4 prime Colorado itineraries – Lonely Planet
With huge prairies, excessive deserts and the magnificent Rocky Mountains, Colorado brims with pure splendor. And because of cities that boast world-leading tech corporations, thrilling meals scenes and main cultural attraction, a state famend for its outdoorsiness has a particularly refined facet, too.
What’s one of the simplest ways to take all of it in? Lonely Planet’s specialists have crafted 4 itineraries that can show you how to discover all of the aspects of Colorado, taking you thru thrilling city neighborhoods, down snowy ski runs, to websites that illustrate the state’s wealthy Indigenous historical past and – in fact – deep into the extraordinary bounty of nature accessible in each nook of the oblong Centennial State.
1. Get a style of city life, then hit the Northern Rockies
7-day itinerary
Distance: 170 miles (274km)
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Denver and Boulder have real metropolis attraction – museums, major-league sports activities, nightlife – plus easy accessibility to severe Rocky Mountain adventures. Begin with the city choices in these two dynamic cities, then put together to be amazed by mountain peaks, alpine lakes and plentiful wildlife in and round iconic Rocky Mountain Nation Park.
Denver: 1½ days
Begin by exploring Denver’s neighborhoods, taking in its museums, a touring Broadway present or a Rockies recreation (or all three!). You may eat effectively in nearly any nook of city – although for nightlife, head to RiNo (or River North Arts District). Right here, one-time railyards and warehouses have been transformed into hipster bars and breweries, artwork galleries and cafes, all surrounded by murals that add colour and commentary to each floor. Attempt a pint (or a couple of) and Our Mutual Buddy Brewing and Finn’s Manor, then soak up a stay indie act at Larimer Lounge.
Earlier than heading onward, soak up native life at one of many metropolis’s parks, or drive to Crimson Rocks to stroll among the many dramatic pink sandstone formations.
Boulder: half a day
After lunch, head north to the guts of downtown Boulder to wander alongside pedestrian-only Pearl Road Mall, perusing its boutiques and watching the ever-present road performers. Alternatively, see what’s on at historic Colorado Chautauqua – a guided stroll, a live performance, a chat – or simply hold to your self with a hike on one of many numerous trails that lace by the encircling park, many with beautiful views of Boulder’s quintessential Flatirons.
Peak to Peak Hwy: 1 day
Vibrant and early, head to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park through the beautiful Peak to Peak Hwy, a winding highway – one of many state’s most scenic – that takes you thru the forested Indian Peaks Wilderness and southern sections of the nationwide park. Cease alongside the best way within the hippie city of Nederland, hike the wilderness round Brainard Lake, or take within the waterfalls of Wild Basin. Choose up provisions in Estes Park.
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park: 2½ days
Spend the subsequent days soaking within the majestic Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. A 415-sq-mile (1075-sq-km) large with a whole bunch of granite peaks, shimmering alpine lakes and myriad alternatives to see wildlife massive and small. Trails of all lengths beckon to hikers of all expertise and health ranges. When you’re seeking to lose the crowds, head to the backcountry, the place a whole bunch of 1000’s of acres of wilderness await.
Path Ridge Highway: half a day
Depart the park alongside Path Ridge Rd, the very best constantly paved highway within the US, climbing steadily to a excessive level of 12,183ft (3713m). The drive presents sweeping mountain vistas of pine-dotted slopes and blindingly white tundra. Quite a few turnoffs enable guests to step out of their vehicles to soak up the magnificent views or discover trails noticed with wildflowers and whistling marmots.
Winter Park: 1 day
Spend your final day in Winter Park, a favourite mountaineering and biking vacation spot. Lease a motorbike on the town and take your choose of single-track trails, from mellow to technical – or try the Trestle Bike Park on the native ski resort. For organized actions, posh Satan’s Thumb Ranch or family-friendly Snow Mountain Ranch supply horseback driving, fly-fishing, zip-lining and rather more.
2. Take pleasure in winter enjoyable and snowy magnificence in central Colorado
7-day itinerary
Distance: 154 miles (248km)
The I-70 hall is an important east-west artery that cuts straight by the Rockies. Alongside its path lie a few of Colorado’s most storied locations, together with charming cities like Breckenridge and Aspen plus world-class ski resorts like Vail and Copper Mountain. All buzz with winter exercise – on, off and effectively past the slopes.
Breckenridge: 2 days
Start in Breckenridge, having fun with the epic views from the free gondola to Peak 7. Spend the day downhill snowboarding or boarding, or head to the Nordic Middle for cross-country snowboarding. Afterwards, take in the city’s Victorian-era ambiance. The next day, hit the paths mushing a staff of huskies by the Swan River Valley. Time your go to to coincide with Breck’s Viking-inspired Ullr Fest or Snow Sculpture Championships.
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Keystone: half a day
Head to Keystone Resort, skipping the slopes and heading straight to its namesake lake, reworked right into a 5-acre ice rink. Ice skate leases, together with helmets (in addition to hockey sticks and pucks), can be found on the Keystone Journey Middle. When you’re touring with little ones, try the world’s largest snow fort, with a great deal of tunnels, caves, slippery slides and even a tubing hill.
Copper Mountain: 1 day
A favourite of locals, Copper Mountain is a world-class mountain with a down-home vibe. Spend the day on the slopes or stomping tips on its 10 terrain parks. Take into account stopping in Woodward Barn, the US Ski Group’s coaching middle, to observe on trampolines and foam pits earlier than hitting the powder.
Detour: Be taught concerning the Previous West in Frisco’s Historic Park, which has fascinating museum reveals and a number of other unique buildings.
Vail: 1 day
When you solely ski as soon as, make it at Vail. This mammoth mountain with second-to-none slopes is a paradise of silky corduroy and legendary again bowls. For some outdoorsy alternate options, take your choose at this glitzy resort: ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, even sleigh rides. When the solar units, mountainside glam awaits in Vail’s Bavarian-style village, with superb eating, mountain-chic bars and designer boutiques.
Glenwood Springs: half a day
Soak your drained muscle tissues within the thermal waters of Glenwood Springs. Select from the family-friendly Glenwood Sizzling Springs Resort, residence of the world’s largest hot-springs pool (plus water slides, splash pads and tubing), or the understated and soothing swimming pools at Iron Mountain Sizzling Springs. Open year-round, the swimming pools have water temperatures that vary from 90°F to 108°F (32–42°C), protecting you toasty regardless of the snow on the bottom.
Aspen: 2 days
Take a day to take pleasure in Aspen by strolling by the historic downtown, stopping in museums or people-watching at its farm-to-table cafes. Afterward, select between Aspen’s world-class slopes (this can be a ski city, in any case), a guided snowshoeing journey with an ACES naturalist or a cross-country ski journey to iconic Maroon Bells Lake. Be sure you save time for après – fur blankets included.
3. Discover the guts of southwest Colorado
7-day itinerary
Distance: 305 miles (491km)
The southwest of Colorado is really spectacular. This itinerary begins in pleasantly low-key Grand Junction, and will get dramatic quick: suppose hovering cliffs, beautiful hikes, historical dwellings and stress-free sizzling springs. After all of the outside time, you possibly can pamper your self in Telluride, deep within the San Juan mountains – the definition of an eye-candy city.
Grand Junction: 1 day
Base your self in Grand Junction, spending the morning within the dramatic red-rock panorama of Colorado Nationwide Monument, then cease at overlooks alongside Rim Rd or take brief hikes deeper into the park. Within the afternoon, go wine tasting in Palisade, or try close by lavender and alpaca farms. Again in Grand Junction, have dinner on Principal St (we suggest splurging at Bin 707 Foodbar), having fun with the general public artwork throughout.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park: 1 day
Begin early for Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park, its sheer 2000ft (610m) cliff partitions a jaw-dropping sight. Take within the views at 11 spectacular overlooks alongside the sting of the canyon, some reached through brief trails off the park’s South Rim Rd.
Detour: Find time for the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose, which has well-conceived reveals on the Ute’s previous and current.
Telluride: 2 days
Spend a few superb days within the field canyon city of Telluride, the place you possibly can splurge on a deluxe lodge or camp proper on the town. Take your choose of breathtaking hikes surrounded by 13,000ft (3960m) peaks, or push your consolation zone on the through ferrata. Submit-adventure, good food and drinks abound. Time your go to for pageant season – simply make sure you e-book your tickets and lodging effectively prematurely.
Ouray: 1 day
The alpine wonderland of Ouray is paradise for hikers. The 6-mile (9.6km) Perimeter Path loop has a number of entry factors; Silvershield Path results in the world’s longest-known dinosaur trackway. Afterwards, soak your drained legs in one of many city’s sizzling springs: the historic spa city has quite a few swimming pools to select from – or strive Wiesbaden’s vapor cave as an alternative. Head out of city on the Million Greenback Hwy, a sinuous and steep journey over three mountain passes.
Durango and Silverton: 1 day
Cease in Durango to hop aboard the Durango & Silverton Slim Gauge Railroad, which is able to take you previous beautiful vista after beautiful vista on a Nineteenth-century steam locomotive that cuts by the San Juan wilderness to the tiny city of Silverton. There, you possibly can stroll the historic streets, stopping on the glorious Mining Heritage Middle Museum. After you’ve chugged again to Durango, take pleasure in dinner and brews within the historic downtown hall (we love the campy West West scene at Diamond Belle Saloon).
Mesa Verde Nationwide Park: 1 day
Plan on a full day exploring the magnificent Mesa Verde Nationwide Park, the best-preserved Native American archaeological website within the US and one-time residence of the Ancestral Puebloans. The reserve brims with gorgeous cliff dwellings, floor websites and trails; one of the simplest ways to expertise it’s through a ranger-led tour or two. E book on-line and effectively prematurely to ensure a spot.
4. Soak within the chic great thing about southeast Colorado
4-day itinerary
Distance: 475 miles (765km)
This itinerary permits you to benefit from the chic great thing about Colorado’s peaks and rivers, and avoids the stress of driving main mountain passes. You’ll begin in interesting Colorado Springs, adopted by whitewater rafting someday and climbing huge sand dunes the subsequent. Finish by retracing the historic Santa Fe Path.
Colorado Springs: 1 day
Spend your day in Colorado Springs museum-hopping, feeding giraffes on the zoo and touring the Olympic and Paralympic Coaching Middle. For outdoor time, stroll by Backyard of the Gods, a spectacular red-rock park; or head straight to Pikes Peak, a 14,000ft (4267m) behemoth which you can summit by foot, automobile or cog railway. In January, find time for the Nice Fruitcake Toss pageant.
Salida: 1 day
Stand up early for rafting in Salida on the Arkansas River, Colorado’s best-known white water. Relying on the season and your consolation degree, you will discover every thing from excessive rapids to chilled out floats. When you’ve got power afterward, discover the epic bike trails of S Mountain. Within the night, stroll by the nice redbrick downtown, filling up on elk brats and IPAs.
Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park: 1 day
Put together to be dazzled on the otherworldly Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, an undulating sea of sand bounded by jagged peaks and scrubby plains. Hike to the highest of the tallest dune in North America (no simple job!), making your method again down on wood sleds made for sandboarding or sledding. For a pair months in spring, snowmelt types Medano Creek – good for water play afterwards.
Santa Fe Path: 1 day
Spend the day driving the Santa Fe Path, making stops to study concerning the Previous West at locations just like the fantastically recreated Bent’s Previous Fort and Sand Creek Bloodbath Nationwide Historic Web site. Additionally find time for a go to to Amache Nationwide Historic Web site, which housed interned Japanese Individuals throughout WWII.
Detour: If time permits, go to the Picketwire Dinosaur Tracksite to see over 1300 dino tracks.
This text was tailored from the fifth version of Lonely Planet’s Colorado guidebook, revealed in August 2025.
