colorado road trip national parks

Join the Adventure: Start Your National Park Bucket List

National Park Bucket List

The Best Colorado National Park Road Trip for 7 to 10 Days

This Colorado National Park road trip features mountains, waterfalls, canyons and sand dunes.

Mountain summits soaring to 14,000 feet, the tallest sand dunes in North America, ancient archeological sites — it’s all in the plans on this Colorado national parks road trip. The Centennial State has 13 National Park Service units, one World Heritage Site, and endless outdoor playgrounds of peaks, canyons and lakes.

This Colorado road trip itinerary focuses on the four national parks with options to visit a few incredible national monuments, too. You’ll need at least a week to squeeze them all in at a fast pace. We’ve included ideas for everything from a 7 day Colorado road trip to a 10 day Colorado itinerary.

The routes below assume you’re starting in Denver, but you could also easily depart from Colorado Springs or Grand Junction. Or, jump in anywhere else along the loop if you’re driving in from another state. Use the included Colorado road trip map to locate each park and the other featured attractions.

We’ve broken this guide into four parts — a handy map, itinerary options, a list of Colorado road trip stops, and a tips and FAQ section. 

We can’t wait for you to get out and explore this incredible state!

Colorado Road Trip Map

Colorado National Park Road Trip Options

7 day colorado road trip from denver.

Day 1 : Peak to Peak Scenic Byway to Rocky Mountain National Park Day 2 : Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road Day 3 : Colorado National Monument Day 4 : Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Million Dollar Highway Day 5 : Mesa Verde National Park Day 6 : Great Sand Dunes National Park Day 7 : Great Sand Dunes to Colorado Springs to Denver

8 Day Itinerary for Colorado

Day 1 : Peak to Peak to Rocky Mountain National Park Day 2 : Rocky Mountain National Park Day 3 : Trail Ridge Road to Grand Junction  Day 4 : Colorado National Monument and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Day 5 : Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, Silverton and Durango Day 6 : Mesa Verde National Park Day 7 : Great Sand Dunes National Park Day 8 : Great Sand Dunes to Colorado Springs to Denver

9 Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Peak to Peak Scenic Byway to Estes Park Day 2 : Rocky Mountain National Park Day 3 : Trail Ridge Road to Grand Junction  Day 4 : Colorado National Monument to Black Canyon of the Gunnison Day 5 : Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, Silverton and Durango Day 6 : Mesa Verde National Park and Canyon of the Ancients Day 8 : Great Sand Dunes to Colorado Springs Day 9 : Colorado Springs and Denver

10 Day Colorado Itinerary

Day 1 : Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway Day 2 : Rocky Mountain National Park Day 3 : Trail Ridge Road to Grand Junction  Day 4 : Colorado National Monument and Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Day 5 : Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, Silverton and Durango Day 6 : Canyon of Ancients National Monument and Hovenweep National Monument Day 7 : Mesa Verde National Park Day 8 : Great Sand Dunes National Park Day 9 : Colorado Springs Day 10 : Colorado Springs to Denver

Colorado National Parks Road Trip Stops

Scenic Drive: Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

From Denver, the most direct route to Rocky Mountain National Park is through the university town of Boulder. But taking the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway instead will only add an hour to the trip, not counting stops. The 55-mile road runs from Black Hawk to Estes Park, the perfect base for visiting Rocky Mountain. With a full day, you can make stops in old mining towns like Golden on the outskirts of Denver and Nederland on the Peak to Peak or hike a trail in the Wild Basin section of the National Park on the way in. You’ll also want to pull over for photos of Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock and stroll around Lily Lake . 

If you have enough time to hike, the Twin Sisters Summit trailhead is across the road from Lily Lake. The 7.4-mile round trip hike leads 2,338 feet up to a panoramic view of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Recommended time : Half to full day

The best base for a Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, Estes Park has a walkable downtown shopping and dining district on Elkhorn Avenue. It’s also known for the historic Stanley Hotel , the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.” The Estes Park Aerial Tramway, open from late May through September, glides up to the summit of Prospect Mountain for sweeping vistas over the town.

Recommended time : One to three days in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

If you enjoy hiking, you could easily spend three days or more in Rocky Mountain National Park. But for your first visit on a Colorado road trip, concentrate on the Bear Lake Corridor . The nearly 10-mile long Bear Lake Road has popular hikes like the Emerald Lake Trail (3.6 miles, moderate) to Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes, the Bear Lake Loop (0.5 miles, easy), the Alberta Falls Trail (1.7 miles, easy) where you can continue on to Mills Lake (5 miles, moderate), the Bierstadt Lake Trail (2.8 miles, moderate), and the Sprague Lake Loop (0.5, easy). Another favorite, the hike to Cub Lake (4.6 miles, moderate) is also nearby in the Moraine Park area.

With just one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, split your time between a couple of hikes from the Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge Trailhead and the drive on Trail Ridge Road. For two days , spend a full day along Bear Lake Road and then either do a loop of the gravel Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road or head out of the park on Trail Ridge Road with stops to hike. If you have three days , add in the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway and a waterfall hike in the Wild Basin region.

Reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park and the Bear Lake Corridor are required between late May and early October and sell out fast. Go online ahead of your visit to book an entry time. Read over the details here . 

Recommended time : One to three days

Read more about visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in winter

Scenic Drive: Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is both the western access to Rocky Mountain Park and an attraction of its own. The thrilling route full of hairpin turns spans nearly 50 miles between Estes Park on the east side and Grand Lake on the west, hitting an elevation of 12,183 feet at its peak. On a shorter itinerary, you can simply enjoy the scenery from overlooks and the Alpine Visitor Center , which has a cafe and viewing deck. Or, with more time, add in hikes like the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge (4 miles, moderate) or the Alpine Ridge Trail (0.5 miles, easy). Allow at least 2 hours to drive out of the park this way without long stops.

Grand Lake at the end of Trail Ridge Road has lodges and restaurants on the shores of Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake.

Recommended time : Half to full day

Colorado National Monument

The drive from Rocky Mountain’s Grand Lake Area to Colorado National Monumen t is a little over 4 hours, but it’s worth it to see the cool red rock formations at this park near the Utah border. Located just outside the city of Grand Junction, the national monument has a 23-mile scenic drive with pull-offs to enjoy the views of sandstone monoliths in the canyon.

Plan to spend at least half a day on Rim Rock Drive with stops to hike the Window Rock Trail, Otto’s Trail, Canyon Rim Trail, and Coke Ovens Trail, all an easy mile or less. With a little more time, add on the Devil’s Kitchen Trail (1.5 miles, moderate) to a natural bolder grotto on the park’s east side.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The Gunnison River weaves through dark rugged cliffs and rock spires at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located about 70 miles from Grand Junction on the western side of the state. The gorge has a north and south rim you can visit, but it takes more than 2 hours to drive from one to the other.

On a Colorado national park road trip, aim for the more developed South Rim, where a 7-mile paved road with a dozen overlooks traces the edge of the canyon. The easiest lookouts to reach are Tomichi Point near the entrance, Gunnison Point at the South Rim Visitor Center, and Sunset View near the end of the drive. Others require a short walk, like Chasm View, where the canyon dramatically narrows, and the Painted wall, where pale streaks swipe across the dark cliffs.

A half day at this park is usually long enough to take in the scenery at a few lookouts. You can add on some hiking with a longer visit, but all of the official trails on this rim are 2 miles and under.

This is the least visited of the four big parks on this Colorado national parks itinerary, so you should definitely stop by if you have enough time.

Scenic Drive: Million Dollar Highway

U.S. Route 550 is one of the best ways to get from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Durango and Mesa Verde National Park, and it also happens to be one of the prettiest drives in the state.

A 25-mile stretch between the mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton known as the Million Dollar Highway weaves through a gorge along steep, unguarded cliffs. There aren’t many places to stop along the way, but the drive is both breathtaking and nail-biting. 

If you have enough time, plan to pause in Ouray, known as the Switzerland of America, for hot springs and waterfalls, and Silverton for Victorian buildings and mining history. Both villages have endless outdoor recreation and a charming downtown district.

Recommended time : Half to full day, longer to stay overnight in Ouray or Silverton

Mesa Verde National Park

Ancient cliff dwellings built into the mountains of southwest Colorado are preserved in Mesa Verde National Park. Some of these archeological remains of the Ancestral Pueblo can be seen up close on ranger-led tours and self-guided hikes.

With a full day in the park, reserve a tour of Long House and the Cliff House Palace, hike the 1-mile trail to Step House, and drive Mesa Top Loop to see five different cliff dwellings from the Sun Point View. The old Park Point Fire Lookout at the highest spot in the park is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with panoramas of mountains and deserts.

Mesa Verde is definitely a must-see on a Colorado national parks road trip.

Recommended time : One day

Canyon of the Ancients National Monument

Located west of Mesa Verde near the Utah border, the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument has thousands of archaeological sites — thought to be the highest density in the U.S. For a quick visit, Stop by the Anasazi Heritage Center for history and culture exhibits from the Ancestral Puebloan and the Escalante Pueblo and Dominguez Pueblo sites just outside the building.

If you have more time, head to the Lowry Pueblo, the only developed area in the park with informative signs, or the Painted Hand Pueblo for tower ruins perched atop a rock. The remote 170,000-acre national monument is in the desert with rugged roads and no services.

Recommended time : Half day

Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument spans 20 miles of the Colorado and Utah border near the Canyon of the Ancients and preserves six prehistoric communities. The villages are all spaced out, so most visitors head to the more developed area around the Square Tower Group, built between A.D. 1200 to 1300. This zone has the park’s visitor center, paved roads, and a primitive 2-mile loop trail to see the ruins. 

The other five units — Cajon, Holly, Horseshoe, Hackberry and Cutthroat Castle — are very remote and difficult to reach.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

The 30 square miles of dune fields at Great Sand Dunes National Park reach peaks of nearly 750 feet high. Located in south-central Colorado, the park has alpine lakes, forests and wetlands, but most people come for the giant pile of sand.

You only need a couple of hours here for the most popular activity — sandboarding down the hills. Hiking the ridges to peaks of the dunes can take a little longer. There are no official trails in the sand, but it takes about 2 hours roundtrip to reach the 693-foot top of High Dune and 6 hours or longer to climb up Hidden Dune or Star Dune, tied as the two tallest dunes in North America at 741 feet.

In Spring, Medano Creek forms at the base of the dunes and makes for a beach-like experience.

Colorado Springs

Just 70 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs makes a great addition to a Colorado road trip itinerary, with some must-see natural attractions on the west side of the city. With a half to a full day, you can drive or ride a cog train to the 14,115-high top of Pikes Peak for 360-degree views of mountains, lakes and Colorado Springs below.

Next, head to Garden of the Gods for a scenic drive and paved walking paths. One of the best free things to do in Colorado, the park is known for its massive red rocks, spires and boulders that jut up from the landscape. 

With any extra time, check out the shops and cafes in the historic downtown district of Old Colorado City and visit cliff dwellings and mineral springs in Manitou Springs.

Recommended time : Half day to two days

The capital and largest city in Colorado, Denver could be its own mini vacation. But for a quick stop on a Colorado national park road trip, there are a few spots to keep on your radar.

If you haven’t spent any time in downtown Denver, be sure to check out historic Denver Union Station, the shops and eateries in Larimer Square, and the grounds of the State Capitol building. There are tons of museums in the city if you need to escape indoors, including the Denver Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Molly Brown House Museum.

On the outskirts of the city, drive the scenic loop at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge for a chance to spot bison and deer, head over to the town of Golden for mining history and breweries, or visit the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater to hike or catch a concert.

Tips for a Colorado Itinerary

Where do you fly into for a Colorado road trip?

The largest major airport in Colorado is Denver International Airport. From here, you can rent a car for your Colorado national park road trip and make the loop on this itinerary. There is also a smaller airport in Colorado Springs and regional airports in Eagle County near Vail, Grand Junction, Montrose, Telluride, and a few other spots.

What national parks are in Colorado?

Colorado has four national parks and over a dozen total National Park Service units, including national monuments, national historic sites, and national recreation areas. This Colorado national park road trip includes Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and Canyon of the Ancients National Monument.

This list of national parks in the U.S. is organized by state so you can quickly find parks nearby.

How many days for a road trip in Colorado?

I recommend a minimum 7-day Colorado road trip to squeeze in all four national parks, but a 9 or 10-day Colorado road trip would be better. With less than a week in Colorado, it would be best to focus on just a couple of parks — Rocky Mountain could easily fill 3 to 5 days on its own or a short western Colorado road trip could include Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Colorado National Monument.

On an extended trip, you could combine Colorado with a Grand Circle road trip to Utah and Arizona .

What is the road trip distance?

The total distance for the full Colorado national park road trip described above is approximately 1,300 miles round trip from Denver, not counting some extra driving in each park. This clocks in at somewhere around 25 hours on the road.

Best season for a Colorado national park road trip?

Colorado is incredibly beautiful in every season, but some activities are best saved for certain times of the year. This Colorado national parks road trip is best from late spring to early fall when the mountain roads are all open. You could make some route adaptations outside of these months, but you’ll miss out on gems like Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, which typically closes for the season sometime in October.

Since this Colorado road trip itinerary covers a variety of climates, I like a late September or early October visit when the aspens turn golden in the mountains and the weather has cooled a little at the canyons and sand dunes.

Similar Posts

The Best Zion Bryce Grand Canyon Itinerary for 4 to 7 Days

10 of the Best National Parks to Visit in January in the USA

12 of the Best National Parks to Visit in February in the USA

How to Plan a Grand Circle Road Trip to Utah and Arizona National Parks

10 of the Best National Parks to Visit in April in the USA

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Ultimate Colorado National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Are you looking for the perfect outdoor Colorado adventure? If your answer is yes, then a road trip through Colorado’s national parks should be at the top of your list. Uncover the hidden gems of each park’s stunning landscape.

Me and my family love exploring the parks in Colorado. The scenery is beautiful, the hiking is top-notch, and there is so much history to explore. We have been to Colorado on multiple road trips. Every trip is an amazing experience.

Four Colorado National Parks

• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Buy a national parks pass.

For only $80, make the most of this Colorado National Parks road trip with an America the Beautiful pass! You can purchase an America the Beautiful pass in person from NPS sites or online.

With this 12-month pass, you can get everyone in your car into sites that charge per car. If a site charges admission per person, the pass covers you and 3 additional adults. Children 15 and under are free

Colorado National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Are you ready for an unforgettable national park trip that will leave you with memories for a lifetime? Here is everything that you need to know to plan an epic Colorado National Parks road trip!

Denver to Great Sand Dunes

Fly into Denver and enjoy the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop while taking in some of the great attractions in the city. Then, hop in your rental car and take a scenic 1.5-hour drive south to Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs

Once there, consider driving to the top of Pikes Peak to take in its beautiful views. Check out some of the other popular things to do in Colorado Springs including visiting Garden of the Gods Park and seeing The Broadmoor Seven Falls before continuing your drive.

To add another NPS site to this national park itinerary, take some time to explore the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

If you are looking for some out-of-the-ordinary thrills, you should head next to Canon City to check out the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. You can also take a leisurely ride on a train as it makes its way through the legendary Royal Gorge or up your adrenaline level by whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River.

Once you are done in this area, it is about 3 hours to Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Spend some time at one of nature’s most unique and awe-inspiring wonders – Great Sand Dunes National Park ! Its vast dunes of sand stretch for over 30 square miles, with some reaching heights of 750 feet!

Activities such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, sand sledding, and stargazing are all popular ways to explore this unique landscape. With its stunning views and diverse wildlife, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers something for everyone!

Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in the San Luis Valley and is a spectacular natural wonder with many things to do on your visit.

Medano Creek

Visitors can take advantage of activities like splashing in the refreshing waters of Medano Creek, a seasonal flow of water from snow melt in the mountains. Starting in late April there is usually a small flow but it picks up going into late May and early June. This is one of the busiest times at Medano Creek and you can expect parking lots to fill up. In late June the water flow begins to retreat toward the mountains and will no longer flow near the Dunes Parking Lot.

Sand Sledding

Popular activities in the park include sand sledding and sandboarding on some of the largest dunes in North America. If you are up to the task, you could also try summiting Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America.

Stargazers will love the park after dark. In 2019, Great Sand Dunes National Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park. The darkness at night, away from city lights, will leave you with awe-inspiring views of the Milky Way and more stars than you can count.

Medano Pass

Another major attraction is the 22-mile Medano Pass Primitive Road. Only accessible by high-clearance 4×4 vehicles, the road crosses Medano Creek nine times and can offer spectacular views of bighorn sheep and other wildlife.

Drive from Great Sand Dunes to Mesa Verde

Continuing on your road trip, you will head west about 200 miles to Mesa Verde National Park. It is an easy route with very few turns to navigate.

There are several worthy stops along the way, most notably Pagosa Springs and Chimney Rock. Pagosa Springs offers numerous outdoor activities, from the world’s deepest hot springs to off-roading, snowmobiling, and fishing. Chimney Rock is most famous for its historic Ancestral Puebloan structures, but visitors can also enjoy viewing wild horses or joining an interpretive tour.

Finally, no trip through these beautiful Colorado landscapes is complete without taking the scenic Durango Railroad’s Cascade Canyon Express train route on a century-old steam locomotive through towering spires and deep canyons. The train leaves the station at 9:45 AM. Plan to stay a night in Durango to do this unforgettable experience.

Mesa Verde National Park is another incredible destination on this Colorado itinerary. This park is home to some of North America’s most impressive archaeological sites and structures, cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.

Visitors can explore these amazing ruins, take part in interpretive tours, hike along trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and more! A visit to Mesa Verde National Park promises an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after your Colorado road trip ends.

Things to Do at Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a must-see beauty located in southwestern Colorado. The park, established as a U.S. National Park in 1906, preserves some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings and archeological sites in the United States. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

Hiking and Driving

Visitors can choose from several hiking areas at Mesa Verde such as the Morefield Campground, Chapin Mesa, or Wetherill Mesa trails. Or, take the self-guided Mesa Top Loop Road Auto Tour to discover spectacular scenic views of the area.

Cliff Dwelling Tours

If you prefer touring the majestic cliff dwellings, there are several great options to choose from. There are self-guided, ranger-assisted, and ranger-led tours to various cliff dwellings. These tours range in difficulty so it is best to pick one that suits your abilities.

Advance ticket purchases are required for most of these tours so it is best to check RECREATION.GOV for information. Tickets are available starting 14 days in advance so it is best to have a plan and be logged in and ready to purchase the moment they go on sale.

Enjoying the beauty of this park is not just limited to daylight hours. As an International Dark Sky Park, Mesa Verde National Park can offer some incredible star-gazing opportunities! If you are staying in the park you can do this from Morefield Campground, Far View Lodge, or take advantage of one of the numerous overlooks along the park road.

Drive from Mesa Verde to Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Making your way from Mesa Verde National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an amazing road trip through some beautiful scenery. On this 4-hour journey, there are two routes you can take.

Route 1: National Monuments and Telluride

The first route takes you past national monuments and the picturesque mountain town of Telluride. Start this leg of your journey with a stop at Yucca House National Monument and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. If you are interested in learning more about the Ancestral Puebloan people, both of these sights have great information and are archeological sights that are not to be missed!

Next, take Highway 145 to Telluride. Here you can enjoy the shops and restaurants downtown before hopping on the free gondola ride to Mountain Village. Do even more shopping before riding back to Telluride. Drive towards Ridgway and then north to Montrose. Montrose is a great place to base yourself for a visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Route 2: Million Dollar Highway

The second option from Mesa Verde National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison is to take the San Juan Scenic Byway to Ridgway then north to Montrose.

To start this route, drive back to Durango. Then, go north to the small town of Silverton. Head underground on the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour or stay above ground and grab a bite to eat at one of the locally owned eateries.

Next, drive along the famous Million Dollar Highway to Ouray. Ouray has a variety of sights to see and things to do including the 6-mile Ouray perimeter trail above the town, Bear Creek and Cascade Falls, and Ouray Hot Springs.

Once you are ready to continue the adventure, keep driving north to Ridgway then Montrose.

For nature lovers and adventurers, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado is an awe-inspiring destination. Whether you take a leisurely drive down South Rim Road or embark on one of many hiking trails, this park offers incredible views that will leave you speechless.

Things to do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

From short hikes to backcountry treks through its famed dark canyon walls, this national park promises something for everyone!

South Rim Visitor Center

Kick off your adventure at the South Rim Visitor Center. With interactive exhibits and educational programs, there is a plethora of things for visitors to do here that will help you familiarize yourself with Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Knowledgeable park rangers are more than eager to respond to any inquiries about the region’s hiking trails or other recreational activities.

South Rim Road

For those looking to experience the best of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a leisurely drive along its enchanting South Rim Road is an absolute must. Spanning seven miles, this picturesque route presents you with majestic vistas at every turn.

Embrace the beauty that awaits you by making stops at Tomichi Point, Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall View, and Sunset View.

South Rim Hikes

The South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great spot for hikers looking to explore the scenery. From easy strolls along nature trails to more strenuous treks deep into the canyon walls, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to get their fill of adventure.

Three popular hiking trails in the park include Rim Rock Nature Trail, Cedar Point Nature Trail, and Warner Point Nature Trail. Each offers its own unique experience and covers a different area of the park.

Inner Canyon

Adventure-seekers looking for a true challenge should explore the trails that guide them down into the canyon’s depths! Choose one of these three hikes.

Gunnison Route: A universally beloved trail that is perfect for first-timers seeking an inner canyon experience. It boasts 1.5 miles of hiking and descends 1800 feet in elevation. Expect this trek to take 4 hours in total.

Tomichi Route: For those ready to push themselves further, try Tomichi with its one-mile length and 1960-foot drop. Plan on 6 hours altogether to finish this excursion.

Warner Route: This is the longest and most rigorous trail. It is highly recommended to pack overnight supplies to complete this trek. It spans 2.75 miles with 2722 feet of vertical drop, taking an average of 6.5 hours in total!

In order to hike into the inner canyon, you must have a Wilderness Use Permit which is distributed on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Center just 1.5 hours before closing the day before—otherwise, permits can be acquired on the day of your planned adventure.

Stargazers, prepare to be amazed! Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park and provides a mesmerizing view of stars after dark. Join in by bringing your own telescope, participating in a ranger-led program, or visiting during the annual Astro Fest event.

North Rim Road

If you want to get away from the crowds, try taking a scenic drive on the North Rim Road. There are 6 overlooks and plenty of spectacular views to enjoy. This area of the park is less developed and takes 2-3 hours to get to from the South Rim. North Rim Road is closed in the winter.

North Rim Hikes

Although there are not as many trails, the North Rim offers some great hikes. You can enjoy a short 1/3-mile hike on the Chasm View Nature Trail. If you’re looking for a longer hike, the North Vista Trail is a 3-mile round trip to Exclamation Point that you can continue on to Green Mountain for a total of 7 miles.

Like the South Rim, the North Rim offers a few hikes into the canyon. Pick up a permit the day of your hike to enjoy Pinyon Draw, Long Draw, and Slide Draw trails. All these hikes are strenuous and will take between 4.5 to 5.5 hours to complete.

Drive from Black Canyon to Rocky Mountain

The next portion of this Colorado road trip is to make the 5-hour drive to Grand Lake, Colorado located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

• Colorado National Monument

With its breathtaking views, Colorado National Monument along the way provides an ideal chance to admire the spectacularly rugged terrain that makes up this amazing landscape. Even if you don’t stop for a hike, driving along the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive is worth it.

Glenwood Springs

After that, carry on your journey and experience Glenwood Springs. Well renowned for its natural hot springs, this is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you choose the Glenwood Hot Springs or Iron Mountain Hot Springs, you are sure to have a great time.

Other things to do in Glenwood Springs include Glenwood Caverns & Adventure Park, a hike to Hanging Lake, and whitewater rafting in Glenwood Canyon. Once you are finished relaxing in the hot springs or going on another adrenaline-filled adventure, continue your trip heading east.

If you’re looking for a direct route to Grand Lake, that option is available. However, if you’d like to take in some more of the scenic beauty along the way and are open to a slight detour, consider passing through Vail. Take a walk around the charming Vail Village, ride the scenic gondola, or go for a hike or two.

From Vail, it is a 2-hour drive to Grand Lake. The town and lake of the same name form the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park from the west.

At the lake, you can enjoy the sand beach or enter the chilly waters. Take advantage of the nearby rentals to get out on the water with kayaks, paddleboards, paddle boats, and more.

Later, explore Grand Avenue and the historic boardwalk while browsing through the shops and restaurants, or watch a performance at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.

Finally, start your journey into the fourth Colorado national park of this road trip.

Rocky Mountain National Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise! Whether you’re looking to go on some breathtaking hikes or take a relaxing scenic drive through the picturesque landscape, Rocky Mountain National Park has something for everyone.

Nestled on the towering Continental Divide, adventure awaits within this serene mountain paradise.

Things to do at Rocky Mountain National Park

From awe-inspiring hikes to unforgettable wildlife spotting, Rocky Mountain National Park offers an array of thrilling experiences for everyone!

Scenic Drives

One of the highlights of Rocky Mountain National Park is simply driving through the mountains. Every twist and turn of the road offers stunning views and the chance to catch wildlife in its natural environment.

Trail Ridge Road is the main highway through the park and stretches 48 miles from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake at the west entrance. This road reaches a staggering 12,183 feet in elevation at its highest point and also crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass.

If you want to experience a more historic route, look no further than Old Fall River Road. This mostly gravel trail opened in 1920 and is the first path taken by automobiles in the park. At the 15 mph speed limit, this 11-mile road is meant to be enjoyed as you take in the closeness of nature much like our ancestors would have.

With 16 lake hikes, 7 waterfall hikes, and 5 summit hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park is a dreamscape of rocky crags, looming snow-capped peaks, and verdant evergreen forests. This playground of nature offers several fantastic hikes that range from short, easy loops to strenuous summit treks.

For those who simply want to explore a beautiful lake tucked away in the mountains, there are options such as Bear Lake, Cub Lake, and Bluebird lake.

Hikers wanting more out of their visit can explore some of the breathtaking waterfalls such as Adams Falls, Cascade Falls, and Ouzel Falls.

Lastly, if daring hikers yearn for an ultimate Rocky Mountain experience then Deer Mountain, Flattop Mountain, and Twin Sisters Peaks provide just that! Summit one of these peaks for the ultimate experience.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll on level ground or are looking for the rush of an adrenaline-pumping journey up steep terrain, Rocky Mountain National Park has you covered.

Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations

Rocky Mountain National Park has introduced a timed entry permit system . This is required from the end of May through late October.

Drive from Rocky Mountain to Denver

The last leg of this Colorado National Parks road trip is taking the 1.5-hour drive from Estes Park to Denver. Before you leave Estes Park, explore the historic (and supposedly haunted) Stanley Hotel.

Drive to Boulder to have some outdoor adventures including hiking at Flagstaff Mountain and an exciting tube ride down Boulder Creek. End your adventure with a warm beverage in the iconic Persian Dushanbe Teahouse.

Boulder is the last stop before driving back to the airport to head home. I hope you have the best time completing this Colorado National Park road trip.

Colorado National Parks Road Trip Tips

Here are some tips to help you plan the best Colorado National Parks road trip.

How many days do you need for Colorado national parks?

Depending on how long you have, a minimum of one to two days should be allocated for each Colorado national park – although three or even four days at Rocky Mountain National Park would be better. Plan one free day to get between each park to leave some time for bonus stops along the way.

What is the best time of year to visit Colorado National Parks?

If you’re looking for a time of year that generally has the best weather to make the most out of your visit, May through September are the ideal months. During this period, you’re sure to have good driving conditions and plenty of sunshine so you can make the most of each day.

The closest airport to fly into for this Colorado National Parks road trip is Denver International Airport. Denver International Airport (DIA) is Colorado’s largest airport and the primary hub for the Rocky Mountain region. There are plenty of rental car companies available at the airport.

Final Thoughts: Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Home to some of the United States’ most picturesque national parks, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From Great Sand Dunes National Park and its magnificent shifting dunes to Mesa Verde National Park with its spectacular cliff dwellings, Colorado offers plenty of sites for exploration.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will not disappoint with its challenging hikes and awe-inspiring canyons. Lastly, explore Rocky Mountain National Park with its gorgeous mountain views and diverse wildlife. Exploring these four Colorado national parks is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

More Information on Each Colorado National Park:

Caitlin is a passionate traveler and the founder of Twin Family Travels, a blog helping families with planning trips both big and small. As a mom of twins, Caitlin loves spending time together as a family. She finds joy in discovering new places from day trips to far-away destinations. Hiking beautiful trails and meandering through museums are some of her favorite ways to spend her time. She provides valuable tips and recommendations that assist others in planning wonderful travel experiences.

Similar Posts

12 Best State Parks in Oklahoma

Are you looking for a great way to explore the beauty and wildness of Oklahoma? Look no further – Oklahoma State Parks are some of the best places to visit! Whether you’re a parent wanting to teach your kids about nature or just looking for a peaceful retreat away from it all, check out my…

15 Best Things to Do in Fort Scott, Kansas

Fort Scott, Kansas is a charming and historic town in Bourbon County Kansas. From outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking to unique historical attractions, entertaining museums, and delicious local restaurants, this small town has a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking to spend a day here or planning a weekend getaway, you won’t be…

8 Best Panama City Beach Boat Tours 2024

Have you been wondering what the best Panama City Beach boat tours are? I’ve got you covered! With years of experience exploring the stunningly beautiful Gulf Coast, I’m here to provide vacationers with advice on the top dolphin tours, Shell Island excursions, fishing charters, and sunset cruises that are available. My Top 3 Picks: Panama…

National Parks in Texas and New Mexico: 10 Day Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Are you looking for an epic national park road trip adventure? Look no further than the national parks in Texas and New Mexico. From Big Bend National Park’s soaring canyons and desert landscape to Carlsbad Caverns’ vast cave system, these two states are packed with outdoor wonders. In this blog post, we’ll be detailing exactly…

10 Things to Do in Vinita, Oklahoma

Vinita is a charming town in northeast Oklahoma along historic Route 66. Even though the town is small, there are a few interesting things to do in Vinita. Most visitors stick to the interstate when passing through the area. But, it is worth getting off the highway to see what this small town has to…

16 Fun Things to Do in Claremore, Oklahoma

There are so many fun things to do in Claremore, Oklahoma. It is a great day trip destination with or without kids. Keep reading for things to do in Claremore and a few things to do in the surrounding area. Having lived in Claremore for several years, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering the absolute…

Privacy Overview

The Ultimate 10 Day Colorado National Park Road Trip

Colorado is a magical state with wonderful diversity. The state’s national parks offer quintessential mountain views, massive sand dunes, ancient cliff dwellings, and dizzyingly steep canyons.

This 10 day road trip will start and end in Denver and touch all four National Parks — Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes — and many great towns in between. Come see what makes this state so incredible on this 10 day Colorado national park road trip!   

Table of Contents

A Few Quick Things To Know About Your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Elevation .

In terms of elevation you will be all over the topographic map. At any point in the trip you could be at 5,000 feet above sea level or 10,000 feet. With this large elevation variance comes extreme changes in temperatures. Plan to pack layers and always keep a light jacket in your pack, no matter how warm it is when you start your day. Also know there’s usually snow on the peaks until mid-June. 

As mentioned above, pack layers, temperature can vary widely depending on your elevation. Know that severe afternoon storms are common during Colorado’s summers, especially at high elevations. If you’re planning to hike, bike, kayak, etc. you’ll need to be out early in the morning.

This Colorado road trip itinerary is designed for a summer visit. Mountain road conditions can be very unpredictable Fall – Spring.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is characterized by headaches, nausea, dizziness, and loss of breath. It may take days for your symptoms to subside if you’re not able to get to a lower elevation. If concerned that you may be affected by this, spend a day or two in Denver before heading out on your road trip. This will give your body some time to acclimate before heading to higher elevations. 

Buy A Park Pass in Advance  

Each National Park has a daily entrance fee per vehicle, usually about $35/ park. Instead of paying each park’s fee purchase an annual park pass, America The Beautiful. This pass give you unlimited access to any U.S. National Park for an entire year, the cost is $80.

You can purchase a pass online with approved retailers such as REI (you can purchase through this link) or in person when visiting a national park. 

Fun Fact: Did you know Katharine Lee Bates wrote America The Beautiful from the summit of Colorado’s Pikes Peak?

Colorado National Park Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: rocky mountain national park & estes park.

Day 1  of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park : 1.5 hours (65 miles)

Where to Stay: Estes Park 

The first day of the road trip kicks off in Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the state’s most popular attractions and the first stop on our Colorado road trip itinerary. Thanks to its stunning views, ample wildlife, and close proximity to Denver, it’s no surprise so many find themselves here.

When visiting RMNP you’ll need a time specific reservation, you can secure that here . These sell out quickly and need to be purchased up to a month in advance so be sure to plan accordingly.

For a complete guide, check out Rocky Mountain National Park: One Day Guide .

Go For A Hike In Rocky Mountain National Park

For your first day in Rocky Mountain National Park I recommend spending the day hiking. This is one of the best ways to see the park!

Two of the easiest hikes are Bear Lake and Alberta Falls, .7 miles and 1.6 miles respectively.

Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes can all be seen on a 4.2 mile hike, with an option to add Lake Haiyaha for a total of 6.2 miles. In my opinion this hike offers the best bang for your buck, great views and fairly easy hiking.

Advanced hikers up for a trek in the 10 mile range check out Odessa Lake & Fern Lake or Sky Pond. 

Note: Trailhead parking lots fill very quickly, if you’re not here at sunrise utilize the park’s shuttle, it’s convenient and easy to use! 

Drive Through The Park

If you’d prefer not to hike consider a driving tour of Rocky Mountain National Park instead!

Guide Along is an audio tour downloaded to your phone which will guide you through Rocky Mountain National Park. Not only does it supply tons of information about the park but it also provides tips about where to pull over for the best viewpoints and easy, accessible trails worth stopping for.

The guided audio follows your GPS, therefore provides information and tips in real time and allows you to set the pace of the tour!

Be sure to download the tour before heading to the park, it’ll then work even when you no longer have cell service.

I’ve used Guide Along tours for many national parks and couldn’t recommend it more!

The audio tour is only a few dollars. You can purchase it here: Guide Along Rocky Mountain National Park .

Spend The Afternoon In Estes Park

After a morning of hiking spend your afternoon enjoying beautiful Estes Park.

Explore the many locally owned shops downtown, tour the Stanley Hotel which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining , and take a walk along the river.

If you’re up for it, head back into the park for sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife!

You May Also Like: The Best Things To Do In Estes Park

Where To Stay In Estes Park 

Stephen King fans will love staying at the The Stanley Hotel . This beautiful, historic hotel is supposedly haunted. Whether or not that’s true I can’t say for sure, but I do know it books out far in advance so you’ll want to book this ASAP.

If you’d rather pass on the haunted hotel I recommend staying at Riverwood on Fall River . This hotel offers charming, riverside cabins with private decks, all within walking distance of downtown Estes Park. 

For more ideas check out: Best Estes Park Cabins On The River .

Tip: Estes Park is very popular throughout summer be sure book your accommodations well in advance.

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park & Grand Lake 

Day 2 of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Estes Park to Grand Lake: 1.5 hours (46 miles), Rocky Mountain National Park Pass Required

Where to Stay: Grand Lake

On the second day of the road trip we’ll drive through Rocky Mountain National Park via Trail Ridge Road which will bring us to our second destination, Grand Lake. Since the drive only takes 2 hours, either plan on doing some hiking in RNMP before hitting the road or plan to spend your afternoon in Grand Lake. 

Drive Trail Ridge Road

Start off day two of the Colorado national park road trip by driving the stunning Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuously paved highway in the United States and tops out at 12,183 feet above sea level. The highway stretches 48 miles between the park’s east (Estes Park) and west (Grand Lake) entrances. The road features aspen groves, forests thick with ponderosa pines, and alpine tundra.

During your drive be sure to stop at the many viewpoints, the Continental Divide, and the Alpine Visitor Center, which is the highest elevation Visitor Center in the National Park System.

Plan for about 2.5 hours to complete the drive, this includes time for stops. Remember, you’ll need another time specific reservation for day two, you can secure that here .

If you didn’t use the GyPSy Guide yesterday consider downloading the location based audio tour for your second day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The tours are full of great information and tips!

Note: Trail Ridge Road is typically open Memorial Day – Labor Day. It may open late or close early due to weather. 

Arrive In Grand Lake, Colorado 

Trail Ridge Road ends at Grand Lake which is where you’ll spend night two of this Colorado road trip!

Grand Lake has incredible mountain views and is an excellent spot to see wildlife, not to mention it’s a lot quieter than Estes Park. I’d definitely consider it an underrated Colorado destination!

Things To Do In Grand Lake

Not surprisingly most of the area’s lure is the lake! Rent a kayak, stand-up paddle board, or pontoon for a fun day on the water. You could also spend a day relaxing by the water, but don’t plan on swimming, the snowmelt-fed lake is very cold year-round.

If you’d prefer to stay on land, Adam’s Falls is a quick hike near town.

End your day strolling the shops and restaurants along Grand Avenue. 

You May Also Like: The Best Things To Do In Grand Lake, Colorado .

Where To Stay In Grand Lake 

I recommend booking one of the cabins at Grand Lake Lodge or The Gateway Inn . The area also has a good selection of Airbnb’s and VRBO’s. If you’re having trouble finding accommodations in the small town of Grand Lake check out nearby Granby.

Day 3: Vail, Colorado  

Day 3 of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Grand Lake to Vail: 2 hours (108 miles)

Where to Stay: Vail Village

Vail is an upscale mountain resort town located at the base of Vail Mountain, just off I-70. Since it’s only a 2 hour drive from Grand Lake you’ll have a full day to explore the town. While here you have options for an adventure filled day or a one of relaxation.

Relax In Vail 

This European-inspired ski town has world class shopping, spas, golfing, picture-worthy architecture, and high elevation botanical gardens. This gives you plenty of options for a nice relaxing day on your Colorado national park road trip. 

You May Also Like: The Best Things To Do In Vail, Colorado In The Summer

Go For A Hike Or Bike Ride

The resort town also has excellent hiking and biking trails in the area. I recommend hiking Booth Falls, or Pitkin Lake trail if you’re up for a longer hike.

Bike enthusiasts will love Colorado Trail or the paved Gore Valley Trail.  

Ride The Gondola 

Whether your time in Vail is spent relaxing or exploring I’d recommend riding the gondola for a unique experience and great mountain views. Although the gondola is typically used for skiing and snowboarding it operates in the summer months and provides great views of the surrounding mountains. As well as access to dining, hiking, and biking trails. 

Where To Stay In Vail 

Vail Village is the best area to stay. There are plenty of modern hotels here within walking distance to dining, nightlife, and shopping. While Vail may be known for its expensive lodging, summer can be a great time to snag a good deal at a luxury hotel. My favorite hotels in Vail are The Arrabelle at Vail Square , Grand Hyatt Vail , and The Sebastian . 

Alternative Option: If Vail isn’t appealing or you’d prefer a more budget friendly option, check out Breckenridge. Breck, as it’s referred to by locals, has a charming and laidback downtown with shops, dining, and entertainment options. You’ll also find excellent hiking and biking trails in the area, my favorite hike near Breckenridge is McCullough Gulch Waterfall.  

Day 4: Glenwood Springs, Colorado  

Day 4 of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Vail to Glenwood Springs: 1 hour (61 miles)

Where to Stay: Glenwood Springs

Day 4 involves a quick drive from Vail to Glenwood Springs. A portion of this drive is through Glenwood Canyon, which is one of the most gorgeous sections of highway in Colorado, in my opinion!

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs itself is a large mountain town surrounded by White River National Forest. This former mining town is most known for its excellent hot springs and immediate proximity to stunning Glenwood Canyon. 

Hike Hanging Lake 

One of Colorado’s most popular hikes, Hanging Lake, is just 15 minutes from downtown.

It’s a short trail, only 1.2 miles, but boasts a steep 1,000 foot elevation change in that short distance. The effort is well worth it as you’ll be rewarded with a small waterfall feeding into a stunning turquoise lake.

Due to popularity, permits are required and need to be purchased in advance, you can do that here . 

Soak In The Hot Springs

While in Glenwood Springs visiting the hot springs is a must. Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs Pool are the area’s most popular options.

Be aware the springs are sulfur… so, they’re stinky, but worth it! The naturally heated, mineral water will be great for for any sore muscles caused by the road trip’s many adventures.

The springs are open day and night, usually closing around 10 pm. I recommend soaking in the evening or at night so you can enjoy hiking and exploring town during the day. Plus the nighttime tickets are usually discounted.

Additional Things To Do In Glenwood Springs 

If time permits also consider the following activities in Glenwood Springs:

• Browsing local shops in downtown Glenwood Springs.
• Book a cave tour .
• Bike the stunning Glenwood Canyon.
• White water raft the Colorado River.

Where To Stay In Glenwood Springs

My favorite lodging in Glenwood is Hotel Colorado . This historic hotel has been in service since 1893 and was a popular hotel for former president, Teddy Roosevelt. The hotel exudes old time class and charm. Whether in a quiet courtyard or the grand lobby you’ll be sure to find a relaxing spot to unwind at this truly unique hotel.

Alternative Option Or Add On: Glenwood Springs is only an hour (42 miles) from Aspen. Aspen is Colorado’s most famous mountain town thanks to stunning views, the famous Maroon Bells, rowdy nightlife, and celebrity sightings.

Day 5: Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park & Telluride

Day 5 of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Glenwood Springs to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, South Rim: 2.5 hours (152 miles) 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, South Rim to Telluride: 1 hour 40 minutes (77 miles)

Where to Stay: Telluride 

The fifth day of your Colorado national park road trip will involve quite a bit of driving due to Black Canyon National Park’s remote location, you’ll need to start your day early. I’d recommend leaving Glenwood Springs no later than 7 am, doing so will get you to the park by 9:30 am.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon National Park surrounds a deep, nearly-vertical gorge that’s been carved out over the past 2 million years by the Gunnison River. The rocky, vertigo-inducing cliff sides make for stunning views!

This gorge is so deep and steep that portions of the canyon floor see less than an hour of sunlight per day, a fact which attributed to the canyon’s name.

This park is small, uncrowded, and offers great viewpoints as well as a few short, easy hikes.

Drive South Rim Road & Check Out The Viewpoints

South Rim Road is only 7 miles long, this is where you’ll find the Visitor Center, a few trailheads, and twelve viewpoints each with spectacular view’s of the jaw-dropping canyon.

You’ll have time to stop at each viewpoint if you desire, or simply enjoy the park’s most popular spots Gunnison Point, Pulpit Rock, Painted Wall View, and Sunset View. Each point is a short walk from the parking area.

If you’re getting hungry Sunset View has a nice picnic area. 

Go For A Hike

Warner Point trail is an easy 1.5 mile, relatively flat trail with great views of the canyon and West Elk Mountains. If you’re up for more of a moderate hike check out Oak Flat Loop Trail. This 2 mile loops takes you partway into the canyon for a different perspective of the gorge.

Advanced hikers looking to descend further into the canyon can check out Warner, Gunnison, and Tomichi Routes. Permits are required for all and can be obtained the morning of the hike.

Drive East Portal Road Into The Canyon 

East Portal Road is a steep, 5 mile drive that takes you to the bottom of the canyon. Here you can relax next to the Gunnison River and peer up at the staggering, 2,000 foot canyon walls. This is a great spot to rest and enjoy a bite to eat.

Note: Because of tight curves and steep grades RV’s and trailers are not permitted on this road. 

End Your Day In Telluride

Following your day exploring Black Canyon of the Gunnison head to Telluride for a nice dinner and relaxing evening. Plan to leave the park by 3:30 pm this will have you in Telluride no later than 5:30 pm.

Information on what to do and where to stay in Telluride is included in the segment below. 

Day 6: Telluride

Day 6 of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Where to Stay: Town of Telluride or Mountain Village 

The entirety of Day 6 will be spent exploring beautiful, Telluride, Colorado.

Explore Telluride

Telluride is a former mining town turned ski resort situated in a picturesque box canyon surrounded by towering peaks. Sitting at 8,750 feet above sea level, this charming small town calls to those seeking a quiet getaway in the majestic Rocky Mountains. 

Telluride’s stunning and remote location makes it a favorite among many visiting Colorado!

Hike Or Bike Near Telluride

The Telluride area has nearly 100 trails to enjoy hiking or biking. The trails feature everything from waterfalls, towering mountain tops, turquoise lakes, and incredible wildflowers. 

Two hikes I recommend in Telluride are Bear Creek Falls and Blue Lake. Bear Creek makes for a great morning hike whereas Blue Lake will take up a good portion of your morning and afternoon. 

Relax & Explore Town

Telluride may only be eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long, but it’s packed full of cute boutique shops, restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and museums. It’s is a National Historic Landmark District thanks to its preservation of mining boom-town architecture!

Grab a coffee at Ghost Town Coffee Roasters and spend an afternoon wandering the shops and quaint neighborhoods.

Visit The Tallest Waterfall In Colorado

Seeing Bridal Veil Falls is a must on your trip to Telluride! Bridal Veil Falls is a 365-foot free-falling waterfall situated at the end of a box canyon overlooking Telluride. The waterfall can be accessed with a high clearance vehicle or by hiking. Either way, head there early as it can get very crowded. 

For details on how to visit Bridal Veil Falls and more ideas on what to do in Telluride check out my Telluride Summer Guide . 

Where To Stay In Telluride

Telluride is comprised of two sections the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village. The two are connected by a free gondola, making it extremely easy to maneuver between the two areas.

The town of Telluride is limited in way of hotel options however has plenty of charming airbnb and Vrbo’s to choose from.

Mountain Village has much more of a resort feel to it and is characterized by large, luxury hotels encircling a European-style pedestrian village.

The Madeline Hotel & Residences is my favorite hotel in Telluride. 

Alternative Option 1: If you’re looking to extend your Colorado road trip consider adding another day or two in Telluride. 

Alternative Option 2: If you’re looking for more of a budget friendly option check out nearby Ouray, Colorado. 

Day 7: Mesa Verde National Park & Durango

Day 7 of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Telluride to Mesa Verde National Park: 1 hour, 40 minutes (82 miles)

Mesa Verde National Park to Durango: 40 minutes (35 miles)

Where to Stay: Durango

On Day 7 we’ll leave Telluride and head to Mesa Verde National Park, eventually spending the night in Durango. There’s quite a bit of flexibility in planning Day 7 since your ending point, Durango, is only 40 minutes from the park. Five hours in this park will be plenty for most so you could potentially spend the morning in Mesa Verde then head to Durango for more activities in the late afternoon.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is unique in that its main attractions are all ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archeological sites that date back to 550 A.D. This is not only a National Park but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest archaeological preserve in the United States. 

Tour A Cliff Dwelling

Due to the fragile nature of the park most sites are only viewable from a distance unless you’re with a ranger. Ranger-led tours are typically available late-May through early-October and need to be reserved in advance, you can do so here .

The most popular tours are:

• Balcony House
• Cliff Palace

Each excursion lasts about an hour and involves quite a bit of walking in addition to some ladder climbing. I highly recommend joining a tour during your one day in Mesa Verde National Park, this is the best way to truly see the park.   

Explore The Park

Once you’ve completed your tour, or if you’d prefer to stay on your own, check out Cliff Palace Loop and Mesa Top Loop. These are the park’s most popular sections (and the most crowded) so you’ll want to head here early. Each loop will take about 1 hour to drive, depending on how often you stop to explore. 

Cliff Palace viewing area provides a glimpse at the park’s most iconic cliff dwellings. The dwellings can only be viewed from a distance but this is a great way to grasp the grand size of these incredible ancient structures. Stop by Balcony House or do a quick 1.2 mile hike on Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, while completing the Cliff Palace Loop. 

From here head to Mesa Top Loop. Pit House, Square Tower House, and Sun Temple are all worth a stop. Sun Temple is one of the few sites that allows you to explore the structures without a guide.

Visit Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum 

If you enjoy learning about the history and culture of the ancient Puebloan people be sure to stop by Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.

While you’re here the museum has great views at Spruce Tree Overlook and access to Petroglyph Point Trailhead. This is an easy 2.4 mile trail with great views of the surrounding landscape, nearby cliff dwellings, and of course, petroglyphs.

Tip: Spruce Tree Terrace or Far View Area are good spots to stop for a picnic when you get hungry. 

End Your Day In Durango 

Regarding what to do and where to stay in Durango see the segment below. 

Day 8: Durango, Colorado

Day 8 of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Where to Stay: Historic Downtown Durango 

Durango is located in the southwest corner of the state and is the final former mining town on our Colorado road trip itinerary. This historic town sitting on the Animas River offers countless activities and stunning mountain views. If you’re looking to add a day or two to your trip this is an excellent place to do so.  

Things To Do In Durango 

While visiting Durango you’ll most definitely want to explore historic downtown with its eccentric shops, ample breweries, and excellent dining options. Also consider the following activities:

• Bike or take a walk along the Animas River.
• Go white water rafting with Wild to Mild Rafting & Jeep Tours .
• Spend an afternoon relaxing at the Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa.
• If you’re not sick of being in the car, consider driving a portion of the famous Million Dollar Highway.

You May Also Like: The Best Things To Do In Durango, Colo r ado

Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 

Durango’s most famous attraction is undoubtably the scenic train ride which follows along a narrow gauge railroad. This bucket list-worthy trip takes you along the winding Animas River while overlooking the stunning San Juan National Forest. The ride stops in the tiny mining town of Silverton where you can shop, dine, and take in the sites.

This tour will take up a large portion of your day but it’s truly a unique experience and absolutely worth it if you’re in the area. 

You May Also Like: Everything You Need To Know About The Durango Silverton Train

Where To Stay In Durango

I would recommend staying in the downtown area for close proximity to restaurants and libations. Check out historic Strater Hotel or, for a spot right on the Animas River, The Double Tree by Hilton .  

Day 9: Great Sand Dunes National Park  

Day 9 of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Durango to Great Sand Dunes: 3 hours, 20 minutes (168 miles)

Where to Stay: Great Sand Dunes Lodge or Alamosa 

The drive from Durango to Great Sand Dunes is not a short one, so this will be another early day on your Colorado road trip. In order to get to the park by 9:30 am you will need to leave Durango at 6 am.  

Additional Option: If you have extra time and wish to break up this drive consider adding a stop in Pagosa Springs. This small town is 1 hour and 10 minutes from Durango and 2 hours and 10 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park. Here you can have a relaxing day at the hot springs and explore local waterfalls. 

What To Do In Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is comprised of sand dunes positioned in a small valley surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains… Sand dunes in the mountains? Yep! And not just any dunes, absolutely massive dunes, the tallest in North America. To witness the curious contrast between sand and mountains in this park is truly magical. 

Note: From the parking lot you have roughly a 15 minute walk through flat sand before reaching the sand dunes. Depending on when you visit you may have to cross a creek to access the dunes, more information on this in the Medano Creek section below.  

Sled The Dunes

The park’s huge dunes are perfect for sledding or boarding! You’ll see kids and adults alike partaking in this fun activity. You do need a special board and wax, regular snow sleds will not work on the coarse sand. Rent your board just outside the park at Great Sand Dunes Oasis , the park does not rent boards , so remember to stop here before entering the park. 

Hike The Dunes

There are no designated trails in this National Park, wander as your heart desires.

Moving through the sand is very difficult and time consuming making for an interesting hiking experience. This laborious activity during a hot summer day can wear you out very quickly. Don’t let this deter you though, the views in this park are one of a kind! Just be prepared and as always, have extra of water on you! 

Tip: Hiking here is extra fun if you bring a sand sled. Summit a dune then descend on your board, you won’t believe how fast these boards go!

Hike Zapata Falls 

Zapata Falls is located just outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park but is absolutely worth a visit! After a short walk through a creek this 1 mile, out-and-back trail ends at a 30 foot waterfall flowing through a narrow chasm.

This is a great hike to do mid-day when you need a break from the shade-less dunes.

Note: The 3.6 mile dirt road leading to the trailhead is very bumpy and best accessed with a high clearance vehicle. 

Medano Creek (seasonal)

Medano Creek is wide, shallow creek that runs seasonally, typically May through early June. When flowing the dunes can only be accessed by crossing this creek.

This creek is special because a phenomenon called “surge flow” occurs here. Which basically means the flat creek creates its own waves. If you prefer a technical explanation this is from the NPS website: “As water flows across sand, sand dams or anti-dunes form on the creekbed, gathering water. When the water pressure is too great, the dams break, sending down a wave about every 20 seconds. In wet years, waves can surge up to a foot high!”

If you’re lucky enough to visit when the creek is flowing know that you’re witnessing one of natures wonders.

Be sure to enjoy some time relaxing by or playing in the water. Just know there will be many others with you, the seasonal creek is very popular especially with children. 

Medano Creek conditions can be viewed on the NPS website .

Park Tip: Whether you hike, sled, play in the creek or do it all you’re guaranteed to be covered in sand at the end of the day. Keep some towels in the car for cleaning off. 

Where To Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park 

I recommend staying at Great Sand Dunes Lodge located just outside the park. This isn’t the most glamorous of accommodations but it’s very convenient. Great Sand Dunes National Park is a great place to catch a sunset and an even better place to stargaze. For this reason I’d plan to stay near the park. 

If you’re not able to secure lodging here Alamosa is the closest town at 40 minutes away.

Day 10: Head Back To Denver 

Day 10 of your Colorado National Park Road Trip

Great Sand Dunes National Park to Denver: 3 hours, 45 minutes (240 miles) 

After an action packed 9 days you may be exhausted and ready to head straight home. However if you’re up for it, and time permits, I recommend stopping in Colorado Springs on your way back to Denver.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs the the 2nd largest city in the state located just an hour from Denver. It offers a wide variety of diverse attractions from museums and 5-star resorts to rafting and zip lining.

Things To Do In Colorado Springs

• Walk Garden Of The Gods.
• Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
• Visit Cave of the Winds.
• Grab lunch in Manitou Springs.
• Walk the stunning grounds of the 5-star Broadmoor Hotel.
• Ride The Pikes Peak Cog Railroad to the 14,115′ summit.
• River raft through the Royal Gorge, near Colorado Springs.

Be sure to check out these Top Things To Do In Colorado Springs for more ideas!

Additional Option: If you you’d like to extend your Colorado road trip, head to Buena Vista or Salida for a day or two ( Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is one of my favorite places to stay in all of Colorado!) This area has excellent hiking, hot springs, and some of the best white water rafting in the state.

There’s really nothing like summer in Colorado. I hope you find this article helpful in planning your Colorado national park road trip. Any questions or additional tips? Leave a comment! 

If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time, check out  @seen.by.amy  on Instagram or  @seenbyamy  on TikTok!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Colorado guides or head on over to My Colorado Parks !

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Estes Park: The Best Things To Do
• Rocky Mountain National Park: One Day Guide
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Tours
• Aspen: Fall Weekend Guide
• Telluride: Things To Do In Summer
• Vail: Things To Do In Summer
• Steamboat Springs: Things To Do During Summer
• Strawberry Park Hot Springs: Everything You Need To Know
• Grand Lake: Things To Do
• Durango: Exciting Things To Do
• Mount Evans Scenic Byway: Everything To Know
• Boulder: What To Do With One Day
• Colorado Springs: Things To Do
• Denver: 3 Day Weekend Guide
• Denver: What To Do With One Day

More National Park Inspiration:

• Best National Parks To Visit In Winter
• Easy National Park Gifts For Outdoor Lovers
• Grand Canyon South Rim: One Day Here
• Zion National Park: 2 Day Itinerary
• Canyonlands National Park One Day Guide
• New River Gorge National Park: Best Things To Do
• Arches National Park: One Day Here
• White Sands National Park Guide

More Road Trip Inspiration:

• Southern New England Road Trip: 9 Days
• Iceland Road Trip Itinerary: 8 Days
• Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: 7 Days

Hey! I’m Amy, author of this article and owner of this website. I've lived in Denver, Chicago, New York, Utah, and Arizona. I’ve visited almost all 50 states, and traveled in nearly a dozen countries. I enjoy writing about places I've lived and the many incredible destinations I've visited worldwide. My hope is that my love for travel will inspire others to see more of this beautiful planet.

Keep Up With Amy!

Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates in your inbox. And don’t forget to connect on your favorite social platform!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

• Pingback: The Best Things To Do in Grand Lake, Colorado - Seen By Amy

Just went to Great Sand Dunes, and it was MAGICAL! Sledding was amazing- thanks for the recommendation!

We stayed at Rustic Rook Resort- a glamping resort just 20-25 minutes outside the entrance of GSD. It was perfect and even had grill packs for dinner and lunch packs you could purchase, complete with a meatless and dairy-free option for both meals. Highly recommend!

That sounds amazing!!!!

Amy, this is fantastic! I’m going to have to spend more time in CO to see all these great things!

Come see us soon!!

This is perfect! I’ll definitely look into these places to stay and hikes for our trip to Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison later this summer. Thanks, Amy!

So glad! I hope this is helpful for your Colorado Road Trip!

I thought Black Canyon looked like a terrific place. Let me know how you like it!

Comments are closed.

Disclaimer: This post may contain commissionable links, these are at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support.

Subscribe for the latest updates in your inbox.

• Privacy & Policies

Seen By Amy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com.

Subscribe for the latest straight to your inbox!

Colorado National Parks road trip: an epic tour of rocky summits, rugged canyons and desert plains

Our handy Colorado National Parks road trip takes you on an epic adventure around the state, revealing some of the can’t-miss hikes to explore the unforgettable and diverse landscape of the American west

Colorado is home to four outstanding National Parks and while the renowned Rocky Mountain National Park is by far the most-visited, each unique site has something memorable to offer, awarding a hefty glimpse into both human and geological heritage and some of the best hikes in the state. If you’re looking to visit some, or all of them, we’ve created this handy Colorado National Parks road trip to take some of the planning out of the process for you.

Colorado’s National Parks collectively preserve thousands of square miles of stunning Colorado landscape and wilderness, taking you up above 14,000ft in the Rocky Mountains and down 2,000ft deep into the earth, across vast sand dunes and into the tiny homes of ancient indigenous cliff dwellers. Any one of these parks makes an unforgettable vacation, but if you’re feeling ambitious, why not tackle them all?

Colorado’s National Parks conveniently form a rough loop around the state, so while we’ve started or ended this road trip in Denver , you can start from any point and work your way round in either direction. We’ve also taken the liberty of including Colorado National Monument, which is a Monument rather than a Park, but breaks up the longest leg of the journey with breathtaking vistas and really should not be missed.

Though Colorado’s National Parks are all open year-round, spring and fall make the best times for a road trip as the weather is milder and the crowds are thinner. Each Park is worthy of at least a night, while you might choose to spend several nights in some of the bigger parks, so this trip could take as little as five nights and as many as ten. There’s a substantial amount of distance between each park so we recommend you build in a couple of nights at all but Great Sand Dunes and take your time.

Load up your best hiking boots , backpack and best sleeping bag – we’re taking you out on the open road for a Wild West adventure of epic proportions.

Stage 1: Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve  

• Driving distance: 236 miles 
• Park location : Southern Colorado near Crestone

From Denver down the Great Sand Dunes it’s more or less a straight shot down I-25 through Colorado Springs and Pueblo, with mountain views most of the way.

This national park is often overlooked because it sounds, well, just like a giant sandbox. In reality, here you’ll find virtual mountains of wind-sculpted sand, some up to 750 feet high, making up the tallest sand dunes in North America over an area of about 30 square miles. The otherworldly dunes were formed by sediment from the surrounding mountain ranges after lakes receded from the San Luis Valley and are a must-see in Colorado. The best time to see the sand dunes is at dusk, so plan to arrive by the late afternoon to set up camp. 

Advnture Newsletter

All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture!

There is only one campground inside the park – Piñon Flats – make sure you book ahead.

Can’t miss hike: the sand dunes

There aren’t designated trails because they’d be drawn in, well sand. Around 5 p.m. once it’s cooled off a little, grab your headlamp and pick any path. Just head upwards, and expect a real calf-burner as you sink, barefoot, into soft, deep sand on the ascent. Watch the sun set and transform the dunes into a mesmerizing interplay of rose gold hues and deep shadows as you wiggle your toes into the cooling sand. It’s an experience like no other.

Stage 2: Great Sand Dunes to Mesa Verde National Park 

• Driving distance : 220 miles
• Park location :  Southwest Colorado near Cortez 

This beautiful drive takes you clear across the southern part of the state, near the New Mexico border where the landscape starts to transform into something more otherworldly. You’ll pass through the old railroad town of Durango which is well worth a stop.

Mesa Verde is certainly Colorado’s most unique National Park, and while it’s home to deep canyons and spectacular vistas, the main selling point is the more than 600 well-preserved cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloan Indians between 650 CE and the 12th century then abruptly abandoned for reasons unknown. This UNESCO heritage site is the largest archaeological preserve in the United States and visitors can learn about how these ancient people lived in sheltered alcoves of the canyon walls. 

There is no camping inside the park but camping and lodging can be found nearby. 

Can't miss hike: Mug House

The absolute best thing to do here of course is tour a cliff dwelling. You’ll have to book a tour with a ranger and we recommend Mug House, named for some of the artifacts found inside its walls. The Mug House tour entails a 2.25 mile strenuous hike to see a village that was home to up to 100 residents about a thousand years ago. You’ll also get to see Adobe Cave, rock art and views of Rock Canyon along the trail.  

Stage 3: Mesa Verde to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park  

• Driving distance : 195 miles
• Park location :  Western Colorado near Montrose 

This winding mountain drive takes you through one of the most scenic box canyons in the country and Colorado’s prize jewel of a ski town, Telluride, where you might stop to stretch your legs and never leave.

This National Park is sometimes described as the Grand Canyon in miniature, but don’t let that description fool you into thinking it’s small. This 48-mile long canyon plunges over 2,000ft into the earth and is easily big and deep enough to be vertigo-inducing. Carved out by the Gunnison River, and time, this near-vertical canyon is so-named because it is so deep that parts of the river receive no more than 33 minutes of sunlight per day. Fourteen miles of the canyon were declared a National Park in 1999 offering visitors the chance to marvel at geological history like the 2,250ft Painted Wall, the tallest sheer cliff in Colorado as well as activities like hiking, rock climbing, kayaking and camping.

There are no hotels or lodges here, but there are two great campgrounds inside the park on either rim, while our favorite pick is the East Portal Campground down by the river and not technically within the park. Book ahead.

Can't miss hike: North Vista Trail

The 7-mile North Vista trail is the main trail in the park but miraculously free of the crowds you’d expect from a National Park hike. This hike begins from the ranger station on the North Rim and descends down to a series of breathtaking overlooks revealing two million years of geological history including Exclamation Point, where you will find some of the best views of the canyon. The trail then begins to climb up Green Mountain for about two miles for panoramic views of the canyon from a different angle.

Stage 4: Black Canyon to Colorado National Monument 

• Driving distance : 58 miles
• Park location :  Western Colorado, near Grand Junction 

As we said, while this isn’t actually a National Park, it’s more than worth seeing and breaks up a very long drive with some spectacular desert landscape.

This monument preserves an area of iconic desert landscape emblematic of the American West. High up on the Colorado plateau, here you’ll find vertical walled red rock canyons as deep as 500ft and towing rock monoliths formed of granite, streaked with gneiss and schist as tall as 450ft. 

There are no restaurants, gas stations, or hotels located within the Monument, but you’ll find all the conveniences you need in nearby Fruita, Grand Junction and Palisade. Palisade is Colorado’s wine country, which can add a little luxury to your rugged journey. 

Can't miss hike: Devil's Kitchen

The Devil’s Kitchen trail takes you via a gradual climb to a natural rock grotto that is a circular arena formed by huge upright boulders where you can explore and play in the welcome shade from the desert heat.  

Stage 5: Colorado National Monument to Rocky Mountain National Park 

• Driving distance: 292 miles
• Park location : Northern Colorado, near Estes Park

This long drive takes you back east across the northern part of the state and enters the Park through lovely Grand Lake, which is a fabulous place to stop for a burger or stay overnight.

Home to more than 100 peaks over 11,000ft Colorado’s crown jewel makes both a memorable day trip and a rewarding adventure holiday. Rocky Mountain National Park boasts 415 square miles of stunning wilderness that attracts millions of visitors every year for good reason. The park offers the absolute best of Colorado’s Rockies, from elk, bighorn sheep and moose sightings to turquoise lakes and breathtaking peaks, much of it accessible by car. 

There are five campgrounds in the park and hotels in Estes Park and Grand Lake, but you should definitely book ahead.

Spend as much time here as you can and it’s only 65 miles back to Denver to complete your epic road trip.

Can't miss hike: Mount Ida

The main attraction here is actually driving Trail Ridge Road. Spanning 48 miles between Estes Park on the east side of the park and Grand Lake on the west, Trail Ridge crests at over 12,000ft with eleven miles of travel above treeline. This winding high highway takes you across alpine tundra and treats you to stunning views, wildlife and wildflower sightings. 

You can add to the fun by parking at the Poudre Lake Trailhead and hiking Mount Ida, which is often voted best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it’s easy to see why. The panoramic views all the way up are absolutely stunning. Though with 2465ft of elevation gain it is rated as difficult, particularly towards the summit, it does not expose you to steep drop offs like some other park favorites. 

Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book  Restorative Yoga for Beginners . She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.  

The 2025 London Marathon ballot closes tonight – here's how to enter

Backcountry skier triggers avalanche that sweeps man down couloir, leaves without apologizing

Zenbivy Ultralight Bed review: is this the most comfortable sleep system on the market right now?

Most Popular

• 2 The 2025 London Marathon ballot closes tonight – here's how to enter
• 3 Backcountry skier triggers avalanche that sweeps man down couloir, leaves without apologizing
• 4 Hundreds of boulders come crashing down, blocking popular long-distance trail in Yosemite National Park
• 5 New ultra-running startup launches shoes designed to handle hundreds of miles at a time

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

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.

Colorado National Park Road Trip: Explore 4 Parks in One Week!

Do you know about the other three fascinating National Parks in Colorado? Well, as huge fans of the famous Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, we are embarrassed to admit neither did we. So we set off on a Colorado National Park Road Trip to check out Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Read on for this truly epic road trip! Caution: you’ll want to start planning your adventure exploring the unexpected.

Itinerary for Your Colorado National Park Road Trip

This road trip to all 4 Colorado National Parks could easily be completed in one vacation week, starting on Saturday and ending on Sunday. In the itinerary below, you’ll find the travel days are pretty laid back. You won’t find yourself exhausted at the end of the week.

We’ve also made a few notes recommending extra days if you have more time as this trip would be a lot of fun to expand to 2 weeks!

1 Week Itinerary for Colorado National Park Road Trip

Day 1: Leave Denver and Drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park (have an extra day? Insert a day exploring Colorado Springs here) Day 2: Full Day to Explore Great Sand Dunes National Park Day 3: Drive to Mesa Verde, stopping along Highway 160. Consider a stop in Durango for a historic train ride. Day 4: Full Day to Explore Mesa Verde National Park Day 5: Drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, exploring along the way. Consider a stop in Telluride. Day 6: Full Day to Explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison Day 7: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park (have an extra day? Explore around Gunnison and stop at the Taylor Reservoir for world-class trout fishing.) Day 8: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park (have an extra day? You could easily spend 3 full days in Rocky Mountain National Park… it’s that big!) Day 9: Explore RMNP in the morning and head back to Denver in the afternoon

Park # 1: Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park

When I told Brad that Great Sand Dunes would be the first stop on our Colorado National Park Road Trip he literally rolled his eyes. “Really! Why?” And my very lame answer was that I wanted to check it off our National Park list. I promised we’d be in and out in a few hours.

Little did we know that this park would be a day of play and more fun than a roll of bubble wrap. We were giggling like little kids before the day was over. Today we enthusiastically recommend a day in Great Sand Dunes National Park to anyone planning to road trip through Colorado.

Getting to Great Sand Dunes National Park from Denver

Great Sand Dunes National Park is about 4 hours out of Denver (our starting point), so we figured we could make it a quick lunch stop. For our Colorado National Park Road Trip, from Denver to get to Great Sand Dunes National Park, there are two driving options.

• Option 1  follows Interstate 25 through Colorado Springs. It’s a great choice if you have an extra day to spend in that fantastic city. (Love, love, love Colorado Springs!) But it can be a rather dull 4-hour interstate drive if you are not stopping along the way.

• Option Two  – The scenic route across the top of the mountains along Highway 285. This route was beautiful as we traveled along the mountain ridges. If we were to choose again, I would pick this stunning route all over. However, let me add a few warnings: Per GPS, both ways are 4 hours long. Of course, that’s not necessarily true in real life. This route is mostly two lanes and heavy truck traffic. If there is an accident (as we encountered), you might have to sit awhile. As in any rural area, bathrooms are few and far between! 4 hours without a bathroom stop doesn’t work for this gal, so when we found a little roadside diner, we bought coffee to use the bathroom.

Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

See the tallest sand dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park, just north of Alamosa, Colorado. Here you’ll find some of the largest living sand dunes on Earth. Their height makes this place unique; 700 feet tall (almost two football fields!) and extremely steep (about 45 degrees).

If you’re into sandboarding, this is a great place to bring your board and enjoy the rolling waves of sand. The view from atop the dunes alone makes it worthy of a visit.

The best part of this park is you are encouraged to “mess up” the landscape! Usually, when you hike in a National Park, there is an overwhelming emphasis on leave no trace behind, right? Well, here, mother nature is going to clean up right after you. By that, I am referring to the number one activity on the sand dunes: sliding down the dune as if it were snow.

And graffiti is welcome. Stomp out your name in the side of a dune for fun pictures. By morning the winds will have blown and smoothed away all your markings. Two hours quickly turned into a full day as we climbed up and down the dunes, leaving our mark in the sand.

Plan Your Itinerary for Great Sand Dunes National Park

There are many other fun things to do, and it was a shame we only planned 1/2 day here. If you can swing a couple of days, you will get a chance for a truly unique experience. Here’s what you should include in your road trip itinerary for your Great Sand Dunes National Park stop.

• Climb to the top of the Sand Dunes, and slide down. You’ll find families enjoying the steep sand dunes with everything from cardboard boxes to those old-fashioned flying saucer sleds.
• Hike the dunes, which cover over 30 square miles. There are no trails since the wind wipes the surface clean daily, so wander wherever you like.
• Experience solitude in this dark sky park. The lack of ambient light at night makes stargazing opportunities here some of the best anywhere on Earth. The Milky Way is glorious most nights from mid-summer to early fall.
• Raft the Medano Creek – A sure-fire way to work up an appetite after a day in the sand is to take a walk along Medano Creek. This stream is carved deep into the sand, creating beautiful scenery and great places to wade. Spring and early summer mean the water is flowing fast, perfect for light family rafting and tubing.
• Hike forest trails – Yes, there are forested trails within the park where you can find excellent relief on a hot summer day. A popular hike is the Montville Nature Trail, a relic of an early settlement.
• Drive Medano Pass Primitive Road – 4 Wheel Drive with a high lift is required for this adventure due to the soft sands and creek bed crossings. This road is a challenging 22-mile route linking the Great Sand Dunes with Colorado State Highway 69 and takes 3-4 hours to traverse. Note the road is closed in winter and often in spring for high water. However, if you are game for this trip, you will likely find bighorn sheep and wilderness few experiences.

Tips for your Great Sand Dunes Itinerary

👍 The sand surface temperature can be up to 150 degrees on a summer day, so plan your adventure early or later in the day to avoid the extreme summer heat. And of course, wear sunscreen. Please make sure you are prepared for hiking in hot weather .

👍 Rafting and sledding can be very inexpensive family activities. You’ll see a lot of dollar store blow-up rafts in the water. And for sledding, if you don’t have a smooth bottom sled, a shiny piece of cardboard will work.

👍 Great Sand Dunes is fairly pet friendly . Just make sure you are clear on where dogs are not allowed in the park.

Park #2: Mesa Verde National Park

I first went to Mesa Verde in fifth grade, and the recollection of those structures is still vivid. So I was eager to show Brad this marvel on our Colorado National Park Road Trip.

There is something very different and unique about Mesa Verde. Perhaps it’s because the structures are in such good shape that you can clearly imagine the ancient cliff dwellers living and working in them.

Getting to Mesa Verde National Park

Having stayed too long at Great Sand Dunes, we scooted West on Highway 160 towards  Mesa Verde National Park . To get to Mesa Verde National Park from Great Sand Dunes, it is a straight drive West on Highway 160.

The trip takes about 4 hours if you don’t stop. But you will want to stop at several of the pull-offs along the way to enjoy the amazing views.

This gorgeous route through the Rio Grande and the San Juan National Forests is worth dawdling to enjoy. In hindsight, had we known how much fun we’d have at Great Sand Dunes and how beautiful this drive would be, we would have camped along this route. There were many National Forest Campgrounds along Highway 160.

Instead, we had an exhausting push for 4 hours to our Mesa Verde campground. So little time… so much to see!

Things to Do In Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a popular national park in Colorado. It’s also one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings, with over 5,000 archaeological sites that date back to 1300 CE. There are several tours for visitors and many great hikes on trails through the pinyon pine forest around Mesa Verde Village.

Visiting Mesa Verde generally takes a full day. Make sure you start with a full tank of gas as it is a long drive to the homes of the ancient Pueblo People. The winding road along the mesa is about 20 miles of stunning view after stunning view. And that’s before you arrive at any of the cliff dwellings.

Plan Your Mesa Verde Itinerary

Here are some tips for making your trip to Mesa Verde National Park as memorable as possible:

• Take a tour of Cliff Palace or Balcony House – these two structures offer amazing views! You can view the cliff dwellings for free from the overlooks, but I’d urge you to purchase a ticket to one of the ranger-guided tours and drop right into these homes. We toured Cliff Palace and were thrilled with the knowledge the ranger guides shared. And it’s beyond cool to walk through the rooms! These and 4 other house tours require the advance purchase of tickets. You can get tickets up to 14 days in advance at Recreation.gov .  Note there is no internet or cell service in the park, so make sure you print hard copies or take a photo of your ticket.
• Self-tour several Mesa Top Sites like Cedar Tree Tower and Sun Temple for a different view of cliff dwelling life. These ruins and others are found along the Chapin Mesa Loop.
• Hiking – There are almost a dozen hikes under 3 miles  that take you to other ruins and more amazing views. Consider hiking Petroglyph Point Trail to a petroglyph panel or a shorter walk to Farming Terrace Trail, where you can see how check dams were used in farming.

Tips for Visiting Mesa Verde

👍 There is no gas available in Mesa Verde National Park. Fill up before arriving at the park since you’ll be doing a lot of driving. Foodservice is limited in the park, so a cooler with beverages and snacks is a good idea. You can usually get lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants in the park, but on busy days the wait might belong.

👍 Pet access is very limited in Mesa Verde. No pets are allowed on most trails and in none of the ruins.

👍 Mesa Verde National Park is a very popular place, and it can get crowded during the summer months. Plan accordingly when making your trip here! We also recommend visiting the park on a weekday if possible; this will decrease your chances of running into large crowds!

👍 Download the Mesa Verde Tour from GuideAlong before you go. You’ll be driving a lot of lonely miles in this park with very little information about the sites you’ll be passing. GuideAlong’s Mesa Verde tour plays on your phone and covers over 100 points of interest with a very engaging narrative.

Don’t Let the Planning Overwhelm You!

Plan your perfect trip to Rocky Mountain National Park!

Check out our complete digital Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park. This is written specifically for the first time visitor to make your trip planning easy! Over 90 pages of things to do and see on your adventure. Plus get pro tips for planning your adventure.

Start planning immediately with Digital Download!

Park # 3: Visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

If we were to give Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park a human persona, it would be that of a wrinkled and wise old woman. As you drive through the park, you just know that this old woman has millions of years worth of stories to tell.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is perhaps the most unique among National Parks in that it is not especially crowded, yet it offers a wealth of unexpected beauty.

Getting to Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Travel time between Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison is only a 4-hour drive North-East through the gorgeous San Juan National Forest. However, we extended this trip into a full-day excursion by adding a stop to explore Telluride. We enjoyed a gondola ride to the top of the ski slope and lunch on the mountain top at Tomboy Tavern.

After that, we hiked part of the trail to Bridal Veil Falls, a stunning waterfall with a drop of 365 feet. Then we strolled around Telluride’s historic downtown. It was a great way to spend a relaxing day.

Much to my chagrin, Brad loves to follow a National Forest campground sign and see where it goes. After driving for 20 minutes down country roads, he was right again, and we found a great campsite near a small fishing lake. We slept under a bright full moon and the view of the mountains out our tent opening was unimaginable.

The next morning we started to set up for breakfast when the winds suddenly changed. You could tell something nasty was about to happen! We broke camp in 5 minutes, throwing everything into the back of our car and left camp just as the storm broke loose. Whew!

We found a little country store where Brad was able to get some coffee. You know, one of those places that sell everything including the kitchen sink. Since we were there, he also grabbed a fishing license because, well, you never know when you’ll need one.

The store owner gave us directions to a cute little restaurant for breakfast and then we were off to Black Canyons of the Gunnison National Park.

Things to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a must-see spot for anyone on vacation in Colorado. It’s an impressive gorge with views like no other. The Gunnison River carved a deep, steep-walled gorge through Precambrian rock and formed the canyon’s floor.

With its spectacular drops and the striped Painted Wall cliff, the magnificent Black Canyon may be viewed from routes and trails along the north and south rims.

Plan your Black Canyon of the Gunnison Itinerary

• Drive down East Portal Road to the Bottom of the Canyon – Here, you descend to the canyon floor and drive right up to the Gunnison River. It is incredible to stand at the bottom and look up at the towering canyon walls that this river has carved. It’s a very steep drive with a 16% grade, so I was glad we had our 4 wheel drive SUV when we drove back up. It’s rare to have access to the bottom of a deep canyon-like you find in this park. Don’t miss this drive! There’s a parking place for towed campers at the top to make it easier for RVers. We had planned to camp next to the river in the East Portal Campground, with 15 semi-primitive first come, first serve sites. But I backed out when there weren’t any other campers and bear signs were everywhere. Someday I might get over this bear phobia, but then again, maybe not!
• Drive Scenic South Rim – On our trip, it felt like we had the place to ourselves because there were so few cars in the pull-offs. Most pull-offs had short hikes that led to amazing overlooks. This was definitely a photo kind of day! Plan for a couple of hours for the scenic drive. With the lack of crowds, this is the place to step back and admire the work of nature.
• Watch for Wildlife – Perhaps because there are fewer crowds, or maybe the wild terrain created by the vertical walls, wildlife is abundant in this park. You are likely to see mule deer and cottontail rabbits in the brush. Mountain lions and bears also make their home here. The steep walls are home to bighorn sheep. We found a campsite for the night in South Rim Campground. Although, we had to pass on our first campsite choice because a deer was guarding it. Perhaps she had a baby nearby!
• View amazing stars at night – Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is definitely in the middle of “nowhere”. The nights are very black, which earned it a designation as an International Dark Sky Park. September brings the Black Canyon Astronomy Festival, where you can learn from astronomers.
• Fish the Gold Medal Water & Wild Trout Water – Trout Fishing in the Gunnison River is famous. Of course, Brad had to try his hand before we left the park. You’ll find fishing lodges all along the river as you follow it East.
• Hiking – You’ll find many short trails that are family-friendly along the scenic drives. Hiking to the river is more challenging so make sure you prepare with the right equipment and trail information.

Tips for visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

👍 Since this isn’t a busy park, it’s not too hard to get a campsite. However, lodging is pretty limited nearby. Look East towards the town of Gunnison for lodging options, where you’ll find rentals and fishing cabins.

👍 As in many places on our Colorado National Parks Road Trip, cell service is pretty much nonexistent in Black Canyon of the Gunnison. If possible, pay your Entrance Fee online as the gates are staffed for limited hours. Don’t forget to print your receipt out.

Park #4 Rocky Mountain National Park

No Colorado National Park Road Trip would be complete without a stop in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s one of our favorite parks, and we’ve spent many vacations exploring it. Wildlife is abundant and hiking is terrific here. Sadly, we didn’t make it to RMNP on this road trip through Colorado, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t.

Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park

From Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s about a 5 1/2 hour drive over the continental divide. Just to break it up a little for you, it’s 4 hours to Denver. And then from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s only another 1 1/2 hours. Other than the traffic around Denver, this is an amazing drive. The scenery can’t be beat!

After we left Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, we stopped in the town of Gunnison just in time for lunch at the  Ol’ Miner Steakhouse . There is an excellent selection of restaurants along the main drag; you’re sure to find something for any palate.

Also, along the main street of Gunnison, you will find a variety of hunting and fishing outfitters tucked in between little specialty shops.

After lunch, we headed North out of Gunnison and grabbed a great campsite in the Gunnison National Forest along Rt 742. Fishing along the Taylor River is infamous. In addition to fishing cabins, there are ½ dozen National Forest Service Campgrounds along the river. These were all large wooded campsites, suitable for both tents and RVs.

We found the perfect spot and Brad wandered off to fish for a bit. According to the camp hosts, bears had been sighted in the neighboring campground the night before. I made sure Brad took the fish cleanings to the farthest away dumpster before we went to bed!

Not far up Rt 742, we landed at Taylor Reservoir. The marina offers coin-operated showers, which we immediately enjoyed! Then Brad spent several hours fishing while I enjoyed a book on the beach. It was the most relaxing day of the whole trip.

We continued to work our way towards Denver and crossed the Continental Divide at Cottonwood Pass. Our expectation was this would be “the road less traveled”. Yup, not really! The road was full of folks heading out from Denver for the coming weekend. We joked that every vehicle was a Subaru with either a bike or kayak or both on top!

Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park has something suitable for everyone of all ages and abilities to enjoy. The mountain views are astounding! You’ll find over 300 miles of hiking paths, wildflowers, animals, and starry nights.

Plan your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary

• Drive Trail Ridge Road , the highway to the sky! This 48-mile long highway cuts through the heart of the Rockies. The views are amazing so don’t forget your camera!
• Take a Hike – The most popular activity at the park is hiking. Enjoy trails that range from super easy like Lily Lake or Sprague Lake Nature Trails to all-day hikes. Our favorite is the hike to Sky Pond . Another popular hike is the trail to Ouzel Falls , which passes 3 different waterfalls. And the hike to Cub Lake is full of wildlife!
• Check out the Wildlife – Mule deer and grazing Elk are abundant in the park and easy to see. With a little more effort, you can find Moose . Spring brings Big Horn Sheep down from the high elevations. Of course, there are dozens of other critters, including black bears and marmots.

For more ideas on things to do- check out our post on 9 Amazing Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park ! Or if you are visiting in autumn you’ll want to read 7 Reasons to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the Fall . To make it easy for you we created a One Day In RMNP Itinerary , check it out.

Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park

👍 This park is extremely busy, so a little planning is required. The National Park Service continues to test ways to control traffic, including requiring timed entry passes for certain months and places. Make sure you check their website before heading out, so you don’t find yourself at the gate unable to get in on that particular day.

👍 Planning also goes for finding the best lodging near RMNP park and the best campgrounds in the Rocky Mountain National Park . It’s hard to get a last-minute hotel or campsite pretty much any time of the year. Summer is super busy, but spring the snow melts brings out new babies and rushing waterfalls that attract visitors. Fall Colors Explode in the Park so autumn is incredibly popular. So get those reservations as soon as you have your dates.

👍 You’ll discover a lot of hidden details about RMNP if you download GuideAlong’s audio tour before you go. We love that it helps navigate through the park while sharing the history or explaining the nature as you pass points of interest.

Tips for Maximizing Your National Park Road Trip

Colorado offers 4 national parks that are full of natural beauty and rich history. If you’re going on a road trip through Colorado, here’s what you should do to ensure you have a great time at each park.

1) Get a map from the visitor center at each park – they’ll have maps available free of charge plus lots of information including hours, fees, things to do, and more.

2) Check out the National Park Service website for each park before you go. You can find information about the history of each park, what you’ll see on your visit, where to stay nearby, hours of operation, entrance fees, and activities available at each park.

3) Print out or pull up the map on your phone before you go . You can use quiet road time between parks to plan ahead. Having a map in hand will help get you around the park easier.

4) Stock up on food and drink s – many National Parks, including Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, do not have stores or shops nearby, so make sure you come prepared with a cooler filled with snacks and beverages. Even Mesa Verde is pretty limited in access to food services most of the time.

5) Have a plan for your days – plan your days around the things that interest you most, split up some of the more popular attractions over two days if you have time, plus don’t be afraid to stop and enjoy the scenery, activities or wildlife on your way around the park.

6) Don’t be afraid to ask – the park rangers love to share their favorite parts of the park with visitors. Their passion for National Parks is why they became a ranger in the first place.

7) Treat yourself to a sunset – in between exploring the day and checking out the views, you’ll be exhausted. Go ahead and find the perfect spot for a picnic dinner and take in a sunset. It’s been scientifically proven: sunsets make people happy, so this is sure to make everyone in your family enjoy their time even more!

8) Bring your camera – National Parks are some of the most photogenic places in the world, and you know we love a good pic! If you want to capture the memories, make sure you have a camera or phone with long battery life because there’s a good chance you’ll be snapping away almost the entire time.

9) Plan for camping or lodging – it can be hard to get last-minute lodgings in many places so avoid the risk of not having a place to stay by making reservations ahead.

10) Start early or stay late . The park will be less crowded in the early morning and evening hours, plus you can take advantage of great views when it’s not quite so hot.

11) Entertain Your Crew while on the road. Check out our article on the Best Travel Games for Adults for dozens of ideas to keep busy during long drives. I also like to take along a Novel Set in the National Park we are visiting to fill quiet time. If you are bringing your dog along, we have Tips for Successful Road Trip with Your Dog too!

A road trip to the National Parks in Colorado is a great way to see some of this state’s most beautiful and iconic landscapes. If you plan ahead with these tips on how to maximize your experience at each park, it will be easier than ever before!  Don’t forget that sunsets make people happy–so go out for an amazing picnic dinner after exploring one of these parks and enjoy this natural beauty right by its side.

For more of our National Park Road Trip Adventures, complete with itineraries and things for you to do check out these posts:

• Utah National Park Road Trip: 5 Parks in 5 Days
• West Texas and New Mexico National Park Road Trip: 7 Days, 4 Parks

The Authors: Hey, we are Ladona and Brad, avid campers and hikers. We are crazy about getting outdoors at every possible moment and have decades of experience exploring nature. Our current goal is to visit all 63 US National Parks and just completed #42. WooHoo! Our mission is to help you plan your own adventures and create memories beyond your imagination!

The Ultimate Colorado National Parks Road Trip

If you are like me and are on a mission to visit all the national parks in the United States, then the four located in Colorado are sure to be on your bucket list. I’ll give you the best Colorado National Parks Road trip itinerary so you can check these incredible parks off your list.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using these links. This helps me keep the website going and I ap preciate your support.

Suggested Travel Resources

Travel Insurance: Insure My Trip Accommodations: Expedia Flights: Skyscanner

Colorado National Parks Road Trip Overview

This is the route you will be taking for this Colorado National Park Road trip . Click on the image to be taken to google maps where you can zoom in and download it to your phone.

National Parks Visited on this Road Trip

This itinerary will take you to all four of Colorado’s national parks. There are also several national monuments located in Colorado, but the focus of this post will be the national parks. The parks located in this state are:

• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park

Other highlights on this road trip are driving the Million Dollar Highway and the option for a stop at the Garden of the Gods.

How to Do this Colorado Road Trip

This Colorado national park road trip can be done by flying in and out of Denver International Airport, renting a vehicle and following the itinerary in this post. If you need an adapted van, accessible vehicles can be rented through Mobility of Denver or United Access .

Another option is to make this itinerary as part of a larger road trip. You could easily combine the national parks in Utah or Wyoming as part of this road trip. If you choose this option, follow the itinerary in reverse, still starting in Denver but then following the clockwise direction and heading to the next state you choose.

Tips for Taking Your Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Get your national park pass, access pass.

The Access Pass allows US residents who are permanently disabled free entry into the national parks and other national sites. This can be obtained for free with a doctor’s note documenting a permanent disability at any national site.

Veteran’s Pass

A park pass is also available for Veterans of the United States armed forces and will allow lifetime free access to the parks and other national sites. Just show proof of service at any national site.

Senior Pass

A Senior pass is available to individuals aged sixty-five or older for a one-time $80 fee. This is valid for the lifetime of the individual for access to the national parks.

America the Beautiful Pass

This is a yearly park pass that anyone can purchase for $80 and lasts 12 months from the date of purchase. This is a great option if you don’t qualify for the above-mentioned passes and plan to visit at least 3 national parks within a year’s time.

Want to learn other ways to save money on your next trip?! Subscribe to my email list to get travel and money saving tips. Click on the image to sign up .

Download the Gypsy App

The Gypsy App is a great resource to make you feel like you have your own personal tour guide in the national parks. This app does not rely on cell data, service or Wi-Fi to run the tours so it’s perfect to use even in remote locations. It will provide interesting information on the history, geology, must-see sights and more about the park you visit.

This Trip is Best Done May-September

To avoid road closures and possibly snowy conditions, this Colorado National Parks Road trip is best done between the months of May-September. This time will offer pleasant and sometimes hot temperatures for exploring.

Plan for Gas, Food and Water

Some of the national parks in Colorado are out in nature and lack services in the area. Make sure to plan ahead and have a full gas tank, plenty of water and snacks or food while you explore these parks. The gas buddy app is a great free tool to help you find nearby gas stations.

Start Planning as Soon as You Have Your Travel Dates

Colorado is a popular state to visit, and lodging and car rentals can sell out quickly during peak season. To ensure the best and most choice in accommodation and vehicles, book as soon as you can. This is especially true if you require adapted vehicles or ADA accessible hotel rooms.

Check out this post , for more tips on planning your next national park trip.

Itineraries for Your Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Since many people only have one week to devote to a vacation, I have given you the best way to see all four national parks in that time. I have also given you options for popular sites to see if you have a little longer than seven days or if you want to combine Colorado’s national parks with a couple nearby parks in Utah.

7 Day Colorado National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: denver to estes park.

Drive Time: 90 minutes Where to Stay: Quality Inn near Rocky Mountain National Park offers clean rooms, some which are fully wheelchair accessible with a roll-in shower, free parking, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins is also an excellent choice, offering beautiful views, accessible rooms with a roll-in shower and a lodge feel.

If you want to splurge on a unique and possibly haunting experience, consider staying right at the Stanley Hotel . Make sure to book early however, as the most notoriously haunted rooms book well in advance. Wheelchair accessible rooms are also available at the hotel, just contact the Reservation Department at 970-577-4076 to make arrangements.

If you are traveling in a RV or trailer, a great nearby campground is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Estes Park . They have a range of fun amenities designed for families and are a short drive from the park.

Suggested Things to Do: I f you are flying to Denver, pick up your rental car and head to Estes Park to decrease your driving time for tomorrow. Take time to adjust to the altitude or take a ghost tour of the famous Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining”.

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

Where to Stay: Stay in the same hotel or lodge that you spent night one in.

Suggested Things to Do: I t will be quite easy to spend a full day at Rocky Mountain National Park , even as a wheelchair user. Take the scenic Trail Ridge Road, one of the most popular drives in the park. If you are not bothered by the elevation, consider doing some hikes; Coyote Valley Trail, the first portion of Bear Lake, and Sprague Lake are all wheelchair accessible and offer lovely views.

Day 3: Estes Park to Montrose, Colorado

Driving Time: 6 1/2 hours Where to Stay: Stay Wise Inns of Montrose is close to the park and offers a hearty breakfast, free parking, and Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you could also choose the Hampton Inn Montrose, which is pet friendly, has a buffet breakfast and free parking and Wi-Fi.

If camping, Riverbend RV Park & Cabins is a scenic and convenient place to stay. There are cabin rentals (not accessible) or RV sites with hook-ups.

This is the longest day of driving in this Colorado National Parks Road trip itinerary. This is due to how secluded the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is. I assure you, however, that visiting this park is worth the drive. It is one of the least visited parks and can be considered a hidden gem.

Once you check into your accommodation, rest up and enjoy a nice dinner before your busy day tomorrow.

Day 4: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Drive Time: Ab out 30 minutes depending on the hotel. Where to Stay: Your accommodation should be the same as the previous night.

Suggested Things to Do: The full day is dedicated to this gorgeous national park. There are rims of the canyon to visit and three scenic drives available. There are no bridges connecting the two rims so allow about two hours to drive from one rim to the other.

I highly suggest getting an early start so you can enjoy all three scenic drives. This park is also a fantastic place to visit after dark for stargazing. It is considered a dark park as there is hardly any light pollution, allowing all the stars to appear brighter. For more information on visiting this national park, check out this post .

Day 5: Montrose to Durango/Mesa Verde National Park

Drive Time: 2 1/2 hours Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown- Animas River has a pretty location and offers breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi and more. The DoubleTree by Hilton Durango is another option and has onsite restaurants, breakfast, is pet friendly, and offers free Wi-Fi.

Alpen Rose RV Park is a good choice for those who plan to camp. This RV Park is close to all the major attractions and electric sites and other amenities.

Suggested Things to Do: Today’s drive features the scenic Million Dollar Highway which offers awe-inspiring views. Feel free to take your time and stop for some pictures.

Durango is a short 38-minute drive from Mesa Verde National Park, which for wheelchair users, can easily be seen in half a day. Mesa Verde National Park features cliff dwellings of the Puebloan people that lived here between 550 A.D. to 1300 A.D.

While the park has limited accessibility, the Mesa Top Loop has the most accessible viewing areas and scenic viewpoints. You can also visit the museum within the park.

Day 6: Durango to Great Sand Dunes National Park

Drive Time: 3 1/2 hours Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Alamosa is in a nearby town and about 30 minutes from the park. It has a delicious breakfast, with the option to get it to go. Free parking and Wi-Fi are also offered. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Alamosa is another good option and offers breakfast, free parking and is pet friendly.

Suggested Things to Do: Unfortunately, there is limited access for wheelchair users within Great Sand Dunes National Park . The visitor’s center does offer free use of an all-terrain beach wheelchair so that people with mobility problems can get a closer look at the sand dunes. Using this chair will require traveling with a companion that can assist in pushing.

There is a scenic drive, but a four wheeled drive vehicle is necessary to complete it. Part of the drive may work for other vehicles but monitor conditions as it is easy to get stuck in the sandy soil. Make sure to check out any ranger programs that are available as well.

Day 7: Great Sand Dunes to Denver

Drive Time: 4 hours

Suggested Things to Do: If you can get a late flight home, consider breaking up the drive and stopping in Colorado Springs to visit Garden of the Gods. This unique park has red rock formations that you can drive around to see and even has some accessible hikes.

Want to Visit All of the National Parks? Get Your FREE National Parks Checklist to Keep Track of Your Travels!

If You Have More Time for Your Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Colorado springs.

If you have longer than one week and want to see more of the incredible sights that Colorado has to offer, consider spending more time in Colorado Springs . There are several accessible things to do and short-day trips you can take. It’s a beautiful area that deserves at least a couple of days.

Colorado National Monument

You could also stop by Colorado National Monument on your way from Estes Park to Montrose. If you choose this option, plan to drive to Grand Junction and spend a night there as well as spend about 1/2 day visiting the monument.

Four Corners National Monument

Have you ever wanted to be in four states at once? Visiting four corners allows you to do just that as it is the official location where four states come together at one spot. For most people this is a quick stop to get a picture and then move on. It is about an hour drive from Mesa Verde National Park.

10 Day Colorado National Parks Road Trip with Some of Utah

If you have 10 days available for your Colorado National Parks Road trip and want to add in two more Utah national parks, then you can easily modify the itinerary mentioned above to suit your needs. This is how you can add Arches and Canyonlands National Parks to your trip.

Start the seven-day itinerary and make these slight changes.

Day 3: Estes Park to Moab

Drive Time: 7 hours Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn offers clean and classy rooms with free parking and Wi-Fi as well as a continental breakfast. It is only 10 minutes away from Arches National Park. Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton is a beautiful resort close to the national parks and offers free parking and Wi-Fi, breakfast, and a swimming pool.

For those who are camping, Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway is an RV park that offers lots of amenities and incredible views. They also have cabin and trailer rentals (not wheelchair accessible) that are available.

Suggested Things to Do: It will have been a long day of driving, so just settle into your hotel or campsite and relax.

Day 4: Arches National Park

Where to Stay: Stay in the same accommodation as you did on day 3.

Suggested Things to Do: Arches National Park has a scenic drive with many spots to get out of the vehicle. Stop at as many as possible and make sure you don’t mis Wolfe Ranch to see the remnants of an old cabin and a nearby rock wall with ancient petroglyphs.

If you plan to do any hiking, make sure to get an early start to your day to avoid the heat. The Delicate Arch hike is extremely popular to do at sunrise, but it is not wheelchair accessible. You can see many arches within the park however, from wheelchair-accessible viewing areas.

Day 5: Canyonlands National Park

Where to Stay: Spend another night at the hotel or campground you initially stayed at on day 3.

Suggested Things to Do: The Isle in the Sky portion of the park is not only one of the most popular areas in the park, but also the most wheelchair accessible. Along this drive there are scenic overlooks that will make you feel like you are in a western movie. Many views can be seen right from your vehicle.

The hike to Mesa Arch is quite popular, so get there early. Unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible. For those who can do the hike, however, it offers iconic views.

On your way back to your hotel or campground, be sure to stop by Dead Horse State Park. The story behind how the park got its name is tragic but the views are awesome. Essentially, a group of men herded up a large group of wild mustangs and corralled them into a fenced area near the edge of a cliff. They chose the ones they wanted and left the rest to die of heat and starvation.

Day 6: Moab to Montrose Colorado

Drive Time: 2 hours 43 minutes

Continue the original seven-day itinerary from Montrose to Denver.

Colorado National Parks Road Trip Packing List

Being prepared is essential when road tripping. Here are some must have items for your road trip . If you’d like my complete list of national park essentials, check out this post .

A road atlas is a must because GPS can be unreliable, especially in remote areas. It’s always a good idea to have maps as a backup so you can navigate your route. I like this one because it’s spiral bound, making it easy to use and it also has some national park information.

A first aid kit is essential for small injuries and cuts. This one is great because it’s easy to pack, has a lot of supplies and travels well.

Higher elevations, like the ones found in Colorado can make it easier for you to get dehydrated so it’s really important to drink lots of water. This insulated water bottle will keep your water cool so you can stay hydrated.

Similarly, higher elevations can make the sun feel more intense and you can burn easily. Protect your skin with sunscreen, even if it’s not typically a problem for you.

Make sure to capture all of your memories with an easy to use and lightweight camera. This is the one I use and it has a great zoom option for taking wildlife photos.

With a wide range of temperatures each day, it’s important to bring layers of clothing so you are prepared for all types of weather. I love this long-sleeved T-shirt because it shows your love of the national parks.

➡️ Remember this road trip for years to come or help inspire the next one when you pick an item from this list of best gifts for national park lovers to give to your loved one.

The National Parks in Colorado offer a wonderful way to experience the nature of the state while offering at least some accessibility to people with mobility problems. I hope that this road trip guide to visiting the Colorado National Parks has helped give you a fantastic itinerary so that you can check all four parks off your bucket list.

Share this:

I'm Kristin and I was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts my mobility and breathing. Despite this challenge, I have travelled across the United States and abroad and want to share my accessible travel information with others.

This Weeklong Colorado Road Trip Winds Through Lesser-Known Natural Wonders and Charming Small Towns

Who doesn’t love artistic havens, high-altitude wines, and a remote national park.

• Copy Link copied

On a fishing trip at the Blue Mesa Reservoir, the excursion comes paired with wow-factor views of the Dillon Pinnacles.

Photo by Anton Follin/Shutterstock

You’ve skied in Telluride , rafted the Animas River, and spotted bighorn sheep in Rocky Mountain National Park . What’s left on the Colorado bucket list? Plenty, it turns out.

This road trip itinerary traces a good chunk of the Colorado Creative Corridor , a 331-mile, state-designated route linking five charmingly artistic small towns, or “creative districts.” (Three of them—Salida, Crested Butte, and Paonia—pop up on this driving tour.) The staggering landscapes are reason enough to embark on the journey; insider tours of outsider art studios, salmon fishing on Colorado’s largest reservoir, and top-rate food trucks seal the deal.

This ultimate, seven-day, more than 400-mile-long Colorado road trip begins at Denver International Airport (DEN) and ends at Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ). Should you have vacation days to spare, tack on a few extra nights in Denver , which is always a fun time.

Denver’s the Art, A Hotel comes loaded with original artwork and offers walking-distance proximity to museums like the Denver Art Museum.

Photo by Nico Schinco

Day one: Denver

From gourmet hot dogs to pan-Latin dim sum, Denver’s food scene is both creative and delicious. Get pillowy, hot-out-of-the-oven pita and lamb ragù hummus from Safta , the Israeli restaurant from James Beard–winning chef Alon Shaya, followed by a puckeringly tart pint of Heathen Reign at heavy metal-themed beer bar Trve. (The house-brewed golden ale is made with Colorado chokecherries.)

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox ‘s Victorian brownstone of once housed a brothel and peep show. Today it’s a jumpin’ live music venue spanning diverse genres (perhaps alternative hip-hop one day, and dueling pianos the next), while the globally diverse restaurant menu includes dishes like a tasty arepas benedict, making for quite the brunch show.

For a different kind of art experience, book tickets for a laser-light show at the International Church of Cannabis , a Lutheran congregation turned house of Elevationist worship. (For those who are unfamiliar with this religious niche, Elevationists find spiritual enlightenment through the mind-expanding properties of cannabis.) The church features a trippy Kenny Scharf mural outside and a psychedelic dreamcoat interior by street artist Okuda San Miguel. No cannabis consumption is permitted during public hours, but the well-polished production is a mind-bender even when fully sober.

In a rush? You can always fly into Denver early, eat a quick lunch at Chook Charcoal Chicken (the roasted bird with piri piri s auce is divine), and hop right on Highway 285 headed southwest. This is the main artery to your first official road trip stop: Buena Vista, 2.5 hours from Denver.

Where to stay

• Book now: The Art, A Hotel

The Art, A Hotel is one of the best Colorado hotels to book, and not just because it’s walking distance to the Denver Art Museum , Clyfford Still Museum , and Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art . As the stay’s name suggests, the property has quite the art collection, including a 22,000-piece LED-light installation by Leo Villareal, a bronze sculpture by Kiki Smith, and a massive tapestry by Edward Ruscha.

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

Day two: Denver to Buena Vista

• Approximate distance: 125 miles

For a small town (2,806 residents), Buena Vista promises big adventure, natty accommodations, and some excellent shopping. Head out and explore South Main —a winsome mixed-used neighborhood, developed atop a former landfill. The houses showcase a diversity of architectural styles: woodsy cabin, gingerbread Victorian, craftsman bungalow. There is a free boulder garden where you can try your hand at rock climbing and a clutch of artist-owned galleries.

Take advantage of the outdoor adventure opportunities here and join River Runners , B.V.’s best-reputed adventure outfitter, for a three-hour rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument . Don’t let the names of the Arkansas River’s rapids—Pinball, Zoom Flume, Widowmaker—intimidate you. These class II and III torrents are entertaining for beginner and intermediate paddlers alike. For even grander views, drive through the scenic San Isabel National Forest up to Cottonwood Pass , a paved road to the Continental Divide (elevation: 12,126 feet). The panoramic sweep from the newly reopened summit is spectacular.

Back in B.V., chase a burger topped with blue cheese crumbles and apple cider bacon from the stationary Buena Viking food truck with a barrel-aged cocktail flight from Deerhammer , the distillery next door. After lunch, hit up shops on East Main Street: Rock, Paper, Scissors stocks bohemian textiles, vintage barware, and hand-printed stationery; fair-trade emporium the Village is good for Indian garlands and temple bells; and Sundog Colorado dazzles with a motherlode of vintage turquoise jewelry.

• Book now: Surf Hotel

Leave your bags at the Surf Hotel , whose riverfront guest rooms feature gleaming white subway tile and macramé tapestries.

A former 19th-century prison, the Jailhouse bar is an atmospheric spot to unwind in Buena Vista.

Courtesy of the Jailhouse

Day three: Buena Vista to Salida

• Approximate distance: 25 miles

Order a French farmhouse brew at the Jailhouse in Buena Vista, an 1800s lockup turned craft beer bar—and then roll down to Salida, B.V.’s sister city to the south and the state’s first certified “creative district.” Go slow and enjoy the view: The half-hour drive follows the Collegiate Peaks Byway , which boasts the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado.

True to its designation, Salida is saturated with artisan galleries. Shop for functional dishware thrown by Mark Rittman at the Maverick Potter , then bounce over to Howl Mercantile and Coffee to scout the New Age-y stained glass and ceramic wall hangings. Plunder the racks of heritage Woolrich and L.L. Bean at vintage clothing store Ruby Blues before moseying over to Salida Whitewater Park , where you can watch local surfers and kayakers wipe out on the man-made wave features built along the Arkansas River.

• Book now: Amigo Motor Lodge

To get a jump-start on your next destination, stay a night at the Amigo Motor Lodge in Salida. The 1950s motel has been renovated to hashtagging perfection with cactus welcome mats, Malin+Goetz toiletries, and Airstream trailers.

About 90 minutes west of Salida, the Blue Mesa Reservoir beckons with excellent fishing and scenic landscapes.

Photo by Bernadette Heath/Shutterstock

Day four: Salida to Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Gothic

• Approximate distance: 150 miles

Big day of adventure ahead—start with a filling breakfast from High Rockies Cuisine , a food truck stationed near Salida Whitewater Park. (Its whole-wheat breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, spinach, and Scanga bacon is just the ticket).

Up next: the Lake Fork Marina at Blue Mesa Reservoir , about 90 minutes west of Salida, where you’d do well to meet seasoned fishing guide Kyle Jones of Gunnison Sports Outfitters . New to the sport? No problem. With the help of sophisticated radar, Jones will guide you to the densest schools of Kokanee salmon in the Cebolla Basin and teach you the fine art of jigging (in which you bob your rod up and down to attract fish). A half-day fishing trip includes gear and a packed lunch on the boat; the jaw-dropping views of the Dillon Pinnacles, unique breccia rock spires that tower over Blue Mesa, are also thrown in.

Post-fishing, take an hour to poke around Gunnison, 25 miles east of the reservoir. Traders Rendezvous houses an unrivaled collection of antlers and exotic taxidermy. Rooted Apothecary is an herbalist’s dream, trading in “wildcrafted” lotions, potions, and holistic medicines made with plants foraged in the Gunnison Valley. Pick up a nitro cold brew from Tributary Coffee Roasters and continue on to Crested Butte, a mountain town about 30 miles north on CO-135.

Though it’s home to less than 2,000 full-time residents, the streets of Crested Butte are buzzing with pedestrians. The once-scrappy mining town has experienced a meteoric rise over the past few decades—first came the mountain bikers and extreme skiers; now A-listers like James Cameron own homes here. Admire the mining-era storefronts and Victorian homes lining historic Elk Avenue while browsing artisan chocolate bars and Rwandan sweetgrass coasters at Scout’s General Store and sniffing the handmade small-batch soaps, lotions, and sunblock at the Colorado Real Soap Company .

For visitors wanting good eats, Sunflower delivers imaginative farm-to-table fare like roasted poblano and tomatillo soup with shaved gouda and fried cilantro. Pop into Montanya Distillers to tour the Portuguese copper pot stills and learn why founder Karen Hoskin is a leader in high-altitude craft rum. (Tip: Try the Maharaja, a cocktail made with Montanya Oro rum, fresh ginger, lime, and cardamom.)

After Crested Butte, drive to Gothic, the ghost town home of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL)—and little else. A professor at Western Colorado College founded the RMBL in the abandoned mining town back in 1928, with the intention of studying the area’s richly diverse ecosystems. More than 9,000 field biologists have made the pilgrimage to study here since. In the summer (when the roads are reliably passable), guests can take a geobotany van tour, observe a “Tuesday Talk” with a visiting scientist, or simply snack on Nutella doughnuts from the RMBL’s Coffee Lab while taking in the majestic views.

If you feel compelled to take a hike , consider Gothic’s Copper Creek Trailhead , a moderately difficult 12-mile route in and back with a 2,431-foot elevation gain and a vast array of wildflowers in July and August. Alternatively, tackle the shorter (and more heavily trafficked) hike from Gothic to Judd Falls . It takes one to two hours and passes a bounty of painterly flora.

• Book now: Public House Lofts

Check in for a two-night stay in one of three luxurious rooms at the Public House Lofts in Crested Butte. Though it’s tempting to raid the organic minibar or take a two-hour steam-room shower, remember that there’s plenty to explore in town.

Discover one of the narrowest and deepest canyons on the continent at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Photo by Craig Zerbe/Shutterstock

Days six and seven: Crested Butte to Crawford and Paonia

After a final night in Crested Butte, it’s up and at ’em once again! After downing a hefty Scotty sandwich (a bagel with two fried eggs, pepper jack cheese, sausage, and a latke) from Butte Bagels , head out for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park . It’s two hours from Crested Butte to the town of Crawford (the best access point to the park’s North Rim entrance) but goes fast thanks to the enchanting scenery along the West Elk Loop scenic byway.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the narrowest and deepest canyons in North America and also one of the country’s least-visited national parks , drawing 308,962 visitors last year. Follow the 15-mile North Rim Road to six of the canyon’s most picturesque overlooks—and hang onto your sunglasses; some of the drops are dizzyingly vertical.

Before skipping town, drop by North Rim Glass Studio in Crawford to see glassblowing couple Jared and Nicole Davis at work in their studio, and then shop their hand-blown wares in the showroom next door.

Arts and artisans abound in this part of Colorado, like these glassblowers working hard at their craft at the North Rim Glass Studio in Crawford.

Courtesy of North Rim Glass Studio

From Crawford, it’s another 25 minutes to the town of Paonia. An essential first stop is Horse Cow 57 , the warehouse studio of eccentric chrome sculpture artist Sean Guerrero . Pop into his studio and ask for pricing if something catches your eye: Guerrero’s smaller scrap-metal sculptures are more affordable than you might think.

Is it time for a drink? There are a dozen wineries in the West Elks American Viticultural Area , which spans the North Fork Valley and the towns of Paonia, Crawford, and Hotchkiss. Pull up to Stone Cottage Cellars to sample a merlot whose grapes were grown in the highest-altitude vineyard in the Northern Hemisphere. At Azura Cellars and Gallery , sip a riesling while browsing the sculptural works of artists Ty and Helen Gillespie. Designed like a dreamy Tuscan villa, with expansive mountain views and fragrant lavender rustling in the breeze, the grounds are a sight (and scent) to behold.

Also notable: the 2017-opened Storm Cellar , founded by two sommeliers from Denver. If you’re in a hurry, Big B’s Delicious Orchards in Hotchkiss sells bottles from West Elks’s best wineries, plus its own hard cider.

In the late afternoon, visit the 5.5-acre Western Culture Farmstead in Paonia to meet Suanne and Dave Miller and their Saanen and Nubian goats. Dave walks guests through the milking process while Suanne leads cheese tastings in the creamery.

Your final meal in Paonia should be cooked by Ed Vaughn. He runs the kitchen at Nido , a restaurant blending progressive Mexican and Asian flavors. (To wit: a smoked miso jalapeño grit cake with crispy carnitas pork, “ham jam,” and roasted radish aioli.) Belly full, you’re set for the hour-long drive to Montrose Regional Airport, the closest sizeable airport (located in the small city of Montrose), where you can grab a connecting flight home.

• Book now: Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast

Located in the center of Paonia, Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast has been in operation since 1906. The 10-room property offers modern amenities like wireless 5G internet and an outdoor hot tub while still offering the feel (think rocking chairs and a large yard) of a traditional B&B.

What to bring

Layers! And lots of ’em. On this road trip, you’re likely to experience some big jumps in elevation. If you plan on hiking, bring bug spray, sturdy boots , and a reusable water bottle. Because Colorado is blessed with an abundance of hot springs, it’s also advisable to pack a swimsuit—or make a side trip to the clothing-optional Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway, 80 minutes south of Crawford.

Additional tips

• The high altitude in Colorado can wipe a traveler out. Take it easy your first few days and drink plenty of water to ease the adjustment.
• There are many high and winding roads in the Rockies; getting from point A to point B often takes longer than you think. Note that on a steep, single-lane path, the vehicle traveling downhill must yield to the vehicle traveling uphill.
• Fishing licenses are required on the Blue Mesa Reservoir (order one in advance online ).

This article originally appeared online in October 2019; it was updated on September 29, 2023, to include current information.

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? 

Related Posts

Why You Should Drive the Icefields Parkway + Trip Planning Tips

3 Reasons to Visit Banff National Park Immediately

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. 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

12 Best Colorado Road Trips for Families in 2024

F rom state and national parks to charming mountain towns, Colorado road trips are a great way to explore the state. My family and I live here and enjoy sharing our passion for Colorado with visitors.

Let’s start with the majestic National Parks that grace this Centennial state. From surfing sand dunes to exploring ancient history, any of these parks are some of the best Colorado road trips to show you unique dramatic landscapes. Plus, you’ll find plenty of unique and stunning places to stay like Gateway Canyons near the Utah border.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Check out our complete Colorado packing list so you’ll have everything you need – and nothing you won’t – no matter what time of year you visit.

Roadtripping to National Parks and Monuments

Great sand dunes national park.

In this southern Colorado national park, the tallest sand dunes in North America sit in contrast to the stunning Sangre De Cristo Mountains. During spring and early summer, the Medano Creek runs through, sometimes creating a beach scene.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is easily its own road trip destination. There are plenty of other unique activities to do in the area from sandboarding to visiting an alligator farm to relaxing in hot springs.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Located in northern Colorado, Estes Park is a mountain town known for outdoor activities. It is just a few miles to Rocky Mountain National Park . so it’s easy to make Estes Park your home base for spending a few days exploring the impressive Rocky Mountain National Park .

If you like to hike, bike, camp, fish or just generally take in the mountain environment, this may be the place for you. From pristine mountain lakes to roaring water falls and mountain peaks over 14,000 feet tall this landscape is impressive.

My must-do recommendations for this road trip:

• Take Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park to Grand Lake.
• Spot wildlife along the way.
• Hike Bear Lake Trail.
• Stop at the Visitor Center and the Continental Divide.
• Take a guided tour of the Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King’s novel, The Shining .

SheBuysTravel Tip: Be sure to make sure the road is open before heading out. And, for a unique Colorado family vacation, stay at the YMCA of the Rockies!

Mesa Verde National Park

Of all my travels throughout Colorado, Mesa Verde may have been the most surprising place I have visited. The history here is perhaps some of the oldest in the United States. Around the end of the 12th century, Ancient Puebloans built impressive cliff dwellings in this area. The best known of these, Cliff Palace, is thought to the largest such structure in the U.S.

It is a fantastic place to learn about the lesser-known history of North America. The landscape is impressive too. My kids like to climb into the cliff dwellings.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Add on a visit to Durango for a train ride, Ouray Pagosa Springs or Telluride for hot springs while you are in this area of Colorado. And, if you are brave, drive the million-dollar highway to Silverton.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

About 90 minutes from Grand Junction and less from Montrose or Gunnison, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of Colorado’s less crowded national parks.

The Visitor’s Center and overlooks are all fairly accessible. Each rim offers unique spectacular views. Here you can challenge yourself to a strenuous hike or even rock climbing.

Want More Off the Beaten Path Colorado? Check Out Crested Butte Ski Resort (P.S. It’s Cheaper Too!)

Colorado National Monument

Located between Grand Junction and Fruita, Colorado National Monument is something of a hidden gem. The panoramic view from the Colorado Plateau is often billed as one of the great landscapes of the American West.

Roadtripping to Colorado’s Mountain Towns

Road trips to some of the small mountain towns in Colorado will take you on drives along  scenic byways or a mountain pass like the Million Dollar Highway or Independence Pass .

These are all best experienced as a weekend getaway, although depending on where you are coming from you might be able to do it in a day trip. These are also some of the best places to spot Colorado wildflowers. Definitely check out some of these Colorado road trips through the mountains!

Royal Gorge

Cañon City is home to the impressive cliffs of the Royal Gorge. Visitors flock here to see the Royal Gorge Bridge and for whitewater rafting the Arkansas River. But there is so much more to do in Cañon City:

• Taste wines at the award-winning Winery of Holy Cross Abbey.
• Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad through the gorge.
• Challenge yourself by climbing a Via Feratta route up the cliffs of the gorge.
• Explore the area on one of the newly developed hiking trails or mountain biking trails.
• Cruise Skyline Drive for a unique view of town and the surrounding landscape.
• Check out the coolest rock shop you could imagine, the Gold Mine Rock Shop.
• Learn about dinosaurs through the interactive dinosaur displays of the Royal Gorge Dinosaur experience .

And be sure to rest your head in the comfortable luxury Royal Gorge Cabins . Or, for a luxury camping experience stay in one of their glamping tents.

Glenwood Springs

The drive through Glenwood Canyon alone is an impressive sight. And there are some wonderful hiking trails in the canyon. Reservations are required of you want to hike to Hanging Lake, one of Colorado’s most famous and popular hikes, but there are plenty of other fun and free things to do in Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs is home to several natural hot springs including the oldest and largest hot springs pool in the U.S. In addition you will find the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park another great place for family fun.

There’s a lot of history in the area. This was a popular gangster vacation destination during prohibition. The downtown area is very cool. And, there are lots of great restaurants in Glenwood Springs.

Aspen Snowmass

Aspen may be known as a mining town turned home to the rich and famous. But neighboring Snowmass is home to family fun. This charming mountain resort town was built into the side of the mountain, making nearly all lodging ski-in/ski-out. More recently, Snowmass Village was redeveloped as the town’s epicenter of activity.

The Collective Snowmass features a robust summer lineup of weekly programming including chess club, comedy nights, bingo nights and yoga with King Yoga. The Collective also features yard games, splash pads, fountains, harvest dinners at Mix6 and pop-up events.

On mountain, the whole family can enjoy the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, the rock climbing wall or other exciting activities deep in the Lost Forest.

Set in the White River National Forest , Vail is home to one of the largest ski resorts in the US. It is a popular area for skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing and outdoor concerts. The Bavarian-style cobblestone towns are pedestrian villages, dotted with shops, restaurants, art galleries and parks. Gore Creek cuts through town and is a play area for kids and adults alike.

The mountain itself offers mountain bike trails in addition to the mountaintop playground of Epic Discovery. After riding the gondola up the mountain for a scenic ride, visitors can ride an alpine coaster, challenge themselves on ropes courses or soar over the mountain on zip lines.

The town is also home to an unending variety of events including a great orchestral lineup at Bravo! Vail Music Festival at the Gerald R Ford Amphitheater. But that’s not the only place you will find outdoor music. Visitors may also stumble across music at the farmers market, Solaris Plaza or while walking through the villages.

Our favorite family-friendly lodging option in Vail is the Antlers at Vail , set on Gore Creek with views of Vail Mountain and a fun year-round pool and hot tubs.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Read on for many other fun things for families to do in Vail during the summer.

Grand County

Home to Grand Lake, Shadow Lake, Lake Granby and Winter Park Resorts, this area is not just known for winter sports but also as a mecca for summer activities. The quaint town of Grand Lake offers an entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park .

While here, be sure to spend a night in one of the cabins at the historic Grand Lake Lodge , or enjoy dinner there at Huntington House Tavern with one of the best restaurant views in Colorado.

The cabins at nearby Snow Mountain Ranch are also a fantastic place for families to stay. The property is expansive with so much to do from hiking and horseback riding to ziplining and playing at the parks.

Colorado Road Trips: Cities

The cities also have lots to offer as Colorado road trip destinations. With locations in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, they offer access both to outdoor mountain activities as well as the amenities of a city.

Located north of Denver, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder has access to all kinds of outdoor recreation. It is near both Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Eldorado Canyon State Park. The red rock formations of the Flatirons are Boulder’s most iconic landmark.

Home to University of Colorado it also has its share of museums. But Boulder is much more than just a college town.

One of the most popular attractions is completely free: Pearl Street. This is the place to find history, sights and fun. Kids can play on climbable animal sculptures or splash in the spray pad. Signs scattered throughout the mall tell the fascinating history of the area.

Twenty-two craft brewers, many with charming outdoor patios, make Boulder a paradise for beer lovers. There’s even a bike tour of the breweries.

Read More: Why Hotel Boulderado is a Great Destination in Colorado

Colorado Springs

Home to Pike’s Peak and Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs is another great road trip destination. Here you’ll want to hike, bike and see waterfalls. It boasts a fantastic zoo, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo .

Colorado Springs is also home to the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center where visitors can take a tour and explore the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Rotunda. And, if it’s views you’re looking for, drive west of Colorado Springs to Buena Vista for stunning photos of the Collegiate Peaks.

The Cog Railway re-opened in May of 2021 taking visitors to the top of Pike’s Peak for a bird’s eye view of the area. The new Summit Complex is open and offers unobstructed views from the east to the southwest.

The post 12 Best Colorado Road Trips for Families in 2024 appeared first on She Buys Travel .

Account Options

PRESENTED BY TRAVELODGE BY WYNDHAM

How to plan an epic summer trip to a national park

We’ve got insider tips on the best times to visit the most popular parks, timed entry passes, and where to stay.

As summer approaches, the siren call of national park adventures grows stronger. However, these iconic sites are bringing in unprecedented crowds.

In 2023, the National Park Service (NPS) reported over 300 million visits , a four percent increase from the previous year. This surge isn’t limited to famous spots; lesser known parks such as Congaree and Dry Tortugas are also experiencing record-breaking numbers. To manage the influx, park authorities are implementing innovative strategies to improve the guest experience.  

( These are the 10 most popular national parks .)

From snagging the perfect stay to timing your bookings just right, we’ve got insider tips to ensure your national park vacation is nothing short of epic. Here’s what you need to know.

Best time to visit

Timing is crucial in planning your summer getaway, especially if you’re eyeing popular national parks. Finding affordable lodging and activities during the high season can be tricky.

During the shoulder seasons—early- to mid-spring and late fall—you can expect pleasant weather and a reprieve from the crowds, but there are a few trade-offs to consider. Some hotels and lodges might close during the off-season and reopen later in the year, potentially limiting your accommodation options. Additionally, parks at higher elevations, such as Glacier or Lassen Volcanic , may not have all their trails open and could require snowshoes or traction cleats to get around.

( Here’s why Yellowstone in the off-season is great for families .)  

Arriving before sunrise has its perks, too. Typically, most visitors don’t arrive until mid-to-late morning, allowing you to enjoy attractions like Arches ’ Windows or Delicate Arch with minimal crowds, provided you arrive early enough.

When permitted, exploring the parks in winter offers a unique perspective that few experience. Yosemite Valley, for instance, transforms into a winter wonderland —a sight cherished by photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tony McDaniel, a Yosemite   Mariposa County spokesperson, says the best way to plan a visit is to avoid taking a “checklist approach” to your visit.

“Slow down and immerse yourself in the destination,” McDaniel says. “There’s no place on earth like Yosemite National Park , and it’s best seen slowly and outside of a vehicle where you can fully embrace the sights, sounds, and smells.”

What parks require timed entry passes?

Timed entry reservations typically provide access within a two-hour window. The price of the pass, however, does not include the standard park entry fee. But, a separate timed entry permit is unnecessary if you already have campground reservations, a wilderness permit, or bookings for a pre-arranged, park-sponsored activity. Additionally, if you plan to stay inside the park for multiple days, only one timed entry reservation is required—just make sure not to leave the park during your visit.

Although these passes can reduce a trip’s spontaneity, NPS spokeswoman Kathy Kupper says they also lead to better park experiences.

“Visitors love the timed entry system,” Kupper says, “because it gives them increased confidence that they’ll be able to get in and get where they want to go.”

If you miss out on a timed entry reservation, don’t fret. Ditch your car and opt to walk or bike into the park at any time of day. Glacier National Park adjusts its timed entry program annually, including relocating entry gates beyond the visitor center, where guests can hop on a shuttle bus to access the park.

( Ready to plan your fall hike? Read this safety advice first .)

Arches: Timed entry reservations will be required from April 1 to October 31. The reservation system operates on a rolling basis. For example, June 1–30 bookings opened March 1; July 1–31 reservations opened April 1. A limited number of reservations will also be released at 7 p.m. MST the day before, providing some flexibility for last-minute planners to Utah.

Glacier: For travelers intending to drive along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road or head to North Fork, Montana, a vehicle reservation is mandatory between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. from May 24 to September 8. Similarly, from July 1 to September 8, a reservation is required to access Many Glacier between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. These reservations can be secured up to 120 days or approximately four months in advance, starting at 8 a.m. MST. Additionally, a limited number of next-day vehicle reservations will be released at 7 p.m. MST for those seeking entry on the following day on a rolling basis.

Mount Rainier : Two areas of this Washington State park—Paradise Corridor from the south and Sunrise Corridor from the northeast—will require reservations from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 24-September 2, and July 4-September 2, respectively. Each corridor requires a separate vehicle reservation, valid for a single day per vehicle. Note that reservations are unnecessary when entering the park from a different entrance.

Rocky Mountain :   Between May 24 and October 20, reservations are required for entry into this Colorado park. Two types of reservations will be available: one granting access to the entire park, including the bustling Bear Lake Road Corridor from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., and another from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that excludes access to this corridor. Reservations for May 24 to June 30 can be secured starting at 8 a.m. on May 1. Subsequent reservation releases will follow, with reservations for July becoming available on June 1, and so forth.

Yosemite: Reservations are needed from April to October. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (May 27, June 19, September 2, and October 14) from April 13 to June 30 and August 17 to October 27, reservations are required from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. From July 1 to August 16, reservations are needed daily during the same hours.

( Discover the best day hikes in Yosemite National Park .)

What parks require a specific area pass?

Acadia : In Maine, Cadillac Mountain Summit Road vehicle reservations are required from May 22 to October 27. About one-third of them can be purchased 90 days in advance, while the rest become available two days before, starting at 10 a.m. Reservations cost $6 and are sold only at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/400000 .

Great Smoky Mountains : While you don’t need a timed entry reservation to enter this Tennessee-North Carolina park, you will need a parking permit to stop for more than 15 minutes. Passes are $5 (daily),   $15 (weekly), and $40 (annually). Permits can be purchased in person or online . Passes are good for one vehicle only.

( See fireflies magically light up this national park .)

Haleakalā : To park at Hawaii’s Haleakalā summit for sunrise, you’ll need a parking pass from 3 to 7 a.m. throughout the year.

Shenandoah : Visitors hiking Virginia’s Old Rag Mountain must obtain a $2 day-use ticket in advance from March 1 to November 30. Of the 800 tickets issued daily, 400 will be released 30 days in advance, with the remaining 400 released five days beforehand on https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088450/ticket/10088451 .

Zion: You’ll need a timed permit to hike Angel’s Landing in Utah. Lotteries open for June-August hikes on April 1, September-November on July 1, and December-February on October 1. A limited number of next-day licenses will be available at 12:01 a.m. the day before. Hiking groups of up to six people can apply for a permit. Winning groups will be charged an additional $3 per person.

( Not a hiker? That’s not a problem at these eight national parks .)

Best alternatives to national parks

If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t have a reservation, and couldn’t get into the park early enough, you still have options. State parks and national forests surrounding official national parks often offer similar views but with few visitors.  

( Go wild—and skip the crowds—at these 7 spectacular parks .)

For example, if you get shut out of Utah’s Bryce Canyon , you can always drive 15 minutes away to the picturesque Dixie National Forest . Instead of being shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other visitors on the trails, you’ll be almost entirely alone while overlooking nearly identical scenes.

Where to stay in or near a popular park

Most NPS campgrounds can be reserved six months in advance on a rolling basis through Recreation.gov, but the most popular sites, including Yellowstone ’s Slough Creek or Watchman in Zion , can sell out within minutes. Even if you miss out, you still have plenty of options.  

“For something similar to camping in Yosemite Valley, Housekeeping Camp or Curry Village are as close as you’ll get to camping, plus you don’t need to bring a tent,” says McDaniel. “In areas like Wawona, Yosemite West, and Foresta, there are cabin rentals that will still get you into the park. Outside the park, there are hundreds of more options in great locations and historic towns that are generally more budget-friendly and put visitors close to more dining options.”

( These historic lodges are the perfect way to see North America’s wild parks .)

Nearby national forests and Bureau of Land Management areas typically offer established campgrounds or free dispersed camping (areas outside a designated campground). Sites are generally first-come, first-served. Arrive at an established campground between 10 a.m. and noon to score a recently vacated site.

Apps like AllStays and sites like freecampsites.net and Campendium can help tremendously. Signal Mountain Campground in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park sells out almost immediately, but on a recent trip to the park, I found an incredible mountaintop dispersed campsite, in   Bridger-Teton National Forest . The view of the Tetons was spectacular, made even better because the campsite was free.

Related Topics

• NATIONAL PARKS
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

You May Also Like

These are the 10 most popular national parks

Ready to plan your fall hike? Read this safety advice first.

Free bonus issue.

Not a hiker? That’s not a problem at these 8 national parks.

How to plan a family summer trip to the Swiss Alps

How to visit Grand Teton National Park

10 national parks to avoid the summer crowds

How do you avoid the crowds in national parks? Visit during winter.

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+

Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.

GET TICKETS

BEST WEEK EVER

Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.

Start Your Free Trial

Powered by Outside

Utah and Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Explore some of the country's most amazing red-rock landscapes and soaring granite peaks including 5 national park sites..

Trace the mighty Colorado River from eastern Utah to its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park on this Utah to Colorado road trip.

Snowcapped peaks and evergreen trees might comprise your mental image of Colorado, but gorgeous rivers and mesmerizing sandstone canyons also wind their way through the state. “Colorado” is a Spanish adjective meaning “ruddy.” It’s the color of the walls that guard the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument and the sandstone spires that rise from Colorado National Monument. It’s also often the color of the storied Colorado River as it flows through the southwestern U.S., eventually forming the Grand Canyon.

On this road trip, you’ll trace the river and its tributaries across Utah and Colorado, seeing all the ways in which water has shaped the land. Start in Salt Lake City before heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area where the Green River has been dammed to form a reservoir that’s ideal for paddleboarding. Further west, raft the Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument and discover wild horses near Craig.

Visit Colorado’s incredible state parks, like Steamboat Lake, as you make your way to Rocky Mountain National Park’s western side where the Colorado River’s headwaters are found. Learn to capture the state’s most popular national park away from the crowds with our photography guide. Then, trace the river across the Rockies as it picks up tributaries and steam, flowing past beautiful Colorado National Monument before it crosses into Utah. Swing south to Moab, where two incredible national parks await.

Along the way you’ll find every shade of red, from deep tones that are almost purple to bright oranges. When you scroll through your camera roll, you’ll quickly realize that while mountain blues and spruce greens also make up the state’s color palette, there’s a reason it was named for its reds.

Road Trip Map

Start: Salt Lake City

Flaming gorge national recreation area.

Desert Oasis Straddling the Utah and Wyoming border, Flaming Gorge truly is an oasis amid red-rock cliffs, towering ponderosa pine forests and groves of aspen trees. Just below the dam on the Green River is “The Aquariumn” named so because the green waters are so clear you can see rainbow trout swimming past you to depths as great as 15 or so feet.

Dinosaur National Monument

Wall of Dinosaur Bones on the Colorado-Utah Border A massive piece of protected land at the northern state border of Colorado and Utah, sits one of the world’s richest dinosaur deposits .

Roam Around in Rangely, Colorado Explore the high desert in northwest Colorado from this charming town, renowned for its exceptional landscape, thrilling adventures and ancient history.

Jurassic Journey in Moffat County Rugged and wild, Moffat County is Colorado’s Last Frontier where wide open spaces hold treasures too rare to be missed. Raft the Yampa past Steamboat Rock or watch wild horses in Deerlodge Park .

Raft the Desert West’s Best River Stretches with OARS Read these tips to incredible rafting trips for families, thrill seekers and those just looking for relaxation amid some of the country’s best scenery in Utah and Colorado.

Steamboat Lake State Park

This alpine park 29 miles north of Steamboat Springs has so much to offer year round, but winter might just be the best time to visit. Read more about Steamboat Lake and other Colorado State Parks worth a stop on your road trip.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Grand Adventures Leaning up against Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side, Grand County, home to Winter Park Mountain Resort and Grand Lake, offers unparalleled outdoor opportunities. See our list of thrilling, nature and water adventures .

48 Hours in Rocky Mountain National Park Only have 48 hours? Make the most of your time by following our itinerary covering both sides of the park .

Alpine Start Photographer Mike Kvackay is one of Denver’s most adventurous photographers, capturing stunning images of Rocky Mountain National Park from 14,000-foot peaks and frozen alpine lakes. Here’s how he does it , plus tips on getting the perfect sunrise shot from our friends at Tamron.

GuideAlong Audio Driving Tour Download the Rocky Mountain National Park tour app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. GuideAlong automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.

Colorado National Monument

On the central edge of Colorado sits Colorado National Monument , a spectacular, crumbling stretch of land filled with decaying red rock and deep canyons.

Singletrack, World-Famous Pizza and a Headless Chicken in Fruita The charming city of Fruita is the place to headquarter your trip to Colorado National Monument. An outdoor adventurer’s paradise, it’s still held on to its small-town feel. And, best yet, its vibrant downtown is located just minutes from the monument’s entrance.

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

5 Stops on Arches National Park’s Scenic Drive Don’t miss the best roadside stops inside this national park filled with natural stone arches. Here are five awe-inspiring formations that can be seen from the road or after a short stroll.

2 Days in Canyonlands See stone arches, hike amongst rock spires and go on a four-wheel-drive adventure in Canyonlands National Park. Read more on our Utah Parks website .

End: Salt Lake City

DOWNLOAD PDF

Popular on Colorado National Park Trips

>", "path": "https://www.mycoloradoparks.com/national-parks/mvnp/best-season-mesa-verde/", "listing_type": "recirc", "location": "list", "title": "what’s the best season to visit mesa verde national park"}}'> what’s the best season to visit mesa verde national park, >", "path": "https://www.mycoloradoparks.com/news/colorado-least-visited-national-park-2023/", "listing_type": "recirc", "location": "list", "title": "this was colorado’s least visited national park in colorado in 2023"}}'> this was colorado’s least visited national park in colorado in 2023, >", "path": "https://www.mycoloradoparks.com/where-to-stay-camp-eat/hotels-cabins/holiday-inn-estes-park/", "listing_type": "recirc", "location": "list", "title": "holiday inn in estes park, colorado"}}'> holiday inn in estes park, colorado, >", "path": "https://www.mycoloradoparks.com/road-trips/road-trip-itineraries/new-mexico-colorado-national-parks-road-trip/", "listing_type": "recirc", "location": "list", "title": "new mexico and colorado national parks road trip"}}'> new mexico and colorado national parks road trip.