Three Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Rocky Mountain National Park
    1 hour 30 minutes (70 miles) from Denver

    Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination in Colorado with breathtaking views of the Rockies. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and scenic drives throughout the park. Be sure to check out the Trail Ridge Road, which offers stunning views from more than 12,000 feet above sea level.

  • Day 2: Garden of the Gods
    1 hour 30 minutes (70 miles) from Rocky Mountain National Park

    Garden of the Gods is a natural wonder with impressive red rock formations and stunning views of Pikes Peak. Visitors can hike or bike the trails, take a guided tour, or simply enjoy a picnic in this beautiful park.

  • Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park
    6 hours (370 miles) from Garden of the Gods

    Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the best-preserved ancient Native American cliff dwellings in the country. Visitors can take guided tours of these fascinating structures, hike the trails, and learn about the rich history and culture of the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Fee (4 hours, $25 per vehicle)
  • Garden of the Gods (4 hours, free admission)
  • Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Fee (4 hours, $25 per vehicle)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $75 per vehicle

Transportation

Colorado is a great destination for a road trip. Make sure to plan your route ahead of time and consider rental car and gas costs. Roads throughout the state can be steep and winding, so it's important to have a reliable vehicle with good brakes and handling.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other popular destinations in Colorado, such as Durango, Telluride, or Aspen. If you have less time, you can adjust the itinerary by spending less time at one destination or skipping one altogether.

Airports

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in Colorado and located approximately 25 miles from downtown Denver. Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is another option with flights from various cities throughout the country located approximately 11 miles from downtown Colorado Springs.

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