The Ultimate 7-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
If you want to plan the best 7-day Colorado road trip itinerary, you are in the right place! Colorado is a stunning state with a diverse landscape. It has red rocks, 14,000-foot snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, and sand dunes. It also has four national parks throughout the state that are very different.
Although this Colorado road trip itinerary only visits two national parks, you can see all four in one week. This road trip itinerary visits some of the most beautiful places in Colorado, and I promise you will not be disappointed!
You will enjoy your time wandering underneath red rocks, up sand dunes, and through mountain passes, and all the views will take your breath away. This guide has everything you need to know about the best 7-day Colorado road trip itinerary!
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Tips for Planning a 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. I created this road trip itinerary because I was nervous about getting sick. I recommend starting at a lower elevation for the first few days before slowly going to higher elevations.
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 as early as you can 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. Many areas on this 7-day Colorado road trip itinerary are popular, especially the national parks. There is also a high chance there will be lines at the 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 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 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.
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 7-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Colorado Springs
The first day of your 7-day Colorado road trip itinerary is in the beautiful city of Colorado Springs. Since Colorado Springs is around 6,000 feet high, it is a great place to start the road trip and get acclimated to the elevation. And it is just over an hour from the airport, so you do not have to drive much on your first day.
WHERE TO STAY:
Colorado Springs is a small city with plenty of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay near Colorado Springs!
ITINERARY:
Once in Colorado Springs, you can enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the iconic Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods is a beautiful park full of huge rock formations that will take your breath away! I highly recommend visiting in the late afternoon to enjoy the views in the golden sunset light. The late afternoon also has fewer crowds! The park has a variety of hikes, allowing you to find the perfect trail to enjoy the gorgeous views.
Here are some of the best things to do in the Garden of the Gods:
Perkins Central Garden Trail is the most popular hike in Garden of the Gods because it is accessible and has stunning views. The 1.1-mile trail brings you to some of the most iconic rock formations in the park, including the Tower of Babel, Kissing Camels, Sentinel Spires, Pulpit Rock, and Three Graces. These rock formations will leave you feeling small in the best way!
Siamese Twins Loop Trail is another short and easy hike that leads to a beautiful rock formation with a hole in the middle. This 0.5-mile loop is towards the back of the park and is a fun alternative to the main hiking trail. It gives you an up-close and personal experience with the Siamese Twins and beautiful views overlooking the surrounding area.
If you want a longer hike with fewer crowds, I recommend the Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop or Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and Central Gardens Trail Loop. Both trails are 4-mile loops around the park near the most popular rock formations and the back of the park, which is less explored. They are a great way to enjoy Garden of the Gods from a different perspective and with fewer people on the trails. As you move away from the main trail, the crowds disperse, and you can enjoy views of the park and surrounding mountains. And the best part? The trails are not strenuous!
Day 2: Great Sand Dunes National Park
After spending the night in Colorado Springs, I recommend waking up early and beginning the three-hour drive south to Great Sand Dunes National Park. 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:
If you are lucky, you may be able to find accommodations right outside the park entrance. 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!
ITINERARY:
Because there is not much to do in the national park, one day will be the perfect time to explore the sand dunes and some beautiful hiking trails!
Here are some of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park:
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! Walking on sand dunes is not easy, and it took us longer than we anticipated, but it was worth the effort for the stunning views of the surrounding sand dunes and mountains.
Star Dune is the tallest sand dune in North America and 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. The loop with High Dune has a lot of elevation loss and gain in between the dunes, so if you would rather avoid that, you can hike directly to Star Dune. Either way, you will love the views from the top!
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.
Days 3-4: Breckenridge
After spending the night in Alamosa, I recommend waking up early to begin the 3-hour drive to Breckenridge. The drive is stunning, and it 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. Make sure to 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, making it the perfect place to stay during these few days of your 7-day Colorado road trip! The downtown area also has many shops and restaurants to enjoy during your stay.
You can also stay in Silverthorne or Frisco, just north of Breckenridge. No matter where you stay in this area, you will quickly fall in love with it! Here are some of the best places to stay in Breckenridge!
ITINERARY:
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 your two days hiking along the many nearby trails, taking scenic gondola rides, or enjoying the beautiful mountain views from downtown.
We loved having Breckenridge in the middle of our 7-day Colorado road trip itinerary because it gave us time to slow down, hike some beautiful trails, and enjoy delicious food! We wanted to get acclimated to the higher elevation before heading into Rocky Mountain National Park.
Here are some of the best things to do in Breckenridge:
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. The scenic chairlift rides are open in the summer once most of the snow melts, and the top offers views that will leave you in awe. 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 along the entire hike.
Sapphire Point is one of the most popular places to hike, offering views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. The 0.6-mile loop is easy and offers stunning views along the entire trail. The trail has multiple viewpoints to stop and get some photos. Sapphire Point is a wonderful place to enjoy for the entire family!
Boreas Pass Road is a beautiful scenic drive linking Breckenridge and Como, and it is the perfect place to enjoy mountain views. In the summer, the road brings you over 11,000 feet with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It is a dirt road and can get pretty bumpy, but most cars should be able to make it.
Hoosier Pass Loop is one of my favorite hikes in the area! The 2.8-mile trail begins south of Breckenridge and brings you up over 12,000 feet, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the best ways to begin or end your day is by watching the sunrise or sunset at the Breckenridge Overlook. This beautiful overlook is easy to get to and offers incredible views overlooking Breckenridge and the surrounding mountains.
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! You can enjoy the views from the overlook or hike along one of the nearby trails.
If you want to hike longer and more strenuous trails, you are in luck! Breckenridge has countless trails for you to enjoy. Two of my favorite hikes are McCullough Gulch Trail (6.4 miles) and Spruce Creek to Mohawk Lakes Trail (8.4 miles). Both trails offer waterfalls, lakes, and mountain views. They make you work for the views, but the effort is worth it!
If you are interested and prepared to hike a 14,000-foot mountain, Quandary Peak is right outside Breckenridge. The 6.6-mile trail is very strenuous, and you should only hike it if you have the proper experience and gear. The views from the top are unmatched since it is one of the tallest mountains in the area!
Days 5-7: Rocky Mountain National Park
After your final night in Breckenridge, it is time to wake up early and head to the last location in this 7-day Colorado road trip itinerary! Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, and you will quickly realize why when you visit. The national park has over 260,000 acres, and this 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.
Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular hiking areas in the park. If you want to hike here, 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!
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. Although Estes Park is relatively small, it has everything you need for this portion of your 7-day Colorado road trip!
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! Here are some of the best places to stay in Estes Park!
ITINERARY:
Rocky Mountain National Park offers incredible views from beautiful overlooks and hikes, so no matter how you want to experience the park, you can enjoy everything it offers! I recommend spending at least one day in the Bear Lake Corridor because it is the most beautiful part of the park, in my opinion.
If you want to hike in Bear Lake Corridor, you may consider spending two days there since it has some of the best hikes. During your other time, you can explore the various overlooks and short trails along Trail Ridge Road, and if it is open, you can drive Old Fall River Road (which opens in mid-July).
Here are some of the best things to do along 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
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! The 0.6-mile trial is relentless and gains elevation steadily, but it is worth the effort for the beautiful views at the top!
Toll Memorial Trail is another beautiful and easy hike off Trail Ridge Road. The 1.1-mile trail has my favorite views! The Toll Memorial Trail 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 trail along Trail Ridge Road, you are in luck! Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a beautiful 3.8-mile hike with breathtaking views of Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains. It is also a great hike to see elk and marmot!
If you visit when Old Fall River Road is open, you will be in for a treat! Usually, it opens in mid-July and closes in October. This beautiful 9-mile, one-way scenic drive links Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Center and offers incredible views of mountains and waterfalls. It is also a great place to see wildlife! You also have the opportunity to enjoy many hiking trails off the road, with a few of my favorites being Marmot Point Trail (easy/moderate), Ypsilon Lake Trail (strenuous), and Alluvial Fan Trail (easy).
Here are some of the best things to do in Bear Lake Corridor:
Bear Lake is the most popular trail in this area because it is easy and offers beautiful views. The 0.7-mile trail loops around Bear Lake while providing views of the surrounding mountains. If you are lucky and the water is calm, you can capture a beautiful reflection shot of the mountains!
Nymph Lake is the second easiest lake to hike to and offers more stunning views of the surrounding mountains. I recommend hiking the 1.7-mile trail to Bear Lake and Nymph Lake because it is relatively easy and brings you to 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. Lake Haiyaha is the most difficult lake to get to, but 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 hike.
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!
If you want to go on an incredible Colorado road trip, this guide is the perfect place to start planning! It has everything you need to create the best 7-day Colorado road trip itinerary to some of the most beautiful places in the state!
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!
More Colorado Travel Inspiration!
The Ultimate 6-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
11 Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
The Best 2-Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
The 4 Entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park
The Best Garden of the Gods Hikes
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