From Denver International Airport, allow about 45–75 minutes to reach central Denver, depending on baggage and traffic. The easiest option is the A Line train to Denver Union Station—roughly 37 minutes onboard, with trains generally running every 15–30 minutes and fares around $10.50. A rideshare is more convenient with heavy luggage but can cost $40–70 or more. Drop bags at your hotel before exploring; if you are renting a car for the road trip, avoid driving into downtown until you need it, since hotel parking is often expensive.
Start at Denver Union Station, the beautifully restored 1914 rail terminal in LoDo, and spend about 45 minutes looking through the Great Hall, nearby shops, and surrounding historic architecture. From there, walk east toward 16th Street Mall, following the central pedestrian corridor for around an hour. The mall is undergoing major redevelopment, so expect construction diversions and use the free downtown shuttle or a short rideshare if a section is inconvenient. Keep valuables secure around busy transit stops, and remember that some storefronts may close earlier than the restaurants.
Continue south to Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest commercial block, where restored Victorian buildings now hold restaurants and bars. This is a good place for a drink or a short pause rather than a full meal; reservations are useful if you want to dine here, particularly on a Saturday evening. Later, take a 10–15 minute rideshare north to The Source in RiNo for dinner. Its food hall and market stalls make it easy for everyone to choose something different, with a typical meal costing about $25–45 per person. Check current vendor hours before heading over, since individual stalls may close earlier than the hall. After dinner, keep the evening relaxed—tomorrow’s early departure toward Rocky Mountain National Park makes this a better night for settling in than staying out late.
Leave Denver around 6:00 AM via US-36 toward Estes Park, allowing 1.5–2 hours before adding time for fuel, coffee, the entrance queue, and finding a trailhead space. Have your timed-entry reservation ready if the park requires one for your visit; a regular park pass is typically around $30 per vehicle unless covered by an annual pass. Drive straight to Bear Lake Road and use the park shuttle if parking lots are full—trailhead parking can fill very early, especially on a Sunday.
Start with the easy, roughly one-hour loop around Bear Lake, where the morning light on the water and surrounding peaks is usually at its best. Then follow the Emerald Lake Trail through Nymph Lake and Dream Lake to Emerald Lake, allowing 3–4 hours including pauses, photos, and the elevation gain. The route is only a few miles round trip but sits at high altitude, so keep the pace relaxed and bring water, layers, snacks, and traction if recent snow remains. In early May, expect icy or snowy sections and possible seasonal restrictions; check current trail and road conditions before leaving Denver.
After returning to the car or shuttle, continue to Glacier Gorge for Alberta Falls, a forested walk of about 1.5 hours. If the lot is full, use the park shuttle rather than circling for a space. Head afterward into Estes Park for a slower late afternoon at The Stanley Hotel—allow about an hour to admire the historic grounds or join a tour if tickets and schedules line up. Finish at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern, a casual local choice for mountain comfort food and drinks; budget roughly $25–45 per person. If you are staying in Estes Park, avoid a late return drive to Denver after the hikes, and confirm your next morning’s departure route because mountain weather can change quickly.
Leave Estes Park around 6:00 AM for the long drive to Jackson, using US-40, I-80, and US-89. With fuel, a proper lunch, and short breaks, budget closer to 9–10 hours door to door rather than treating the drive time as the whole transfer. Laramie is a sensible halfway pause for coffee, fuel, and lunch; keep the tank topped up before the quieter stretches of Wyoming. The route is straightforward, but spring weather can still bring wind or snow, so check WYDOT conditions before departing and keep some flexibility for the final approach into Jackson.
Arriving in the late afternoon, leave the car at your hotel or use the public parking around downtown rather than trying to move it between stops. Start at Jackson Town Square, where the distinctive elk-antler arches make an easy first impression of town. Allow about 45 minutes to stroll the surrounding blocks, browse the galleries along Cache Street and Broadway, and pick up any snacks for tomorrow’s park day. The square is especially pleasant in the late light, though the antlers themselves are best treated as a look-and-photograph stop rather than a long visit.
Drive north on US-89 to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, set into the hillside above the valley. Allow roughly 1½ hours for the collection of Western wildlife paintings and sculpture, plus time on the terrace for the broad Teton views. Check the museum’s seasonal closing time before leaving Estes Park; May hours can be more limited than summer hours, and admission is typically around $18–25 for adults. If the museum is closed when you arrive, don’t force the schedule—continue directly to the scenic drive and save the museum for another visit.
From the museum, continue south toward Moose and take Moose-Wilson Road only if it is officially open and dry enough for normal passenger vehicles. This narrow road is often seasonally closed or restricted in spring, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed; give yourself about 1½ hours, drive slowly, and do not stop in the roadway. If it is closed, use the accessible roads around the Moose area instead and keep clear of pullouts once daylight fades.
Return to downtown for dinner at Snake River Brewing, a relaxed local choice with substantial food after the long drive—expect roughly $25–45 per person before drinks and a possible wait at peak dinner time. It is walkable from much of downtown Jackson, so leave the car parked and enjoy a short evening stroll afterward. Keep tonight easy: tomorrow’s Grand Teton National Park day starts early, and wildlife viewing is generally best around dawn.
Leave Jackson around 6:30 AM via US-89 and US-191, allowing roughly 2½–3½ hours to reach West Yellowstone with stops and the day’s sightseeing. The route passes through Grand Teton National Park and enters Yellowstone National Park at the South Entrance, but May opening conditions can vary considerably; check the National Park Service road-status map immediately before departure. Carry a full tank, breakfast, water, and a packed lunch—services are sparse, and some roads or facilities may still be seasonal. Have your park pass ready; an America the Beautiful pass is usually the best value for a multi-park trip.
Start at West Thumb Geyser Basin, where the roughly one-hour boardwalk follows steaming pools and colorful cones along Yellowstone Lake. Keep strictly to the boardwalk, especially with snow or wet spring conditions, and allow extra time for wildlife or roadside construction. Continue north toward Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin; plan two to three hours here for the eruption, the visitor facilities, and a walk among nearby geysers. Check the predicted eruption window at the visitor center rather than assuming the next interval, and bring layers—the basin can feel cold and windy even when the valley is mild. If you need a quick indoor break, Old Faithful Lodge has useful restrooms and casual food, though queues can be long at midday.
Drive north to Midway Geyser Basin for Grand Prismatic Spring, budgeting about 1½ hours. Parking is limited and commonly backs up, so avoid blocking the road and be prepared to wait for a space; the boardwalk itself is fairly short but can be slippery in early May. Afterward, continue toward Artist Paint Pots, a compact late-afternoon loop through bubbling mud pots and vividly colored thermal features. Stay alert for bison and other wildlife near the road, and never stop in traffic lanes—even brief wildlife sightings can create sudden congestion.
Finish by driving into West Yellowstone, checking into your lodging before dinner if possible. For a relaxed meal near the town center, Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon is dependable for pizza and casual fare, while The Buffalo Bar offers burgers, sandwiches, and a livelier local atmosphere; expect roughly $25–45 per person with a drink. Pick up tomorrow’s breakfast and snacks tonight, since early departures and seasonal opening hours can make morning food inconvenient. Sunset arrives late in May, but temperatures drop quickly, so keep a warm layer accessible and confirm the next day’s road status before turning in.
Leave West Yellowstone around 7:00 AM for the drive to Salt Lake City via US-20, I-15, and I-84. It is roughly 5–6 hours behind the wheel, but plan on 7–8 hours door to door with fuel, coffee, lunch, and a couple of short breaks. Fill up before leaving town; services become more spread out once you are south of Idaho Falls. A practical lunch stop is Pocatello, where you will find easy highway access and plenty of casual restaurants. Expect approximately $55–90 in fuel, plus lunch. On arrival, keep the rental car—the next stages through southern Utah are much easier with it—and use a downtown hotel with included parking if possible.
After checking in, head to Temple Square, ideally allowing about 1½ hours. The grounds are a convenient place to stretch your legs after the drive, but check the current renovation map before visiting: access to individual buildings and interior tours can change, and some areas may require advance booking or have limited hours. From there, it is a short walk along South Temple to the Salt Lake City Public Library, whose dramatic glass-and-brick architecture is worth seeing even if you do not spend long inside. Allow about an hour for the reading rooms, civic spaces, and rooftop views; confirm same-day building hours before setting out, particularly if arriving later in the afternoon.
Walk a few blocks to City Creek Center for an easy refreshment break and a little browsing. The covered shopping complex is useful for coffee, air-conditioning, and restrooms, and most visitors need about an hour rather than a full shopping afternoon. For dinner, drive or take a short rideshare north to Red Iguana on North Temple. It is one of the city’s best-known Mexican restaurants, especially for its rich mole dishes; waits can be substantial at peak dinner time, so arriving early is sensible. Budget roughly $20–35 per person before drinks and tip, and verify closing hours on the day.
Leave Salt Lake City around 6:30 AM on US-6 and US-191, allowing closer to 5 hours door to door with fuel, coffee, and a quick break. Fill the tank before leaving town and carry lunch, plenty of water, and snacks; services become sparse across the open stretch toward Moab. Once in town, top up again before entering Arches National Park, where food and drink options are limited. Expect the park entrance fee to be around $30 per private vehicle unless you have an America the Beautiful pass.
Start at the Arches National Park Visitor Center on US-191 to collect maps and check trail and road conditions—about 30 minutes. Then drive the short distance into the park to Park Avenue Viewpoint, your first close-up look at the immense sandstone walls; allow roughly 45 minutes. Continue to the Windows Section, where the loop trails connect North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. Set aside about 2 hours, with sturdy shoes and water—the exposed slickrock can feel hot even in May. Parking fills quickly, so an early arrival is useful; if the lot is full, keep circling rather than stopping along the road.
Late afternoon, head to the Wolfe Ranch area for the Delicate Arch Viewpoint. The lower viewpoint takes about an hour including the walk and photography, but note that it is not the famous close-up hike to the arch; that longer trail requires substantially more time and should not be added today. Check the park’s current hours, road conditions, and any timed-entry requirement before setting out, since access policies can change.
Return to downtown Moab—roughly 30–40 minutes from the park depending on traffic—and settle in at Moab Brewery for a relaxed dinner, typically $25–45 per person. It is a popular stop, so arriving before the main dinner rush is worthwhile. Afterward, take a short walk along Main Street, then rest up: tomorrow’s Canyonlands National Park day is best started early, especially if you want comfortable parking at the overlooks.
Start before sunrise from Moab—ideally around 5:00 AM—so you can reach Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district with time to park and walk to Mesa Arch. The drive takes about 45 minutes via US-191 and UT-313; allow extra time for the entrance station and the possibility that the small trailhead lot is already busy. The short walk is roughly 0.7 miles round trip, but sunrise crowds gather tightly around the arch, so arrive early and keep expectations flexible. Bring breakfast, water, and warm layers; May mornings on the mesa can feel surprisingly cold. Park admission is generally around $30 per vehicle unless your America the Beautiful pass covers it.
After Mesa Arch, continue to Green River Overlook, an easy roadside stop with enormous views over the Green River and layered canyon country. Give yourself about 30 minutes, then drive to Grand View Point for the day’s longer rim walk. The paved viewpoint is immediate, while the rim trail lets you wander farther along the edge toward views of the Needles and White Rim; allow around 1½ hours, with sturdy shoes and sun protection. There are very few services inside Island in the Sky, so use the restrooms near the visitor center and carry lunch, snacks, and substantially more water than you think you need.
Head back toward Moab and follow the signed turnoff to Dead Horse Point State Park, about 40–50 minutes from Grand View Point depending on stops. Spend roughly two hours around the main overlook and nearby rim paths, where the Colorado River makes its dramatic bend far below. The park has a separate entrance fee—typically about $20 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors—and the same federal park pass generally does not cover it. Late afternoon light is excellent here, but there is little shade, so keep water accessible and avoid scrambling near the cliff edges.
Return to town for dinner at Milt’s Stop & Eat, a long-running local favorite for burgers, fries, and thick shakes. Budget approximately $15–30 per person; hours can vary seasonally, so check the same day before driving over, and expect a casual, potentially busy dinner period. Afterward, keep the evening easy—tomorrow’s drive to Bryce Canyon is several hours—by refueling in Moab, buying breakfast supplies, and checking UT-12 road conditions before bed.
Leave Moab around 6:30 AM for Bryce Canyon City, allowing closer to 5½–6 hours door to door with fuel, coffee, and a short break. Take I-70 west, US-89 south, then scenic UT-12; the final stretch is beautiful but slower, with limited services, so fill the tank and carry breakfast, water, and lunch. Check road conditions before leaving, especially around higher elevations. After arriving, go first to the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center—usually open from morning through late afternoon—to confirm trail, shuttle, and weather conditions. Allow about 30 minutes, and remember that park entry is generally about $35 per vehicle unless covered by an annual pass.
From the visitor center, drive or use the seasonal park shuttle toward Sunset Point, where the amphitheater’s hoodoos are packed most densely and the view is immediate. Give yourself around 45 minutes for the rim walk and photographs, then continue to the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail for the main experience of the day. The combined hike typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on stops; it involves a substantial climb back to the rim, so bring at least 2 liters of water per person, wear shoes with good grip, and start before the afternoon heat or thunderstorms build. If Wall Street on the Navajo Loop is closed, follow the signed alternate route rather than improvising on the steep switchbacks.
Drive or shuttle to Inspiration Point late in the day for a higher, wider view across the amphitheater. The overlook is only a short walk from the parking area, but take care near the edges and allow roughly 45 minutes. Then return to Bryce Canyon City for dinner at Stone Hearth Grille, a convenient sit-down choice near the park; expect approximately $30–50 per person before drinks and tip. If you are staying outside the immediate gateway area, reserve a table or arrive early—dinner options are limited, and service can slow during busy park evenings.
Leave Bryce Canyon City around 7:00 AM for Springdale, allowing roughly 3 hours door to door with fuel, a coffee stop, and the entrance approach. The route through UT-12, US-89, and UT-9 is scenic but not quick. Before setting out, check the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway for construction, weather, and vehicle restrictions; the east-side tunnel can have size-based controls and occasional one-way traffic. Park at your accommodation in Springdale if possible, then use the town shuttle or walk to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Confirm the day’s shuttle operation, trail closures, and river conditions there—private cars generally cannot continue up the main canyon once shuttle controls are active. Allow about 30 minutes, including the queue and park orientation.
From the visitor center, take the park shuttle into Zion Canyon and get off near the Pa’rus Trail access. This easy paved route follows the Virgin River through open canyon scenery and is a good first walk after the drive; allow about 1½ hours at an unhurried pace. Continue by shuttle toward the Temple of Sinawava for the Riverside Walk, another mostly level 1½-hour outing leading to the river entrance of the Narrows. You can walk the Riverside Walk without entering the water, while continuing into the Narrows depends on water levels, flash-flood forecasts, permits where applicable, and suitable rented gear. Spring water can be cold and fast, so treat the river conditions posted by the park as decisive. Carry lunch, snacks, and at least 2 liters of water per person; food inside the canyon is essentially nonexistent.
Return by shuttle toward Springdale, then drive east on UT-9 for the Canyon Overlook Trail. The trailhead has very limited parking, so aim for late afternoon rather than sunset itself and be prepared to continue to the next available pullout if it is full. The hike takes about 1½ hours round trip and includes uneven rock, drop-offs, and a short section with handrails; bring a headlamp if you linger. Afterward, return to Springdale for dinner at Oscar’s Café, a relaxed local favorite for Southwestern plates, burgers, and vegetarian options—roughly $20–40 per person. Expect a wait at peak dinner time, and remember that the last park shuttle schedules vary seasonally, so check the return times before beginning the afternoon hike.
Leave Springdale around 6:00 AM for the roughly 4½–5-hour drive via US-89A and US-64. Allow closer to 6 hours door to door with fuel, breakfast, and the approach to the park. This route is especially scenic around Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, but services are limited, so fill the tank in Kanab or Page and carry water and snacks. You’ll cross into Arizona and enter through the Desert View side; have your park pass ready and expect possible queues at the entrance. The South Rim sits at high elevation, so mornings can still be chilly in May.
Make Desert View Watchtower your first stop, allowing about an hour for the overlook, tower, and nearby rim paths. The stone tower’s interior access and hours can vary, so treat the outside viewpoint as the dependable highlight. From here, the canyon opens dramatically toward the east, with the Colorado River visible below on a clear day. Parking is generally straightforward compared with the village, but keep valuables out of sight and don’t leave food in the car.
Continue west along Desert View Drive to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, where you can spend about an hour checking maps, exhibits, trail conditions, and any current shuttle or closure notices. Grab a quick lunch at the nearby Market Plaza rather than committing to a long sit-down meal; sandwiches, salads, and drinks are useful to have before hiking. From the visitor center, walk or use the park shuttle toward Mather Point for the classic first South Rim panorama—give yourself roughly 45 minutes, including time for the viewpoint and the short rim paths.
Afterward, head to Grand Canyon Village for the manageable section of the Bright Angel Trail. Allow about two hours for a conservative out-and-back, turning around well before exhaustion rather than aiming for a specific distance. The trail is steep on the return, and May sun can be intense even when the rim feels cool; carry water, wear shoes with good grip, and remember that there is no easy shortcut back up. Shuttles are usually the simplest way to move around the village during busy periods, while parking near trailheads can fill early.
Finish at the El Tovar Dining Room, a historic lodge restaurant directly on the rim. Reserve ahead—the dining room is popular, and a reservation does not guarantee a canyon-facing table. Dinner typically runs about $40–75 per person before drinks and gratuity. If you are staying in Tusayan, allow roughly 15–20 minutes to drive back after dinner; confirm whether your lodging provides a park shuttle, since parking and evening driving inside the park can be slower than expected.
Leave Tusayan around 6:00 AM for the long drive west on US-64 and I-40, then CA-62 toward Joshua Tree. The drive itself is about 6½–7½ hours, but budget 9 hours door to door with fuel, breakfast, lunch, and breaks. Kingman is the easiest substantial stop for coffee and fuel; Needles is another practical option before the final desert stretch. Keep the tank comfortably above half-full, carry water, and expect very hot pavement and limited shade. After checking into your accommodation, stop at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center in Joshua Tree for maps, current heat advisories, road conditions, and sunset timing; allow about 30 minutes.
From the visitor center, drive into Joshua Tree National Park toward Keys View, allowing roughly 45 minutes each way depending on traffic and your entrance. The overlook is especially rewarding late in the day, with broad views across the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault; allow about an hour, including the short walk from the parking area. Return toward Cap Rock for an easy 45-minute stroll among granite boulders and twisted Joshua trees. This is a good place to slow down after the long drive—bring water, and avoid climbing around the rocks if the heat is still intense.
Continue east through the park to the Cholla Cactus Garden, where the compact loop is best near sunset, when the backlit cactus spines glow warmly. Allow about an hour, but stay on the trail and wear closed shoes: fallen cholla pieces are deceptively easy to step on. From there, allow roughly 45–60 minutes to reach Pioneertown and Pappy & Harriet’s for dinner. The restaurant is a destination in itself, with a relaxed desert-roadhouse atmosphere, live music on many evenings, and meals generally around $25–50 per person. Check the evening’s music schedule and current wait policy ahead of time; after a full driving day, arriving before the dinner rush is worthwhile.
Leave Joshua Tree around 6:30 AM for Three Rivers, allowing 7–8 hours door to door rather than relying on the 5½–6½-hour driving estimate. Take CA-62 and I-10 west, then CA-58 through the high desert toward Bakersfield, continuing on CA-198 into the foothills. Fill up before leaving and plan your main fuel and lunch stop around Bakersfield; services become less frequent once you turn toward Sequoia National Park. The final approach is winding, and CA-198 can be slow, so keep valuables out of the car and avoid arriving at the park road with an empty tank.
After checking in or dropping bags in Three Rivers, stop at the Sequoia National Park Foothills Visitor Center for about 30 minutes. Confirm road conditions, parking, shuttle arrangements, and whether the upper-elevation roads and Moro Rock are open; conditions can change quickly in May, and the drive from the foothills to the Giant Forest takes roughly an hour on winding mountain roads. Continue to General Sherman Tree, where the short but steep paved path leads to the world’s largest tree by volume. Allow about an hour, including the walk back uphill and time for the viewing area.
From there, follow the signed route to Congress Trail, an approximately 1½–2-hour loop through an especially impressive stand of giant sequoias. Wear shoes with good grip and bring water—snow or wet patches can linger in shaded sections in early May. If the road and stairway are open, finish at Moro Rock in the late afternoon; the granite stairway is exposed and strenuous, with about 400 steps, so allow 1–1½ hours and skip it if weather, fatigue, or closures make it unwise.
Drive back down to Three Rivers and have dinner at The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge, where the riverside setting is the main attraction. Expect roughly $30–55 per person before drinks, and check the current kitchen hours or reserve ahead if possible—dining choices in Three Rivers are limited, particularly midweek. Keep tonight easy: the next day’s drive to Yosemite is another substantial transfer, and mountain roads are not a good place to navigate after dark.
Leave Three Rivers around 6:00 AM for Yosemite Village, allowing roughly 6–7 hours door to door once you include fuel, breakfast, the long approach through the Central Valley, and the park entrance queue. Follow CA-198, CA-99, and CA-41; fill the tank and pick up food before leaving, since options become limited inside the park. Check Yosemite road conditions and any entrance-reservation requirements that apply to your visit, and expect parking in the valley to fill quickly. Once parked, leave the car for the rest of the day and use the free valley shuttle where useful.
On the approach from the south, stop first at Tunnel View on Wawona Road. The overlook takes only about 30 minutes, but it is one of the best first views of Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall spread below. Continue into the valley for Bridalveil Fall, allowing about an hour for the walk to the base and back. Bring water and shoes with good grip; spray and uneven surfaces can make the final section slick, and the waterfall’s flow can vary considerably by spring conditions.
After lunch from your packed supplies or a valley café, spend roughly two hours on the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. You do not need to complete the entire loop—focus on the meadow and river sections for quieter views beneath the granite walls, then turn back when you have had enough. Follow it with the accessible loop to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, another hour at an easy pace. Afternoon light is often attractive on the cliffs, but keep an eye on the time: the valley road is slow, and returning to a distant hotel after dark is tiring.
Have dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant near Yosemite Falls, budgeting about $30–60 per person before drinks and gratuity. It is a convenient end to a full park day, but confirm current hours and whether reservations are accepted or recommended, as seasonal service can change. Keep your car parked while dining, and allow extra time to return to your lodging—wildlife, congestion, and limited lighting can make the valley roads slower than expected.
Leave Yosemite Village around 7:00 AM for San Francisco via CA-120 and I-580. The drive is about 4–5 hours without stops, but allow 6–7 hours door to door for fuel, a coffee break, Central Valley traffic, and the final approach into the city. Fill up before leaving the park, and check CA-120 conditions—especially if weather has affected the higher elevations. On arrival, unload luggage before returning the rental car if you no longer need it; downtown garages are expensive, and street parking around the waterfront is difficult.
Settle in, then spend roughly an hour at the Palace of Fine Arts, where the neoclassical rotunda and lagoon make a gentle first stop after the long drive. From there, walk or drive a few minutes west to Crissy Field for an easy waterfront stroll and broad views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Continue toward the Presidio and walk part of the bridge’s eastern sidewalk in the late afternoon; access is free, but wind can be surprisingly cold, so bring a layer. If you are driving between stops, use paid lots rather than leaving luggage visible in the car.
Head to the Ferry Building Marketplace for about 1½ hours of browsing its food counters and waterfront shops; many vendors close by early evening, so check individual hours and avoid arriving too late. From there, take a rideshare or taxi to North Beach—usually 10–20 minutes depending on traffic—for dinner at Sotto Mare, a classic neighborhood seafood restaurant. Expect approximately $35–60 per person before drinks and tip; it is popular and compact, so a reservation or early arrival is sensible. After dinner, return by rideshare or Muni, and keep the evening unhurried after the long transfer.
Plan to leave your San Francisco accommodation about 3½–4 hours before the scheduled departure of your nonstop flight to Denver International Airport. From downtown, BART is usually the most predictable option: take the Yellow, Red, or Purple line from Powell Street, Montgomery Street, or Embarcadero directly to SFO in roughly 30–40 minutes, then follow signs for your terminal. A taxi or rideshare is more convenient with luggage, but allow extra time for weekday traffic on US-101. Check your airline’s terminal before leaving, and return the rental car only if it has not already been dropped off; the rental-car center requires an additional AirTrain connection.
Allow about two hours at SFO for bag drop, security, and walking to the gate, especially if you are checking luggage. United and Southwest commonly operate nonstop service to Denver, with roughly 2½ hours in the air, but the exact departure time and fare depend on your booked itinerary. Once airborne, remember that Denver is two hours ahead of San Francisco, so your local arrival time will be later than the flight duration suggests.
After landing at Denver International Airport, allow 45–75 minutes for baggage claim, the airport train or pickup process, and onward travel. The A Line is the simplest connection to Denver Union Station, taking about 37 minutes once aboard; trains generally run every 15–30 minutes, and a one-way airport fare is typically around $10. From Union Station, continue by local transit, taxi, or rideshare to your final destination. If someone is collecting you, use the designated passenger pickup area rather than the arrivals curb, where waiting is restricted.
No packing list attached yet.