• Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park – This is the official website for “America’s only mountain-top theme park”; visit to see all the rides and incredible views that await there
• Hanging Lake – Stop by this page to read about how to get ready for your hike to beautiful Hanging Lake
• Rifle Falls State Park – Here is the most detailed information about Rifle Falls by Day Hikes Near Denver
• Things to Do in Glenwood Springs – Stop by this page to discover all there is to do in the area

Other Resources Mentioned in This Post

• Frisco, Colorado – Here is an excellent website for the town of Frisco with information about everything you would like to know
• Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe in Frisco – This is the website for our favorite breakfast place in Frisco
• Frisco Bay Marina – Here, you can find information about renting a boat on the Dillon Reservoir
• Telluride – Visit this website to discover all there is to do in beautiful Telluride
• Telluride/Mountain Village Gondola – Stop by this page to learn about the FREE gondola that offers amazing views and transportation from Telluride to Mountain Village and back
• Visit Telluride – Another excellent website dedicated to Telluride, Colorado

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we will receive a small commission if you purchase something through these links. There is absolutely NO additional cost to you! We are affiliates of Booking.com and sincerely believe this is one of the best websites for booking accommodations. Thank you so much for choosing to use our affiliate links! These small commissions help us continue to update and run this website. 🙂

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Unless i’m missing it, I can’t find a map of your route. It would be great to visualise it.

Awww, thanks so much for this comment. I had a map I created on Google, but it apparently doesn’t display properly! Let me see if I can try to re-install it! 🙂

Hi, Thanks for your post! I’m planning a trip with my daughter and this is exactly what I needed!

Thank you so much for stopping by Sharon! I really appreciate your comment, and I am so glad you found the post helpful. We had such a wonderful time following this itinerary. Colorado is AMAZING! Have a great trip! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Wow, this is quite the trip. That bridge!!!! I may faint trying to go over it. LOL.

Colorado has amazing scenery! You really packed a lot into those 2 weeks. Thanks for the tips!

Wow! I love those dunes! Your photos are amazing. I will be saving this for later. Thanks!

Colorado is a beautiful state! I have not been to Glenwood, looks like a lot of fun!

Yesss, Lisa! Glenwood Springs has so much to offer. This is why we spent two days there! I highly recommend it! 😉

I would LOVE to take a 23-day road trip. This sounds amazing. I am super impressed.

What a great reminder of how awesome a road trip can be. You all certainly made the most of your time. What an awesome adventure!

Thanks so much for checking it out, Tony! It really was an amazing summer adventure! 🙂

Fantastic!!

Do you have any suggestions for hotels? Where did you sleep each night?

Hi, Michael! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂 You know, we mostly booked local cheapo motels that had really good reviews on Expedia. We didn’t go for anything fancy…just made sure the places we picked were safe and clean. (I tend to read A TON of reviews before I book something.) Our days were spent out and about, exploring all the different points of interest, so we didn’t need anything more than the very basics. We only went to the motel to sleep. 🙂 Until recently, I mostly used Expedia to book our accommodations, but lately I have started using Booking.com. I have to say, I really like them. You get FREE cancellations up to a week before check in, and it’s easy to get in touch with them if you have an issue with something. You may want to try Booking.com when you start planning your Colorado road trip itinerary and looking for places to stay. Let me know if you have any other questions. It really was an awesome trip…and totally packed! 🙂

This is such a well-planned road trip itinerary…you really took the think out of it that many will appreciate!

Oh I think I know where my summer trip will be next year. That all looks so amazing and fun. What a wonderful 2 week adventure.

I definitely recommend it very highly, Alison! Colorado has it all! 😉

Bishop Castle looks absolutely amazing, I’d love to visit. What a great trip plan!

Hi Liz! Bishop Castle was one of our kids’ most favorite attractions in Colorado. They still talk about it and want to go back! It is crazy fun! 🙂

Sweet! The more I travel, the more I realize it’s all about spending quality time in the destination to really appreciate it. 2 weeks in Colorado sounds amazing for all it offers. I love nature and would enjoy exploring these area right! Great post and itinerary!

This is quite a road trip!! So many places I’ve never heard about. Keeping this for reference!

This Colorado itinerary looks absolutely amazing! My daughter and I spent a couple of days in Colorado a few years ago when we climbed Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in CO. It was my first 14’er and kicked my unprepared butt! I now know better and if I ever get back to Colorado, I’ll be looking to climb a few more 14,000 footers. This guide sure will come in handy!

This is the best itinerary post i have ever seen. We are from Houston and are planning a colorado road trip..Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for stopping by, Danti! I am always so happy to hear that people find my posts helpful! After all, this is one of the main reasons I do this! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful trip. I can tell you that we loved our time in Colorado…and even though this itinerary is quite packed, we enjoyed exploring as much as possible from this great state! Have fun! 😉

This is FANTASTIC, thank you!! Headed to CO next month with girlfriends and I just added Bishop Castle and the Gorge to our itinerary, thanks to you! How much time would you say we should spend at each (2 adults, no kids). We will be en route from Great Sand Dunes to Colorado Springs. Thanks again!! 🙂

Hi Dyan, and thank you so much for dropping me a comment! 🙂 I am so thrilled to hear that you found this post helpful! It was truly an epic journey for us, and I am still working on posting all the details! 🙂 Bishop Castle is truly a unique attraction, and you have to see it to believe it. Since you are traveling without kids, it shouldn’t take you too long to visit. Be sure to check out the main hall of course and the downstairs “basement”. If you are brave, climb up to the metal sphere and the bridge…and if you are extra brave, go up to the pointy tip of the taller tower. 🙂 You will find amazing views from either tower! We probably spent an hour and a half at Bishop Castle because we just couldn’t get our kids to leave any sooner. They were mesmerized by it! I don’t think you would need more than 45 minutes to properly see the place, though. The Royal Gorge may take a bit longer especially if there is a line for the gondola. I highly recommend you take the gondola to the opposite side, and then walk back on the bridge. This way you will get to experience both…definitely worth it! Once again, we spent more time here than we anticipated because our kids wanted to play at the playground on the opposite side of the gorge. I imagine, without kiddos to slow you down, it shouldn’t take you more than an hour and a half (or less) to go across, return back, and enjoy all the views. If you like real thrills, you may consider crossing the gorge on the zip line instead of the gondola. This would be some kind of experience! 🙂 I hope this helps! Feel free to drop me any other questions…and HAVE A GREAT TIME! Colorado is amazing! 😉

This in incredible! I love the detail that you provided of each day! The pictures are beautiful and now I am ready to pack my bags! I have always thought of winter skiing in Colorado, but you have definitely opened my eyes to so much more!

That is an awesome itinerary.

Colorado is my favorite place! I haven’t taken my daughter there since she was 1, so now that she is 8, I would like to take her there for a road trip. We will only have 8-9 days though, and will fly in and out, so I will have to plan a bit of a different route. In which hotels did you stay?

Thanks for stopping by, Karen! How nice to plan a Colorado road trip itinerary with your daughter! 🙂 Let’s see…We mostly stayed at cheapo motels that had good reviews on Expedia, and this is where we booked everything. Lately, I have really enjoyed using Booking.com, though. They seem to have even better options than Expedia, and you can filter and sort the hotels in many different ways. I do remember really well one hotel that we stayed in, The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs . It was a fun place, and we really enjoyed it. The main lobby was pretty awesome and so was the included breakfast. I hope you have a fantastic time on your trip, and let me know if you have any other questions! 🙂

What a fun trip. Colorado is my favorite state. I may just go there after all this stuff is over with. I would have loved to see more pics of you though!!

Thanks, Kim! This is the next thing on my list, to add some of my Colorado photos to this article! 🙂

Me and my husband really want to do all of these things on your Colorado road trip itinerary 😍 We need to pick and choose things based on our budget though. If you don’t mind me asking, roughly how much was spent on your 2 week road trip? We are from Oklahoma so we will be driving as well! Thank you so much for this post!

Hi Sweta, I would say, we probably spent around $3,000, but keep in mind, there were four of us, and we ate out quite a bit. You can certainly go cheaper than that, especially if it’s just you and your husband and you pack lunch. I hope this helps some. Have a wonderful time in the great state of Colorado! 🙂

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One Weekend in Colorado Springs: A 3-Day Itinerary

Oftentimes overshadowed by its neighboring National Park (Rocky Mountain), Colorado Springs is a true hidden gem in southeastern CO. This 3-day Colorado Springs itinerary will take you to unique rock formations, epic hikes, mountain zoos, cliff dwellings, a nddddd even the North Pole. Although three days in any city is never enough, this guide will make sure you see the most in a little amount of time. Follow along exactly, or check out the list at the end for more things to add to your itinerary! Whatever you decide, you will surely have an EPIC one weekend in Colorado Springs.

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.  There are  only products included that I truly love. I APPRECIATE your support !

Table of Contents

How do I get to Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is located just over 1 hour from Denver, making it the perfect  weekend getaway  from the big city! You can also fly directly into the Colorado Springs airport, but it will likely be far more expensive.

After arriving at the airport of your choice, grab your rental car and head towards the adventures!

Tip: I recommend using Discover Cars to find the BEST deal of rental cars near Denver or Colorado Springs!

What is the best time to visit Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs receives mostly mild temperatures but can get a bit chilly in the winter months. Summer brings warmer temperatures, but also the most rain. Fall and spring are met with mild temperatures (perfect in my opinion!). Really, there is not a bad time to visit Colorado Springs! Some of the attractions listed below do close in the winter, so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your vacation!

• Winter  (Dec-Feb): 43/18
• Spring  (March-May): 65/34
• Summer  (June-August): 83/55
• Fall  (Sept-Nov.): 63/36
• Most Rain:  July and August
• Snow:  57.3 inches per year

*Temperatures are averages and reported in Fahrenheit*

Where should I stay in Colorado Springs?

During your one weekend in Colorado Springs, you can choose between luxury hotels like The famous Broadmoor, cozy cabins, or budget-friendly options like the Quality Inn and Suites . I recommend finding a hotel near The Garden of the Gods as two of your nights will end at this park.

Sample 3-Day Colorado Springs Weekend Itinerary

Day 1 in colorado springs:.

Start your morning with an amazing drive up to Pikes Peak. This unique Colorado 14er features 19 miles of safe roads, photo stops, and animal sightings. Once you make it to the top, you can grab a fresh doughnut for breakfast at the gift shop and take in the epic 360 degree views.

If you do not want to drive yourself, you can also take the 3.5 hour Cograil Ride to the top!

Details: Hours 9am-5pm. Reservations needed from May 27th through the peak summer months. Always call 719-385-7325 for road conditions and closures before visiting.

SANTA! I KNOW HIM! (Anyone else LOVE Elf and alllll the Christmas Festivities?!)

After marveling at the views on top of Pikes Peak, head to North Pole Santas Shop at the base of the mountain. This charming amusement park offers over 24 different rides and attractions. Although it is best suited for children, the young at heart (uh me) can definitely spend a few hours here. Its free to get in with rides, snacks, and attractions at an additional price .

It’s open from late May to early October (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday) from 10am-5pm.

After working up at appetite at the North Pole, head to The Rabit Hole for a unique underground dining experience. End you night with a sunset stroll at Garden of the Gods where you can marvel at the unique red rock formations. I recommend hiking the Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretage Trail Loop your first night as it is an easy 4-mile loop past the most famous rock formations.

Traveling with your dog? Check out this Dog-friendly Guide to Colorado Springs .

Day 2 in Colorado Springs:

Start your morning with a trek up the Manitou Incline. Be prepared to not feel you legs for the next 2 hours of your life…but with great reward. After climbing 2,768 steps, you will be rewarded (with a great sense of accomplishment) and amazing views. The way down brings you down the Barr Trail with a less steep incline.

Tip! I would not recommend this is the hot summer months or if you are not used to hiking. It is a difficult trail! You do need to make a free reservation before hiking.

Af ternoon:

Open year -round (depending on weather) the Manitou Cliff Dwellings is a unique, historic stop. Here you can explore the amazing architecture of the ancient cliff dwellers. You can go inside the cliff dwellings and then stop by the museum to learn more.

After your hike this morning, you deserve an ice-cold beer (or four) in a fun atmosphere! Manitou Brewing Company is the perfect stop to end your night. Order a beer flight and dinner and then head back to your hotel for the night.

Day 3 in Colorado Springs:

If you know me, you know I am obsessed with waterfalls. Climb 224 more stairs to get the best views of The Broadmoor Seven Falls, 181 feet of beautiful cascading waters. The Falls are open from March- to October and cost 17 dollars per person at the gate.

Because what is better than a relaxing day at the zoo with epic views of the mountains around you? The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open 365 days a year and features many interactive zoo exhibits such as feeding rhinos and goat encounters. It is consistently ranked as one of the very best zoos in all of the USA.

Advance tickets are required and can be purchased here!

Because one day at Garden of the Gods is not enough… End your Colorado Springs weekend trip with one more epic hike. Or add some additional adventure to your last night with a Garden of the Gods Jeep tour or segway tour before dinner!

After your hike, and dinner at The View House for a delicious dinner on the rooftop with amazing views.

Other things to do in Colorado Springs:

• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park: Cave tours, ropes courses, ziplines, and more…you could easily add an entire day to your Colorado Springs weekend.
• Garden of the Gods Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: Can you think of any better way to view the majestic red rocks?
• Red Rock Canyon Park: With over 22 different hikes to choose from, you will find more amazing views at this free park.
• National Museum of World War II Aviation : History fanatics will love to stroll around this museum chalked full of fully restored aircraft, artifacts, and historical documents.
• Ghost Town Museum: Come check out a preserved Wild West Town, hands-on exhibits, gold panning, and more! A true Wild West experience!

Other Tips to know before visiting Colorado Springs:

When we visited in November, we were met with a lot of closures due to snow. Be sure to call ahead to check for road conditions and closures for the above attractions.

If you are planning on spending more time in the great state of Colorado, check out the Colorado GetOut Pass to save money on over 70 different attractions!

3-day Colorado Springs Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:

• Day 1:  Pike’s Peak, The North Pole, The Rabbit Hole, Garden of the Gods
• Day 2:  Manitou Incline, Manitou Cliff Dwelling, Manitou Brewing Co
• Day 3: Brodmoor Seven Falls, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, The View House, Garden of The Gods

One Weekend In Colorado Springs Isn’t Enough

As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Colorado Springs that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Colorado Springs itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Colorado Springs!

What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Colorado Springs” Itinerary?

Tip! Make sure to follow me on  Instagram  for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!

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An Epic Colorado Road Trip: The Perfect Colorado Itinerary

Planning a Colorado road trip? Don’t miss this step-by-step 10 day Colorado itinerary – complete with everything you need to know, practical tips and maps to help you plan your trip.

Errrmagawd people. Can we talk about Colorado? I’ve just returned from an epic Colorado road trip with Visit Colorado and am already itching to go back.

It’s no surprise really is it – from the urban hipster chic of Denver to the foodie paradise of Fort Collins and a big dollop of national parks and forests (including that little-known range called the Rocky Mountains), Colorado has a hella lot going for it.

So… that’s the why you want to go deal with then (if I didn’t make it clear enough, the WHY is because it’s epic – a word that you better believe that I don’t use lightly).

Now’s time to look at the how.

IMHO a road trip is the best way to tackle seeing some of Colorado’s biggest sights (as well as a few offbeat inclusions too) – there’s the joy of being on the open road and the opportunity to explore the Centennial State at your own pace.

I’ll level with you – ten days is pretty tight for a Colorado road trip.

Given my own way, I’d dedicate at least two to three weeks to discovering the state but hey, this is the real world, with pesky little things like holiday allowance and budget to consider – so a 10 day Colorado itinerary it is.

That’s also why we are pretty much going to stick to the area of Northern Colorado: I don’t want you haring around the whole state clocking up the miles at the cost of the actual experience.

I will, however, include a couple of smaller stops on this Colorado road trip planner that I think really give you a peek into a different side of Colorado life (ahem did anyone say hanging out on a DUDE RANCH).

Be warned, this isn’t your bog standard Colorado road trip, but then again, you’re not bog standard kind of people are you?

Kick back and enjoy the ride, it’s time to set off on an epic Colorado road trip.

Colorado Road Trip Map

10 Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Colorado road trip days 1 + 2: denver.

You’re about to kick off your Colorado itinerary in Denver.

Denver seriously took me by surprise – in the absolute best way possible.

Blending hipster cool, an incredible food scene, cultural attractions and a ridiculous number of craft breweries, it’s the perfect introduction to Colorado.

It was clear from the moment I stepped outside that Denver is a city that loves the great outdoors – pretty much a given seeing as you can see the Rockies looming high from most points in the city.

Cool Things to do in Denver on Your Colorado Itinerary

Discover denver’s popping street art scene.

Love street art? I have one word for you. RiNo.

Denver’s street art scene is on another level (the only place I’ve seen to rival it is Shoreditch in London ) but as you’re short on time, you should head to the RiNo district, which boasts the biggest concentration of pieces.

Local names such as Pat Milbery and Detour 303 sit alongside international street art stars like Obey Giant (the dude who designed that iconic Obama poster in 2008) and Mr Cenz (a long-standing favourite of mine).

It’s colourful and straight up awesome.

Fair warning though: CRUSH Walls, which sees a huge mural festival takeover in RiNo each year, is coming to an end. CW holds the right to decorate the area until 2023, and then after that, they’re parting ways. 

Who knows what will become of Denver’s street art scene? Sniff. Check it out while you still can.

Read More: Finding the Best Street Art + Urban Murals in Denver

Take E-Tuk Tour of the City

Denver is pretty spread out, so I’d recommend starting your time in the city with a tour.

Not just any tour though, the cool Denver e-tuk tours not only whizz you around the city in their eco-friendly and rather quirky contraptions, but just so happen to have some of the funniest guides I’ve ever met. ROFL funny meets a wealth of history and unique insight into some of Denver’s coolest spots? I’m sold.

Explore Denver’s Museums

Denver has a lot of museums.

I’ll be honest, as we only had a couple of days in the city, I skipped visiting most of the museums in favour of mooching around RiNo and goggling at street art.

However, if you’d prefer to head to a museum instead, I’ve heard rumour that the Denver Art Museum has a cool collection of Native American art, while the Clyfford Still Museum is an impressive showcase of the works of the abstract expressionist artist of the same name.

See the Big Blue Bear and More ‘Grammable Spots

There’s a tonne of public art in Denver thanks to a programme that requires each new construction project in the city to donate 1% of the proceeds to a public art fund. How cool is that?

We saw a lot of art on the e-tuk tour but if you only have time to see one it has to be the Big Blue Bear (actual name I See What You Mean ) by Lawrence Argent.

The bear represents the outdoors sitting right on Denver’s doorstep – pretty fitting given the city’s location.

Gorge on the City’s Farm to Table Cuisine

Can we take a moment to pay homage to the good chefs of Denver keeping the city’s inhabitants and visitors fed in the best way possible.

Thank you people. My stomach thanks you. My tight jeans, not so much.

Farm to table is kind of a big deal in Denver – no wonder when there is such a wealth of local ingredients for chefs to use in all kinds of inventive and wonderful ways.

Mercantile in the iconic Union Station serves fresh flavours and innovative contemporary American cuisine – book ahead – it’s very popular (deservedly so).

Denver Central Market in RiNo has numerous traders serving great food from around the globe.

I also loved El Five, whose quirky Mediterranean dishes came with a side of some of the best views in the city.

Explore Denver’s Different Districts (And Have a Giggle at their Names Too)

LoDo (Lower Downtown), RiNo (River North), SEEmo (OK, the last one’s a joke), Denver has a lot of districts with some rather amusing nicknames – so much so that there’s even a South Park episode mocking the locals with the made-up SoDoSoPa.

Funny as their names might be, Denver’s districts each have a distinctive vibe of their own – take as much time as you can hanging out in each of them.

RiNo totally captured my heart though, if only for the epic street art.

Where to Stay in Denver – The Sheraton Denver

The Sheraton Denver – The Sheraton Denver is one of the biggest hotels in Denver and where I stayed during the Denver leg of the trip.

It’s everything you’d  expect from a Sheraton – high-end, comfortable and a great location downtown (plus beds so comfortable that you never want to get out of them).

Colorado Road Trip Day 3: Loveland

Loveland is a cool little spot with a compact downtown that you can explore in the matter of a morning and a nice contrast to Denver.

It’s one of those spots that you could pass through as you rush to get to the Rockies – but you’d be missing out if you did.

Though the downtown is pretty and has plenty to keep you entertained Loveland is really a place where you need to get out and explore.

Put on your hiking boots and attack the stunning Devil’s Backbone trail – a ridge of rocky outcrops that comes complete with views of the Rocky Mountains.

Cool Things to do in Loveland

Visit sweetheart winery.

A winery in Colorado? Surely I’ve got it confused – do I mean California? Nope.

Sweetheart Winery was one of my fave stops in Loveland and a welcome shift from the craft breweries that dominate the state.

The winery was started by a wine enthusiast who honed his craft, he turned to selling the wine he produced at independent wine fairs – turns out that the wine started winning more than a few awards and he took the leap (along with his wife) into starting a full winery.

That’s a story and a half right? Wait until you try the wine.

Hike the Devil’s Backbone

No, not the film by Guillermo del Toro (creepy AF), this Devil’s Backbone happens to be a cool 12-mile Colorado hike along a series of impressive rock formations that looks (you guessed it), like the Devil’s sinuous and scaled backbone.

The hike isn’t tough and the trail is well marked – go as far as you wish before turning back to do the return hike but I would recommend going at least as far as The Keyhole. This an opening in a rocky outcrop through which you can peek at the Rocky Mountains on the horizon.

Your Insta will thank you for it.

Visit one of Loveland’s Sculpture Gardens

Away from its mega-cute name, Loveland sits at the heart of the American sculpture scene.

The town itself has over 380 pieces of public art, many of which are located in its sculpture gardens: Benson Sculpture Garden and Chapungu Sculpture Park.

Benson is the biggest of the two and the one I visited during my stay – it opened in 1985 and has been showcasing the best pieces in local and international sculpture ever since.

It’s pretty cool – with a range of styles and mediums that I just wasn’t expecting to find – I still am not sure which of the 148 pieces currently displayed was my favourite.

This piece “ Menage a Trois ” was certainly a close contender.

Chapungu Sculpture Park is just as cool (I’ll be heading there on my next trip fo’ sho), boasting more than 80 stone sculptures with themes like the spirit world and village life playing a huge role in the park.

Have a Cheeky Night out on the Town

Loveland is pretty sprawling but the compact downtown area is where it’s at when it comes to keeping you out of (or getting you into) trouble of an evening.

Start with dinner at Door 222 – where the dishes display a masterful balance of flavours familiar and unusual.

Think tapas but with an international twist – embodied by dishes such as shaved brussels sprouts with a maple and sherry glaze, bacon-wrapped dates – followed up by hearty mains including Gold Canyon Flatiron with grilled asparagus and lemon hollandaise.

Plus the cocktails are pretty ace too #justsayin’.

Post-dinner, I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention that local arcade The Flipside and Wicked Tequila Room are mere paces away from each other.

I’m flat out not spilling the tea on that particular night (what happens in Loveland stays in Loveland) but I’ll leave it by saying you might not want to schedule too early a start the next morning if you do decide to have a cheeky night out.

Where to Stay in Loveland – The Courtyard by Marriott

I was pretty much ready to flop and drop by the time we checked into the Courtyard by Marriott in Loveland – it’s a new hotel with spacious bedrooms and (most importantly) ridiculously cosy beds.

There’s a gym (not sure you’ll need it if you’ve been doing this itinerary) and a hot tub (that’s more like it) and comfortable love-seats in-room for you to nestle up on and enjoy the views.

Colorado Road Trip Day 4: Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a quirky city with a vibrant heart. Even though it’s actually pretty big, it’s maintained the welcoming feeling of a small town – in no small part thanks to the fact that it is home to Colorado State University.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Fort Collins after having fallen for Denver and Loveland so hard but it totally won me over.

Where Denver is hectic and sprawling, and Loveland has its low-key vibe, Fort Collins feels like a sip of cool water – complete with boutique shops, independent bookstores and (yet more) locally-sourced and totally delish food.

Cool Things to do in Fort Collins

Discover the ghost signs of times past trail.

Where Denver has street art, Fort Collins has ghost signs. What’s a ghost sign? This should give you a clue.

Alright, I’ll tell ya. Fading retro posters from the yesteryears plastered on the sides of buildings.

There are nine of the signs hidden on old walls around town advertising famous brands like Coca Cola to local gems like Damm’s Bakery, and the oldest one dates from the 1880s. Go hunt them out!

Cycle the Experience Platinum Route

Fort Collins is an outstanding place to explore on two wheels, with miles and miles of cycle trails that take you through the city and its beautiful surrounding areas.

I’ll be honest. I’m always a bit touch and go on a bike. Of course I can ride a bike (just about) but there’s only so much coordination a notoriously klutz-bound girl like me can pull out on the fly.

All of that is to say that I was a bit nervous before we set off on the 7 mile Experience Platinum path.

It turned out there was no need to worry at all.

The route takes you alongside the state’s only designated wild & scenic river (I can confirm that it was both wild and scenic) and into the heart of the city.

If you’re nervy – don’t be. The terrain is pretty flat in town and the bike lanes are generous. Take it slow and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

We rented e-bikes, which was totally the way to go.

Indulge in Fort Collins’ Fabulous Foodie Scene

Fort Collins might not look like the likeliest contender for a shipping container street food market but I’ll let you in on a little secret…. The Exchange is one of the coolest places in town.

There’s craft beer (of course there is, this is Colorado after all) from the Crooked Stave, insanely moreish spicy chicken bites from Chick’n’Cone, pizza from The Pizza Press and OMG, the most delicious doughnuts and ice cream from Foco Doco and Old Town Churn respectively.

The best part of being an adult? There’s no one there to shout at you to tell you to eat some veg or not to go straight to dessert.

Have some cash to splash? Make a beeline for Ginger & Baker for a feast of locally-sourced high-end cuisine.

There’s a reason why this is one of the biggest names in town. Opt for the tasting menu for a culinary journey of Colorado’s finest flavours.

Sample the Local Drinks

Fort Collins has more than its fair share of craft breweries (man, I had not realised how much Coloradans love their craft beer) but there are also a few distilleries dotted about too.

If you know me, you’ll know that a good whisky is a pretty direct way to my heart (there’s a reason I go to the Islay Whisky Festival every year) – so it’s no surprise that I was ridiculously keen to try out the tipples at Old Elk Distillery .

Not satisfied with making an unbelievably smooth bourbon, they also make gin and vodka. Of course they do.

Where to Stay in Fort Collins – The Armstrong Hotel

I’m a total sucker for a gorgeous boutique hotel and The Armstrong gives it just the right amount of strong quirky-comfy-chic vibes.

From the art-filled reception downstairs (keep your eyes out for the Napoleon Dynamite portrait – YAS) to the high-end suites, this isn’t the kind of hotel you forget in a hurry.

Colorado Road Trip Days 5 + 6: Sundance Trail Dude Ranch

I’ve been dipping into the great outdoors on this Colorado itinerary – but you’d better know that sh*t’s about to get REAL.

The next five days are about exploring the varied terrains and spectacular landscapes that Colorado has to offer.

I hope you’re ready – this is going to leave you exhilarated, exhausted and your eyes stuffed with wonder*.

*yes, I absolutely stole that phrase from Ray Bradbury

There are a couple of places on this itinerary that you’ll find plastered everywhere.

It’s not exactly a revolutionary statement to suggest that if you’re going to Colorado you should stop off in Denver or the Rockies. But our next stop is somewhere really special – Sundance Trail Guest Ranch .

Do you ever find a place where the moment you set down your bags, you know it’s a home away from home?

Where you segue into its rhythm of life without any effort – as if you were meant to be there all along. Sundance is that place.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact appeal: I think it’s a combination of so many elements rather than one individual thing.

The welcoming owners, Dan and Ellen Morin, the communal dining – tables sinking under the weight of good ol’ American cuisine, the numerous activities to get you outdoors – from campfire songs, square dancing and axe-throwing – or last, but certainly not least, the horseback riding.

This is the place to learn to become a rootin’ tootin’ whip-crackin’ cowboy and explore the local surrounds – including the Roosevelt National Forest, on horseback.

I love riding but no fear if this is your first time on a horse, Sundance will make you fall in love with the freedom of horseback riding into the wild on a trusty steed.

Each day we’d saddle up (my horse, Mouse, was just the right combination of personality and calm to make him a pleasure to ride) and set off for a new destination.

We meandered through valleys, to panoramic outlooks – all the while accompanied by the friendly and impossibly cool ranch hands (if ever I had serious job envy, it was of those guys).

You’d think that after a day in the saddle, your day’s work would be done.

“ You’re supposed to fall exhausted into your bed at the end of the day, ” Dan cheekily told us on the first day – safe to say that is exactly what happened.

Don’t know how to square dance? You will do by the end of your stay (as an aside, I will say that this was a hell of a lot more fun than I thought it could possibly be).

We even learnt to forage the local flora in the capable hands of a brilliant local couple before settling around a campfire, singing traditional cowboy songs and making s’mores.  

It was magical and I cannot recommend it enough.

Dude Ranches are an alien concept at home in the UK, but they form the backbone of rural frontier Colorado life in times present and past – it was the point where I felt most immersed in a culture so distinct from London life, and I loved it. You will too.

Read More: Why You Need to Plan Your Colorado Dude Ranch Vacation

Colorado Road Trip Days 7 – 9: Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park , The Rockies, RMNP – whatever you want to call it, the end result is still the same. One of the spectacular national parks on the West Coast and a great place to try glamping in Colorado .

Let’s face it – the Rocky Mountain National Park is no secret – last year it received over 4.5 million visitors, making it the third most visited national park in the US.

By all accounts, the park is heaving in the summer months so the best time to visit is spring or autumn to beat the crowds.

I’m always aware of the danger of us loving the world’s beautiful places to death – literally – so please be aware and take care to leave no trace when you’re visiting so that future generations will also be able to marvel at the beauty of this treasured destination too.

Preachy pedestal aside, this is the place to get outside and explore.

Strap on your hiking boots and hop onto one of the hundreds of hiking trails – if you’re travelling in peak months, start early or late to avoid the biggest crowds.

A Few Cool Spots in Rocky Mountain National Park

We were pretty limited for time in Rocky Mountain National Park , so didn’t have as much time to explore as I’d have liked (I pretty much could have stayed there for two weeks and still whinged that I didn’t have enough time though to be fair).

Here are a couple of spots I visited – rest assured there are endless more – as many as you will ever need to fill your time in the park.

Rainbow Curve

Standing at 10,875 feet (that’s 3,300 metres to my metric peeps), Rainbow Curve is one of the outlooks that you can drive to using the Trail Ridge Road.

It’s about 13 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the park and a great place for a striking overview of some of the park’s peaks.

You can see nine peaks from the lookout, as well as the Hidden Valley and Horseshoe Park below. I might have gotten RIDICULOUSLY excited when I saw the lookout. I mean, you’ve got to be a bit dead inside not to.

It was still snowing and the road was closed, so we got to frolic along the road taking arty pics without being ploughed down by oncoming traffic. Win.

Hike to Nymph Lake

This is a short hike in Rocky Mountain National Park but big on views.

First up you park at the Bear Lake Trailhead (this is serviced by the park shuttle – recommended in high season) and make your way to Bear Lake – this section takes a couple of minutes.

You could leave it there, but where’s the adventure in that?

So it’s on to Nymph Lake, which is only a mile further along the trail. I say it’s only a mile further but depending on the time of year, it can be snowy – it was when I did it – cue display for my best Bambi vibes as I tried to stay upright and not land on my ass.

All that skittling and baby-stepping was worth it though – I turned the last corner to see the frozen Nymph lake with Hallet Peak peeping out in the background. Pretty brilliant right?

Don’t be fooled by the name – Estes Park is actually a town – and pretty much the best place to base yourself for your Rocky Mountain National Park adventures if you’re not camping within the park itself (you’ll need to book a whopping six months ahead if you want to give that a try).

It’s got a quaint downtown area, filled with all manner of indie shops – including, somewhat bizarrely, three Christmas shops. At Christmas-time the area boasts ice rinks and markets galore – heading back here during the festive season is near the top of my Colorado bucket list.

There’s also a tonne of choice when it comes to places to eat – The Bird & Jim sources produce from local farms and transforms them into sustainable and healthy dishes that are full of flavour.

Kick back afterwards at The Barrel , which has mead, cider and kombucha on tap – as well as a diverse wine-list.

I was more than a little excited to see a malbec from of my favourite Argentine wineries Bodega Colome pop up, so of course, that’s what I went for (to put it into context, I’ve only ever seen this once outside of Argentina itself).

Where to Stay in Estes Park – The Evergreens on Fall River

The Evergreens on Fall River offers suitably rustic lodges with gorgeous views overlooking the Fall River.

It’s the perfect base for exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park – and when you get back from a long, sweaty day on the mountains, the hot tub beckons – I certainly couldn’t resist.

Colorado Road Trip Day 10: Boulder then Back to Denver

It’s almost time to go home.

I know, I know – who knew a 10-day Colorado road trip would go so fast? If you have enough time, I’d recommend popping into laid-back Boulder, which is certainly having a real heydey at the moment.

I did pop into Boulder and had a lovely walk around the town, plus a few chill cups of coffee and glasses of wine (when in hipsterville…), but I will be honest and say that I really didn’t do it justice.

If you have more time, spend an extra day or two here – walk along Pearl Street, which sits at the heart of the town before venturing out to explore The Flatirons – those huge sandstone outcrops that dominate the town’s vistas or meander your way along Boulder Creek Path.

There are breweries, distilleries, hiking paths, cycling paths – basically all the things you could need to make you fall in love with Boulder’s small-town vibes.

The University of Colorado’s Boulder Campus is also home to the Fiske Planetarium and the Museum of Natural History, which is perfect if you’re desperate to get inside after spending the best part of ten days hiking, riding, and climbing. Not to mention that both of these museums are stuffed with fascinating history and cool facts.

Once you’re done, hit the road and truck on back to Denver to finish this Colorado road trip back where we started. Enjoy!

Additional Colorado Road Trip Ideas and Destinations

I’ve tried to keep things relatively simple for this Colorado road trip itinerary.

Changing destinations every night can be pretty exhausting, but if you want to up the pace, or you have more than 10 days to play with, you can also add these cool Colorado road trip ideas to your list.

Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods – CS is a cool town with iconic highway snaps. Garden of the Gods is a nearby sandstone formation park with impressive views – you can take a chilled-out (and relatively easy hike) or kick things up a notch with guided rock climbing excursions and Segway tours.

Mesa Verde National Park – Known for boasting amazing cliff dwellings and petroglyphs carved out of the rocks by the Ancestral Pueblo people, this is one of the top national parks in Colorado and I highly recommend you allot some time to see it. For gorgeous panoramic views head to the Sun Point Overlook, or embark on the Petroglyph Point Trail to spot carvings.

Great Sand Dunes National Park – Located in South Colorado, the national park boasts sand dunes on an unbelievable scale. But it’s much more than just an incredible photo spot, the national park is home to incredible hikes and various ecosystems (many of which you’ll get to gawk at during a visit).

Aspen – The ski hounds and snow bunnies among you need no introduction to Colorado’s chi chi winter sports haven. There’s no better place in Colorado to indulge in snowsports – and a whole lotta Apres Ski. Aside from the slopes, make sure to check out the impressive Wheeler Opera House.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – Ten miles west of Denver lies an amphitheatre carved into soaring red rocks. It’s still used for performance today and is one of the most impressive sights in Colorado.

Planning Your Colorado Itinerary: Practical Tips

• Stay hydrated – they don’t call Denver the mile-high city for nothing and the elevations just get higher – plus the air is incredibly dry. There were points in the Rockies where I could barely walk and breathe at the same time because the altitude was so high. All of this means that it is incredibly important to drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
• If you show signs of altitude sickness, go to a lower elevation and take it easy. If it’s serious, seek medical help. This isn’t likely to be an issue in Denver but altitude sickness can come into play in other parts of the state like the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Denver is well served by national and international flights (including direct flights from the UK) – hence why I’ve chosen it as the place to start and finish the Colorado road trip.

Check flights to Denver on Skyscanner.

Renting a Car

Chances are you’re planning to rent a car for your road trip – here are a few good options.

• Hertz – Hertz is an international car rental company that has a variety of cars available to hire. Go for something sturdy and rugged rather than a muscle car – practicality is more important than looks here 🙂
• Sixt Rent a Car – Sixt has great car rental prices too.
• Enterprise Rent a Car

Colorado Packing List

Your packing list for your Colorado road trip itinerary is going to vary seriously from season to season, but it pays to be aware that the weather in Colorado is changeable and fluctuates between extremes quickly.

Want an example? Well I’ve just returned from my trip a few days ago (in May) – it snowed the week before we arrived, was gorgeously sunny for the duration of my trip but the state has just experienced a huge snow dump again this week – as in Denver airport is currently closed kind of snow.

So, just like the Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, it pays to be prepared when you’re packing for the Colorado road trip.

Colorado Road Trip Packing List

• Light jacket / heavy jacket depending on the season. I recommend a windproof softshell as the lighter jacket.
• Hiking boots
• Trainers / sneakers
• Sunscreen / suncream
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle (there are places to refill everywhere, don’t be that person still using disposable bottles when it’s completely unnecessary).
• Swimsuit (for that sweet hot tub action).

PS: Still not sure? Read My Ultimate Road Trip Packing List or my Torres del Paine Hiking List for hiking in the Rockies (same same, but different).

Discover More Colorado Road Trip Guides

• C ool Things to do in Colorado
• The Best Airbnbs in Colorado
• Why you HAVE to go Horse Riding at a Dude Ranch on Your Next Vacation
• Street Art in Denver
• Time to Explore Fort Collins
• Time to Explore: Loveland
• The Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Unmissable Things to do in Denver

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I was kindly hosted by Visit Colorado on this trip but as ever, all of my thoughts and opinions are very much my own. As if you couldn’t tell.

I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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3 Days 150 Miles

A 3-Day Summer Road Trip Exploring Southern Colorado

The Rockies

With four National Parks and the majestic Rocky Mountains, Colorado’s diverse landscape attracts adventure seekers every summer. From canyons and rivers to deserts and mountains, there are plenty of remote areas waiting to be discovered, plus adrenaline-fueled activities to match.

But with so much on offer, it can be challenging to know how to use your time during a Colorado vacation. Follow this three-day itinerary to explore some of the best of southern Colorado in a short space of time.

Day 1 – Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is in southern Colorado and is known for its imposing sand dunes dominating the skyline. Begin your day bright and early to avoid the hottest part of the day as the sand can get quite hot—especially if you’re traveling with pets or little ones.

One of the most popular activities at the sand dunes is hiking. The main part of the dune field is a massive 30 square miles, and you can roam around it as you wish, as there are no marked trails. But there are a few routes that you may want to take to check them off your Colorado bucket list.

Star Dune is one of the tallest sand dunes in the country. It measures 741 feet high and can be hiked from the neighboring High Dune. Alternatively, you can reach the top on the more direct route from the Medano Creek bed. The hike will take you about six hours one way, so plan accordingly.

The National Park is also home to the Medano Creek, a seasonal stream created when the snow melts high in the Sangre Christo Mountains. The wide and shallow stream has surge flows, which are small waves that break every few seconds, allowing you to ride inflatables downstream from the creek’s natural beach. It is a fun place to hang out with the whole family and cool off after a morning hike.

Where to Eat & Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Why not check out The Great Sand Dunes Lodge for a great place to stay? The lodge is at the base of the Sangre De Cristo mountains, right at the entrance to the National Park. The lodge treats you to incredible views of the mountains, the spectacular San Luis Valley and the Great Sand Dunes themselves.

At the lodge, you can choose to cook in your room or go to the restaurant, just a short walk away.

Day 2 – Rio Grande National Forest

Once the sand is out of your shoes and your bags packed, jump in the car and head west to your next destination: the spectacular Rio Grande National Forest . Begin in the town of Creede, where you can grab a bite to eat and stock up on any essentials for the day.

The National Forest covers 1.86 million acres of south-central Colorado, offering plenty of places to get off the grid. Many people visit the forest and its surrounding areas for its cycling, as there are some excellent mountain bike and road biking routes. Stop by San Juan Sports or Creede Adventure Rentals to rent mountain bikes for the day.

If you like to slip into some lycra and hit the road, you will love the route that follows Route 160. It takes you to Wolf Creek Pass and state Highway 149, crossing the mountains at Slumgullion Pass . This connects the San Luis Valley and Gunnison while taking you to the 10,000-foot North Cochetopa Pass.

Those who prefer their tires more chunky and their cycling to be off-road are in luck. The Penitente Canyon Trails is a 46-mile backcountry loop from the Penitente Canyon Trail system to the top of the 12,000-foot Boot Mountain. The route consists of forest service roads, 4×4 tracks and singletrack along La Garita Creek.

Expect stunning views of the historic stock paths and high country. You can even spot evidence of what’s believed to be the largest volcano eruption in history, 28 million years ago.

Other mountain biking options include the Deep Creek Trail near Creede. But for this, you will need to organize a pick up at the bottom, as it is more of a downhill ride.

Where to Eat & Stay in Creede

When it comes to accommodation near the Rio Grande National Forest, you have a choice of camping and cabin options. But The Antlers Rio Grande Lodge has everything you need for an authentic experience.

The Antlers provides various lodging options, including an RV park, rooms and cabins. This fantastic property sits on the banks of a beautiful river and is considered one of the best places to fish in the area. There is also a games room and playground to keep the kids entertained. After a day of exploring, you can eat at the on-site restaurant for waterside dining.

Day 3 – Pagosa Springs

The final day of your Colorado adventure brings you to Pagosa Springs. This is a gorgeous town famous for its hot springs and endless opportunity for outdoor recreation.

Whatever your chosen discipline,—fly fishing, ice climbing, downhill biking or hiking—you will enjoy exploring the area. However, today is dedicated to the ultimate relaxation. We’ll begin our adventure with a scenic drive to the top of the Continental Divide. From Creede to Pagosa Springs, take the drive along Wolf Creek Pass . Along the way, you’ll get to see the breathtaking Treasure Falls, cascading at 100-feet tall, and don’t forget to stop at Lobo Overlook for panoramic views of the San Juan mountains.

Once in Pagosa Springs, get ready for a therapeutic soak in natural hot springs to end your Colorado road trip. There are three different hot springs resorts to choose from, including Healing Waters Resort & Spa , The Springs Resort & Spa and Overlook Hot Springs Spa .

At Healing Waters Resort & Spa unwind in the hot springs and then indulge in a pampering massage. The spa’s pool and bath are filled with 100% spring water, so you can benefit from the minerals’ healing properties. Consider booking one of the many rooms, suites or cabins available.

But if you fancy something a little more rustic, the RiverWalk Inn may suit you better. This boutique-style hotel offers modern rooms in downtown Pagosa Springs. You can enjoy breathtaking views over the mountains from the patio or relax in the hot tub and dry sauna.

In town, discover a wide range of restaurants with varied menus. Check out Thai Pagosa or Rosie’s Pizzeria for delicious options depending on what you’re craving. Order a local beer and raise a glass to your epic three-day adventure.

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Home » Itineraries » 3-Week Colorado Road Trip Itinerary (Map, Route, Highlights)

3-Week Colorado Road Trip Itinerary (Map, Route, Highlights)

Published on September 2, 2022

Do you have 3 weeks to spend in Colorado and are you looking for an exciting road trip itinerary? Here is our recommended route!

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

2. glenwood springs, 3. colorado national monument state park, 4. black canyon of the gunnison, 5. maroon bells, 6. telluride, 8. durango and silverton, 9. great sand dunes national park, 10. pikes peak, best time to do this colorado road trip, driving distances during this 3-week road trip, road trip itinerary statistics, similar road trip itineraries in colorado.

Disclaimer: While this article presents a 3-week itinerary, you can always re-arrange this trip into your own plan! Feel free to change the route and length of the trip! This post is merely a tool for you to continue planning your adventure!

Highlights of this 3-week road trip itinerary

Here are the highlights of this road trip! Of course, it’s up to you to decide what to include in your trip. Scroll down below to catch some of our similar road trips in the area!

Time to spend: 1-3 days

Main activity type: Hiking🚶🏿

No matter how much time you have, a road trip through Colorado isn’t complete without visiting the Rocky Mountains National Park! You can easily spend a couple of days here, as this area is filled with beautiful hikes, wildlife, and viewpoints! If you need a place to stay, Estes Park offers the best accommodations in the area!

Extra costs?

National Park Pass

• Google Maps

Time to spend: 1 day

Main activity type: Leisure🏊‍♀️

Glenwood Springs is a great place to relax and take a break from your driving. There are numerous hot springs here where you can fully relax your body and soak in the heat. There are also some hikes around, but most people stop here to do groceries at Walmart or enjoy a dip in the hot waters.

Entrance fee for springs

Main activity type: Viewpoint(s)⛰️

This is a classic road trip in Colorado. The Colorado National Monument features a beautiful winding road that takes you past beautiful viewpoints overlooking canyons, mountain tops, and rock outcrops. You can do some hiking while you’re there, but the main attraction here is the road itself with the many viewpoints you’ll pass along the way.

Apparently, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the least visited parks in the US. But we honestly can’t see why. It’s easily accessible, perfect for a one-day visit, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. We were so amazed with the views. It features a sequence of viewpoints that you can easily drive up to, and it takes about 5 hours to visit them all!

Depending on when you’re planning to go, Maroon Bells can be a bit tricky to reach. But it’s such a serene place that it’s definitely worth it. There’s something unique about the mountains here that you won’t find anywhere else in the US. If you’re planning a winter visit, you should know that vehicle access is restricted. You can still go there with a snowscooter though!

Telluride was a definite highlight during our road trip through Colorado. The drive to Telluride is already worth it, but it offers plenty of outdoor activities. I’d especially recommend the Bridal Veil Falls! If you’re hungry for a snack, we had some of the best food at the local bakery called Baked in Telluride.

Ridgway is a nice place to stop, as it allows you to visit some local attractions. From here, you can visit the Ouray hot springs and the beautiful Box Canyon Falls Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, drive up to the Owl Creek Pass for stunning views!

Main activity type: Viewpoint(s)

Between Durango and Silverton lies the famous “Million Dollar Highway”. This is a spectacular drive through Colorado, and frankly, it would be a shame if you missed it! It features beautiful views over the Rockies, and you might be able to spot mountain goats while driving! Durango and Silverton are small towns where you can wander around for a bit, but most people go here for the Million Dollar Highway!

When you think of Colorado, you think of snowy mountains, right? Well, if you have the time, you should definitely visit this unique national park. If you have a 4WD, you can test your skills on the Medano Pass Road. This park is also a favorite amongst dark-sky stargazers!

At 14,115 feet tall, Pikes Peak is one of the most sumitted mountain tops in Colorado. You can include this in your Colorado road trip thanks to the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile road that takes you to beautiful views of the area. If you’re more interested in hikes, you can always visit the nearby Pike National Forest.

If you want to experience all of what Colorado has to offer, you should plan your road trip for the Summer. All the road and mountain passes will be open and clear in June, July, and August. If you’re okay with some closed roads due to the snow, you can consider road-tripping Colorado in May. You won’t find many tourists at this point! For example, the Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park is generally open and ready for travel from the end of May through October. The road, which connects the west and east entrances of Rocky Mountain National Park, closes each year due to snow accumulation.

Here is a table with the distance (in miles) between every highlight included in this itinerary.

How to read distance table: The highlights in this itinerary are plotted on each row and column in this table. The intersecting cell between two destinations contains the number of miles you’d have to drive to get from one to another. This driving distance is calculated in Google Maps at the time of publishing this itinerary.

Avg. fuel price

$3.8 per gallon

Total route distance

Assumed driving distance (double the route)

Average driving distance per day

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How we create these guides: Using Google Maps API and by analyzing trips from TripAdvisor, Google Map reviews, Reddit, etc, we come up with the most unique and memorable road trip itineraries!

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I do not drive and wanted some suggestions for an itinerary which combines the highlights of Rocky Mountain National Park and perhaps one other scenic location which isn't too far and where I can do a short tour on horseback.

I would also like to know if I can fit in a visit to a small town known for its historic charm, just so I can experience a bit of everything in the short time I have there.

3 replies to this topic

- Travel to Estes Park via a shuttle from the airport and spend the night there. Use the free shuttles to get around town and do a horseback riding tour there. Take the Hiker Shuttle into RMNP to the Bear Lake area (reservation required). Take a guided tour to see Trail Ridge Road. The shuttles only run in the summer so this wouldn't work in May.

- Use Bustang (public bus) to get to Estes Park. Only runs in the summer and on the weekends and can get you to the Bear Lake area via the Hiker shuttle.

- Use Bustang to get to another mountain town. It can get you to Frisco and from there you can take the Summit Stage bus to Breckenridge . Those two towns might be what you are looking for as a historic small town.

- Take a guided tour to RMNP or elsewhere from Denver .

Hiker Shuttle: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses-and-public-transit.htm

Bustang Routes: https://ridebustang.com/bustang/routes-maps/#west_line

Estes Park shuttles: https://estes-park.com/free-shuttle-buses/#:~:text=Estes%20Park%20and%20RMNP%20provide,hassles%20of%20parking%20and%20traffic.

Guided Tours from Denver: https://www.aspire-tours.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&keyword=Aspire%20Tours&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwz42xBhB9EiwA48pT758NGfph2nenr0yRJks0nA1mTRxW45p5DUk2GO78r6QQLm9B3CMicBoCmMcQAvD_BwE

Bustang service to Estes Park: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g143048-i3489-k14398300-Bustang_Service_to_Estes_Park_and_RMNP_resumes_May_27-Rocky_Mountain_National_Park_Colorad.html

Options for mountain activities will be much better in July August than may. Trails are still snowed in and may and outfitters don't get going much until tourists start getting here in june.

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9 Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado

R eady for an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes? If so, you’re ready to embark on discovering some of the best road trips from Denver.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff , or simply seeking a memorable getaway, Denver has some incredible road trips that promise to leave you awestruck.

As one of the top outdoor hubs in the western United States, Denver serves as the perfect base camp for unforgettable road trips through the majestic Rocky Mountains and beyond.

From national parks and monuments to charming mountain towns and winding scenic byways, some of the best road trips from Denver lead to diverse landscapes and adventures.

Here is an expert-crafted list of the best road trips from Denver, Colorado:

• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Colorado Springs
• Yellowstone National Park
• Monument Valley, Utah
• Zion National Park
• Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills

Let’s find out why these drives are perfect for your next escapade.

The Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado

Rocky mountain national park: a natural wonder.

This road trip takes you from Denver to Estes Park, where you’ll discover awe-inspiring beauty at every turn. The journey itself is a visual delight, but the real magic begins when you step into the park.

Hiking enthusiasts can conquer the trails leading to Dream Lake or Emerald Lake and be rewarded with mirror-like waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. Also, the drive along Trail Ridge Road offers vistas that will leave you breathless.

If you’re keen on wildlife, don’t miss a wildlife safari. EK, bighorn sheep, and other animals call this park home. To delve deeper into the park’s geology and history, you can make a stop at the Alpine Visitor Centre.

A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park typically lasts two to three days.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS: A 3 Day Denver Itinerary

Santa Fe, New Mexico:  A Taste of Southwest Charm

As you head south from Denver to Santa Fe, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and history of the Southwest.

The road to Santa Fe is a journey through time. The ancient cultures of the Southwest come to life as you explore the city’s historic center. The Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of the city, offers a glimpse into its Spanish colonial past.

Art lovers will be in heaven on Canyon Road, where over 200 galleries and boutiques showcase the talents of local artists. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to one of New Mexico’s most famous artists, provides insight into the region’s artistic heritage.

A road trip to Santa Fe typically lasts two to three days.

Moab, Utah: Adventure In The Red Rocks

Located in the red rock wonderland of Utah, Moab offers thrilling outdoor activities and breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe.

The drive from Denver to Moab is a transition from the lush landscapes of Colorado to the rugged terrain of Utah. Upon your arrival, the striking arches of Arches National Park will welcome you.

For a challenging but rewarding experience, you can hike to Delicate Arch, one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks. And if you’re interested in the prehistoric past, the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park will transport you back in time.

Moab typically demands three to four days of your time.

Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Sandy Paradise 

Just when you thought you’d seen it all, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a unique experience.

These surreal sand dunes rise against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating a mesmerizing contrast that you won’t find anywhere else.

The drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park takes you through a diverse landscape, from rolling hills to the first glimpse of those towering dunes.

Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to climb the tallest sand dunes in North America.

There are plenty of opportunities for offroading if you’ve got the right vehicle. Make sure your tires are set to the right pressure for sand driving before hitting the trails.

To understand the park’s geology and ecology, you can consider joining a ranger-led tour. And on a hot day, a refreshing dip in Medano Creek is pure bliss.

Great Sand Dunes National Park can be explored in one to two days.

Colorado Springs: Where Mountains Meet Military 

Colorado Springs is where natural beauty meets military prestige. You can explore majestic mountains, delve into history, and get up close with wildlife, all in one captivating destination.

A drive up Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s “Fourteeners” (mountains over 14,000 feet tall), offers a breathtaking panorama. 

For animal lovers, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to over 750 animals from around the globe. And if you’re not afraid of the dark, explore the Cave of the Winds Mountains Park’s underground caves.

A visit to Colorado Springs typically takes one to two days.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THIS: Hiking Up The Manitou Incline

Yellowstone National Park: America’s First National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of geothermal features, wildlife, and rugged landscapes. 

The drive to Yellowstone is an adventure in itself, passing through Wyoming and Montana. As you enter the park, you’ll soon encounter Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world.

The Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, is a colorful marvel you won’t soon forget. Hiking to Yellowstone Canyon rewards you with views of the Lower Yellowstone Falls and the Upper Yellowstone Falls.

Yellowstone is a wildlife lover’s paradise where bison, elk, wolves, and other animals roam freely. And for a night of luxury in the heart of the park, the Yellowstone Lake Hotel offers a perfect retreat.

This road trip typically lasts four to five days.

Monument Valley, Utah: A Desert Dreamscape

Monument Valley is a cinematic dreamscape known for its iconic sandstone formations featured in many Western films.

The drive from Denver to Monument Valley is a transition from the greenery of Colorado to the arid beauty of Utah. Upon entering the valley, towering sandstone buttes and mesas will welcome you, crafting a surreal landscape.

A scenic drive through the valley is a must, allowing you to witness these natural wonders up close. Guided tours offer insights into the history and culture of the Navajo people. 

Sunrise and sunset in Monument Valley are magical moments, with the sandstone formations bathed in golden light.

A trip to Monument Valley typically lasts two to three days.

ANOTHER FAVORITE: Best Hidden Gems in Denver

Zion National Park: A Canyon Wonderland

Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with dramatic canyons and breathtaking vistas. The journey from Denver to Zion is a transition from cityscapes to natural wonders.

The adventurous can tackle the famous Angel’s Landing hike for an adrenaline rush or simply soak in the stunning scenery.

The Zion Human History Museum provides insight into the park’s history and the people who have called it home. You can join guided tours if you are eager to learn about the park’s geology and ecology.

A trip to Zion National Park typically lasts two to three days.

Mount Rushmore In The Black Hills: Faces In Stone

Mount Rushmore awaits you in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The drive from Denver to Mount Rushmore is a journey through the heart of America’s Midwest.

The iconic faces of four U.S. presidents emerging from the granite mountainside are a symbol of the nation’s history and democracy.

The Crazy Horse Memorial pays homage to the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. Witnessing this massive carving in the making is a testament to human ambition.

A wildlife safari through Custer State Park allows you to see wild bison and their natural habitat. Serene beauty will embrace you as you traverse the scenic Black Hills.

A trip to Mount Rushmore typically takes two to three days.

Denver is a great place to start your adventure, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy along the way.

If you’re looking for a short and easy road trip, consider visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or Colorado Springs . Both destinations are within a two-hour drive of Denver and offer a variety of activities to enjoy.

For the more adventurous traveler, Moab, Utah, and Yellowstone National Park offer stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and unique cultural experiences that will leave you in awe.

In the end, it’s not just about the destinations; it’s about the experiences, the landscapes, and the stories you’ll gather along the way.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the beauty of the American West on these unforgettable journeys.

This is a post by Guest Contributor Louis

Author’s Bio: Louis is an outdoors enthusiast who doesn’t miss an opportunity to get out and go camping, hiking, or road tripping. When he isn’t out travelling, he’s planning his next adventure.

The post 9 Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado appeared first on Dreams in Heels - Travel and Lifestyle Blog by a Latina Abroad .

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3-Day Colorado Springs Itinerary For Families

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This 3-day Colorado Springs itinerary for families is the perfect addition to your exploration of the Rocky Mountain State! With proximity to major cities such as Denver, which has Colorado’s biggest and most major airport, Colorado Springs is a kid-friendly paradise with lots of attractions for all ages. It’s an especially great place for outdoor activities, whether you want to go horseback riding, hiking, biking, or off-roading! On this Colorado Springs itinerary for families, we’ve included the city’s best attractions, plus some other fun things to do with kids. Not to mention, where to stay in Colorado Springs with kids. Keep reading to plan your next itinerary! 

Day 1: Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Downtown 

First on your Colorado Springs itinerary for families, head to Pikes Peak, the second-highest peak in Colorado and one of the most popular tourist destinations. The Pikes Peak Summit Highway offers panoramic views and stops along the way to enjoy a picnic lunch. 

Or, take the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway from the Cog Railway Depot in Manitou Springs. This hour-long route takes you through Pikes National Forest, along Ruxton Creek, by Diamond Rock, within Engelmann Canyon, and past Deer Park. Parents can appreciate the expansive scenery while kids spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife!

Afternoon Activity: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Animal lovers can’t miss an afternoon visit to The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo , one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids in the summer! Located on Cheyenne Mountain just south of the city, kids can expect close encounters with giraffes, turtles, goats, and other adorable creatures. They’ll also love “Water’s Edge: Africa,” with hippos and penguins! Afterward, ride the zoo’s Historic Carousel and enjoy the incredible view. 

Additional Activity: Hiking Through Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Also south of Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain State Park showcases over 2,700 acres and 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. Some easy trails here include the 1.1-mile Zook Loop, the 1.6-mile Coyote Run Loop Trail, and the 3.7-mile Sundance Loop. In the spring or summer, enjoy beautiful views of the mountains as you pass through wildflower-filled prairies! 

Evening Activity: Downtown Colorado Springs

For dinner, head downtown to explore. You can check out restaurants like Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant , which has kid-friendly food like chicken fingers, burgers, etc. 

Planning your Colorado Springs itinerary? Check out these 12 Adventurous Things To Do in Colorado Springs Kids Will Love!

Day 2: Garden of the Gods, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Cave of the Winds

On the second day of your Colorado Springs itinerary for families, visit Garden of the Gods , a nature center with breathtaking rock formations. You can go hiking, horseback riding, or even biking. Trails for all skill levels include the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a one-and-a-half-mile hike that’s both wheelchair and stroller accessible. Families can also go on guided electric bike tours, provided by Amp’d Adventures . Or, try horseback riding through the park with Academy Riding . 

Afternoon Activity: Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Another must-visit on any Colorado Springs itinerary for families is the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. These Puebloan dwellings are located in Manitou Springs, west of the city. 

They highlight the lives of the Anasazi people, which you can learn more about at the on-site museum. Another cool part about exploring here is that you can actually walk up to and through the dwellings to get a good look at them. Kids will also appreciate the fact that they can touch them as much as they want! While it’s a great place to visit, it probably won’t take you more than an hour. Maximize your time by planning an excursion to another Colorado Springs attraction, like the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. 

Additional Activity: Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Located near the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, this multi-complex has a cave, a challenge course, and more adventure opportunities for children of all ages. 

To see the cave, we recommend the hour-long Discovery Tour . Older kids may be more interested in the Haunted Lantern Tour , where you can explore dark tunnels, curving passageways, and spooky stairs. Adventurous kids who are really up for a thrill can challenge themselves on the Terror-dactyl , which sits at the edge of a 100-foot cliff and launches you into the canon! 

Evening Activity: Manitou Springs

In the evening, families can explore the cute town of Manitou Springs, which features a variety of kid-friendly restaurants, like Savelli’s . Plus, kids will love visiting the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade , where they can play vintage arcade games! 

Day 3: Helen Hunt Falls, Broadmoor Seven Falls, the Broadmoor

Save time to see the beauty of Helen Hunt Falls on your Colorado Springs itinerary for families. Located in North Cheyenne Canon Park just off North Cheyenne Canyon Road, this 35-foot waterfall requires you to drive through North Cheyenne Canyon and then hike up for an even better view.

Luckily, the walk to reach the falls isn’t too far from the Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center! (Ask for the coloring pages to keep little ones entertained!) Kids will love meandering through the trail and cooling down in the various streams and brooks. Keep an eye out for ponderosa bark, which you can scratch and sniff to reveal the sweet aroma of butterscotch or orange creamsicle. If you want to see a second waterfall, hike a little further (less than 0.5 miles) to Silver Cascade Falls. 

Afternoon Activity: Broadmoor Seven Falls

Have energy for some extra hiking? You can also visit the Broadmoor Seven Falls. Located in South Cheyenne Canon, this series of seven cascading waterfalls is man-made. 

To reach the falls, you’ll have to walk up two sets of stairs (there’s also an elevator available for the first half) and then walk briefly along the trail. It could get a little steep for younger children, but most ages should be fine walking up. Along the way, you can take in views of verdant valleys, unique rock formations, and golden prairies. There are also other activities, such as zip-lining, in the area. 

Evening Activity: The Broadmoor

In the evening, visit The Broadmoor to experience its incredible property! Located in Colorado Springs’ Old Broadmoor neighborhood, you don’t have to be a guest to visit. 

You’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time as you walk through this historic hotel on the banks of Lake Cheyenne, since it’s been open for over 100 years! It features many winding paths and beautifully manicured gardens, with a flowing fountain as the centerpiece. If you’re hungry for dinner, check out the on-site restaurants. Parents can grab a drink at the bar. 

Where To Stay In Colorado Springs With Kids

If you’re searching for the best hotels in Colorado Springs for families to add to your itinerary, look no further! To stay on the beautiful shores of Cheyenne Lake, book the iconic Broadmoor , which has summer activities for all ages. For a homier feel, try the Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort , located on a private lake. Want to stay inside a private country club near the best sights in town? You’ll like the Gardens of the Gods Resort and Club . Of course, kids will love the indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs ! Read our 7 Hotels in Colorado Springs that Families Will Love for more suggestions on where to stay! 

Happy Travels! 

We hope you liked this 3-Day Colorado Springs Itinerary For Families! From Garden of the Gods to Pikes Peak, there are so many ways to entertain kids in this outdoor paradise. Enjoy your family vacation to Colorado! 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Hey houston ✈️🌍 2024 travel tips if you’re planning an adventure.

Ahmed Humble , Digital Content Producer

HOUSTON – Summer is almost here and before you know it, you’ll be hitting the road or taking that flight to your next adventure!

MORE: Travel prices increase this summer! Here are 3 budget-friendly vacay options, money saving hacks

However, anyone whose ever traveled knows things can go wrong, so KPRC 2 consulted Doug Shupe with AAA Texas to get some tips before you start booking flights or requesting time off work.

Key Takeaways:

• Analysts are predicting they’re projecting that 4.9 billion people will travel globally this year. That’s going to be a record higher than the 4.5 billion who traveled around the world back in 2019 before the pandemic began.
• Some domestic carriers have been consolidating routes due to smaller regional jet services in some areas and hiring airline staff.
• Think about where you want to go and book the flight now - the sooner the better! This is because the cost of airfares is ALWAYS up in the summer. Consider flying out on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or a Saturday. Those tend to be the cheapest because you don’t have as many business travelers on those days,
• Consider working with a trusted travel advisor, to help bundle your vacation - packages include airfare and accommodations. And if you’re a AAA member, there are even more savings and benefits you may be eligible for. NOTE: You don’t have to be a member to work with AAA advisors, but Shope says it’s highly recommended.
• Don’t let high gas prices deter you; consider a road trip, as you can make your own schedule and you’ll save a lot more money than you would for airfare.

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About the Author

Ahmed humble.

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

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