Looking to plan the ultimate road trip through Colorado? You’re in for a treat. Colorado is a true playground for adventurers, offering a little bit of everything for nature enthusiasts.
From bustling cities to majestic mountains and serene lakes to thrilling snow activities, Colorado has it all. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, fishing, or exploring ancient ruins and rock art, this state has something to offer every type of traveler.
Need Map for Your Colorado Road Trip
How about a Colorado State Park checklist to make sure you get all the must-see spots? Or even grab a Colorado bucket list scratch-off map to track your adventures and uncover hidden gems along the way.
With so much to see and do, a road trip through Colorado is truly one of the best things to do in the USA.
Friendly Reminder: Bring a National Parks tracker water bottle with you on your Colorado road trip to stay hydrated. This convenient bottle allows you to monitor the national parks you visit along the journey in addition to keeping your water cold and pleasant. It’s the ideal travel buddy for your outdoor excursions, keeping you hydrated as you take in Colorado’s magnificent scenery.
Day 1: Denver – Gateway to Grandeur:
Start Your Journey with the shine in Denver, the Mile High City.
- Grab a coffee with mountainous views, browse quirky shops, and soak in the vibrant energy.
- In the afternoon, hit the road on I-70 as the city fades into the rearview mirror, watch the foothills rise, promising the majesty to come.
Day 2 & 3: Rocky Mountain National Park – Where Eagles Soar:
This is where Colorado explodes in epic splendor.
- Hike through alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers,
- Climb the highest continuous paved highway in North America, Trail Ridge Road.
- And marvel at the jaw-dropping beauty of Longs Peak. Now with a hike you’re sure to get thirsty. Why not take the opportunity to enjoy the glacial streams. We recommend storing it into your bottle, keeping those electrolytes flowing as you conquer trails.
- In the evening, cozy by a crackling campfire.
As a souvenir of your trip, to hang on your walls, check out some of the most beautiful Colorado art prints of Winter Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Grand Lake.
Day 4: Estes Park – Charm at the Foot of Giants:
Nestled near Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a haven where you can browse art galleries with views that steal the show:
- Grab a souvenir antler hat (because why not?).
- And for food of the place, indulge in a decadent slice of Rocky Mountain chocolate cake.
- In the afternoon, take a scenic drive through Bear Lake Road, stopping to capture the mirror-like reflection of the mountains in the water.
Day 5 & 6: Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Where Earth Yawns Open:
- Wind your way south on scenic Route 245 and prepare to be blown away by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This natural wonder is like a mini–Grand Canyon, carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years.
- Hike the South Rim for stunning views, or go whitewater rafting through the canyon.
- In the evening, camp under the stars and let the silence of the canyon fill you with wonder.
Day 7: Telluride – Ski Town Chic Meets Western Soul:
- Journey through the San Juan Mountains and arrive in Telluride, a picture-perfect ski town with a bohemian soul.
- Stroll down Main Street, lined with quaint shops and art galleries, and grab a bite at a trendy restaurant with patio seating.
- In the afternoon, take the gondola to the top of Mountain Village and soak in the panoramic vistas.
Discover the ultimate must-have for ski and snowboarding enthusiasts: the Colorado Mountain Ski and Snowboard Scratch-Off Map! This beautifully designed 17×11-inch poster features all of Colorado’s top ski and snowboarding destinations, allowing you to track your progress and conquer each mountain with pride. Scratch off the silver foil layer to reveal a colorful mountain design beneath, celebrating your skiing or snowboarding journey in style.
Day 8: Mesa Verde National Park – Whispers of Ancient Ancestral Puebloans:
- Explore the amazing cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, constructed hundreds of years ago by the Ancestral Puebloan people.
- Take a guided tour to discover their history and get a sense of what life was like in the past.
- In the evening, experience the wonder of the universe at a stargazing party.
Day 9: Durango & Silverton Railroad – All Aboard for Scenic Splendor:
Take a step back in time aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This historic steam train chugs through breathtaking mountain scenery, winding through canyons and crossing high trestles.
In the evening, explore the charming town of Durango, grab a beer at a local pub, and swap stories with fellow adventurers.
Day 10: Back to Denver – Memories Made, Hearts Full
As you wind your way back to Denver, glance at your National Parks Water Bottle – each scratch a testament to an epic adventure, each dent a badge of honor earned on dusty trails.
The road stretches before you, but now it feels different. You’re not just a traveler; you’re a conqueror. You’ve hiked under glaciers, paddled through canyons, and slept beneath a sky ablaze with stars. Colorado has etched itself onto your soul, and the memories will fuel your wanderlust for years to come.
Your Colorado Canvas Is Craving Your Brushstrokes
This itinerary is just a brushstroke on a vast canvas. Colorado waits to be explored, reinterpreted and made your own.
Hike hidden trails, seek out local hot springs, get lost in charming mountain towns, and chase sunsets that bleed into the night sky.
Remember, the best adventures are often the ones not on the map but those discovered by chance. So, grab your National Parks Water Bottle (with its map scratched and its belly full of mountain streams), and keep exploring. Let your heart be your compass, your curiosity your guide, and Colorado your playground.
