7-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary: The Best Around Denver
Colorado has so much to offer. There are four national parks, but they aren’t necessarily close to one another. With so many incredible outdoor options in Colorado, how do you decide what to do? This 7-day Colorado road trip itinerary takes you to the best around Denver. Even on a road trip, I don’t want to spend my time driving from place to place. So, this itinerary is outdoor-focused and allows you to spend time in each place you visit.
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7-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary; The Overview
Day 1- land in Denver; Drive to Boulder
Day 2- Explore Boulder and the Flatirons; optional extra time in Rocky Mountain
Day 3- Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 4- Drive to Colorado Springs
Day 5- Colorado Springs; Garden of the Gods & Pike’s Peak
Day 6- Day trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Day 7- Return to Denver
Day 1 – Land in Denver- Drive to Boulder
When you land in Denver, grab your rental car and head out of the city.
Don’t get me wrong, Denver is great! Some of my favorite restaurants and shops from any of my trips are in Denver; there is a list of places I return to each time I get to visit.
But, there are incredible natural sights outside the capital city. That’s where we’re going to spend our time with this itinerary.
Depending on when you land, drive through Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. This park is open from sunrise until sunset. There are miles of easy hiking trails if you want some movement after your trip. Or, there is an 11-mile drive through the park. Check out the visitor center too.
Stanley Marketplace is another fun place to spend time; especially if the weather isn’t great for the wildlife refuge. There are some great local shops and snacks here.
Then, head out to Boulder. As great as Denver, staying in Boulder puts you closer to where you’ll spend time.
Day 2 – Boulder and the Flatirons
On your second day enjoy Boulder! This is choose your own adventure kind of day but be sure to get out and see the Flatirons! You can also spend time in Eldorado Canyon or head into Rocky Mountain National Park if you’d like more than one day there.
The Flatirons
Start your day in the Flatirons. These rock formations are an icon of Boulder. The red stand stone slants up in the most beautiful way.
There are a couple of ways to experience the Flatirons. First, spend some time hiking around!
The area is busy and even though there is a lot of parking at most trailheads you may still find yourself waiting for a spot. Get there early or be patient.
Parking at the trailheads is $5. You can buy your parking permit online before you visit but that doesn’t guarantee an open spot for you; it just means that you don’t have to deal with paying for parking after you’re there. Since a spot isn’t guaranteed, I’d recommend just paying when you arrive since you don’t know how your plans may change.
Flatirons Visit Loop
This loop trail is 3.5 miles long and has about 250 ft. of elevation gain. You don’t get right up to the Flatirons since that would require more elevation gain. But, you do get some good views of the Flatirons. Since there isn’t much elevation gain this trail usually takes a bit over an hour.
The trail is mostly gravel so hiking boots aren’t a bad idea for some extra ankle support. You may see mountain bikers as you’re hiking.
First and Second Flatiron
To get right up on the Flatirons this is your trail. It’s a 2.5-mile trail with 1,450 ft of elevation gain. So, it’s a tough one. This hike puts you right up by the Flatirons so you can see them a bit more clearly.
Park at the Chautauqua Trailhead. It’s a popular trail for hiking and rock climbing.
In busy seasons the parking lot can fill up by 8:30 a.m.
Royal Arch Trail
The Royal Arch trail also starts from the Chautauqua Trailhead. It’s another hard one at 3.4 miles with 1,470 ft of elevation gain.
The trail boasts great views of the Flatirons and the valley next to them. The trail is steep and there are some stairs at the top before you get to the arch.
Part of the trail can feel like scrambling over rocks and roots. Hiking boots can help you feel more stable.
Rock Climbing the Flatirons
The Flatirons are some of the most popular climbs in the area. Actually, they’re just really popular with the climbing community in general.
So, even if you don’t climb the Flatirons be on the lookout for climbers on them when you’re visiting.
If you aren’t an experienced climber but still want to climb one of the Flatirons hire a guide. Even with a guide, it’s still a good idea to visit a local climbing gym a few times before your trip so you have some idea what you’re getting into.
Climbing the 1,000-foot face is incredible. The views and sense of accomplishment at the top are unbeatable. But, it’s pretty high so make sure you’re ready to handle it!
Visit Downtown Boulder
Boulder downtown is a beautiful place to explore for food and shopping. If you’re a shopper check out the PrAna store; it’s a favorite brand of mine with only a few brick-and-mortar stores.
The downtown area has a fun vibe. You can spend several hours wandering into shops and eating at some of the restaurants.
Eldorado Canyon
Eldorado Canyon State Park is 20 minutes south of Boulder and it’s beautiful!
You’ll need a timed entry permit on the weekends or holidays from May until September.
Eldorado Canyon is close to Boulder but the rock formations in and around the canyon are so different. Enjoy a snack along the river or go on a hike.
The Fowler Trail is an easier option. It’s a 4-mile trail with 400 ft of elevation gain. The trail is great if you want some easy with great views.
There are of course harder options as well if you’d like. Rock climbing is an option in Eldorado Canyon too. But, if you pick one place to climb it should be the Flatirons.
My Essentials for National Park Trips
Great Hiking Shoes. I love Chacos sandals AND my Timberland boots. I really hate hiking boots so it’s high praise for these Timberlands! Chacos pro tip- don’t be tempted by the 3-string option. They are impossible to adjust.
Thick, comfortable socks to keep my boots from rubbing my feet. As a bonus, I can wear them with my Chacos like a total dork for that weird “not quite warm enough” weather.
My Osprey Day Pack. I’ve had it for years. I have no intention of ever getting another day pack.
Binoculars are a must. Every time I forget them I regret it.
My Nikon Z5 is my go-to camera. I love the 70-200mm lens for photographing wildlife.
My Eddie Bauer Rain Foil Jacket is the best rain jacket.
Day 3- Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the must-visit places near Denver. The park is an hour from Boulder. It has to be on a 7 Day Colorado road trip itinerary.
You’ll also need a timed entry permit to enter the park for most of the year. The reservations open up about 30 days out and a smaller group is released the day before. Visiting Rocky Mountain will require you to plan ahead but it will be worth it. Use their website or their app to make your reservation. I find the app is easier to use.
If you don’t have a National Parks annual pass you’ll need to park entrance in addition to your entry reservation. You can buy them online or when you get to the park; I just find having it before makes the day less stressful.
Park Access vs. Park Access +
To make things more confusing there are two different reservations you can make for the park. The first is the park access and the second is the park access+.
Park Access+ gives you entry to the Bear Lake area of the park. This area is full of wildlife and some of the best hikes in the park. It’s also quite small and can be busy. Hence, the special entry for this area.
If you can get this pass you should; this part of the park is exceptional.
But, if you miss out you’ll still have an incredible trip with the park access pass which allows you to go everywhere else in the park.
What to see in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Moutain National Park is such an amazing place that it deserves its own post for planning a day there. Lucky for us both, I’ve already got one of those. But, here are the highlights.
No matter which pass you have for the park you’re going to want to check out Trail Ridge Road. This road cuts through the park and is the highest paved road in the US.
It can snow until late May and the road can be closed sporadically at the beginning of summer or late in the fall (it’s always closed to through traffic from late fall until spring). Check the weather and the road status before you go if you’re not visiting in the peak of summer.
As far as stops along Trail Ridge Road, there are several great ones.
Rainbow Curve, the Alpine Visitor Center, and Milner Pass are some of my favorites.
For hikes along Trail Ridge Road look at the Alpine Ridge and Tundra Communities trails. They’re both at altitude but are considered easy hikes. Hiking in the alpine tundra is special.
Bear Lake has my favorite hikes in the park! If you do get access to this area of the park be sure to do some hiking! The Emerald Lake Trail is great and so is the Bear Lake Trail.
Eating in Rocky Mountain National Park
As long as the road is open, you can drive straight through the park on Trail Ridge Road. From Boulder, you’ll start in Estes Park and drive toward Grand Lake.
The town of Grand Lake feels like you’re stepping onto the set of an old Western movie. It’s really cute.
There are also some restaurants here for lunch. Try to make it to Grand Lake for a late lunch. Otherwise, pack snacks and a picnic lunch and stop when you’re in the park.
Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver can easily make this day a long one. It’s worth it.
Day 4- Drive from Boulder to Colorado Springs
While this whole day is dedicated to driving from Boulder to Colorado Springs.
The drive is 2 hours. You won’t need the whole day so you can squeeze in a few more activities if you’d like.
But, after a very long day in Rocky Mountain, it’s important to know that you may need a less hectic day.
So, today, sleep in. Spend some time in Eldorado Canyon or the Flatirons if you missed out on some hiking.
Or, stop in Denver on your way down to Colorado Springs.
Denver is a massive city with plenty to do. Visit any of the museums or the zoo. Wander through the botanical gardens. Or, head downtown to walk around and eat. The Denver Central Market is a great spot downtown.
Gluten-Free? Rivers and Roads Coffee is a favorite of mine!
No matter how you choose to spend your day you’ll want to get to Colorado Springs in time for dinner.
Day 5- Explore Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is home to the US Airforce Academy so you may see some planes in the air. Those are likely students in flight training. You’ll definitely hear the sounds of airplanes during your visit.
There are several things to do in Colorado Springs but two that should be at the top of your list. The Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak are must dos for a 7 Day Colorado road trip itinerary.
Visit The Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is special because it used to be private land. The previous owners donated it to be used by the public for free. There are stipulations on the use of the land to try to keep it as natural and accessible as possible.
And, it’s spectacular. The website for the Garden of the Gods provides a lot of good information if you’re looking to learn more about the history of the park.
You can explore Garden of the Gods by hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, a jeep tour, or rock climbing.
I picked hiking and climbing but you may pick something else (and I’d love to hear about it).
Hiking Garden of the Gods
Hiking is the most common way to see the park. There are several short trails so you can see as much of the park as you’d like. It can get warm in the park so plan your day according and be sure to bring plenty of water with you.
Two good hikes to get you started :
- Ridge Trail – .5 Mile Loop with less than 100 ft of elevation gain
- Central Garden Trail- 1.5-mile round trip path. Less than 30 ft of elevation gain. This hike is right in the middle of the rock formations.
Adventuring in The Garden of the Gods
There is more to do in Garden of the Gods than hiking.
For starters, the area boasts some pretty impressive rock climbing. The climbing here can be very nice because there are lots of options that don’t have long, difficult approaches. If you don’t climb regularly Garden of the Gods is a great place to give it a try. Hire a guide and enjoy the adventure!
Other tour options include bike, segway, and jeep tours.
Plus, check the website and you could attend a yoga class in the park!
Visit Pike’s Peak
Pike’s Peak is one of the “14er” mountains Colorado is known for. A 14er is a mountain that is 14,000 feet tall or taller.
What makes Pike’s Peak special is that you can drive the summit! It’s known as America’s Mountain. On very clear days you can see 5 states from the summit!
The summit of Pike’s Peak is open daily as long as the weather permits; it is a tall mountain so the snow can be an issue. There is a visitor center at the summit and you can spend time walking around the peak taking in the views.
To visit Pike’s Peak purchase a reservation ticket in advance. The drive down is hard on the brakes. Mind the brake check stations and use a lower gear when instructed.
The summit is cooler than the base and quite windy. Pack layers so you don’t get chilly.
There are also bike tours that allow you to ride a bike down the mountain if you’re interested. It seemed pretty intense to me but it also looked incredible!
Day 6- Day Trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is 2 hours from Colorado Springs. The drive is easy and the national park is worth a day trip on this 7 day road trip itinerary through Colorado.
Great Sand Dunes is nothing like you’d expect. There are mountains in the background as you stare into a sea of sand dunes. The wind and mountains create a perfect storm for the sand to form and gather here.
Hike the Sand Dunes
Hiking the sand dunes is a great way to explore. But, there are no set trails, and hiking around in sand can be exhausting.
Additionally, the sand and sun get far too hot to hike in the summer unless you arrive quite early. So, travel in the fall or spring if you plan to hike around the sand dunes on a day trip.
The most popular trail is to hike out to the summit of High Dune. It’s not the tallest sand dune but it does appear that way from the visitor center. If this is the hike you choose you won’t be the only one. Follow the other hikers as you weave along the ridges to reach High Dune.
Plan for 4 hours; bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Go Sandboarding or Sand Sledding
The most unique thing to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park is to go sandboarding or sand sledding.
It’s kind of like doing the same things in snow but there is something fun about sledding down a sand dune!
Stop at Oasis just outside of the park to rent your board. You’ll get a board and some wax. Be sure to wax your board before sliding down the dunes.
Sand sledding is fun but you’ll be worn out after a couple of hours. Walking back up the dune is a real chore!
Day 7- Return to Denver
This 7 day Colorado road trip itinerary starts and ends in Denver. So, on this final day make the drive back to Denver.
You can stop at Garden of the Gods again or check out any of the Denver things you bypassed earlier.
When to Visit Denver & Colorado Springs
Colorado is beautiful in so many seasons!
For this itinerary, you’ll have the best time in late spring through early fall. In winter, you can still see and enjoy the parks but the trip will be a different experience due to the snow.
Early fall is almost perfect because Rocky Mountain should still be fully open but the heat at Great Sand Dunes will have subsided.
Where to Sleep
Boulder
It makes sense to stay in Boulder for the first part of the trip. You’ll have easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park as well as everything that Boulder has to offer.
I always love a Hampton Inn and the one in Boulder was no different. Boulder is easy enough to get around so the location in the city wasn’t a big deal.
To find a kitchen in Boulder you can look for the Homewood Suites or stay in an Airbnb.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is your best bet as a base for the second part of this trip.
Again, a Hampton is a good choice.
Consider the Home2Suites if you’re looking for a kitchen option. They’re my go-to when I need a kitchen.
Enjoy this 7-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful natural sites in the US. It’s possible to see 2 national parks explore Boulder, and tour Garden of the Gods in one week.
This is a dream trip if you enjoy spending time outside.
