Colorado Epic Journey Itinerary: An Adventurous Roadmap for Thrill-Seekers
Cruising through the Centennial State, you're in for one heck of a ride on this unforgettable Colorado road trip! This two-week adventure will take you through national parks, forests, and scenic drives galore.
Here's our road trip itinerary, jam-packed with amazing spots for you to explore:
Week 1
Day 1-2: Denver - Rocky Mountain National Park
- Kick off your journey in the Mile High City, Denver. If you're already here, grab some grub and stock up on supplies. Then, hit the road and make your way up north towards Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Once you arrive, don't miss driving Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US, for breathtaking mountain views. Take a stroll around Bear Lake and soak in the stunning scenery. Spend the night in the nearby town of Grand Lake.
Day 3-4: Grand Lake - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Head west towards Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
- Drop into quaint Fruita for some exhilarating mountain biking, before exploring the park's dramatic, dark canyons and awe-inspiring vistas at the Visitor Center. Enjoy a glass of local wine before hitting the hay in a nearby town.
Day 5-6: Mesa Verde National Park
- Make your way south to Mesa Verde National Park, home to ancient cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people. Wander through the well-preserved cliff dwellings on a guided tour or explore the park's trails on your own. Camp beneath the stars or rest up in a nearby town.
Week 2
Day 7-8: Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Journey east to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Climb your way to the summit of the tallest sand dune in North America or play in the flowing waters of Medano Creek. Rent a sandboard and shred the dunes or just marvel at the expansive desert landscape.
Day 9-10: San Juan National Forest and Ouray
- Drive west to the San Juan National Forest and visit the picturesque town of Ouray. Get your hiking fix in the stunning mountains before unwinding in the soothing waters of Ouray Hot Springs.
Day 11-12: Aspen and Maroon Bells
- Head to trendy Aspen and gaze upon the Maroon Bells, the most photographed spot in Colorado.Hit the trails and hike to Maroon Lake for panoramic mountain vistas. Spend the rest of the day enjoying Aspen's vibrant entertainment scene and shopping boutiques.
Day 13-14: Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs
- Make your way to Pikes Peak and immerse yourself in awe-inspiring vistas from the summit. Next, explore Garden of the Gods, a unique Geological Park with towering red rock formations.
Additional Tips:
- Lodging: Switch things up by staying in national park lodges and urban hotels for a diverse experience.
- Transportation: Rent a rugged vehicle to tackle mountainous roads and diverse terrains.
- Seasonal Considerations: Check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off on your adventure. Take the time to acclimate to Colorado's high altitude if you're a newbie to the state.
So there you have it! A 14-day epic road trip across Colorado that hits all the key spots and leaves you with memories that'll last a lifetime. Do your own thing, and make this adventure your own as you explore the great outdoors in the beautiful Centennial State. Happy travels!
- This unforgettable Colorado road trip spans two weeks, covering national parks, forests, and scenic drives, with trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park being one highlight.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers the chance to explore dramatic, dark canyons, and where Fruita is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts.
- Mesa Verde National Park preserves ancient cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people, providing an opportunity for hiking, camping, or guided tours among the dwellings.
- In Great Sand Dunes National Park, visitors can climb the tallest sand dune in North America, shred the dunes on rented sandboards, or play in the flowing waters of Medano Creek.
- Aspen offers a different kind of adventure as travelers can gaze upon the Maroon Bells, explore hiking trails, and enjoy Aspen's vibrant entertainment scene and shopping boutiques before ending the road trip in Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs, with awe-inspiring vistas from the summit and stunning red rock formations at Garden of the Gods.
