Whether a native, local or transplant, we all have one thing in common: We absolutely love this state. And while we all have our favorite spots and things to do, we also have our own version of a Colorado bucket list — the list of places yet to be explored and activities yet to do. That’s why we’ve decided to create another Mapped Guide to the Ultimate Colorado Road Trip (see our first one here). We want to help cross off some of those places on your list.
It should be noted that while we have created this second guided map, it’s not set in stone and you can stray from the route. In fact, it’s encouraged. We’ve also included “side trips” — places and locations that are detours from the route but definitely worth the extra time and mileage. So begin packing, prepare the car, gather the friends and start adventuring.
*Total Time: 24 hours 12 minutes
Total Distance: 1,098 miles
*Time and distance may vary depending on traffic, change in routes, stops along the way, etc.
The Map
Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs
While I-25 south is usually always under construction — and this trip may have you running into some of it — it’s worth the traffic. The beginning of the trip promises no shortage of things to do and places to see. While Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs are two entirely different cities, the relatively short 15 minutes drive between the two makes it convenient for exploring. Add Pikes Peak to the itinerary for some addition scenery before heading into the town of Salida, commonly referred to as the “Heart of the Rockies.”
Time in Car:
1 hours 17 minutes
Where to Eat:
Manitou/Colorado Springs: Rudy’s BBQ, Skirted Heifer, Ivywild (it’s a restaurant/brewery in a converted elementary school!), Storybook Brewing, Pikes Peak Summit House (try their magic donuts), Mate Factor, The Sahara Cafe
Where to Sleep:
Manitou Springs: The Cliff House
Colorado Springs: The Broadmoor, Garden of the Gods Collection, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Hotel Eleganté (for an affordable option), a range of bed and breakfasts
What to Do:
Manitou: Cave of Winds, Manitou Incline, Rainbow Falls, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Manitou Springs Penny Arcades
Colorado Springs: Air Force Academy Chapel, Tour of Castle at Glen Eyrie, Shrine of the Sun, Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Helen Hunt Falls, Gold Camp Road
Pikes Peak: Pikes Peak Cog Railway
2017 Summer Events:
Pikes Peak Marathon August 20 – Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs Heritage Brew September 24 – Manitou Springs
Emma Crawford Coffin Race October 28 – Manitou Springs
Pikes Peak Airstrip Attack June 17 & 18 – Colorado Springs
Colorado Classic (Start) August 10 – Colorado Springs
Side Trips:
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Royal Gorge Bridge
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour
Leg 2: Colorado Springs to Salida (via Buena Vista)
A Colorado road trip wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t include Buena Vista. Not only does the town itself offer amazing views and a list of things to do, but it’s also surrounded by areas that are meant to be explored including summit hikes, hot springs and some historical features as well.
Time in Car:
2 hours 18 minutes
Where to Eat:
Buena Vista: Jailhouse Craft Beer Bar, Deerhammer Distilling, K’s Dairy Delight, House Rock, Eddyline Brewing
Salida: Amicas Pizza & Microbrewery, The Fritz, Laughing Ladies Restaurant, Elevation Brewery
Where to Sleep:
Buena Vista: Surf Chateau, Buffalo Peaks Lodge
Salida: Mountain Goat Lodge, Amigo Motor Lodge
What to Do:
Buena Vista: Cottonwood Lake, Cottonwood Hot Springs, Midland Railroad Tunnels, Hike Collegiate Peaks, Comanche Drive-in Theatre
Salida: Browns Canyon National Monument, Creative Art District, St. Elmo’s Ghost Town
2017 Summer Events:
Collegiate Peak Stampede Rodeo June 10 & 11 – Buena Vista
Gold Rush Days August 12 & 13 – Buena Vista
ATV Historical Color Tour September 19 – 23 – Buena Vista
FIBArk Whitewater Festival June 15 – 18 – Salida
21st Annual Colorado Brewers Rendezvous July 8 – Salida
Side Trips:
Hancock Ghost Town
Paradise Cove Swimming Hole
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Leg 3: Salida to the Great Sand Dunes
The next leg of the trip will end in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The car ride is short, so whether you sleep in during your stay in Salida or you have an early start to the day, plan to spend the majority of your day — and night — in the park. The Sand Dunes show different aspects of nature; ranging from sand to creeks to tundra wildlife. The park is known for its varying dune formations like the Star Dune, in addition to the wetlands and lakes in the backcountry; home to lots of trout for those wanting to fish. There’s plenty to do (make sure to bring a sled) and plenty to see.
Time in Car:
1 hour 33 minutes
Where to Eat:
Sand Dunes: Oasis Restaurant, Mosca Pass Outpost, Oasis Store (for groceries)
Where to Sleep:
Sand Dunes: Great Sand Dune Lodge, Pinon Flats Campground, Great Sand Dunes Oasis campground
What to Do:
Sand Dunes: Rent sand boards and sleds (snow sleds do NOT work), Medano Creek, High Dune Trail (follow these tips from fellow hikers), Baca Wildlife Refugee , Mosca Pass Trail, Tijeras Peak
Side Trips:
Zapata Falls (additional camping outside Sand Dunes park)
Alamosa
Leg 4: Sand Dunes to Durango (via Pagosa Springs)
This leg of the trip travels from the Sand Dunes to Durango via Wolf Creek Pass through Rio Grande National Forest. This is reason enough to stop and take a day — even the night — and explore everything the forest has to offer. The route will wind through Pagosa Springs — the small town in southern Colorado popular for its hot springs. The final stop in this leg is Durango; a city known for its rich history and culture.
Time in Car:
3 hours 18 minutes
Where to Eat:
Pagosa Springs: Kip’s Grill & Catina, Alley House Grille, Riff Raff Brewing Company
Durango: Ska Brewing, Nayarit Mexican Cuisine, Steamworks Brewing Co, Michel’s Corner Crepes, Eno Wine Bar
Where to Sleep:
Pagosa Springs: The Springs Resort & Spa, Fireside Cabins
Durango: Strater Hotel, The Leland House & Rochester Hotel
What to do:
Rio Grande National Forest: Wheeler Geological Area, Sangre De Cristo Wilderness, North Clear Creek
Silverton: Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
Pagosa Springs: Treasure Falls, Pagosa Hot Springs, San Juan River, Piedra Road Scenic Drive
Durango: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, La Plata Canyon, Horse Gulch Trail
2017 Summer Events:
Pagosa Folk ‘n Bluegrass June 9 – 11 – Pagosa Springs
Colorfest Weekend September 15 – Pagosa Springs
Rocky Mountain UkeFest July 7 – 9 – Durango
Music in the Mountains July 9 – 30 – Durango
San Juan Brewfest August 26 – Durango
Side Trips:
Chimney Rock National Monument
Navajo State Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Leg 5: Durango to Black Canyon National Park (via Ouray)
The way to get from Durango to Ouray is via the Million Dollar Highway. Part of the San Juan Skyway, this road sets the standard for “scenic views.” Speaking of scenic views, the San Juan Mountains offer no shortage of that and it’s worth a stop for the day to explore. Wind through the mountains to reach Ouray — the “Switzerland of America .” The town offers unforgettable hikes along its canyons and mountains and a few history lessons with its high country ghost towns. After a night (or two) in Ouray, head straight to Black Canyon National Park for some hiking and adventuring. While Telluride isn’t included in this trip, it is worth a side trip to. However, the pass from Ouray to Telluride is closed majority of the year so the drive will add an extra one hour and six minutes to the overall trip.
Time in Car:
3 hours
Where to Eat:
Ouray: Maggie’s Kitchen, Mouses Chocolate and Coffee, Bon Ton Restaurant
Montrose: Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewhouse
Where to Sleep:
Black Canyon National Park: Camping
Ouray: Beaumont Hotel & Spa, Hotel Ouray
What to Do:
San Juan National Forest: San Juan Scenic Byway, Mount Sneffels, Blue Lakes of Colorado
Ouray: Wright Opera House, Box Canyon Falls, Yankee Boy Basin, explore the Ghost Towns
Montrose: Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
Black Canyon National Park: Kayaking Emerald Cove, Painted Wall, any hiking, Stargazing (it’s a certified dark sky park)
2017 Events:
Jeep Jamboree September 14 – 16 – Ouray
Side Trip:
Telluride (it’s featured in our last roadtrip and it’s highly recommended. Go here for a full guide)
Handies Peak Wilderness Area
Leg 6: Black Canyon to Crested Butte (via Gunnison)
The route from the Black Canyon to Crested Butte drives right alongside the Gunnison National Forest and the Gunnison River; a perfect way to spend the day. The short drive will have you in the town of Crested Butte before dinner — and this is a town worth staying a few days.
Time in the Car:
2 hours 5 minutes
Where to Eat:
Crested Butte: Secret Stash, Teocalli Tomale, Third Bowl
Gunnison: The W Cafe, The Bean Coffee House
Where to Sleep:
Crested Butte: Purple Mountain B&B, Elk Mountain Lodge
What to do:
Gunnison: Blue Mesa Reservoir
Crested Butte: Rustler Gulch, Schofield Pass, Dyke Trail Through Kebler Pass
Gunnison National Forest: Judd Falls, Gunnison River
Events:
Crested Butte Music Festival June 23 – August 5 – Crested Butte
Leg 7: Crested Butte to Glenwood Springs
The drive to Glenwood Springs will explore some more forest and parks, including the historic city of Marble. The car ride may be done in one sitting, but Glenwood Springs will have you out of the car and stretching your legs in no time. Right about now would be a great time to enjoy the hot springs or have some fun at the adventure park.
Time in the Car:
3 hours 2 minutes
Where to Eat:
Glenwood Springs: The Pullman, Slope & Hatch, River’s Restaurant, Glenwood Canyon Brewery, Casey Blending & Brewing (must reserve a ticket), Daily Bread
Where to stay:
Glenwood Springs: Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge
What to Do:
Glenwood Springs: Glenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Doc Holiday Hike
2017 Events:
Strawberry Days Festival June 16 – 18 – Glenwood Springs
Wild West Fermentation Fest June 30 & July 1 – Glenwood Springs
Summer of Music June – August – Glenwood Springs
Side Trips:
Leg 8: Glenwood Springs to Aspen
While this leg may be the shortest one of the trip, there are plenty of stops along the way that may make it longer. Towns such as Basalt and Snowmass, with side trips to Ashcroft and Sawatch Range, will extend the day trip to Aspen. And once in Aspen, the places to see and things to do are endless.
Time in the Car:
54 minutes
Where to Eat:
Aspen: Big Wrap, Peach’s Corner Cafe, Annette’s Mountain Bake Shop, Aspen Brewing Company, Ajax Tavern, Justice Snow’s
Basalt: Two Rivers Cafe
Where to Stay:
Aspen: The Little Nell, Hotel Aspen, Hotel Durant
What to Do:
Aspen: Maroon Bells, Snowmass Lake, Devil’s Punchbowl, Smuggler Mountain Hiking Trail, Wheeler Opera House, Silver Queen Gondola, Magic Mushroom House, Aspen Art Musuem
2017 Summer Events:
Aspen Outdoor Music June – Aspen
Food and Wine Classic June 16 – 18 – Aspen
Arts Festival July 22 & 23 – Aspen
Heritage Fire Snowmass June 17 – Snowmass
Side Trips:
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Sawatch Range
Ruedi Reservoir
Rifle Falls State Park
Conundrum Hot Springs
Leg 9: Aspen to Estes Park (via Rocky Mountain National Park)
This is the final push before the home stretch — and it’s making you work for it. With the longest amount of time spent in the car, it’s not only encouraged but recommended to and enjoy the views along the way. Via Independence Pass, the towns of Leadville, Copper, Silverthorne, Frisco, Granby (to name a few) will be stops along the way. In addition, Rocky Mountain National Park is worth spending a few days exploring the famous lakes and hikes.
Time spent in car:
5 hours 34 minutes
Where to Eat:
Silverthorne: Smiling Moose Deli, Pug Ryan’s (techinically in Dillon)
Frisco: Food Hedz World Cafe, The Moosejaw
Estes Park: Smokin Daves BBQ, Babba’s Burgers, Penelope’s World Famous Burgers and Fries, Scratch Deli & Bakery
Where to Sleep:
Rocky Mountain National Park: Camping
Leadville: Delaware Hotel
What to Do:
Frisco: Lake Dillon Reservoir
Leadville: Twin Lakes, National Mining Hall of Fame, Turquoise Lake, Abandoned Silver Mines
Grand Lake: Adam Falls Hike
Silverthorne: Lily Pad Lake Hiking
Rocky Mountain National Park: Moraine Park, Longs Peak, Emerald Lake, Sky Pond, Odessa Lake, Nymph Lake, Alberta Falls (among the countless others)
Side Trip:
Arapaho National Forest (hike Lost Lake Trail)
Great Stupa of Dharmakaya
Final Stretch: Estes Park to Denver (via Eldorado Springs)
The last and final home stretch will go straight through Estes Park to Eldorado Springs. After the previous long stretch, make sure to enjoy all that Estes Park has to offer before finally heading home. Stop by Eldorado to take full advantage of their hot springs and treat your body to some natural springs after this long journey in the car.
Time in the Car:
1 hour 47 minutes
Where to Sleep:
Estes Park: Stanley Hotel, Murphy’s River Lodge, Anniversary Inn
Where to Eat:
Estes Park: Meadow Mountain Cafe, Estes Park Brewery, Twin Owls Steakhouse
What to do:
Estes Park: Elkhorn Avenue
Eldorado Springs: Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool
—
Colorado is a big state with something to do at every turn, so while we did our best to fill in as much as possible, we undoubtedly left some things out. We’re going to continue to build the road trip each year so comment below and let us know what to include next time. This is truly one of the ultimate Colorado road trips and we hope you get out there and explore it this summer. Safe travels and happy exploring.
Make sure to tag us in any pictures you take along the way and comment with any new places you explored along the way!
Additional reporting by Brittany Werges
It would be great if you included rv campgrounds in places to stay….great post thank you.
Wow, that seems like an amazing trip! I am wondering how long would you take to do it? We would be coming from Rochester, NY so probably don’t have enough time to do it justice (3 weeks maybe a few days more). If you had to trim off one of the legs which would it be? Thank you.
Our total trip time, just driving, is 24 hours! So you could do it within week with stops. As for what to cut, if you did it in reverse you’d hit all of the highlights first and then you could drive through the end portion without stopping. Colorado Springs and Manitou are great but are pretty easy to get to from Denver if you return for another trip. Good luck and have fun!
All these advices are so helpful .my husband and I and our 2 kids ( 8 & 11 years old ) are planning to do a trip as highlighted by the author . How long would you need to make the loop. We have 9 days. Could you please send me any other tips as far as places to stay strategically since we have from the 18th thru 26th of August . Any additional help/ tips/ advise is super greatly appreciated .
How long were your hotel stays in each city?
We didn’t include hotel stays – just drive time as we assume hotel stays will be unique to each person since some people will want to stay longer at certain stops.
Hey Katie, just wanted to say thanks for helping me plan our vacation. We did a similar itinerary but in reverse and loved all the recommendations you made. Surf Chateau was a pleasant surprise at the end of our excursion. Thank you.
Thank you so much! Friend and I are doing a brewery tour but a lot of sights overlap and just having a circuit laid out and building from there helps so much!
Appreciate your time and work!
Hi! Great post so much information and so much to do thank you for writing this! My only question is about Black Canyon National Park: Kayaking Emerald Cove.. is this in Colorado? I’ve been trying to research it and Arizona keeps popping up, it looks so gorgeous, hopefully its in CO will definitly be adding it to the list during my roadtrip!
Yes! Black Canyon is in Colorado. Emerald Cove might take you a bit further out though. Here is a link to more info on Black Canyon https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/index.htm
Great thank you for that information!! From that it seems like black canyon is in Colorado and you can most definitely kayak on the river, but if you want to actually kayak in emerald cove its in Arizona? Definitely putting on the list for when I hit Arizona, if its in Colorado and I miss read it let me know so I can add it to my Colorado list!!
Thank you again, love all the articles!
Planning a 10/12 day road trip flying into Denver and will be renting a car.
Will have 10 days in a kuku camper 9/30 to 10/10. Enjoy camping in National parks and state parks. Any suggestions. Like to hike and view nature
Starting in Denver and returning to Denver
Check out this guide for great detours https://303magazine.com/2019/06/colorado-road-trip-scenic-byways/
And these hike guides https://303magazine.com/2017/08/best-hidden-hikes-rocky-mountain-national-park/
https://303magazine.com/2019/08/challenging-hikes-colorado/
https://303magazine.com/2016/05/top-101-hikes-colorado-2016/
Hello, this blog is very helpful information is a great colorado road trip. Thank you for share this blog
Great trip – I’ve done all this, and all are worthwhile! Love living in CO!