Start your journey in the Mile High City. Explore the city center and visit the Denver Art Museum, which boasts a stunning collection of American Indian art. Take a stroll through 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian promenade filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. End the day with a visit to Buckhorn Exchange, a historic steakhouse with a Wild West vibe.
Heading north, you will find the charming city of Boulder, surrounded by scenic mountains. Hike the Flatirons for breathtaking views or visit the whimsical Pearl Street Mall for shopping and street performances. Finish the day with a craft beer at Avery Brewing Company.
Take a day trip to one of the most stunning national parks in the US, the Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike the Bear Lake Loop trail for mountain valley views and snow-capped peaks. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, like elk and bighorn sheep.
Drive west to the ski resort town of Vail. Even if you're not a skier, there's plenty to do, like visiting the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the largest botanical gardens at high altitude. Sample some local wine at Vail Winery, located just minutes away from the ski slopes.
Head towards the Western Slope to the hot springs town of Glenwood Springs. Visit the legendary Glenwood Hot Springs Resort for a relaxing dip in the world's largest mineral hot springs pool. Take a scenic hike to see the waterfall at the Hanging Lake Trail.
Continue south to the charming mountain town of Telluride. Take the free gondola up to the San Sophia Overlook for jaw-dropping views of the San Juan Mountains. Walk around the historic district and visit the Sheridan Opera House, which has hosted famous performers and shows for over 100 years.
Take a day trip to visit Mesa Verde National Park, home to the largest concentration of ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the world. Take a guided tour to visit Cliff Palace, the largest and most iconic cliff dwelling in the park. End your day with a scenic drive back to Telluride.
Take a trip to Durango, and experience authentic cowboy culture. Walk along the Main Avenue Historic District, which has dozens of shops and art galleries in historic buildings. Take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic steam train that takes you through the stunning canyons of the San Juan National Forest.
Start early and drive to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Rent a sandboard at the Oasis Store, located inside the park, and glide down the towering dunes. Afterward, explore the vast wilderness of the park on foot on the Montville Nature Trail.
Head east to Colorado Springs and hike the Garden of the Gods, a park with towering red rock formations. Take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, one of the most iconic peaks in the Rocky Mountains. Relax at the end of the day with a cold beer at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company.
Stop by the scenic town of Breckenridge, one of the highest ski resorts in the US. In the summer, hike or bike the mountain trails near Breckenridge Ski Resort, or take a scenic drive up to Hoosier Pass, which offers stunning panoramic views. In the evening, shop for local art at the Breckenridge Arts District.
Visit one of the least-known national parks in the US, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Hike the South Rim Trail for breathtaking views of the steep canyon walls and river below. End the day with dinner at Camp Robber Cafe, located just outside the park entrance.
Return to Telluride for one last day of adventure. Visit the Telluride Historical Museum, which displays the history and culture of the mining town. Take a scenic hike to see the wildflower-filled meadows of Jud Weibe Trail. Finish the day with dinner at the elegant Alpino Vino, a restaurant located at the top of Telluride Ski Resort and accessible only by a gondola ride.
Depart Telluride and take a long but scenic drive back to Denver International Airport. Reflect on two weeks of breathtaking scenery and adventure.
To make the most of your time in Colorado, renting a car or RV is recommended. Car rentals can cost around $40-$60 per day, and you can expect to spend around $60-$80 to fill up the tank for a midsize car. RV rentals are available for $200-$250 per day depending on the vehicle size and features. Itinerary time estimates are calculated based on the assumption that the traveler will be driving.
If you have more time, consider adding visits to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, skiing/snowboarding on the mountain at Breckenridge Ski Resort in the winter, or taking a hot air balloon ride to see the mountains from above. If you have less time, consider cutting the visit to Durango or Glenwood Springs to allow for more time to explore other cities or national parks.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary airport serving Colorado, and it's located 25 miles northeast of Denver. Driving from Denver to other cities in Colorado is straightforward and not too taxing due to Colorado's expertly maintained highways.