Colorado Road Trip Itinerary: The Ultimate One-Week Adventure

A Week to Live Large in Colorado

Colorado has been a top travel destination in the US for a reason. There are so many incredible excursions, towns, and views across the large state and it’s difficult to decide on what to do with limited time.

For this Colorado road trip itinerary the ultimate one-week adventure, it is a full-on loop through the state’s wildest corners. Starting with Denver’s electric vibe before climbing into Rocky Mountain National Park’s jagged peaks, you’ll raft rivers and experience Pikes Peak’s lofty heights. 

Narrowing down everything Colorado has to offer to just seven days? Torture. I’ve spent years exploring the breathtaking state hiking, road tripping, and taking in the wonder. It’s hard to boil it down to just one week and it still gutted me to leave out places like Leadville, Vail, or Mesa Verde’s ancient cliffs.

But don’t worry I’ll create a second itinerary to tackle the Million Dollar Highway’s hairpin turns and everywhere else I had to leave out. I do already have articles on some of the places if you’re interested in learning more. For now, this plan’s got hikes, chills, and Colorado thrills. So haul out your hiking boots and let’s get started!

Before You Hit the Gas: Planning Your Colorado Road Trip

Denver’s your starting point for a week of fun if you’re flying into DIA or if you’re driving from elsewhere. This road trip around Colorado is roughly a 900-mile loop and it traces a path from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, before swinging west to Breckenridge and Aspen. From there, you’ll drop south to Salida and Royal Gorge then curving east to Pikes Peak before circling back to Denver.

I’ve tweaked the itinerary for flow but it’s built to match your vibe. You can skip places when you need it or slow down wherever catches your eye. Packing depends on whether you plan on camping, staying in hotels, or a mix of both. Regardless, toss in some sturdy hiking boots, and layers because the mountains flip from sunny to moody in a heartbeat. A reusable water bottle is a must to avoid altitude sickness, and of course: don’t forget the road trip snacks!

Timing-wise, this itinerary works best for the summer so aim for between June to August when trails are wide open and rivers are raging. September to October in the fall also will work for cooler days and scenery that’s popping with color, but you might not want to go white water rafting that time of year. Independence Pass should be open summer and early fall. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Your 7 Day Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Denver – City Kickoff

You land in Denver, and it’s go time. First stop: Denver Biscuit Co. Their biscuit sandwiches piled high with fried chicken or gravy are delicious fuel for the day ahead. Alternatively you can go to Sam’s No. 3 Denver’s best diner or the first Chipotle location if you’re craving burritos. After that, wander over to RiNo, the River North Art District, where murals splash across brick walls and Crema Coffee House pours a mean latte to wake you up. It’s a chill way to ease into the trip.

As the afternoon rolls around, you’ve got options. The Denver Botanic Gardens is a lush escape if you enjoy sprawling greenery or swing by the Denver Art Museum.

Come evening, treat yourself to dinner at Tavernetta for Italian dishes with a Colorado twist that feel like a warm hug. Then cap it with a beer at Falling Rock Tap House, a laid-back spot with taps and ambiance for days. For an unique stay, try The Crawford in Union Station for a sleek central hotel.

Day 2: Denver to Red Rocks and Rocky Mountain National Park (1.5-hour drive, ~70 miles)

Morning Day 2 kicks off with a short drive west on I-70 to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Hike the 1.4 mile Trading Post Trail as you weave between massive red slabs that feel ancient and alive. It’s quick, gorgeous, and gets your blood pumping for the rest of the day. I used to climb the steps of Red Rocks for Cross Country and it’s cool to see all of the other people using the area to be active and exercise.

Back in the car, head north on I-25 then CO-36 toward Estes Park and stop at Kind Coffee for some organic coffee and a pastry. Estes Park is right next to Rocky Mountain National Park and you can easily spend days in the park. Once there, try Bear Lake for a short trail that leads to a glassy lake framed by peaks. It’s so lovely it will make you forget the world below.

For dinner and accommodations, stay in Estes Park. You can find a lot of restaurants or try Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ for ribs or brisket that melt in your mouth. If you’re brave and looking for a bit of a spooky time, The Stanley Hotel from The Shining is eerie, historic, and yes you can stay there.

Day 3: Estes Park – Another Day in Rocky Mountain

To get the most out of the area around Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, I suggest staying there for a second day. It will be so worth it! Start the day with a mini road trip up Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the United States. Then lace up your hiking boots for Emerald Lake, a 3-mile round-trip hike to an alpine stunner that’s worth every step.

In the afternoon, go horseback riding or hike Alberta Falls, a 1.6-mile round-trip to a waterfall that’s just enough to feel accomplished without wiping you out. Grab a sandwich at Scratch Deli back in Estes Park or try dinner at The Rock Inn, where live music might surprise you.

Day 4: Estes Park to Breckenridge (2-hour drive, ~100 miles)

For day 4, you’ll be venturing deeper into the mountains. Drive south on CO-7 then I-70 through Boulder (Boxcar Coffee’s a quick pit stop if you’re peckish) and land in Breckenridge. This ski town is also a during the summer.

Afternoon in Breckenridge is up to you. Hike McCullough Gulch (2.8 miles) for waterfalls and meadows that feel like a postcard, or wander Main Street and pop into Breck Distillery for a sip of something smooth, and try dinner at Hearthstone. Breck’s that ideal midway point—high-country chill with a pulse, easing you west toward bigger adventures.

Day 5: Breckenridge to Aspen and Maroon Bells (2-hour drive, ~100 miles)

Prepare for a special treat: take CO-9 then CO-82 west over Independence Pass. The pass is a twisty, 12,000-foot climb over the Continental Divide chalked full of vistas that will make you pull over just to stare. On the other side of the pass is Aspen and the Maroon Bells.

The Maroon Lake Scenic Loop is a breezy 1-mile stroll which gives you spectacular views of the famous twin peaks and a mirror-flat lake. It is the most photographed place in the state and it screams Colorado at its finest. Up for more? Hike the 3.6 mile trail around Crater Lake. In the evening, head back to Aspen to White House Tavern for sandwiches in a snug cozy meal. Stay at The Limelight for a comfy and cozy hotel or camp near Maroon Bells if you’re craving the wild.

Day 6: Aspen to Salida via Noah’s White Water Rafting (2.5-hour drive, ~130 miles)

Head south on CO-82 then US-24 to Buena Vista and book a half-day with Noah’s Ark White Water Rafting on the Arkansas River. Browns Canyon’s rapids are exhilarating. It’s wet, wild, and so worth it. I love Noah’s Adventure and they do an incredible job in helping first timer rafters feel comfortable and have fun. They also have an epic ropes course you can add to your day.

After rafting, head into Salida, a river town with an artsy streak. Stroll downtown and snag a snack at The Biker’s Cup or tube the Arkansas if you’re still water-obsessed. Have dinner at Amicas for pizza and local brews before spending the night at Salida Inn or campgrounds.

Day 7: Salida to Denver via Royal Gorge and Pikes Peak (3.5-hour drive, ~200 miles)

Last day’s a big one. Drive US-50 to Cañon City and Royal Gorge Bridge & Park to walk the highest suspension bridge in the U.S., swaying over a canyon 955 feet below. You can also zipline across if you’re feeling bold.

Then head to Manitou Springs via US-50 and CO-115 and ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway (book it early in advance) for a 3-hour ride up to 14,115 feet above sea level. The summit is wild, windy, and vast. Drive I-25 back to Denver (1.5 hours). Alternatively, skip Pikes and linger at Royal Gorge for more time to explore or just soak it in before continuing straight to Denver.

Either way, toast the week with a beer at Denver Beer Co. and crash at a hotel near the airport if you’re flying out.

Road Trip Tips

Driving is half the fun, but heads-up: Independence Pass is slow and windy so take your time and don’t feel rushed by other drivers. Fill up on gas in towns like Salida between long stretches of road. Pikes Peak to Denver is quick on I-25 but if you don’t plan around rush hour it will get you.

Starting each day early is a good idea, especially for a chance to see Rocky Mountain National Park and Maroon Bells at sunrise. Afternoons work for drives or kicking back.

Deciding where to stay each night based on your preferences. From camping, glamping or unique hotels like Denver’s Crawford or Aspen’s Limelight, cabins in Estes add rustic flavor, and camping in Salida’s pure freedom. Book early; summer fills fast. Oh and Bierstadt’s 14er? It’s 7 miles and will take you most of the day to hike, so swap it for Maroon Bells on Day 5 if you’re set on a summit hike.

If you’re looking for beginner friendly 14ers to hike, consider Bierstadt or the other mountains I mention here.

Ready to Road Trip Across Colorado?

A one week Colorado road trip travel itinerary is a whirlwind. With Denver’s vibes, Breckenridge’s cozy charm, and the Maroon Bells’ jaw-dropping glow, you’ll be busy. 

With each mile you’ll fall in love with the gorgeous state as I have, and you’ll never want to leave. So which stop is calling to you the loudest? Maroon Bells? White water rafting? Drop it in the comments—or tell me how you’d tweak the itinerary. Happy Travels!

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