Start your adventure by heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, located just outside of Denver. This 265,000-acre park offers breathtaking views of Rocky Mountain peaks, hiking trails through alpine tundras, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure activities like rock climbing and mountain biking. Don't miss out on visiting Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved road in North America.
Drive down to Colorado Springs for day two of your adventure. Visit the Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark with stunning rock formations and hiking trails. Take a scenic drive up Pikes Peak Highway for sweeping views at the summit. For the adrenaline rush, try bungee jumping or ziplining near Manitou Springs.
Continue your adventure to Royal Gorge, the deepest canyon in Colorado. Take a white-water rafting trip through the gorge or try a thrilling bungee jump off the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the world's highest suspension bridges. Relax on a scenic train ride through the Rockies with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
Travel to the southwestern part of the state for a visit to Mesa Verde National Park. The park offers adventure activities such as guided hikes and backpacking trips. Explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people, one of the best-preserved sites of its kind in North America.
End your adventure trip at Telluride, the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Take a hike on the Jud Wiebe Trail for views of the mountains and waterfalls. Try rock-climbing or mountain biking in the San Juan Mountains. End the day with a soak in the natural hot springs at Ouray, known as the "Switzerland of America."
For this adventure-filled itinerary, renting a car is the best option as many of the destinations require driving. Car rentals cost around $45-$75 per day, depending on the type of car rented. The total travel time is approximately 13 hours, and the estimated travel cost for gasoline is approximately $120.
If you have extra time, consider visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or Great Sand Dunes National Park. Those with less time could combine days one and two by staying in Boulder, a college town that offers adventure activities and mountain views.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located approximately 25 miles from Denver city center. The airport is the largest in the state and serves a majority of the national and international flights.