If you want to spend 5 days in Colorado, you are in the right place!

Colorado is one of the most diverse states, with 14,000-foot snow-capped mountains, sand dunes, canyons, red rocks, and four unique national parks. And I promise, the views are stunning and will leave you in awe!

Although you could spend months, if not years, exploring everything Colorado offers, you can explore a few beautiful spots in a week. We spent a week exploring some bucket list places in Colorado, and it was amazing! We hiked to alpine lakes, walked on dunes, and explored some of the best scenic drives in the state.

If you want to plan an incredible 5-day Colorado road trip, you are in the right place! I created this guide to include everything you need to know about spending a week exploring some of the best places in the state.

Get your cameras and hiking boots ready for an incredible trip!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, my blog may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

What You Need to Know Before Spending 5 Days in Colorado

Get acclimated to the elevation. If you are not used to high elevation (like us), you may get altitude sickness in Colorado. I recommend starting at a lower elevation for the first few days before slowly traveling to higher elevations. That is what we did, and it helped so much since we are not used to the elevation!
Get your timed entry permits for Rocky Mountain National Park in advance. Rocky Mountain National Park has a timed entry permit system for summer and fall, and I highly recommend reserving yours as soon as they are released, especially if you want to hike in the Bear Lake Corridor. The Bear Lake Corridor time slots in the summer fill up the same day they are released because it is one of the most popular areas. If you do not have a timed entry slot, you can enter Bear Lake Corridor before 5 am or after 6 pm and enter the other sections of Rocky Mountain National Park before 9 am or after 2 pm.
Start your days early. In the summer, Colorado has afternoon thunderstorms, and during our week there, we saw a storm each day. I recommend starting your day early to avoid hiking in the afternoon and, potentially, getting caught in a thunderstorm. Starting earlier also allows you to enjoy the trip with fewer crowds, which is nice, especially in places like Rocky Mountain National Park.
Pack layers. Colorado has unpredictable weather, so I recommend packing layers for any weather you may experience. Snow can also linger on some trails through June, so you should research trail conditions to ensure you have the correct hiking gear. We had to rent microspikes for a few of the trails we hiked because of the lingering snow.
Wear sunscreen. Because you are at a higher elevation in Colorado, it is easy to get a sunburn, and we learned this the hard way on our first day! Make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen before heading out to adventure.
Expect crowds and be flexible. There is a high chance there will be lines at both national park entrance stations. If you have a midday timed entry for Rocky Mountain National Park, I recommend arriving early in case you have to sit in traffic. When we left the park around noon one day, the line at the entrance station was over two miles long!
Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash behind. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw away your trash. Otherwise, you should pack out your trash and dispose of it once you find a barrel.

Where to Fly into Colorado

The biggest and most convenient airport to fly into in Colorado is Denver International Airport. You will find the most direct flights to the airport, and Denver is a good starting and ending point for the road trip.

We flew into Denver, and it worked well for this itinerary. Although the drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park was long, we know it was easier to fly into a major airport than a smaller one closer to the park.

Denver International Airport also has the most rental car options, which you will need for this road trip itinerary.

Where You Should Stay in Colorado

Because this itinerary explores a few areas in Colorado, I recommend staying closer to each area. Trust me, you will appreciate having less driving time and more time to explore.

The first half of your trip explores Great Sand Dunes National Park and Breckenridge, and the last half explores Rocky Mountain National Park. Since you will have to drive a couple of hours to each place, I recommend staying closer to each place rather than having one basecamp. It is what we did, and we really loved having more time to explore each day.

Great Sand Dunes National Park Accommodations:

A few resorts near the park entrance offer fun accommodations, but if those are not available, you can stay in Alamosa.

Alamosa is the closest town with accommodationsand one of the best places to stay because of its proximity to the park. It only has a few accommodations, but you can easily find somewhere to spend the night.

Here are some of the best places to stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park:

Breckenridge Accommodations:

Breckenridge has many beautiful accommodations for all budgets! Downtown also has many shops and restaurants to enjoy during your stay.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Breckenridge:

Rocky Mountain National Park Accommodations:

Estes Park is the best place to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park because it is outside the east park entrances. We stayed here, and it made it so easy to get in and out of the park each day. The town has accommodations for all budgets, restaurants, and shops.

Because Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, accommodations in Estes Park are on the more expensive side. But it is nice to be within a 15-minute drive of the park entrances!

Here are some of the best places to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park:

What to Pack for a Colorado Road Trip

Colorado mountain weather can be unpredictable, so it is crucial to pack the right gear and layers for the season you visit. When we visited in June, we experienced sun, snow, and rain, and sometimes all in one day!

This is a great baseline for what to pack, and you can adjust as needed:

The Ultimate 5-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Although there are many ways you can spend 5 days in Colorado, I recommend following what we did! We started in Great Sand Dunes National Park, stopped in Breckenridge, and ended the week in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Day 1: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Your first day in Colorado explores one of the only places in the United States where you can experience dunes: Great Sand Dunes National Park!

Great Sand Dunes National Park is about a four-hour drive from Denver, so I recommend getting up early on your first day to start the long drive. Although it is a long drive, it will go by quickly because the views of the surrounding mountains are beautiful.

A few things you should keep in mind:

Medano Creek is at the base of the dunes, and you have to walk through it to get to them. Most of the year, the creek is easy to cross, and we took off our hiking boots to prevent them from getting wet.
When the creek is low, the mosquitoes are a pain. But once you walk away from the water, they tend to disperse.
The dunes are not easy to climb, and there is no shade. I recommend packing enough food and water for your hike, wearing plenty of sunscreen, and taking your time.
The hiking trails are not marked. You will likely see people hiking along different paths on the dunes because the trails are not marked. We tried to follow the trail map to get to High Dune but could not find it, so we followed the trail with the most people.

What you should do in Great Sand Dunes National Park:

Because Great Sand Dunes National Park does not have a lot to do, one day is the perfect amount of time to explore the dunes! We spent an entire day in the park and saw everything on our bucket list.

High Dune is one of the most hiked sand dunes in the park, and you will quickly fall in love with the views from the top! The 3-mile trail is strenuous because walking on sand is not easy, but the views from High Dune make the effort worth it!
If you want to hike to the tallest dune in North America, add Star Dune to your itinerary. You can either hike only to Star Dune for an 8-mile trail or loop it with High Dune for an 8-mile trail. Either way, you will be blown away by the views!
Instead of hiking back from the sand dunes, why not enjoy a fun way to get down?! Sandboarding and sand sledding are some of the most popular activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park because what is better than sliding down beautiful dunes?! Since you cannot rent them in the park, I recommend grabbing your rentals before you enter.
If you want to avoid hiking on the dunes, you can enjoy views overlooking them from the Montville Nature Trail. This 0.5-mile trail is easy to follow and offers breathtaking views overlooking Great Sand Dunes National Park.

best hikes in great sand dunes national park

Day 2: BRECKENRIDGE

After spending the night in Alamosa, I recommend waking up early and starting the 3-hour drive to Breckenridge. Although it is a long drive, it is stunning and goes by quickly!

A few things you should keep in mind:

Breckenridge sits at over 9,000 feet and is the highest town you will sleep in. Even though this itinerary helps you slowly acclimate to the elevation, you may experience some symptoms of elevation sickness here, especially when you lay down to sleep. Breckenridge was the only place we experienced some elevation sickness, but we just kept a slow pace and were okay!
Many hiking trails have snow through the beginning of summer. Breckenridge has many beautiful trails for all levels, but some, especially the ones at higher elevations, have snow through early summer. If you want to hike at higher elevations, I recommend researching trail conditions and renting the appropriate gear if needed.
Breckenridge has a lot of wildlife. Even in residential or populated areas, you are likely to see wildlife. Keep an eye out, be careful, and do not approach or feed the wildlife. We saw bears, moose, and elk while driving around.

What you should do in Breckenridge:

Although Breckenridge is a popular winter destination because of the many nearby ski resorts, summer is a beautiful time to visit! You can hike its many nearby trails, take a scenic gondola ride, or enjoy the mountain views from downtown.

Since you only have a day in Breckenridge, I recommend spending the entire day exploring. You will see a theme in this itinerary: I recommend waking up early every day to make the most of your time!

Breckenridge Ski Resort offers many fun activities! The scenic chairlift ride is my favorite way to see the breathtaking views without hiking, but you can also mountain bike and ride a mountain coaster.
Sawmill Reservoir Trail is a fantastic hike that you can access right from downtown Breckenridge. The 1.3-mile trail loops around Sawmill Reservoir with beautiful mountain views. It was one of our favorite trails near Breckenridge!
Sapphire Point is one of the most popular places near Breckenridge, offering views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. The 0.6-mile loop is easy and offers stunning views along the entire trail. Because it is popular, I recommend visiting later in the afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.
Loveland Pass is arguably my favorite place near Breckenridge. The mountain pass is at about 11,990 feet, and it offers some of the most breathtaking views in the area. And the best part? You can drive to the overlook! The drive to Loveland Pass is also breathtaking.

7-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park

The rest of your 5-day Colorado road trip explores one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

Rocky Mountain National Park has over 260,000 acres, and this itinerary includes some of the most beautiful areas! Trust me, each section of the park is worth exploring, and I know you will fall in love with the park quickly!

A few things you should keep in mind:

From Breckenridge, I recommend entering the park near Grand Lake. This entrance is far less trafficked, the closest one to Breckenridge, and you can access Trail Ridge Road and drive to Estes Park, where you will be staying.
Rocky Mountain National Park has a timed entry system. I recommend getting your timed entry reservation in advance because they sell out quickly, especially in the summer. If you do not get one, you can enter the park before 9 am or after 2 pm and the Bear Lake Corridor before 5 am or after 6 pm.
Trail Ridge Road is open seasonally. The iconic scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park is closed in the winter and early spring. Trail Ridge Road is not plowed until around Memorial Day weekend, and it closes at the end of October, depending on the weather.
The weather in Rocky Mountain National Park is unpredictable. We experienced thunderstorms every afternoon while in the park, so I recommend planning your hikes in the morning to avoid getting caught in the storms.
The entrances, especially Beaver Meadow and Fall River, will have long wait times. You should plan accordingly, especially if your timed entry is close to midday.

What you should do in Rocky Mountain National Park:

The first day in Rocky Mountain National Park explores the beautiful Trail Ridge Road!

If Rocky Mountain National Park is on your bucket list, you definitely have Trail Ridge Road high on your priority list. The 48-mile road is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the United States, and you can enjoy the views from many accessible overlooks or along trails.

Since you are entering through the Grand Lake Entrance, you can enjoy some beautiful trails on the west side of the park if you have time. Adam Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails, and the 0.8-mile hike leads to a beautiful waterfall. If you do not want to hike, you can also enjoy views of the lakes and surrounding mountains from various viewpoints.
Once you enter the park, you will follow Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road is the iconic scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park and will not disappoint with its views! I recommend taking your time and stopping at the many overlooks. Here are some of my favorite viewpoints along the road:
- Fairview Curve
- Medicine Bow Curve
- Alpine Visitor Center
- Gore Range Overlook
- Forest Canyon Overlook
- Rainbow Curve
- Many Parks Curve

Day 4: Rocky Mountain National Park

Your second-to-last day on your Colorado road trip explores my favorite area in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Bear Lake Corridor is an iconic section of the park, and it will take your breath away with its stunning views and fun hikes to alpine lakes. And the best part? It has trails for everyone, whether you are looking for an easy stroll or a strenuous hike.

A few things you should keep in mind:

Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular hiking areas in Rocky Mountain National Park. I recommend getting an early timed entry because the parking areas fill up by mid-morning. We arrived at 6 am at a half-full parking lot! I know it is an early wake-up call, but trust me, it is worth it!

What you should do in Bear Lake Corridor:

Since Bear Lake Corridor has many trails, I recommend picking a couple to prioritize.

Bear Lake and Nymph Lake are the most popular lakes in this area because they offer beautiful views without a strenuous hike. The 1.7-mile trail is a great way to experience two beautiful lakes!
If you want a longer hike to more beautiful lakes, I recommend hiking the 3.8-mile trail to Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, Nymph Lake, and Bear Lake. It was one of my favorite hikes, and Emerald Lake and Dream Lake are my favorite lakes along this route.
If you want to explore a less visited lake, Lake Haiyaha will not disappoint. It is arguably the most beautiful lake in the area with its turquoise-colored water. You can either hike 4 miles to Lake Haiyaha or add it to your hike with the other four lakes above for a 5-mile hike. If you are up for a strenuous hike, you will fall in love with the lake.
Not all hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor are lakes! If you are looking for a waterfall hike, I recommend hiking the relatively easy 1.6-mile trail to Alberta Falls, a beautiful 30-foot waterfall.
If you would rather spend most of the day hiking one trail, I recommend hiking to Sky Pond. The beautiful 8.6-mile trail makes you work for the views, but they are worth it! The trail offers mountain views while passing Alberta Falls and three lakes - The Loch, Lake of Glass, and Sky Pond, making it arguably one of the most scenic.
Sprague Lake is one of the best hikes for those looking for an accessible trail with beautiful views. The 0.8-mile trail is one of the easiest hikes in the area and has stunning mountain views across the lake. It is the perfect family-friendly hike!

Day 5: Rocky Mountain National Park

Your final day in Colorado explores the beautiful Old Fall River Road. This road is only open from mid-July through October, so keep that in mind when you are planning your itinerary!

Old Fall River Road is a beautiful 9-mile, one-way scenic drive linking Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Center, offering incredible views of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife! You can also enjoy many hiking trails off the road, with a few of my favorite ones below.

Since Old Fall River Road is one-way, you will drive the Trail Ridge Road on your return. I recommend stopping at any areas you may have missed on your first day in Rocky Mountain National Park and going on a hike.

What you should do on Old Fall River Road:

The 0.7-mile Alluvial Fan Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall and is best visited in the early summer after the snow melts.
Marmot Point Trail is a must-add to every itinerary, in my opinion. The 0.8-mile trail is short and gains elevation quickly toward the top viewpoint, but the effort is worth it for the stunning 360-degree views!
Alpine Ridge Trail is one of the most iconic hikes along Trail Ridge Road because it starts at the highest national park visitor center in the United States! Old Fall River Road ends at the Alpine Visitor Center, where this hike begins. The 0.6-mile trail is relentless and gains elevation steadily, but it is worth the effort for the beautiful views at the top!
Since Old Fall River Road is a one-way scenic drive, you will take the Trail Ridge Road back to Estes Park. You can enjoy a few more hikes along the way.
Toll Memorial Trail is a beautiful 1.1-mile trail with some of my favorite views along Trail Ridge Road! It has stunning mountain views, and the end has a short, steep climb to the memorial with 360-degree panoramic views. The trail will quickly become one of your favorites!
If you want a longer hike, I recommend hiking the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, a beautiful 3.8-mile trail with breathtaking views of Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. We absolutely loved this trail because the views were stunning, and we saw many elk and marmots!

toll memorial trail hiking guide

ute trail to tombstone ridge hiking guide

Colorado Road Trip FAQs

Is 5 days enough time to explore Colorado?

Yes, 5 days is enough time to visit a few areas in Colorado. If you want to explore additional national parks or areas, you will definitely need to extend your trip by at least a few more days.

We spent a week in Colorado, and it was the perfect amount of time to explore Great Sand Dunes National Park, Breckenridge, and Rocky Mountain National Park. We could have easily spent a few more days in each area if we had more time, but a week was enough to see everything on our itinerary.

What should I see in 5 days in Colorado?

Colorado is a huge state, and this itinerary focuses on Great Sand Dunes National Park, Breckenridge, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

If you want to explore these areas during your Colorado road trip, I recommend spending at least one day in Great Sand Dunes National Park, one day in Breckenridge, and three days in Rocky Mountain National Park.

When is the best time to visit Colorado for 5 days?

Summer is arguably the best time to visit Colorado because most roads are open and you have long, beautiful days for exploring. If you want to visit the places I include in this itinerary, summer is the best time to visit.

If you want cooler temperatures with fewer crowds, early fall is a great time to visit. But you will need to keep an eye on road closures, especially in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Do I need to rent a car for a road trip in Colorado?

Yes, I recommend renting a car for your Colorado road trip.

Some places on this itinerary do not have public transportation, so renting a car makes it much easier to explore Colorado!

If you want to plan an incredible trip to Colorado, you are in the right place! I created this guide to include everything you need to know to create the best 5-day Colorado road trip itinerary!