Planning a road trip in Colorado? Check out these ten mountain town stops for the ultimate road trip through the Centennial State. This road trip guide will help you plan the ultimate adventure, featuring beautiful destinations such as Garden of the Gods, the Grand Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Editor’s Note : Always double-check COVID-19 restrictions before you go. State and local counties may have some restrictions in place, including park reservations, capacity limits, and mask policies. Be respectful of local rules and strongly consider skipping the areas where the COVID-19 risk is high. Click here to find a current county-to-county breakdown .
1. Start your journey in Colorado SpringsThis mountain “city” is a great place to start your mountain town road trip experience.If adventure is what you’re after, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Colorado Springs – home to premier destinations such as Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Adventure-goers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities here, including hiking, trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, photography, and more. Photo Credit: Sean Pavone (iStock). (Sean Pavone) Looking for a relaxing start to your day? Grab a coffee at Cafe Julie’s and stroll through The Broadmoor, one of the nation’s most prestigious resorts. Photo Courtesy of The Broadmoor. 2. Hike the incline in Manitou SpringsJust down the road from Colorado Springs, you’ll find plenty to do and see in the quirky little town of Manitou Springs. Climb 2,768 steps up the Manitou Incline, hike Barr Trail to reach the breathtaking summit of Pikes Peak, go spring water tasting, or better yet, tap into the local craft beer scene at the Manitou Brewing Company. You can also swing by SunWater Spa for a relaxing and scenic soak in mineral-filled waters. Photo Credit: Katie Rae Bode. Be prepared for a steep and strenuous climb on the Manitou Incline. The trail gains 2,000 feet of elevation in less than one mile, with grades as steep as 68%. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 3. Fill your heart with adventure in Buena VistaTake in the local mountain town vibes in Buena Vista, Colorado. Nestled along the Arkansas River, this charming destination is ideal for those who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, trail running, fly-fishing, and kayaking. Grab some grub downtown after a lengthy hike. Photo Credit: chapin31 (iStock). (chapin31) You’ll also find several hot springs nearby Buena Vista including Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa and Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Photo Courtesy of Mount Princeton Hot Springs. 4. Next stop, The Great Sand Dunes National Park & PreserveHave yourself a sandy adventure at the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. To get the full experience at this sandy mountain oasis, climb to the top of the tallest dune at Star Dune and then sled down for an immediate rush of adrenaline. Or, climb the less remote and nearly as tall ‘High Dune’ for a less strenuous experience. If you’d like to check out a nearby mountain town, Alamosa is a great one. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). 5. Add Durango to your itinerary Durango is a hub for outdoorsy folks. Venture off the beaten path and soak in the beauty of nature at some of the best hiking trails the Centennial State has to offer including Ice Lakes, Engineer Mountain, and The Colorado Trail. Photo Credit: Branson Reynolds (iStock). (Branson Reynolds) You’ll be sure to satisfy your wanderlust in this picturesque town nestled in the San Juan Mountains at 6,512 feet. Photo Credit: RichardSeeley (iStock). 6. Spend the day exploring TellurideIf you’re seeking adventure, you’ll find a wide range of it in Telluride – one of the most colorful mountain towns in Colorado. Discover stunning sights and attractions here, including Last Dollar Road, Bear Creek Falls, Black Bear Pass, and Town Park. Photo Credit: danicachang (iStock). There’s also a Via Ferrata for adrenaline lovers that are brave enough to traverse the rocky cliffside high above the town. Photo Courtesy of Sophie Goodman. 7. Enjoy non-stop adventures in OurayNo matter what time of the year you decide to visit, there is no limit to adventure in Ouray. The possibilities are seemingly endless – from ice climbing at Ouray Ice Park to 14er climbing at Mount Sneffels to off-roading expeditions at Imogene Pass Road. This is one town that keeps going year-round. Photo Credit: AndrewSoundarajan (iStock). (AndrewSoundarajan) 8. Find awe in Crested ButteHead North on US-550 to get to the mountain town of Crested Butte. This postcard-perfect town will surely take your breath away. Fall visitors can drive up Kebler Pass for a spectacular display of autumn colors. For summer travelers, enjoy wildflower treks, alpine lake hikes, and stunning mountain vistas. Skiing is another great way to enjoy spending time in the mountains of Crested Butte. Photo Credit: AmberMae (iStock). (AmberMae) 9. Discover natural wonder in AspenFuel your wanderlust at some of the most beautiful destinations around Aspen. Explore the stunning Maroon Bells, soak in the Conundrum Hot Springs at 11,200 feet, and take a scenic drive over Independence Pass. Photo Credit: Stacie Scott, The Gazette MapOver the course of this road trip, you’ll travel nearly 1,000 miles across the beautiful state of Colorado. Estimated travel time on the road ranges anywhere from 20 to 25 hours. Here’s a look at the full road trip, which is basically a loop with an extra two hours of driving through Denver and then to Colorado Springs. Media Credit: © 2021 Google Maps (Screenshot) There are also four ski areas in town, including Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Photo Credit: Aspen Skiing Company. 10. Escape off the beaten path in Rocky Mountain National ParkHit the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for an unforgettable adventure. Wildflowers, snow-capped peaks, reflective alpine waters, and an abundance of wildlife are all part of the “Rocky Mountain” experience. Photo Credit: welcomia (iStock). Top hiking trails to explore within the park include the following scenic wonders: Emerald Lake, Bear Lake, Dream Lake, Chasm Lake, Hallett Peak, Longs Peak, and Sky Pond. Photo Credit: Rocky Mountain National Park. BonusGet a taste of urban adventure in the Mile High City of Denver. End your travels by exploring gourmet city restaurants, craft breweries, and a unique blend of coffee shops and boutiques. Beyond the city, you’ll find several hiking trails nearby including St. Mary’s Glacier and Devil’s Head Fire Lookout. (pascaluehli) If you’re feeling extra adventurous, consider bagging a double pair of nearby Colorado 14ers – Grays and Torreys Peak. Note that this activity is very dangerous and can be deadly. Here’s one spot to start your research. Photo Credit: eschuette1. This image shows a portion of the ‘Downstream’ route of the Ouray Via Ferrata system. Photo Courtesy of Friends of Ouray Via Ferrata.
