Summer in Colorado: Six Day Itinerary
Summer in Colorado is prime time for those who enjoy the high country. The central Rockies—with their stunning scenery, close proximity to Denver, and outstanding year-round recreation—are the ideal place to taste the state’s alpine grandeur while still leaving plenty of time for many other activities on offer. Take this trip between Memorial Day and early November, when Independence Pass is open.
Day 1
Arrive at Denver International Airport and transfer to your hotel downtown. Visit the State Capitol Building to see the city’s celebrated mile-high marker, then enjoy an unforgettable view of the Rockies from City Park or the top of the Ferris wheel at Elitch Gardens before heading to LoDo for dinner.
Day 2
Drive west on I-70 into the Rocky Mountains, stopping in the colorful, mining-era town of Idaho Springs to explore the Argo Gold Mill and Museum or the Phoenix Gold Mine. Fill up with Mountain Pie pizza at Beau Jo’s before driving the spectacular Mount Evans Scenic and Historic Byway, North America’s highest paved road. Settle into your hotel in Breckenridge and enjoy drinks and dinner in the charming historic downtown.
Day 3
Fortify yourself at Cuppa Joe and walk the Boreas Pass Road, or, if you’re acclimated, rise with the sun and hike up Quandary Peak, one of Colorado’s famous fourteeners. Next, drive over 10,662-foot Vail Pass to the town of Vail. Take a twilight stroll through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens before relaxing over aperitifs at the Root & Flower Wine Bar and dining at Sweet Basil.
- Strategic, flexible itineraries including a two-week road trip to see the best of the state and a weeklong trip to the stunning central Rockies
- The top activities and unique experiences: Visit ancient pueblos or Wild West ghost towns, soak in steaming hot springs, and spot wild elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Savor fresh flavors at a farm-to-table restaurant and kick back with some of Colorado’s delicious local microbrews
- Outdoor adventures: Go white-water rafting or kayaking on a rushing river and hike slickrock trails to awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountain peaks. Ski the deep powder of some of the country’s top resorts and relax with a delicious après-ski drink
- Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
- Local insight from lifelong adventurer Terri Cook on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from campsites and motels to B&Bs and resort lodges
- Background information on the culture, weather, wildlife, and history, plus tips on getting there and getting around by car, train, and public transportation
- Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities
- Full coverage of Denver, Boulder and the Northern Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat Springs and Northwest Colorado, Vail and the Central Rockies, Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, Mesa Verde and the Southwest, Colorado Springs and the Southeast
With Moon’s practical tips and local insight, you can experience the best of Colorado.
Staying in the city? Try Moon Denver, Boulder & Colorado Springs. Heading to the park? Try Moon Rocky Mountain National Park. For outdoor adventures, try Moon Colorado Camping or Moon Colorado Hiking.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can’t wait to share their favorite places with you.
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Day 4
Savor the mountain views while playing a round of golf, biking up Vail Pass, or shopping in Vail Village before eating lunch at The Little Diner. In the afternoon, drive an hour west to Glenwood Springs, stopping along the way to hike up to Hanging Lake in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon. After exploring the downtown, walk to the Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company for dinner before watching the sunset while soaking in Glenwood Hot Springs.
Day 5
Drive south along the Roaring Fork River to Aspen. After checking into the Limelight Hotel, ride the bus up Maroon Creek Valley to see Colorado’s most-photographed peaks—the crimson twin summits of the Maroon Bells. Go for a hike or return to Aspen and spend the rest of the day exploring the town’s art galleries. For dinner, sample the sushi at Matsuhisa or charcuterie and crepes at La Creperie du Village.
Day 6
Drive over the dizzying heights of 12,095-foot Independence Pass, stopping at the Grottos and the ghost town of Independence. After descending to the beautiful Arkansas River Valley, return to Denver via one of two routes: drive south for white-water rafting in Browns Canyon National Monument; or head north to historic Leadville, America’s highest incorporated city, where colorful characters like Horace and “Baby Doe” Tabor and Molly Brown once struck it rich in the district’s high-elevation mines.
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