Colorado Epic Road Journey: A Thrilling Travel Guide for Adrenaline Junkies

Colorado Epic Road Journey: A Thrilling Travel Guide for Adrenaline Junkies

Embark on an extraordinary Colorado road trip journey, traversing more than 1,000 miles across 4 national parks, 11 national forests, and numerous awe-inspiring vistas. The possibilities for adventure are infinite as you link these magnificent destinations into one unforgettable itinerary or customize your adventure to include your preferred highlights.

Remember, Colorado's expanse is vast, so tailor your adventure to focus on specific regions when necessary, leaving the others for future exploration. This itinerary is born from personal experiences, as we've immersed ourselves in Colorado's offerings for several years. You can trust this curated list, as we've sampled the activities, captured the sights on camera, and share authentic recommendations.

Let's embark on the planning process for the road trip of a lifetime.

Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

While we delve into the intricacies of planning, do consider the key factors that will shape your adventure:

1. Airport and Starting Point: We recommend flying into Denver International Airport, which offers flights to and from most major U.S. cities. Keep in mind its size, and allow ample time for check-ins and departures. Alternatively, Colorado Springs Airport provides a more laid-back airport experience, but may be more expensive and difficult to access. If you're driving, choose the itinerary segment closest to your starting point, as our route forms a wide loop around the state.
2. Time of Year: Timing is crucial when planning your trip. For optimum mountain exploration, target July through early October. July provides a quintessential summer experience, while late September and early October present peak fall colors. Use this window to leverage Colorado's renowned natural beauty. Lower-elevation destinations may offer more enjoyment in the spring or fall months, such as Mesa Verde and Grand Junction, as they can get quite warm during the summer.
3. Lodging: Camping and dispersed camping provide numerous options within Colorado's scenic wilderness. Authorities such as the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife and camping platforms like The Dyrt can offer valuable information on campgrounds. Additionally, hotels and Airbnbs are found throughout the state. Ensure that camping reservations are booked ahead of time, as popular sites can fill up quickly.
4. Route: Our suggested itinerary begins in the Denver area and weaves southward through the mountains in a clockwise direction. This route covers the main highlights of Colorado's scenic offerings, although it can accommodate a month or more of exploration. If you're short on time, you can always visit the highlights and skip portions of the itinerary.

Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Breakdown

Below is a detailed list of destinations we've curated for this extraordinary loop around Colorado. Incorporate your own personal preferences or sample the entire roster for a truly epic adventure.

• Denver International Airport
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Colorado Springs
• Royal Gorge
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Optional side trip: Crested Butte)
• Grand Junction / Fruita
• Glenwood Springs / Aspen / Marble
• Breckenridge
• Denver International Airport

Denver (0-2 Days)

Denver does not particularly appeal to us, but those who enjoy urban environments may find enjoyable activities such as a concert at Red Rocks Park, a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens, or an exploration of the city's art districts and breweries. Those who share our sentiments can skip Denver and continue to Rocky Mountain National Park, just 1.5 hours away. Keep in mind that if you plan on high-altitude hiking in the park, a couple of days may be needed to adjust to the altitude before beginning extensive hikes.

Rocky Mountain National Park (1-3 Days)

Rocky Mountain National Park, located in north-central Colorado, encapsulates some of our favorite mountain landscapes in the state. Covering over 400 miles of hiking trails and offering Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., this park offers a wealth of adventure and leisure opportunities. For a more tranquil experience, a scenic drive through the park with a picnic lunch near one of the pristine alpine lakes is highly recommended. Rocky Mountain National Park provides a multitude of hiking opportunities. Allot time for your top hikes, as well as a half-day on the scenic drive. If you plan on spending more time adjusting to the altitude, you may consider moving this stop to the end of your trip for a visit on the way back to Denver.

Colorado Springs (1-2 Days)

Heading south from Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Springs awaits. Here, visitors can marvel at Garden of the Gods, a photogenic spot brimming with majestic rock formations. Additionally, Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds, the Manitou Incline, and Pikes Peak provide opportunities for further exploration. Pikes Peak, the tallest mountain in the state, can be reached by car or railway, offering spectacular mountain views without strenuous hiking. If you're seeking a more relaxed day trip, consider visiting Colorado Springs and continuing on to the next destination rather than spending the night. Alternatively, other great options for nearby attractions include Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Paint Mines Interpretive Park, and the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center.

The Royal Gorge (1-2 Days)

Next, we reach the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, a popular tourist destination known for its impressive suspension bridge that stretches 1000 feet above the Arkansas River. The park offers ample opportunities for hikes, rafting trips, zip lining, and more. We highly suggest a whitewater rafting trip through the gorge. If the Royal Gorge does not resonate with you, but you're still yearning for an epic whitewater rafting experience, consider visiting Buena Vista instead (a day trip from Breckenridge later in the trip).

Great Sand Dunes National Park (1 Day)

The next destination on our list is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to North America's tallest sand dunes. The park's towering sand dunes rise from a vast valley floor and are flanked by snow-peaked mountains. Hiking the High Dune on First Ridge offers an incredible vantage point overlooking the dunes, though be aware that the sun can be relentless, necessitating extra precautions during midday. We also attempted sand sledding, though we found the sled had too much friction to gain any speed. Perhaps a sandboard would be more enjoyable? We found one day at this national park to be sufficient, as there is always more to explore, but we were content with our brief visit.

Mesa Verde National Park (1-2 Days)

The next stop on our list is Mesa Verde National Park, boasting some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in North America. Visitors can explore these ancient dwellings on guided tours or self-guided trails, but we recommend the guided tour for a more enriching experience. Mesa Verde National Park provides various hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities, making it an interesting and accessible destination. A great side trip option from here is Canyon of the Ancients, another UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing an abundance of archaeological sites still being excavated today.

Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton (2-3+ Days)

The San Juan Mountains and towns of Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride are among our favorite destinations in the state. Each town offers stunning mountain scenery and unique hikes. From Mesa Verde National Park, head north to Silverton, an ideal location for hiking Ice Lake and Island Lake, which we deem one of our favorite hikes in the state. From Silverton, continue on to the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray. Known for its hairpin turns, switchbacks, and breathtaking views, the Million Dollar Highway offers a thrilling journey. Keep in mind that the road has no guardrails, so those with aversions to exposure or cliffs might wish to take an alternate route, such as Highway 145 to Telluride.

Once in Ouray, visitors can enjoy soaking in the natural mineral hot springs at Orvis Hot Springs, visiting Box Canyon Falls, taking a jeep tour through Ouray and Telluride, or embarking on a hike to Blue Lakes, one of our favorite hikes in the entire state. From Ouray, we head to Telluride, a charming mountain town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can also enjoy opportunities for hiking, skiing (winter), and mountain biking (summer), and even take on the Via Ferrata climbing route, complete with cables and ladders that guide climbers up the side of a mountain.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Half Day)

Our next destination is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, renowned for its steep and narrow canyons, which rival those of the Grand Canyon. The park's main attraction is Painted Wall, one of the tallest cliffs in North America, standing at over 2,000 feet. If your time is limited, simply driving along South Rim Drive to take in the views from various overlooks should suffice. If you wish to spend the night here, the closest town is Montrose, or you can choose one of the few campgrounds within the park. This park offers relatively few activities, and we suggest spending only half a day exploring the main attractions.

Optional Side Trip: Crested Butte (1-3 Days)

Crested Butte is a small, beautiful mountain town that can be a detour from practically anywhere else, but it's brimming with incredible hikes and is our favorite town in Colorado. The town is home to the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, one of the most popular events in the state, and it's easy to see why – the wildflowers surrounding Crested Butte are stunning. As far as hiking, Crested Butte offers some of our favorite hikes and backpacking routes, including Three Lakes and the Four Pass Loop. If you have the time, we highly recommend spending a day or two in this idyllic mountain town.

Grand Junction (1-3 Days)

Grand Junction, the largest city in western Colorado, provides a convenient stopping point for supplies or vehicle maintenance. The city also boasts interesting museums, including the Dinosaur Journey Museum. Our recommended destination here is Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain covered in hundreds of lakes. Grand Junction is also the halfway point for side trips to Palisade, known for its peaches, Fruita for mountain biking, or even Rattlesnake Canyon, home to the largest concentration of natural arches after Arches National Park in Utah. Consider a day trip to Colorado National Monument, which preserves landscapes reminiscent of the Utah desert with red rock canyons and towering monoliths. From here, we head eastward, back into the mountains of Colorado.

Glenwood Springs (1-2 Days)

As we travel from Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs, make a pit stop in Rifle to visit Rifle Falls State Park. Rifle Falls is an awe-inspiring triple waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Once in Glenwood Springs, enjoy the town's hot springs, which flow into the Colorado River, or immerse yourself in its vibrant shopping and dining scene. For family-friendly fun, the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers an amusement park, cave tours, and zip lines. We highly recommend a side trip to Hanging Lake, an essential destination on any Colorado itinerary.

Crystal Mill & Marble (1 Day)

One of Colorado's single best sights is the historic town of Marble. If you've never seen it before, you've surely seen the photo below – that's Crystal Mill, a stunning location that's quickly disappearing and may not last much longer. To access Crystal Mill, you'll need a capable 4x4 off-roading vehicle or can book a jeep tour. This hidden gem is not to be missed.

Aspen (Day Trip from Glenwood Springs or 1-2 Days)

Aspen is home to the Maroon Bells, the most photographed place in the entire state. Reservations for the shuttle are essential, as they must be booked well in advance. The Maroon Bells offer an iconic mountain landscape, and hiking enthusiasts can even backpack the Four Pass Loop. Don't forget to browse Aspen's cultural offerings, as the town presents a myriad of art galleries, live music venues, and fine dining establishments.

From here, we continue southward on Highway 82, taking the scenic route over Independence Pass, which is only accessible during the summer. Along the way, you'll find numerous hiking options, including grottos (ice caves) and the Devil's Punchbowl swimming hole.

Breckenridge (1-4 Days)

Our final destination on this unforgettable adventure is Breckenridge, a mountain town near and dear to our hearts, as we spent several years living there. Breckenridge presents endless opportunities for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and much more. Those who'd like to summit a 14er can tackle Quandary Peak, or embark on the Decalibron, another famous 14er trail. If you need a break from the great outdoors, enjoy indoor activities like an escape room, brewery tours, or visiting local museums. No matter how much time you spend in Breckenridge, you'll leave with a lasting memory of this magical mountain town.

From Breckenridge, you're just two hours away from Denver International Airport, making for an easy drive the morning of your departure or a convenient hotel stay near the airport the night before.

Final Thoughts

Colorado offers an abundance of adventure and beauty, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable road trip. Tailor our suggested itinerary to your preferences, or use it as a starting point for your dream trip. With each destination offering unique experiences, there is something for everyone in this vibrant, extraordinary state.

1. The Colorado road trip itinerary covers numerous hiking trails, national parks, and other attractions, making it an excellent choice for backpacking, camping, and hiking enthusiasts.
2. Camping and dispersed camping provide numerous options within Colorado's scenic wilderness, especially at campgrounds managed by the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife.
3. Some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities can be found in Colorado's national parks, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Great Sand Dunes National Park, where a variety of animal species, from bighorn sheep to black bears, may be spotted.
4. Colorado's scenic trails offer eight 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation), presenting an adventurous challenge for experienced hikers.
5. By incorporating Colorado's diverse landscapes, iconic destinations, and unique travel experiences into a personalized itinerary, one can truly embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle during their journey through this stunning state.

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