Welcome to the perfect map for your colorful Colorado road trip! This post will help you plan an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning hikes, scenic drives, and popular stops. I lived in Colorado for several years throughout the pandemic, so I pretty much went everywhere and anywhere since there was nothing else to do!
before you go, Don't forget the sunscreen
Here's the map with day-by-day driving directions
This map includes random favorite spots of mine as well as hiking trails i like and places i've gone! Denver was a fun place to live for a few years and it has something special to offer everyone.
where to stay and why
Days 1-2: Denver: If you're flying into Denver, you need to adjust to the altitude. I lived in Denver for years and it took me 8 months to fully acclimate. Catch a show or hike at Red Rocks, sample local breweries (my favorite bar is esp), and take some time to get ready for your trip!
Stay in RiNO for breweries and more chill Source hotel in RiNO, downtown for more walking accessibility to things and direct access from the train at Denver airport to Union Station Limelight in downtown. or Hilton, or a fancier area in Cherry Creek at Staybridge Suites or the Jacquard.
Days 3-4: Colorado Springs / Manitou Springs / Royal Gorge
This is where you'll see the classic Garden of the Gods, day trip down to the Royal Gorge if you want to go whitewater rafting, or zipline across the highest bride in America! You will also drive up Pikes Peak or take the train!
Days 4-6 Great Sand Dunes / Crested Butte
The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes in North America. I recommend camping at the main campground or dispersed around. Afterwards, head to Crested butte. Stay in: Elevation Hotel and Spa, the Nordic inn outside the downtown, the Old Town Inn.
Days 6-8 Black Canyon of the Gunnison / Telluride
I stayed at the Mountainside Inn with 2 dogs and it was so nice being right by the river. I've also camped at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park campground, and it's right along all the rim trails, so it's easy to go in for a night then head on to the next spot! This park is less popular, so you should have a little easier time finding places to camp there.
Days 8-9 Mesa Verde / Durango
Stay near Durango and day-trip to Mesa. You can stay at a cheap hotel like Durango Lodge, or spend a little more for the Historic Strater Hotel.
Days 9-11 Silverton / Ouray
I've stayed at Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs, which has stunning views and more private relaxation! The rustic hot tub barrels overlook the mountains. If you're trying to save money, then stay in Ridgeway. We stayed at the MTN Lodge Ridgeway with 2 dogs a few summers ag,o and it actually worked better being more central and able to go between towns as well as for hiking Blue Lakes (which is located 35 minutes from Ridgeway).
Days 11-12 Grand Junction / Palisade / Mesa
Stay in: Tru by Hilton, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, or Hampton Inn. You can also stay in the heart of wine country in Palisade at the Wine Country inn. Mesa is a place you can drive through and do a short hike (bring mosquito repellent!)
Days 12-15 Aspen / Independence Pass / Twin Lakes. / Buena Vista
I love to stay at a Vrbo as the quality of Airbnb has been declining in recent years in my experience. I've also stayed lakefront before and it was gorgeous.
The most convenient (and expensive) option is to stay in downtown Aspen; two semi-affordable dog-friendly hotels are Limelight and Aspen Mountain Lodge. If you really want a boujee experience, then you can stay at the Aspen St Regis Residence Club, but be prepared to spend!
Days 15-17 Frisco / Vail / Breckenridge
You don't need to stay here, but you can just pass through and do a hike in this area and get food in the town if you want, on your way back towards the front range.
Days 17-20 Boulder / Rocky Mountain
If you have a dog, you'll want to get a pet-friendly hotel since you can't bring them on most trails in the national park. If you're a fan of the movie The Shining, stay at the famous Stanley Hotel (or at least take a tour of it!). The Estes Park Resort is also a popular choice.
Make your way back towards the Denver and/or Boulder area to complete your trip. From Boulder, you can make a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, or you can stay at the famous haunted hotel from the Shining in Estes Park.
My outdoor gear and camping essentials
DM me or leave a comment if you have any questions!
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