The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip | Itinerary, Stops & Stays

Drive toward the Rocky Mountains and don't look back.

Photo: Deb Snelson / Getty Images

Updated Jan 08, 2024

A Colorado road trip is an epic one for many reasons. The scenic state is blessed with natural wonders spanning mountains, forests, canyons, rivers and even deserts. Its cities are well-known for culture—they're rich in museums, gastronomy and entertainment. And then, of course, you have Aspen, best known for alpine skiing and being one of the most festive places in the country. Colorado is truly one of the best road trip destinations, and its remarkable beauty makes the drive an extra romantic one, full of secluded stopping points and unforgettable couples' experiences along the way.

Whether you're hitting the Million Dollar Highway for a mammoth honeymoon adventure or you're simply rolling onto Trail Ridge Road for a couples' vacation up in the Rocky Mountains, we have the perfect itinerary for you, along with road trip essentials for comfort and road trip songs to add that extra bit of magic. Here's how to have fun under the Colorado sun.

Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

For couples in search of a specific style or length of itinerary, we've grouped the national parks of Colorado and outlined both a five-day and seven-day jaunt across the state.

Colorado National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Colorado has four colossal national parks, each with their own unique draw. In addition, there are beautiful forests, state parks and historic little towns along the Rocky Mountains. You'll see diverse and exciting changes in the landscape when on a Colorado national parks road trip. This isn't one to quickly dash through, but rather to take time on and appreciate the slow pace. We suggest nine to 10 days, starting in Colorado Springs and ending at the Rocky Mountains, close to Denver.

Day 1: Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods
Day 2 and 3: Great Sand Dunes National Park
Day 4 and 5: Mesa Verde National Park
Day 6: Gunnison National Forest
Day 8 and 9: Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado Road Trip Itinerary—Five Days

On a shorter itinerary, beginning in the capital city of Denver and ending in Colorado Springs, you'll touch on highlights such as Vail and Rocky Mountain National Park. This offers a nice mix of city with the wilderness of the national parks and forests.

Day 1: Denver
Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 3: Vail
Day 4: Gunnison National Forest
Day 5: Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods

Colorado Road Trip Itinerary—Seven Days

This slightly longer itinerary allows couples to see the greats at a more relaxed pace. It ends in fabulous Aspen, a gorgeous destination in all seasons.

Day 1: Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods
Day 2 and 3: Denver and Boulder
Day 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 5 and 6: Breckenridge and Vail
Day 7: Aspen

The Knot List of the Best Colorado Road Trip Stops

Best Colorado Road Trip Stops for Couples

Whether you're following our suggested road trip itineraries or you're making your own, we've highlighted must-visit road trip stops in Colorado below, followed by detailed descriptions of each.

Denver
Boulder
Rocky Mountain National Park
Breckenridge
Aspen
Telluride
Colorado Springs
Mesa Verde National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Vail

Denver

Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class museums, boutique shopping and pumping nightlife: there's something for everyone in the Mile High City. Couples can sign up for Viator's Denver food tour to sample greats like Colorado's famous green pork chili, or stock up on gear from REI's mahoosive flagship store within Denver's historic tramway building. The 90,000-square-foot space is a hangout for outdoor enthusiasts and even has its own climbing wall. Couples will love The Ramble Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton Denver (whose spa can be accessed on ResortPass).

Boulder

Boulder's got city mainstays—great shopping, dining and nightlife—but with a delicious mountain backdrop. It's excellent for walking, so take a five-star walking tour. Bramble and Hare is the talk of the town as they recently won a Michelin Green Star for commitment to sustainability. The Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel offers some of the best views of the Flatiron Mountains in Boulder.

Rocky Mountain National Park

See that photo above? Trust the writer. Trail Ridge Road is one of the most beautiful drives in the US, and Colorado road trippers are in luck because it leads right up to the Rocky Mountains. (Download John Denver's Rocky Mountain High before you go, because streaming can be patchy up there.) Couples can enjoy a picnic break or hike around the gorgeous Bear Lake. In winter, you can do a four-hour snowshoeing adventure with Viator. Stay overnight at The Westin Westminster before the journey.

Breckenridge

The quaint town of Breckenridge is best known for its year-round alpine activity and Gold Rush history. Couples will want to wander romantic Main Street's colorful stores and grab a bite to eat. Afterward, enjoy the sunset from Breckenridge Distillery, the highest in the world, and then retreat back to the ultra-cozy Grand Timber Lodge.

Aspen

A glitzy destination, particularly in winter, Aspen is quintessential for romance. It's also an excellent road trip destination when the snow thaws. Go hiking at Aspen Mountain or the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, then reward yourselves at the legendary White House Tavern, one of Aspen's oldest structures. Note that if it's still thawing, you'll need waterproof boots. The W Aspen is a must-stay for couples celebrating special occasions like honeymoons or anniversaries. It has a sexy rooftop pool with a hot tub and 360-degree views of the mountains.

Telluride

The former Victorian mining town is filled with charm and is ideal for couples with an interest in history. Sites to visit include Telluride Historical Museum and Sheridan Opera House. Main Street is worth a romantic stroll or bike ride. Plan a date night at Chop House Restaurant, a steakhouse to wine and dine your love, and head upstairs at the end of the night—it's situated within the New Sheridan Hotel. Telluride Ski Resort is two blocks away.

Colorado Springs

Colorado's second largest city is a recommended start or end point for couples arriving by air, as it's well-serviced by major airlines. It's also close to two natural landmarks: Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Throw a portable cooler in the trunk and tackle them both. GetYourGuide offers Segway tours of the region. Fuel up at Juniper Valley Ranch, a family-owned restaurant serving finger-licking homestyle fried chicken, and relax at The Broadmoor, a five-star hotel with an award-winning spa.

Mesa Verde National Park

In southwest Colorado, you'll find Mesa Verde, most famous for Cliff Palace, which lies under a towering rock arch. Couples exploring the park's canyons will need to pack smart. We recommend a light, water-resistant backpack, lots of snacks and layers. Reward your efforts with a home-cooked feast and an overnight stay at this VRBO ranch, a 13-minute drive from the Mesa Verde entrance.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Lovers will feel a world away from reality when visiting this park's enormous golden dunes, like the Star Dune and the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at their bases. If you're visiting more than one national park on your road trip, it's worth investing in an annual pass. It's $80 to get unlimited visits for the whole year. Relax, eat and sleep in VRBO's coolest stay there: a round-domed home.

Vail

This small town at the base of Vail Mountain is best for skiing and other winter sports, but summer's also great for golfing, hiking and fishing in Gore Creek. Be sure to rent from one of TripAdvisor's top ten gear rental companies, and remember to bring hand warmers, comfy base layers that wick away moisture and sunscreen for the slopes. Sweet Basil is perfect for après ski couples' dining, and The Ritz-Carlton Vail is perfect for pampering.