The Best Colorado Street Journey Itinerary (Concepts, Prices & Map)

Final Up to date on October 26, 2022

If I needed to sit down and draw up my dream U.S. highway journey itinerary, I’d have a hell of a tough time ever leaving my residence state of Colorado. I’m a hopeless snowboarding, mountain climbing, tenting, and outside addict, and I merely can’t think about a greater setting to fireside up my camper van and begin exploring.

Positive, I’ve spent most of my 30-something years right here, and I’m undoubtedly a bit biased, however that doesn’t change the chilly arduous details: Colorado is full of wealthy historical past, easy-to-find journey, and distinctive pure magnificence. It’s an unbelievable place to set off on the open highway.

Are you serious about a Colorado highway journey of your individual? You’re in luck. I’ve put collectively my preferrred 10-day itinerary that will help you maximize your journey cruising across the Centennial State. I’ve additionally included must-see locations, automobile and lodging suggestions, ideas, maps, prices, and extra.

Additionally, make sure to try my checklist of fifty+ highway journey necessities that will help you prepare in your upcoming journey.

Maintain studying, and get excited. It’s time to start out planning the suitable approach.

COLORADO ROAD TRIP:TABLE OF CONTENTS

My trusty camper van, Ol’ Champ

You have got a number of totally different choices when selecting your automobile in your journey. Listed here are my ideas on deciding on the right automobile in your journey.

Utilizing Your Automobile

Whereas highway tripping with your individual automobile ought to prevent a substantial sum of money, make certain it’s road-ready earlier than you begin your journey. Have a mechanic examine your automobile, change its oil, refill its tires, and produce alongside a roadside emergency equipment for good measure.

Renting a Camper Van or RV

I firmly consider that the very best automobile for a Colorado highway journey is a camper van. Why, you ask? For starters, having a mattress in your automobile will get rid of the necessity to ebook lodging alongside the best way, and an adequately stocked camper van will enhance your comfort ranges via the roof.

Savvy van dwellers should not have any issues discovering secure (and free spots) to park their rig each night time.

The very best website to seek out your camper van (or RV) is Outdoorsy.

Renting a Automotive

When you determine towards utilizing your automobile or renting a camper van or RV, you’ll have to lease a automobile. Whereas a fuel-efficient, two-wheel drive automobile may prevent cash in your journey, remember that lots of Colorado’s off-road trails can solely be explored with a high-clearance AWD or 4WD automobile.

The very best website to seek out your rental automobile is Kayak.

Web sites like Turo and Getaround join you with all kinds of private automobiles for lease (type of like Airbnb for automobiles). These websites provide a extra eclectic number of automobiles, usually at higher costs than conventional rental corporations.

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Soooooo colourful

I’ve been occurring highway journeys, as a passenger and driver, for so long as I can bear in mind. Listed here are a few of my absolute best bits of knowledge that will help you plan your finest journey doable.

E-book Your Lodging Early

Throughout peak season, inns, Airbnbs, campsites, and RV parks are recognized to ebook up nicely prematurely. Examine up, plan your journey, and reserve your lodging forward of time, or danger dropping out on the lodging that most accurately fits your wants.

Convey Your Mountain climbing, Tenting, and Backpacking Gear

Colorado affords among the most unbelievable mountain climbing, tenting, and backpacking within the U.S. Make sure you pack your tent, boots, and different light-weight backpacking gear so that you’ll be prepared for any mountain climbing or tenting adventures the second they current themselves. Tenting alongside the best way may prevent a great deal of cash.

Obtain Offline Maps

Cell protection can get spotty within the extra rural components, which is why I like to recommend downloading offline Google Maps for each area you’ll discover throughout your journey. These offline maps will will let you use GPS navigation even when cell service is inconsistent or missing altogether.

Maintain Observe of Particular Occasions

Go to Colorado’s official occasions web page to maintain your eye on enjoyable happenings that may be popping up alongside your journey. With fixed music festivals, farmers markets, rodeos, artwork displays, and extra – Colorado is a full of life place with a hell of rather a lot to supply.

Begin Your Days Early

You’ll seemingly be logging some severe miles, so rise early, brew up a powerful pot of espresso, and hit the open highway with a whole day forward of you. You’ll need to give your self loads of time to make extended pit stops, put on out the shutter button in your digicam, and bask within the Centennial State’s simple glory.

Don’t be Afraid to Ditch Your Itinerary

Final summer season, I spent days planning out a “good” five-day journey for my girlfriend, Keri, whereas she was again on the town visiting from China. However about 36 hours into our journey, we realized that the journey I’d deliberate was transferring too shortly. Ultimately, we took a deep breath, scrapped the remainder of the itinerary, and slowed our roll. It was the suitable determination.

Purchase Journey Insurance coverage

No matter how a lot effort you set into drawing up your journey, the best-laid journey plans can spiral uncontrolled at a second’s discover. Cowl your self with a rock-solid journey insurance coverage coverage to guard towards accidents, breakdowns, theft, illness, and damage.

WorldNomads is extensively utilized by highway trippers worldwide. I extremely suggest it.

Now, for the enjoyable half.

Right here’s the precise itinerary I’d use if I had ten days to spend road-tripping round my residence state. The route I’ve supplied is kind of formidable — over 100 miles and about two hours of driving per day — so, don’t be afraid to bend and tweak it to suit your model.

Buckle up and have enjoyable on the market.

Denver

I don’t take into account myself a lot of a metropolis boy, however for those who witnessed me in my factor in Denver, you may beg to vary. Throughout my six years residing within the Mile Excessive Metropolis, I by no means as soon as grew bored of the place. The scores of eating places, microbreweries, cafes, music venues, sports activities arenas, museums, and parks at all times appeared to maintain me totally entertained (for higher or worse).

The spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains beckoning on Denver’s horizon function a reminder that pristine wilderness is a simple escape.

You’ll be able to’t highway journey Colorado with out spending some high quality time in Denver; I received’t enable it.

Actions & Concepts Close to Denver

Ogle over unbelievable marine life on the Downtown Denver AquariumGet tipsy on a brewery tour and pattern a few of Denver’s finest beerRelax and watch a baseball recreation at Coors Subject, the house of the Colorado RockiesStroll down Larimer Sq. to get pleasure from one of the best of Denver’s food and drinks sceneDance to unbelievable dwell music at El Chapultapec, Denver’s oldest Jazz bar

Make sure you try my detailed one-day price range information for Denver to get a extra in-depth have a look at my favourite actions inside The Mile Excessive Metropolis.

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Boulder

A few of my finest childhood recollections have been the instances my mother and father would drive my brother and me to Boulder to march up mountain climbing trails and wander the Pearl Road Mall. These fond experiences finally lead me again to Boulder, the place I spent six years socializing, exploring, and infrequently finding out as a scholar on the College of Colorado. Boulder and I’m going approach again.

What I like most about Boulder is its proximity to nature. Mountain biking, mountain climbing, kayaking, tenting, fishing – it’s all inside your yard when Boulder’s your base camp. And very like Denver, Boulder has loads of glorious meals, nightlife, and cultural happenings to maintain you busy as you go via.

Actions & Concepts Close to Boulder

Bask within the solar and luxuriate in a day by the Boulder Creek on the full of life Eben G Wonderful ParkHike Nederland’s jaw-dropping 4th of July Path, only a 45-minute drive from downtownShop, watch avenue performers and luxuriate in Boulder’s finest eating places on the Pearl Road MallCatch some dwell tunes at Boulder’s most iconic music venue, The Boulder TheaterSoak in Colorado tradition on the Boulder County Farmers Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays)

Need to discover extra entertaining issues to do in Boulder throughout your Street journey? Click on right here to go to Boulder’s official web site.

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Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park

Simply 45 minutes from my hometown of Longmont, Estes Park has been a go-to mountain city of mine for a few years. I do know it fairly nicely.

Although Estes Park has a little bit of a touristy downtown — packed filled with kitschy eating places and memento retailers — I’ve at all times discovered it to be fairly endearing. However I don’t go to Estes Park for its downtown. I journey there for a totally totally different motive: the unbelievable pure magnificence in each path.

Estes Park serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park – 250,000 acres filled with unbelievable mountain climbing trails, crystal clear mountain lakes, roaming wildlife, and staggering alpine terrain. You received’t even want to depart your automobile to soak all of it in both, because the highway main as much as the doorway of the park is among the many most stunning I’ve ever pushed on.

Word: Each automobile coming into Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park should pay a $30 entrance charge, which covers you for 3 days.

Actions & Concepts Close to Estes Park

Drive alongside the breathtaking Path Ridge Street (Freeway 34), which tops out at over 12,000 feetExplore over 350 miles of mountain climbing trails within the gorgeous Rocky Mountain Nationwide ParkTake a tour of the Stanley Resort, made well-known by the basic movie, The ShiningCheck out how Colorado settlers lived 150 years in the past on the MacGregor Ranch MuseumStroll the streets of Downtown Estes Park for purchasing, eating places, and extra

Need to discover extra entertaining issues to do in Estes Park throughout your Street journey? Click on right here to go to Estes Park’s official web site.

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Steamboat Springs

As I write this, I’ve solely visited Steamboat Springs as soon as, on a 2019 highway journey with my mother. I’ve been able to return ever since.

Throughout our journey, my mother and I arrange base camp on the scenic Steamboat Lake State Park. We practically inflated my two-person raft and set out on the glassy lake on a few totally different events, however finally we have been far too relaxed to be bothered. We made a number of visits to downtown Steamboat, which have been stuffed with scrumptious stops for meals, thrift retailer searching, and lazy window purchasing.

The wide-open panorama surrounding Steamboat Springs is rugged and uncooked, and driving its sprawling nation roads is like stepping again in time. Rustic ranches dot the countryside and imposing mountains stand firmly on the horizon. Steamboat Springs is my form of place.

Actions & Concepts Close to Steamboat Springs

Go fishing, kayaking, tenting, or swimming within the pristine Steamboat Lake State ParkSoak within the pure 100-degree geothermal swimming pools at Strawberry Scorching Springs ParkRide the gondola to the highest of Steamboat Ski Resort for spectacular views of the Yampa ValleySit in on a dwell live performance from the Steamboat Symphony OrchestraEnjoy a wide ranging day hike alongside the Fish Creek Falls Path in Mount Zirkel Wilderness

Need to discover extra entertaining issues to do in Steamboat Springs throughout your Street journey? Click on right here to go to Steamboat Springs’ official web site.

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Hanging Lake

Glenwood Springs is surrounded by spectacular nature, however lots of my finest experiences there have taken place throughout the city itself. Whether or not I’m poking round outside gear retailers, cozying up on a barstool, or soaking in its scorching springs, Glenwood Springs at all times appears to point out me a very good time.

Initially named ‘Defiance’ when it was based in 1880, Glenwood Springs is steeped in Wild West heritage. So, make sure to cease by the Frontier Museum, which paints a colourful image of Glenwood Springs’ rowdy and tumultuous spirit close to the flip of the nineteenth century.

On prime of its wealthy historical past, Glenwood Springs has a lot to supply to the outside lovers who’re passing via. Mountain biking, rafting, skydiving, mountain climbing, mountaineering, you identify it – it’s all there ready for you.

Actions & Concepts Close to Glenwood Springs

Hike alongside the Colorado River and thru Glenwood Canyon to the picturesque Hanging LakeThrow again a number of chilly Colorado microbrews at Glenwood Canyon BrewpubHonor the Wild West and go to Doc Vacation’s gravesite in Linwood CemetaryStrap on a life vest and be part of a white water rafting tour within the Colorado RiverRelax and soak in 16 totally different thermal swimming pools at Iron Mountain Scorching Springs

Need to discover extra entertaining issues to do in Glenwood Springs throughout your Street journey? Click on right here to go to Glenwood Springs’ official web site.

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Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is among the many most staggeringly stunning locations I’ve ever visited.

On my first go to, I sat for hours atop of the canyon staring down on the jaw-dropping 2,000-foot partitions as I sipped beer in silence. Years later, I launched into a shin-busting (and mildly-terrifying) 1.1-mile descent into the underside of the canyon to arrange camp alongside the Gunnison River. I spent the whole night craning my neck up in direction of the identical canyon partitions I’d ogled a number of years prior.

Although it’s not as gigantic or well-known because the Grand Canyon, I discovered the Black Canyon of the Gunnison to be simply as spectacular. It’s certainly one of Colorado’s most opulent feats of nature and is about as can’t-miss as they arrive.

Tip: When stocking up on provides, make sure to take action in Montrose – a relaxed, genuine, and outdoorsy city only a brief 20-minute drive from the Black Canyon.

Actions & Concepts Close to Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Camp out atop the canyon and revel within the gorgeous views on the North Rim CampgroundEnjoy a pleasing stroll filled with beautiful overlooks alongside the Warner Level TrailHike the Gunnison Route Path, an insanely steep descent into the underside of the canyonLearn the area’s fascinating historical past on the Museum of the Mountain West in close by MontroseKayak, arise paddle, or play disc golf alongside the river on the Montrose Water Sports activities Park

Need to discover extra entertaining issues to do close to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison throughout your Street journey? Click on right here to go to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s official web site.

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Telluride

Of all of the picturesque ski cities in Colorado, Telluride may be essentially the most charming. Surrounded by towering peaks in practically each path, the small city of two,500 attracts guests from all around the world. The countless alternatives for outside bliss round Telluride — mountain climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding, fishing, tenting — are a bit extreme. You’ll see.

Lodging in Telluride isn’t low-cost by any stretch of the creativeness (the “price range” resort I’ve listed under is $176 an evening!). Nonetheless, price range vacationers can nonetheless pull off a go to by organising store at Telluride City Park Campground. Present up early, although, as websites are first-come, first-served.

There’s simply one thing totally different about Telluride, and you might want to see it for your self.

Actions & Concepts Close to Telluride

Drive Owl Creek Move via the Cimmaron Mountains and soak in charming viewsSet up camp within the coronary heart of city on the Telluride City Park CampgroundEnjoy a jaw-dropping day hike alongside the scenic Hope Lake Path in Lizard Head WildernessTry your hand at a few of Colorado’s finest fly fishing alongside the San Miguel RiverSing, dance, and eat your coronary heart out on the annual Telluride Bluegrass Competition

Need to discover extra entertaining issues to do in Telluride throughout your Street journey? Click on right here to go to Telluride’s official web site.

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Durango

If I might select one place to dwell on this ten-day highway journey itinerary, I’d choose Durango. Not solely does Durango provide among the finest snowboarding, mountain climbing, and tenting within the state, the city itself is filled with nice meals, wealthy historical past, dwell music venues, and entertaining nightlife.

I take into account Durango Colorado’s cultural middle west of the Rocky Mountains, and it’s not even shut.

Although the route from Telluride to Durango I’m about to suggest could seem a bit oblique, take it anyway. It’ll be among the many most stunning stretches of the whole journey. Right here it’s:

From Telluride, drive west on Freeway 145 for 16 milesTurn proper on Freeway 62 and proceed for twenty-four milesTurn proper on Freeway 550 (the Million Greenback Freeway) and proceed for 81 miles till you attain Durango

Observe this route although Google Maps will suggest one thing solely totally different. (Belief me.)

Actions & Concepts Close to Durango

Drive alongside the famed Million Greenback Freeway (US 550) for, you guessed it, million-dollar viewsWalk alongside the Animas River Path, a scenic nature path that cuts via the guts of townHop aboard the Silverlight Specific, a coal-powered prepare operating alongside the San Juan SkywayLace up your boots, throw in your daypack, and hike a section of the Colorado TrailEnjoy prohibition-era dwell music and ambiance on the Diamond Belle Saloon

Need to discover extra entertaining issues to do in Durango throughout your Street journey? Click on right here to go to Durango’s official web site.

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Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park

At first look, Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park doesn’t appear actual.

Wavy sheets of rolling sand that stretch for miles backed by mammoth snow-capped mountains on the close by horizon – How did this unreal spectacle find yourself out right here in the course of nowhere, anyway?

Plausible or not, Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park exists and is a must-visit on any itinerary. So, pencil in a cease and prepare to discover certainly one of Colorado’s most mystifying locations.

There’ll be no scarcity of vacationers, nonetheless, so strap in your day pack, put in your favourite mountain climbing playlist, and trudge your approach deep into the sprawling hills of sand for some well-earned solitude.

Actions & Concepts Close to Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park

Arrange at Piñon Flats Campground, your base for the Sand Dunes and the San Juan MountainsFour-wheel alongside Medano Move Street for a bumpy and exhilarating off-road adventureFly fish for Colorado mountain trout alongside Medano Creek or the Rio Grande RiverStrap on a sandboard and discover the dunes in essentially the most entertaining approach imaginableRevel within the brisk runoff from the San Juan Mountains alongside a day hike of Zapata Falls

Need to discover extra entertaining issues to do close to the Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park throughout your Street journey? Click on right here to go to the Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park’s official web site.

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Buena Vista

At any time when I discover myself close to Buena Vista, I’m often punishing my legs on an ass-kicking ascent up one of many close by Collegiate Peaks. This spectacular assortment of mountains — a 34-mile part of the Sawatch Vary — contains 19 imposing summits over 13,000 ft in elevation.

To place it merely, the mountain climbing trails round Buena Vista are steep, breathtaking, and world-class.

And, if mountain climbing isn’t your factor, Buena Vista has a lot else to supply – ATV excursions, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, looking, and tenting (to call a number of).

When all the journey has caught as much as you, make sure to head straight to the close by Mount Princeton Scorching Springs for a protracted, contemplative soak.

Actions & Concepts Close to Buena Vista

Arrange store close to a few of Colorado’s tallest mountains on the Collegiate Peaks CampgroundConquer a 14,000-foot mountain and soak within the views on a grueling day hike of Huron PeakRent an ATV and energy via the backcountry trails at Chinaman GulchSample a few of Colorado’s finest whiskey throughout a fast tour of the Deerhammer DistilleryReplenish power and restore your stability with a soak in Mt. Princeton Scorching Springs

Need to discover extra entertaining issues to do in Buena Vista throughout your Street journey? Click on right here to go to Buena Vista’s official web site.

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Mountain climbing alongside the 4 Move Loop exterior of Aspen

Let’s face it. It’ll be not possible to see all Colorado has to supply on the 10-day itinerary I’ve given you. Colorado has loads of extra fantastic locations that I used to be pressured to depart out. Take a look at the checklist under for extra awe-inspiring locations that hardly missed the reduce.

Aspen – Ritzy ski city an hour south of Glenwood SpringsBlackhawk – On line casino-filled mountain city an hour west of DenverBreckenridge – Common resort city for skiers an hour and a half west of DenverCreede – Historic mining city two hours west of the Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide ParkCrested Butte – Journey-packed mountain city two hours east of MontroseFort Collins – Faculty city and microbrew mecca an hour north of DenverGrand Lake – Household-friendly mountain city an hour west of Estes ParkGunnison – Out of doors lovers faculty city an hour and quarter-hour east of MontroseIdaho Springs – Vacationer-friendly mountain city an hour west of DenverNederland – Funky and religious mountain city 45 minutes west of BoulderOuray – Hip and full of life mountain city 45 minutes north of TelluridePagosa Springs – Relaxed city with scorching springs an hour and quarter-hour west of DurangoSalida – Small and endearing mountain city half an hour south of Buena VistaSilverton – Rugged and imposing mountain city an hour north of DurangoTwin Lakes – Scenic tenting and boating reserve half an hour north of Buena VistaVail – Hip and world-renowned ski city two and a half hours west of Denver

The place will the open highway take you? (And for what number of days?)

Whereas I extremely suggest you put aside a minimum of ten days in your preferrred highway journey, I perceive that not everybody can hit the highway for that lengthy. So if time is a matter, try my checklist of shorter advised itineraries under and begin planning your dream route.

Which season will you go to Colorado?

Whereas cruising round Colorado is doable at any time of the yr, sure instances of yr are higher than others. My favourite months to weather-wise are September and October – when the leaves on the bushes are altering colours, and the air is cool and crisp.

July and August are usually Colorado’s hottest months and are finest for mountain climbing, backpacking, and tenting at excessive altitudes. Snow is scarce throughout these months, even on Colorado’s tallest peaks.

Skiers and snowboarders ought to anticipate one of the best snow from January till March, though snowfall is not possible to foretell from yr to yr. Driving lengthy distances through the winter might get dicey, because the roads are extra susceptible to snow, ice, and slush.

Gasoline stations: the life supply of all highway journeys

For a two-person journey, you possibly can anticipate to spend wherever between $75 and $250+ a day. You may make this journey as inexpensive or luxurious as you need. Managing your bills will depend upon the automobile you drive, the place you keep, and what you eat alongside the best way.

When you’d wish to maintain prices low, lease a fuel-efficient automobile, purchase your meals from grocery shops, and do your finest to remain within the multitude of free dispersed campsites round Colorado.

I encourage vacationers with the next price range to lease a campervan, RV, or four-wheel drive automobile, eat at native eating places, and peruse snug lodging alongside the best way.

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Colorado: a visit value taking

So, there you have got it. I’ve given you all the absolute best info I can provide about taking your individual Colorado highway journey. The ideas, recommendation, suggestions – it’s all straight from the guts of a passionate native. I hope you discover it helpful.

I’ve spent many years exploring this nice state, and I hope to spend many extra sooner or later. Colorado is a spot I’ll by no means develop uninterested in, and it’s someplace that can at all times spark my explorer’s spirit.

So, fireplace up your engine and see Colorado for your self. Whether or not you’re having fun with a stroll in Metropolis Park, white water rafting within the Rio Grande, or scrambling down the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the Centennial State is sure to fire up some pleasure inside you that received’t shortly fade away.

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Have any questions on your future Colorado highway journey? Are there any improbable locations I neglected? What’s one of the best highway journey you’ve ever been on? Let me know within the feedback under.