Great Colorado Itineraries
Days 1–3: Denver
Denver is filled with folks who stopped to visit and never left. After a few days in the Mile High City and surrounding metro area it's easy to see why: Colorado's capital has a lot going on, including a thriving cultural scene, restaurants representing every ethnicity, plenty of sunshine, and outdoor options galore, all set beneath a stunning backdrop of snowcapped peaks.
The Old West still holds sway in visitors' imaginations, and there are plenty of throwback trappings to check out, but the reality is that Denver is a modern metropolis that offers cosmopolitan amenities and state-of-the-art amusements.
After you've settled into your hotel, head downtown, or, if you're already staying there—always a good option to explore the city—make your way to Lower Downtown, or LoDo. The historic district is home to many of the city's famous brewpubs, art galleries, and Coors Field, as well as popular restaurants and some of the area's oldest architecture.
Hop on the free MallRide, the shuttle bus run by RTD, to head up to the 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian-friendly, shopping-oriented strip that runs through the center of downtown. From there you can walk to Larimer Square for more shopping and restaurants. You can also visit the Denver Art Museum, Union Station, the History Colorado Center, the Colorado State Capitol, the Molly Brown House, and the U.S. Mint.
Logistics: Light-rail is an excellent way to navigate the city. Vending machines at each station for the RTD Light Rail service show destinations and calculate your fare ($3–$5.25 depending on the number of zones crossed). Children under age five ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. RTD buses also provide an excellent way to get around.
Day 4: Boulder
Boulder takes its fair share of ribbing for being a Birkenstock-wearing, tofu-eating, latter-day hippie kind of town, but the truth is that it is healthy, wealthy, and exceedingly popular. Stroll along the Pearl Street Mall and sample the excellent restaurants and shops, catching one of the dozens of street performers; or head just outside the city to tour Celestial Seasonings, the tea manufacturer; or to Chautauqua Park to hike in the shadow of the dramatic Flatiron Mountains. In winter, Eldora Mountain Resort is a 21-mile jaunt up a steep, switchback-laden road with no lift lines as payoff. The University of Colorado campus here means there is a high hip quotient in much of the nightlife.
Logistics: You can take the Flatiron Flyer bus to Boulder from Denver's Union Station, but it's just as easy to drive up U.S. 36 (one hour or less by car). If you're going to go beyond the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, it's nice to have a car once you're there.
Days 5–7: Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a year-round marvel, a park for every season: hiking in the summer, spotting elk in the fall, snowshoeing in winter, and snapping photos of wildflowers in spring. There are several hikes that shouldn't be missed in the park. For lovely scenery, opt for the one that goes from Bear Lake to Emerald Lake. There are some steep sections along the way, but the spectacular mountain views more than make up for it. Also not to be missed is a drive along Trail Ridge Road, the world's highest continuous paved highway. You'll enjoy awesome views of waterfalls, lakes, mountain vistas, glaciers, and emerald meadows. Give yourself four hours to complete the drive, and check the weather conditions before you start. Trail Ridge Road is closed in winter.
There are five campgrounds in the park, but those looking for more comfort should opt for Estes Park. This picturesque town is the gateway to RMNP and a worthwhile destination itself, a small town swelling to a large one with the tourists who flock to its Western-theme shops and art galleries. The Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's novel The Shining, provides great lodging in a historic setting.
Logistics: Estes Park is a hop-skip from Denver and Boulder, about 65 miles northwest of Denver via I–25 and then CO–66 and U.S. 36. To get to RMNP, simply take U.S. 34 or U.S. 36 into the park (a 15-minute drive).
Skiing the Rockies, 5 Days
With its champagne-powder runs and wide variety of alpine terrain, Colorado is a winter paradise. In less than a week, you can ski some of the most iconic resorts in the state.
Days 1–2: Aspen
World-class dining, upscale shopping, and possible celebrity sightings await in Aspen, along with some of the best skiing in North America. Aspen's four ski areas—Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass—all have amazing runs through fluffy champagne powder. After an afternoon of whooshing down the slopes, visit some of the fabled restaurants and nightlife options in downtown Aspen, or relax at a hotel spa.
Days 3–4: Vail Valley
Roughly 2 hours (102 miles) from Aspen via I–70 W and CO–82 E
The Bavarian-themed village at the base of Vail Mountain offers as much as the resorts in the Alps. The back side of the mountain, with its thrilling series of bowls, delivers enough glades and bumps to challenge even the most dedicated skier. But beginners and moderate skiers need not worry; the front side of Vail Mountain has plenty of cruisers to satisfy skiers of all levels. The free shuttle in town runs every 15 minutes and links the three base villages. At night, you can wander along the quaint cobbled streets and pop into the European-style cafés.
Day 5: Breckenridge
Roughly 50 minutes (38 miles) from Vail via CO–9 N and I–70 W
Breckenridge is a great place to unwind after spending four days at its bigger and better-known cousins. The town has the sort of laid-back ski-country vibe that Colorado is known for. With a downtown filled with Victorian houses leftover from its mining heyday, the area is filled with affordable restaurants, comfy bars, and interesting shops. The mountain itself is one of the larger ski areas in America with five separate peaks offering a variety of terrain from beginner to expert.
Transportation
There are several flights in and out of Aspen/Pitkin County Airport daily, most routing through Denver. Many travelers drive to Aspen, however, making the 220-mile journey west on I–70 from Denver to Glenwood Springs, and then taking U.S. 82 to Aspen. From Aspen head back to I–70 the way you came through Glenwood Springs and then turn east for Vail. The drive is approximately 2½ hours long. From Vail head east on I–70 to Frisco, then head south on CO–9 to Breckenridge.
Exploring Southwestern Colorado, 10 Days
The southwest corner of Colorado is a study in contrasts. From the soaring peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the serene beauty of the San Luis Valley, it is a region that offers a multitude of experiences. It is less crowded than the more popular areas of the state, with more wide-open spaces. As you head across the numerous mountain passes, the gradual changes in fauna and terrain are awe-inspiring.
Days 1–2: Denver
Spend a few days acclimating to the altitude change in Denver, visiting the city's top-notch museums. In preparation for your journey, pop into the massive REI flagship store in the Central Platte Valley neighborhood.
Days 3–4: Colorado Springs and Nearby
The Colorado Springs area is dominated by 14,115-foot Pikes Peak—the inspiration for the song "America the Beautiful"—and getting to its summit, whether by cog railway, foot, or car, is a memorable experience. But there are other worthy options along this popular corridor, such as strolling through the red rocks of the Garden of the Gods, peeking at the tunnel in Cave of the Winds, checking out the animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, taking advantage of the healing vibes in the artists' community at Manitou Springs, or exploring the old gold-mining town of Cripple Creek.
Logistics: Colorado Springs is 70 miles south of Denver on I–25. You'll enjoy mountain views on most of the drive; Pikes Peak is visible on clear days. Take U.S. 24 west from I–25 to reach Manitou Springs; follow CO–67 south from U.S. 24 west to visit Cripple Creek.
Day 5: Salida
Surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks, Salida is a good jumping-off point for the many outdoor activities available in this mountainous region. Salida is also a haven for artists who specialize in Western-oriented themes and grassroots sensibilities.
Logistics: Take CO–115 south from Colorado Springs to Canyon City; continue west on U.S. 50 toward Salida. As you head into Salida the Sangre de Christo Mountains offer stunning views.
Day 6: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
From Salida head west on U.S. 50 toward Montrose, and then continue north on CO–347 to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The trip takes about 2½ hours. This national park offers sheer cliffs rising more than 2,000 feet above the river and stunning views that rival the Grand Canyon. Stay overnight in nearby Montrose, about 15 miles west of the park.
Days 7–8: Telluride and Nearby
Telluride, though famous for its film and bluegrass festivals, presents a less glitzy face than other ski resorts like Aspen and Vail, but is still well worth the visit. The San Juan Skyway, a 236-mile loop that connects Durango, Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton, is a gloriously scenic drive that winds you through mountains, alpine forests, and wildflower meadows.
Logistics: To get to Telluride from Montrose head south on U.S. 550 to Ridgeway, continue west on CO–62 toward Placerville, and then head south on CO–145 to Telluride. The entire journey is roughly 66 miles and takes about 90 minutes.
Day 9: Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park safeguards the 1,400-year-old cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo. Take a ranger-led tour to the primary cliff-dwelling sites like the Balcony House, Cliff Palace, and Spruce Tree House. Make time for the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, where you can learn the history of the Ancestral Pueblo culture. Afterward, drive to Durango to spend the night.
Logistics: Mesa Verde is a 1½-hour drive from Telluride, heading south on CO–145. From Mesa Verde head east on U.S. 160 toward Durango, an approximately one-hour drive.
Day 10: Durango
Durango is an Old West mining town that has retained much of its Victorian charm. Mountain bikers make it a mission to try their mettle on the tough trails surrounding the town; in winter, the Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort routinely has deep powder and short lift lines.
Logistics: To get back to Denver head east from Durango on U.S. 160 until you get to Walsenburg (approximately four hours); then head north on I–25 to Denver. Telluride and Durango have airports with limited service from major carriers.
Northern Colorado, 5-7 days
Often overlooked, northern Colorado is a gem of snow-dashed scenic peaks and lush green parks, complemented by farm-to-table dining in Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins and tranquil hot springs. The area is a dinosaur hunter's dream, and is easily accessed by car by taking I–70 west out of Denver. This 550-mile round-trip journey offers something for all ages and interests, and provides the perfect opportunity to relax. Without the crowds, there's no need to rush between attractions or hit the road first thing in the morning.
Days 1–2: Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument celebrates Colorado's history as a thriving hub for dinosaurs. From the main entrance of U.S. 40, Harpers Corner Road provides a mellow and scenic cruise through the monument, offering gorgeous views of the canyon and both the Yampa and Green rivers that wind their way through the park. There are many points to stop for a quick hike and picnic along the way. Be sure to grab a map at the entrance and don't forget to pack a lunch.
Logistics: To get to the park, take I–70 to Silverthorne and head north on CO–9 to U.S. 40 West. Allow two days to do the drive, with a night in Steamboat Springs breaking it up.
Days 3–4: Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is everything you picture a Colorado mountain town to be: rustic and charming but lively in the summer and winter seasons, with a dose of Old West flair provided by the surrounding ranching community. Stay downtown and walk along Lincoln Avenue, ducking into the shops and restaurants. Spend an afternoon perusing the western goods and souvenirs at FM Light & Sons, then wash it down with a meal and craft brew at Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill. Be sure to ride up the gondola at Steamboat Resort for the famous Sunset Happy Hour, if only to take in the views. Soak in the therapeutic Strawberry Park Hot Springs, but be mindful of the drive to reach them–-call The Hot Springs Shuttle 970/879–4688 for a pickup.
Logistics: Plan to spend two nights in Steamboat Springs so as not to rush yourself. The drive from there to Fort Collins is nothing short of an event in itself. Along CO–14, you'll pass through State Forest State Park and the Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Park before dropping into the jagged walls of the Poudre Canyon on the way into town, a trip that takes about 3½ hours.
Days 5–6: Fort Collins
Like Boulder, Fort Collins is a thriving college town, home to the Colorado State University campus, but the city offers a number of under-the-radar treasures that are unique to its northern Colorado location. Indie art and music abound in venues and galleries downtown, often situated next to bustling restaurants and pubs where diners prefer the cool air of outdoor patios. This town is as bike-crazy as they come, and you can join the fun by renting a bike and pedaling through the triangular Old Town and arts district. Sample a Fat Tire Amber Ale at the famous New Belgium Brewery or mosey through the storefronts and galleries, having dinner at one of the many restaurants along the downtown strip.
Logistics: Fort Collins is about 1½ hours north of Denver. Take I–25 south straight into downtown Denver, but turn off at the E–470 toll road in Thornton if heading to the airport.
