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7-Day Road Trip Itinerary from Denver to Glenwood Springs, CO

  1. Day 1: Denver, CO
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Denver

    Start your road trip in Denver, the capital of Colorado. In the morning, explore the stunning Denver Botanic Gardens. Spend the afternoon discovering the history and culture of the city at the Denver Art Museum. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant 16th Street Mall.

    • Denver Botanic Gardens: $15, 2 hours
    • Denver Art Museum: $18, 3 hours
  2. Day 2: Boulder, CO
    30 minutes (27.4 miles) from Denver

    Head to Boulder, a charming city nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Start your day with a hike at the beautiful Chautauqua Park, then explore the vibrant Pearl Street Mall in the afternoon. In the evening, catch a live performance at the Boulder Theater.

    • Chautauqua Park: Free, 3 hours
    • Pearl Street Mall: Varies (shopping and dining)
    • Boulder Theater: Varies (check schedule)
  3. Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
    2 hours (71.5 miles) from Boulder

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. Spend the morning hiking the trails and taking in the stunning vistas. In the afternoon, drive along the famous Trail Ridge Road, reaching elevations of over 12,000 feet. Don't forget to spot wildlife along the way! End the day with a relaxing picnic at Sprague Lake.

    • Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, full day
    • Trail Ridge Road: Free, half day
    • Sprague Lake: Free, 1 hour
  4. Day 4: Aspen, CO
    2 hours (105 miles) from Rocky Mountain National Park

    Drive to Aspen, a renowned mountain town famous for its ski resorts and natural beauty. Spend the morning exploring the Maroon Bells, two iconic mountain peaks. In the afternoon, wander through the charming streets of downtown Aspen. Enjoy an evening of fine dining at a local restaurant.

    • Maroon Bells Scenic Area: $10, 3 hours
    • Downtown Aspen: Varies (shopping and dining)
    • Local restaurant: Varies (dinner)
  5. Day 5: Glenwood Springs, CO
    1 hour (40.8 miles) from Aspen

    Arrive in Glenwood Springs, known for its hot springs and outdoor adventures. Start the day with a visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, where you can ride thrilling roller coasters and explore stunning caves. In the afternoon, rejuvenate at the historic Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Finish the day with a relaxing stroll along the Colorado River.

    • Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park: $54.95, 4 hours
    • Glenwood Hot Springs Pool: $25, 2 hours
    • Colorado River Walk: Free, 1 hour
  6. Day 6: Hanging Lake, CO
    10 minutes (8.4 miles) from Glenwood Springs

    Embark on a memorable hike to Hanging Lake, a pristine turquoise lake suspended on the edge of Glenwood Canyon. Spend the morning exploring the trail and admiring the breathtaking beauty of the falls. After the hike, relax and soak in the natural wonders of Glenwood Springs.

    • Hanging Lake Trail: Free (permit required), 3 hours
    • Relaxation in Glenwood Springs: Varies (hot springs, spa, etc.)
  7. Day 7: Glenwood Canyon, CO
    10 minutes (8.4 miles) from Hanging Lake

    Explore the striking beauty of Glenwood Canyon. Take a scenic drive along Interstate 70 and marvel at the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Stop at the iconic Hanging Lake Rest Area and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. End your road trip with a breathtaking hike to Grizzly Creek.

    • Scenic drive along Glenwood Canyon: Free, 1 hour
    • Hanging Lake Rest Area: Free, 1 hour
    • Grizzly Creek Trail: Free, 2 hours

Recommendations

If you have additional time, consider visiting the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction or taking a day trip to the charming town of Telluride. To make the most of your money, check hotel and flight prices on this website. Don't forget to pack sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, and a camera to capture the beautiful nature along the way!

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