Searching for the very best Colorado highway journey itinerary? We’ve bought every thing you might want to know to plan the proper highway journey via Colorado!
Colorado is unquestionably probably the most stunning states within the USA. Stuffed with distinctive nationwide parks, sizzling springs, forests, ski resorts, vibrant cities, and extra, any Colorado itinerary is assured to be filled with magnificence.
This text will define a great Colorado highway journey itinerary. With a scenic drive across the state, you possibly can mix all of the highlights of the state into one unforgettable journey.
Go horseback driving via the majestic Colorado Nationwide Parks. Strap in your mountaineering boots and hit the paths at Colorado Nationwide Monument.
Go sand sledding in Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, or admire the traditional cliff palace in Mesa Verde. Tour Union Station in Denver, try a former mining city turned ski resort in Breckenridge, or take a scenic drive alongside the well-known Path Ridge Highway.
This Colorado highway journey is full of pleasure. There are additionally solutions for methods to change your Colorado itinerary to fit your schedule.
Whether or not you could have one week or one month, here’s a Colorado highway journey itinerary that may go well with any kind of traveler!
For those who want extra inspiration, try our checklist of the very best issues to do in Colorado!
How lengthy is that this Colorado highway journey?
This Colorado highway journey itinerary covers about 1,000 miles of central and western Colorado.
You’ll drive alongside a loop that begins in Denver. From there, head south to Colorado Springs, dwelling to the well-known Pikes Peak and Backyard of the Gods.
From Colorado Springs, you’ll proceed southwest, hitting the highest nationwide parks earlier than touring north as much as Grand Junction.
After Grand Junction, begin heading east once more in direction of Glenwood Springs, Breckenridge, and eventually as much as Estes Park within the coronary heart of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. Then head again in direction of Denver with a cease in Boulder on the way in which.
In complete, the complete loop is about 18-20 hours of driving. You’ll be able to break the Colorado itinerary up nonetheless you want. We’ve included a suggestion for a way lengthy to spend in every location, although in fact this may be altered to suit your schedule.
We advocate downloading Google Maps that can assist you along with your highway journey. You should use the map stay or obtain a highway journey map offline for those who want. It can save you all of your locations with a pin and create a Colorado highway journey map to comply with in your journey.
With the time suggestions we’ve given, this Colorado highway journey will in all probability take round 3 weeks. There are additionally some concepts for many who have much less time or extra time on the finish of the highway journey itinerary!
Irrespective of how lengthy you could have, this Colorado highway journey itinerary encompasses absolutely the highlights of this unbelievable state. You’re certain to see some beautiful sights and have epic adventures no matter your timeframe.
The Final Colorado Highway Journey Itinerary
For those who’re coming from one other state or nation, start your Colorado itinerary by flying into Denver Worldwide Airport.
You’ll be able to hire a automobile proper at Denver Worldwide Airport. Denver is a reasonably car-friendly metropolis, so it’s your decision your rental automobile with you whereas exploring Denver earlier than your highway journey.
Nonetheless, you even have the choice of exploring downtown utilizing public transport after which choosing up a rental automobile within the metropolis if you’re prepared to depart to your Colorado highway journey. Both approach, Denver is the very best place to hire a automobile and start any Colorado highway journeys.
The easiest way to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Vehicles, which has the most important vary of autos for the very best worth in the marketplace.
Denver
- Beneficial time right here: 3 days
Begin your epic Colorado highway journey in Denver, the capital metropolis of Colorado. Spending at the least 3 days right here in case you have time is beneficial, as there’s a lot to do!
Boasting a mile-high elevation, Denver gives breathtaking panoramic views of the encompassing Rocky Mountains and a local weather that draws outside fans year-round. Often known as the Mile Excessive Metropolis, Denver is the proper gateway to the journey and great thing about western Colorado.
Denver’s neighborhoods every have a definite character, from the historic attraction of Larimer Sq. to the stylish vibe of the RiNo Arts District, offering residents and guests with a wealthy tapestry of experiences to discover.
The cultural scene in Denver is as various as its panorama, with a thriving arts neighborhood, quite a few museums, and a bustling music and leisure scene.
Town is dwelling to the Denver Artwork Museum, showcasing a variety of worldwide and up to date artwork, and the Pink Rocks Amphitheatre, an iconic outside venue famend for its acoustics and gorgeous pure setting.
Different highlights of the town embody the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Downtown Aquarium, Union Station, the Historical past Colorado Heart, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. There’s a museum or a gallery that may entertain anybody, and the nightlife is prospering as properly.
Denver is known as a must-visit on any Colorado itinerary, as it’s the coronary heart and soul of the state. Irrespective of how lengthy you select to remain in Denver, take into account getting a Metropolis Cross to economize on choose sights. Everytime you’ve completed having fun with the Mile Excessive Metropolis, seize your rental automobile and hit the highway!
Colorado Springs
- Distance from Denver: 73 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour
- Beneficial time right here: 2 days
From Denver, you’ll head about an hour south to Colorado Springs. Nestled towards the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Colorado Springs is a metropolis that seamlessly blends pure magnificence with city facilities.
Residence to the enduring Pikes Peak, whose snow-capped summit graces the town’s skyline, Colorado Springs is a haven for outside fans. Sort out one of many many mountaineering trails, journey the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, go mountain biking, or simply admire the view of the well-known Pikes Peak mountain from down within the city heart.
The Backyard of the Gods, a mesmerizing crimson rock formation, additionally stands as a testomony to the town’s geological wonders, providing mountaineering and mountaineering amidst gorgeous landscapes. For those who solely have time to see one attraction throughout your go to to Colorado Springs, The Backyard of the Gods must be on the prime of your checklist! It’s a should on any Colorado itinerary!
Town’s historic downtown, with its charming boutiques, galleries, and cafes, offers a welcoming ambiance. The Olympic Coaching Heart, one other notable landmark, underscores Colorado Springs’ standing as the house of the US Olympic Committee.
Guests can discover the wealthy aviation historical past on the Nationwide Museum of World Battle II Aviation or take a scenic drive alongside the Pikes Peak Freeway for breathtaking views.
With a various vary of cultural occasions, a powerful sense of neighborhood, and proximity to outside adventures, Colorado Springs captures the essence of Colorado’s enchanting landscapes and vibrant spirit. From right here, it’s time to proceed the highway journey by driving south to the magnificent Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park.
Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park
- Distance from Colorado Springs: 154 miles
- Driving Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Beneficial time right here: 2 days
Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, situated in southern Colorado, is a surreal and fascinating panorama that stands in stark distinction to the normal picture of mountainous terrain usually related to the state. It’s one in every of Colorado’s most original nationwide parks!
Surrounded by the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park is dwelling to the tallest sand dunes in North America, with some reaching heights of over 700 toes.
The juxtaposition of those towering dunes towards the backdrop of snow-capped peaks creates a wide ranging panorama that lures guests in search of a singular and visually hanging pure expertise.
Exploring Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park gives a wide range of actions, from sandboarding and sledding down the dunes to mountaineering via the various ecosystems that encompass them.
The park encompasses not solely the expansive dune fields but in addition grasslands, wetlands, and the scenic Medano Creek. Spring and early summer time deliver a pure phenomenon referred to as surge circulation, the place the creek surges and recedes rhythmically, making a refreshing oasis amidst the arid panorama.
Stargazers additionally discover the park interesting, because the absence of synthetic gentle permits for unparalleled views of the evening sky. For those who’re considering of tenting at any level in your Colorado highway journey itinerary, Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park is an incredible place to do it!
Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park is a testomony to the various and awe-inspiring wonders that nature can sculpt, providing a very immersive and unforgettable expertise for many who enterprise into its sandy embrace.
Trying to attempt extra US highway journeys? Take a look at our Utah Highway Journey Information!
Mesa Verde Nationwide Park
- Distance from Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park: 199 miles
- Driving Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Beneficial time right here: 2 days
From Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, proceed driving via southern Colorado till you get to the southwest nook of the state. Right here you’ll discover Mesa Verde Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site famend for its unparalleled archaeological treasures.
Mesa Verde Nationwide Park is dwelling to an intensive assortment of well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, which date again over 700 years. Probably the most well-known amongst these is the cliff palace, a fancy of interconnected rooms and dwellings constructed into the sheer sandstone cliffs.
Historic constructions just like the cliff palace present an interesting glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan individuals, showcasing their architectural prowess and flexibility to the difficult terrain.
Past the cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde Nationwide Park gives a wealth of archaeological websites, together with pit homes, kivas, and mesa-top villages, every contributing to the wealthy tapestry of human historical past within the area.
The park’s various landscapes, characterised by expansive mesas, deep canyons, and excessive plateaus, make it a haven for outside fans. Guests can discover the community of trails that wind via the park, offering gorgeous panoramic views and entry to archaeological websites.
Mesa Verde Nationwide Park permits vacationers to admire the traditional civilizations and wealthy cultural heritage of the American Southwest. It’s a prime vacation spot to go to on any Colorado highway journey itinerary!
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Nationwide Park
- Distance from Mesa Verde Nationwide Park: 153 miles
- Driving Time: 3 hours
- Beneficial time right here: 1 day
From Mesa Verde Nationwide Park, proceed the Colorado itinerary by heading north via western Colorado’s dramatic landscapes. Your subsequent vacation spot is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park, a singular pure landmark tucked away within the space’s rugged terrain.
The Black Canyon is a hanging testomony to the uncooked energy of abrasion and the geologic forces that form our planet. The park encompasses a dramatic and slim gorge carved by the Gunnison River over hundreds of thousands of years, creating one of many steepest and most awe-inspiring canyons in North America.
The darkish, sheer cliffs that line the canyon partitions plunge dramatically, with some sections so slim that daylight solely briefly reaches the canyon flooring throughout sure occasions of the day. The title “Black Canyon” is derived from the restricted daylight that penetrates the deep gorge, creating an environment of thriller and attract.
Guests to Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park can marvel on the breathtaking vistas from a number of scenic overlooks alongside the rim, every providing a singular perspective of the canyon’s depth and intricacies.
Mountain climbing trails wind alongside the rim, offering alternatives for exploration and panoramic views of the rugged panorama. For the extra adventurous, the park gives difficult routes main down into the canyon, the place the serenity and magnitude of the rock partitions develop into much more obvious.
In case you have 1 day to spend right here, you possibly can merely marvel on the gorgeous views. However for those who’re somebody who loves mountaineering and journey, it’s value spending an additional day to beat a few of the unbelievable trails.
Black Canyon is not only a geological surprise but in addition a haven for wildlife, with golden eagles hovering overhead and mule deer traversing the steep hillsides, making it a must-visit vacation spot for nature fans’s Colorado itinerary and people in search of the profound great thing about the pure world.
Grand Junction
- Distance from Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park: 71 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Beneficial time right here: 2 days
The subsequent cease in your Colorado highway journey itinerary is Grand Junction, a picturesque metropolis that serves as a gateway to the gorgeous landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.
Located alongside the Colorado River and surrounded by crimson rock canyons, Grand Junction boasts a singular mix of outside journey, cultural richness, and agricultural attraction. Town is famend for its vineyards and orchards, producing a few of the state’s best wines and fruits and making it an amazing place for wine tasting in your Colorado itinerary.
One of many prime issues to do in Grand Junction is go to the scenic Colorado Nationwide Monument. A crimson rock wonderland providing breathtaking vistas, mountaineering trails, and alternatives for mountaineering, the Colorado Nationwide Monument is the very best place to soak within the gorgeous canyons and expansive vistas of the Colorado Plateau.
Grand Junction’s charming downtown space is a vibrant hub that includes tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and a vigorous arts scene. Predominant Avenue is dotted with boutique outlets, artwork galleries, and native eateries, making a welcoming ambiance for residents and guests alike. Town hosts varied occasions all year long, together with the famend Colorado Mountain Winefest, celebrating the area’s viticulture.
With its proximity to outside wonders just like the Colorado Nationwide Monument, Grand Junction offers a singular mix of leisure alternatives, cultural experiences, and a heat neighborhood spirit. These all assist make it a prime vacation spot on any Colorado highway journey.
Glenwood Springs
- Distance from Grand Junction: 87 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Beneficial time right here: 3 days
Subsequent in your Colorado highway journey itinerary, you can begin heading again east in direction of the Rocky Mountains till you get to Glenwood Springs. Nestled within the coronary heart of the Colorado Rockies, this charming mountain city is thought for its scenic magnificence, outside adventures, and rejuvenating sizzling springs.
Town is located alongside the Colorado River, surrounded by lush valleys and towering peaks. Glenwood Springs gained fame within the late Nineteenth century for its therapeutic sizzling springs.
At present, guests can unwind within the historic Glenwood Scorching Springs Pool, the world’s largest naturally heated mineral springs pool, which has been soothing vacationers for over a century. Keep proper on the Glenwood Scorching Springs Resort if you wish to deal with your self to some luxurious in your Colorado highway journey!
Along with its stress-free thermal waters, Glenwood Springs gives a myriad of leisure alternatives. Out of doors fans can discover the scenic Glenwood Canyon, embark on whitewater rafting journeys down the Colorado River, or go mountain biking via the encompassing mountains.
The charming downtown space boasts Victorian-era structure, boutique outlets, and a wide range of eating choices. The historic Glenwood Vaudeville Revue and the enduring Glenwood Caverns Journey Park additional contribute to the city’s attraction, making Glenwood Springs an ideal vacation spot for these in search of a harmonious mix of rest and journey in a picturesque mountain setting.
You may simply spend greater than 3 days right here, however there are nonetheless extra locations to go to in your Colorado highway journey!
Learn subsequent: 21 Greatest Issues To Do In Colorado Springs
Hanging Lake
- Distance from Glenwood Springs: 10 miles
- Driving Time: 13 minutes
- Beneficial time right here: 1 day
From Glenwood Springs, it’s solely about 13 minutes to Hanging Lake. You may go to the lake throughout your time in Glenwood Springs, but it surely’s on the way in which to your subsequent vacation spot so it might be extra handy to go to in your approach out of the town.
Hanging Lake is a pure marvel famend for its pristine turquoise waters and fascinating setting. Accessible through a reasonably strenuous mountaineering path, the lake is cradled inside a geologic amphitheater, surrounded by towering cliffs and plush vegetation.
What units Hanging Lake aside is the fragile ecosystem that thrives on 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 because the vacation spot, with the steep, rocky path providing panoramic views of the Colorado River and Glenwood Canyon. The trailhead, situated simply off Interstate 70, has develop into a preferred vacation spot, and guests are inspired to make reservations to handle the impression on this fragile atmosphere.
Recognizing the necessity for preservation, the U.S. Forest Service has carried out measures to guard the lake, guaranteeing that future generations can proceed to marvel on the distinctive great thing about Hanging Lake whereas additionally appreciating the significance of accountable stewardship in sustaining this pure treasure.
After soaking in the fantastic thing about this beautiful spot, proceed heading east via the Rocky Mountains! Earlier than you tackle the highlights of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, cease in Breckenridge to go to one in every of Colorado’s prime ski resorts.
Breckenridge
- Distance from Hanging Lake: 95 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Beneficial time right here: 2 days
Breckenridge, a picturesque mountain city nestled within the coronary heart of the Colorado Rockies, is famend for its historic attraction, world-class snowboarding, and vibrant cultural scene.
Initially a mining city in the course of the Colorado Gold Rush, Breckenridge has preserved its Nineteenth-century character, with well-preserved Victorian buildings lining Predominant Avenue.
The city’s charming downtown is a hub of exercise, that includes boutique outlets, artwork galleries, and a various array of eating places and cafes. Guests can stroll via the historic district, the place the Blue River runs alongside the colourful streets, making a scenic backdrop for year-round festivals and occasions.
Breckenridge is a mecca for outside fans, drawing winter sports activities fans with its famend ski resort. Within the colder months, the Breckenridge Ski Resort gives world-class snowboarding and snowboarding throughout an enormous expanse of slopes, whereas {the summertime} brings alternatives for mountaineering, mountain biking, and exploring the encompassing trails and alpine meadows.
With a welcoming neighborhood, breathtaking mountain vistas, and a wealthy mix of historical past and recreation, Breckenridge has develop into a sought-after vacation spot that seamlessly combines the very best of the Colorado Rockies with the heat of a mountain city.
Estes Park and Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
- Distance from Breckenridge: 130 miles
- Driving Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Beneficial time right here: 3 days
From Breckenridge, take a small detour north to go to Estes Park. Often known as the jap entrance to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Estes Park is a captivating mountain city that captures the essence of the Colorado Rockies.
Identified for its gorgeous pure magnificence and a gateway to one of many nation’s greatest nationwide parks, Estes Park is a haven for outside fans and nature lovers. The city is surrounded by majestic peaks, and the Massive Thompson River meanders via the valley, offering a serene backdrop to the picturesque panorama.
Guests can discover the quaint downtown space, that includes distinctive outlets, artwork galleries, and comfortable cafes, making a welcoming ambiance that enhances the city’s mountain ambiance.
Estes Park serves as a base camp for these venturing into Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, providing entry to an enormous community of mountaineering trails, wildlife viewing alternatives, and scenic drives. That is the proper place to base your self for exploring the enduring park!
A must-visit is Bear Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by picturesque peaks. Bear Lake Trailhead gives entry to a number of gorgeous hikes, together with the well-known Dream Lake and Emerald Lake trails.
Driving alongside Path Ridge Highway is one other one of many prime actions in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. One of many highest paved roads in the US, Path Ridge Highway offers superb views of the alpine tundra and an opportunity to identify elk, bighorn sheep, and different wildlife.
Or you possibly can ebook a guided driving tour of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park in a glass-top luxurious van. This lets you sit again and chill out whereas your information educates you about one of many nation’s biggest nationwide parks.
You may simply spend per week in Estes Park and take numerous day journeys into Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. However Path Ridge Highway, Dream Lake, Bear Lake, and any mountaineering trails ought to all be on the prime of your checklist, and you’ll simply do all of those in only a few days.
When you’ve completed exploring Estes Park and Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, head over to Boulder to start out wrapping up your Colorado highway journey!
Boulder
- Distance from Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park: 40 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour
- Beneficial time right here: 2 days
Situated on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a vibrant and progressive metropolis recognized for its gorgeous pure environment, lively life-style, and thriving cultural scene.
Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, a sequence of hanging rock formations, function a backdrop to the town and provide an array of leisure alternatives, together with mountaineering, mountaineering, and pictures.
Town’s dedication to sustainability is obvious in its intensive community of motorcycle paths, inexperienced areas, and an eco-friendly ethos embraced by the neighborhood.
Residence to the College of Colorado Boulder, the town exudes a youthful vitality and mental vibrancy. Pearl Avenue Mall, a captivating pedestrian road within the coronary heart of downtown, is a focus for buying, eating, and road performances.
Boulder additionally boasts a various culinary scene, with a give attention to domestically sourced and natural components. Town’s dedication to innovation is mirrored in its quite a few tech startups, analysis establishments, and a status as a hub for outside fans, yogis, and wellness seekers.
With a backdrop of mountain surroundings, a vigorous cultural calendar, and a dedication to a wholesome and sustainable life-style, Boulder is a good cease on any Colorado highway journey itinerary. And it’s solely half-hour away from Denver, so it simply suits right into a Colorado itinerary.
Test our checklist of the 30 greatest issues to do in Boulder for extra concepts.
Return To Denver
- Distance from Boulder: 27 miles
- Driving Time: half-hour
From Boulder, head again to Denver and return your rental automobile. Your Colorado highway journey is over!
There have been so many superb locations included on this Colorado itinerary, from Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park and Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park to the attraction of cities like Colorado Springs and Boulder.
There’s at all times extra to see if you go to Colorado. For those who didn’t get to see all of the Colorado nationwide parks and ski cities that you just wished on this Colorado highway journey, you’ll simply have to come back again!
For extra enjoyable issues to do within the space, attempt these day journeys from Denver.
In case you have much less time…
Hopefully this Colorado highway journey information has been useful!
For many who are brief on time, listed here are some modifications which will come in useful whereas planning your Colorado highway journey.
Initially, you possibly can minimize down the quantity of days you spend in every location. We beneficial round 2-3 days in every place, however you would get away with 1 or 2 in most locations.
The driving occasions in between locations are solely round 1-3 hours, so that you gained’t be sacrificing an excessive amount of time on the highway.
The longest drive is from Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park over to Mesa Verde Nationwide Park, which is slightly below 4 hours. Mesa Verde is fairly far out of the way in which in southwestern Colorado.
To avoid wasting time in your Colorado itinerary, you would skip this nationwide park and simply go straight from Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park to Grand Junction in 4.5 hours.
Or you would skip Boulder in your approach again to Denver for those who’re not an enormous fan of exploring cities. For those who’re not large into snowboarding or snowboarding, you would additionally minimize out Breckenridge for the reason that ski resort is the primary attraction right here.
So even for those who solely have per week or two for a Colorado highway journey, there are methods to make it work!
Learn subsequent: 21 Greatest Locations To Go to In Colorado
In case you have extra time…
In case you have extra time to discover Colorado, there are such a lot of superb highway journey choices for you. Initially, you would simply simply spend longer in every vacation spot listed on this Colorado highway journey!
Or you possibly can add different cool locations to your Colorado itinerary.
For instance, you would cease in San Juan Nationwide Forest in your method to Mesa Verde. Guests to the San Juan Nationwide Forest can discover a community of trails that wind via dense forests, traverse alpine meadows, and reveal gorgeous vistas of the rugged San Juan Mountains.
Or if you need extra snowboarding and snowboarding in your Colorado itinerary, add extra mountain cities to your highway journey.
You’ll be able to cease at Telluride Ski Resort on the way in which to Grand Junction, taking the Million Greenback Freeway to get there. The Million Greenback Freeway, a legendary stretch of U.S. Route 550 in Colorado, is famend for breathtaking and typically hair-raising mountain views on the scenic drive.
Or cease in Aspen on the way in which from Glenwood Springs to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. Or spend extra time exploring the western facet of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, seeing locations like Grand Lake and Adams Falls.
There are various totally different Colorado highway journey routes you would take. The extra time you could have, the higher! Have an amazing highway journey.
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