The Ultimate 5-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Colorado is one of the most diverse states, with 14,000-foot snow-capped mountains, sand dunes, canyons, and red rocks. It has four national parks that are very different and offer unique experiences. 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 5-day road trip itinerary. If you want to plan an incredible road trip, you are in the right place! This guide has everything you need to know about the best 5-day Colorado road trip itinerary.
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Tips for Planning a 5-Day Colorado Road Trip
Get acclimated to the elevation. If you are not used to high elevation, you may get altitude sickness in Colorado. I recommend planning the road trip in a way that helps you get acclimated, including starting at a lower elevation for the first few days before slowly going to higher elevations. I created this itinerary to help you get acclimated. It is what helped us the most while we were in Colorado!
Get your timed entry permits for Rocky Mountain National Park in advance. Rocky Mountain National Park has a timed entry permit system for the summer and fall. These slots fill up quickly, 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 in the park. If you do not have a timed entry slot, you can enter Bear Lake Corridor before 5 am or after 6 pm and in the other sections of Rocky Mountain National Park before 9 am or after 2 pm.
Start your days early. In the summer, Colorado has thunderstorms in the afternoon. During our week in Colorado, we saw a storm each day! I recommend starting your day early to avoid hiking during the afternoon and, potentially, getting caught in a thunderstorm. Starting your day earlier will allow you to enjoy the trip with fewer crowds!
Take it slow. If you want to hike, I recommend taking it slow to ensure you get used to the altitude. Make sure to hike slowly and pack plenty of water and snacks.
Pack layers. The weather in the mountains of Colorado is unpredictable. I recommend packing layers to accommodate any weather you may run into on the trip. Snow can also linger on some trails through June, and you should research trail conditions to ensure you have the correct hiking gear.
Wear sunscreen. Because you are at a higher elevation in Colorado and closer to the sun, it is easy to get a sunburn. We learned this the hard way on our first day! Make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen before heading out to adventure.
Expect crowds. 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 to give yourself plenty of time 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!
Be flexible. There will likely be crowds on the trails and overlooks, and I recommend making your itinerary flexible since there may be times when you cannot find parking.
Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they do not have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
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.
The Denver International Airport will also have the most car rental options, which you will need for the road trip since this itinerary has a lot of driving. You could also rent a campervan for the trip and stay in campgrounds.
What to Pack for a Colorado Road Trip
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
The Ultimate 5-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Great Sand Dunes National Park
Your first day in Colorado is in one of the only places in the United States where you can experience sand dunes. Great Sand Dunes National Park is about a four-hour drive from Denver. 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 are beautiful of the surrounding mountains. I recommend going into the park as soon as you arrive to take advantage of the one day you have!
THINGS TO KNOW:
Medano Creek is at the base of the sand dunes, and you have to walk through it to get to the dunes. Most of the year, the creek is easy to pass, and you can take off your hiking boots to cross it.
When the creek has low water, the mosquitos are a pain. But once you walk away from the water, they tend to disperse.
The sand dunes are not easy to climb, and they do not offer any shade for hiking. Make sure to pack enough food and water for your hike, wear plenty of sunscreen, and take your time hiking up the dunes.
The hiking trails are not marked. You will likely see people hiking along different paths on the sand dunes. We tried to follow the trail map to get to High Dune and could not find it. We followed the trail with the most people and finally got on the right path once at the top near High Dune.
WHERE TO STAY:
A few resorts are near the park entrance and offer fun accommodations. If those are not available or you are looking for something else, you can stay in Alamosa.
Alamosa is the closest town with accommodations and one of the best places to stay because of its proximity to the park. It does not have many accommodations, but there are a few hotels you can stay in for the night. Here are some of the best places to stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park!
THINGS TO DO:
Because Great Sand Dunes National Park does not have a lot to do, one day will be the perfect amount of time to explore the sand dunes!
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 travels up the sand dunes to the top of High Dune, and although the hike is not overly long, it is strenuous because walking on sand is not easy!
If you want to hike to the tallest sand dune in North America, you are in luck! Star Dune offers beautiful views of the park and mountains. You can either hike only to Star Dune for an 8-mile trail or loop it with High Dune for an 8-mile trail.
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?! Although you cannot rent them in the park, plenty of places nearby have rentals. If you want to sandboard or sand sled, I recommend grabbing your rentals before you head into the park.
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.
Day 2: BRECKENRIDGE
After spending the night in Alamosa, I recommend waking up early and starting the 3-hour drive to Breckenridge in the morning. Although it is a long drive, it is stunning and will go by quickly!
THINGS TO KNOW:
Breckenridge sits 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.
Many hiking trails have snow through the beginning of summer. One of the best things to do in Breckenridge in summer is hike! Breckenridge has many beautiful trails for all levels, but some, especially the ones at higher elevations, will have snow through early summer. If you plan on hiking 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.
WHERE TO STAY:
Breckenridge has many beautiful accommodations for all budgets! The downtown area also has many shops and restaurants to enjoy during your stay.
THINGS TO DO:
Although Breckenridge is a popular winter destination because of the many nearby ski resorts, summer is a beautiful time to visit with many fun activities! You can enjoy hiking along the many nearby trails, taking scenic gondola rides, or enjoying the mountain views from downtown.
Breckenridge Ski Resort offers many fun summer activities! The scenic chairlift rides are some of the best ways to experience the breathtaking scenery without much effort. You can also enjoy mountain biking and a mountain coaster. The resort does not have a shortage of fun activities and is close to downtown.
Sawmill Reservoir Trail is a fantastic hike that you can access right from downtown Breckenridge. The 1.3-mile trail loops around Sawmill Reservoir while providing mountain views on the hike.
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.
Loveland Pass is arguably my favorite place near Breckenridge. The mountain pass is about 11,990 feet high and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the area. And the best part? You can drive to the overlook!
Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park
The rest of your 5-day Colorado road trip is in one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Rocky Mountain National Park has over 260,000 acres, and this road trip itinerary will bring you to some of the most beautiful areas!
THINGS TO KNOW:
From Breckenridge, I recommend entering the park near Grand Lake. This entrance is far less trafficked and is the closest to Breckenridge. 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 a timed entry, you can enter the park before 9 am or after 2 pm and 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 not open in the winter and early spring. The park does not plow Trail Ridge Road usually until Memorial Day weekend and closes it 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! I recommend planning your hikes in the morning to avoid getting caught in the storms.
The entrance lines, especially Beaver Meadow and Fall River, will have long wait times. You should plan accordingly, especially if your timed entry is in the late morning or early afternoon.
WHERE TO STAY:
Estes Park is the best place to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park because it is outside the east park entrances. The town has many accommodations for all budgets, restaurants, and shops.
Because Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, the accommodations in Estes Park might be the most expensive on the trip. But it is nice to be within a 15-minute drive of the park entrances!
THINGS TO DO:
Your first day in Rocky Mountain National Park explores the beautiful Trail Ridge Road!
Since you will be coming through the entrance near Grand Lake, you can enjoy some beautiful trails on the west side of the park. Adam Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails in the area. The 0.8-mile hike leads to a beautiful waterfall! If you do not want to hike, you can also enjoy the views of the lakes and surrounding mountains from various viewpoints.
Once you enter the park from the Grand Lake Entrance, 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 during your first day in the park 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 5-day Colorado road trip explores one of the most beautiful sections of Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake Corridor will take your breath away with its stunning views and fun hikes!
THINGS TO KNOW:
Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular hiking areas in the 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!
THINGS TO DO:
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. Emerald Lake and Dream Lake are my favorite lakes along this route, and I know you will fall in love with this hike!
Lake Haiyaha is arguably the most beautiful lake in the area because it has turquoise-colored water. You can either hike 4 miles just 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, you are in luck. Alberta Falls is a beautiful 30-foot waterfall and a relatively easy 1.6-mile trail.
Another one of the best lake hikes in this area is Sky Pond. This beautiful 8.6-mile hike will make 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. This trail is arguably one of the most scenic, and you will quickly see why it is one of the most popular hikes!
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 your 5-day Colorado road trip itinerary explores the beautiful Old Fall River Road. Please note: this road is only open from mid-July through October.
THINGS TO DO:
Old Fall River Road is a beautiful 9-mile, one-way scenic drive linking Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Center. It offers incredible views of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife! You also have the opportunity to enjoy many hiking trails off the road, with a few of my favorite ones below.
Alluvial Fan Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall and is best visited in the early summer after the snow melts. The 0.7-mile trail is easy to follow and great to enjoy as you begin your drive on Old Fall River Road!
Marmot Point Trail is a stunning hike off Old Fall River Road. The 0.8-mile trail is short but gains elevation quickly towards 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 trial 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! It has stunning mountain views, and the end has a short and 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, you are in luck! Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a beautiful 3.8-mile trail with breathtaking views of Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. It is also a great hike to see elk and marmot!
If you want to plan an incredible road trip in Colorado, you are in the right place! This guide has everything you need to know about the best 5-day Colorado road trip itinerary!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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