14-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Colorado in May

Day 1: Arrival and Denver Highlights

Denver, Colorado

9:00AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Enjoy a popular brunch spot in Denver known for creative pancakes and hearty breakfast dishes.
$15, 1h

10:30AM

Denver Botanic Gardens

Explore 23 acres of beautiful gardens featuring diverse plant collections and themed landscapes.
$15, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Union Station Market

Sample local eats at Denver’s vibrant train station food hall with a variety of options.
$20, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Denver Art Museum

See American Indian art, contemporary exhibits, and rotating collections in this modern museum.
$13, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision

Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant offering seasonal Colorado ingredients in a chic setting.
$35, 1.5h
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Day 2: Denver to Boulder Day Trip

Boulder, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lucile’s Creole Cafe

Start early and enjoy Cajun-style breakfast in Boulder, famous for biscuits and beignets.
$15, 1h

9:30AM

Drive Denver to Boulder

Drive 30 minutes west on US-36 from Denver to Boulder.
Included in rental, 30m

10:00AM

Hiking at Chautauqua Park

Explore scenic trails with views of the Flatirons rock formations, perfect for mild hiking.
Free, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at The Kitchen

Enjoy fresh farm-to-table American cuisine in downtown Boulder.
$25, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Pearl Street Mall

Stroll this vibrant pedestrian mall with street performers, shops, and cafes.
Free, 2h

4:30PM

Drive Boulder to Denver

Return to Denver (30 minutes drive).
Included in rental, 30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Rioja

Savor Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in Denver’s Larimer Square.
$40, 1.5h
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Day 3: Explore Denver & Mount Evans

Denver, Colorado

7:30AM

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Enjoy massive biscuit sandwiches to fuel up for the day.
$15, 1h

8:30AM

Drive Denver to Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Approx. 1.5-hour drive west to the Mount Evans road entrance; the highest paved road in North America.
Included in rental, $15 parking fee, 1.5h

10:00AM

Mount Evans Scenic Byway Drive & Summit

Drive the scenic road to reach 14,130 feet summit with breathtaking alpine views and wildlife spotting.
$15 parking fee, 3h

1:30PM

Lunch at Echo Lake Lodge

Dine at the base of Mount Evans with quaint mountain lodge ambiance.
$20, 1h

3:00PM

Return drive to Denver

Drive back 1.5 hours to Denver to relax and refresh.
Included in rental, 1.5h

6:00PM

Dinner at Fruition Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy dinner at this acclaimed Denver farm-to-table restaurant.
$40, 1.5h
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Day 4: Denver to Estes Park

Estes Park, Colorado

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sassafras American Eatery

Delight in Southern-style breakfast specialties in Denver before departure.
$15, 1h

9:00AM

Drive Denver to Estes Park

A scenic 1.5-hour drive northwest to Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Included in rental, 1.5h

11:00AM

Check-in and relax at your Estes Park hotel

Settle in and prepare for your adventure in the national park.
Varies, 1h

12:00PM

Lunch at Smokin' Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse

Savor down-home barbecue favorites in Estes Park.
$20, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Estes Park Downtown and Lake Estes Trail

Explore the charming shops, galleries and enjoy a relaxing walk along Lake Estes.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Classic mountain fare in a rustic lodge setting with live music occasionally.
$30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park, Colorado

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at your hotel or local cafe

Fuel up early for a day of exploration in Rocky Mountain National Park.
$10-$15, 1h

8:00AM

Enter Rocky Mountain National Park - Trail Ridge Road

Drive the stunning Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., with breathtaking mountain views; road typically opens late May, but check in advance.
$30 entrance fee per vehicle, 5h

1:00PM

Picnic lunch at an overlook or Aspen Meadows

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst spectacular views on your drive.
Bring your own, 1h

3:00PM

Short hikes - Emerald Lake or Alberta Falls

Choose from popular trailheads for moderate hikes to picturesque lakes and waterfalls.
Free with park entrance, 2h

6:00PM

Return to Estes Park for Dinner at Bird & Jim

Savor Mountain Modern cuisine emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients.
$35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Estes Park to Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

7:30AM

Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

Grab fresh pastries and inventive coffee to start your day.
$15, 1h

8:30AM

Drive Estes Park to Glenwood Springs

A scenic 3.5 to 4-hour drive west along US-34 and I-70 with beautiful mountain scenery.
Included in rental, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at The Pullman

Relax with inventive New American dishes in a historic train station setting.
$25, 1h

2:00PM

Soak at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

Unwind in the world’s largest hot springs pool with mineral-rich waters and spa amenities.
$25, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse

Enjoy a hearty dinner in a casual steakhouse environment.
$30, 1.5h
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Day 7: Explore Aspen Day Trip

Aspen, Colorado

7:30AM

Breakfast at Jour de Fête Bakery

Stop for fresh pastries and coffee before heading to Aspen.
$15, 1h

8:30AM

Drive Glenwood Springs to Aspen

About 1.5-hour drive via scenic Independence Pass (check seasonal opening in May).
Included in rental, 1.5h

10:00AM

Explore Aspen downtown and John Denver Sanctuary

Enjoy the charming town center and meander through the peaceful bamboo garden and water features of the sanctuary.
Free, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop

Local artisan cheese and charcuterie with an impressive selection of craft beers and wines.
$30, 1h

2:00PM

Drive Independence Pass Into Rocky Mountain foothills

Enjoy scenic vistas and photo stops before heading back to Glenwood Springs.
Included in rental, 1.5h

5:00PM

Return to Glenwood Springs & Dinner at Rim Rock Café

Upscale American dining with local ingredients and mountain views.
$35, 1.5h
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Day 8: Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction

Grand Junction, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Grind Coffee Project

Start your day with quality coffee and light breakfast items.
$10, 1h

9:00AM

Drive Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction

Approximately 1.5-hour drive along I-70 west.
Included in rental, 1.5h

11:00AM

Visit Colorado National Monument

Explore stunning red rock canyons and rock formations via scenic drives and short hikes.
$25 per vehicle, 3h

2:30PM

Lunch at 626 on Rood

Enjoy fresh American cuisine with local wine options in downtown Grand Junction.
$25, 1h

4:00PM

Explore downtown Grand Junction art district

Visit galleries, boutiques, and vibrant murals in the historic downtown area.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Bin 707 Foodbar

Upscale dining featuring local ingredients and an award-winning wine list.
$40, 1.5h
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Day 9: Grand Junction to Durango

Durango, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at Main Street Bagels

Grab fresh bagels and coffee for a quick start.
$10, 1h

8:00AM

Drive Grand Junction to Durango

A longer drive of about 4 hours passing through beautiful southwestern Colorado landscapes.
Included in rental, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at Carver Brewing Company

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with excellent craft beers and pub fare.
$20, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Durango Historic Downtown

Stroll streets lined with shops, art galleries, and historic buildings.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (optional)

If time allows, take an afternoon scenic steam train ride into the mountains; reservations required.
$90, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Ore House

Savor Southwestern cuisine and steaks in a casual Western atmosphere.
$35, 1.5h
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Day 10: Mesa Verde National Park

Durango, Colorado

7:30AM

Breakfast at Gourdon Street Coffee

Grab coffee and pastries before heading out.
$10, 1h

8:30AM

Drive Durango to Mesa Verde National Park

Short 1-hour drive southwest to the park entrance.
Included in rental, 1h

9:30AM

Explore Cliff Palace and Ancient Puebloan Sites

Tour the park’s famous cliff dwellings and learn about Ancestral Pueblo culture; ranger-led tours are recommended.
$30 per vehicle entrance fee, plus $8 per ranger-led tour, 4h

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch at the park

Enjoy lunch in designated picnic areas surrounded by stunning Colorado landscapes.
Bring your own, 1h

3:30PM

Additional hiking or scenic viewpoints

Visit viewpoints like Mesa Top Loop and explore easier trails for photo opportunities.
Free with entrance, 2h

6:00PM

Return to Durango & Dinner at The Mahogany Grille

End your day with refined New American cuisine in a relaxed setting.
$35, 1.5h
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Day 11: Durango Exploration & Relaxation

Durango, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jean Pierre Bakery

Enjoy European-style baked goods and coffee to start your day.
$15, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Durango Hot Springs & Spa

Relax in natural mineral hot springs and enjoy spa treatments (reservations recommended).
$25 entrance, spa treatments vary, 3h

1:30PM

Lunch at Steamworks Brewing Company

Casual lunch with local brews and pub food.
$20, 1h

3:00PM

Explore Animas River Trail

Walk or bike the scenic trails along the river for outdoor recreation and views.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at El Moro Spirits & Tavern

Try local dishes paired with craft cocktails in a stylish setting.
$35, 1.5h
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Day 12: Durango to Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado

7:00AM

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Fuel up before a longer day's drive.
$15, 1h

8:00AM

Drive Durango to Colorado Springs

Approximately 5.5 - 6 hour scenic drive southeast, via US-160 and I-25.
Included in rental, 6h

2:30PM

Lunch at Adam’s Mountain Cafe

Enjoy organic and vegetarian-friendly meals in Colorado Springs.
$20, 1h

4:00PM

Visit Garden of the Gods

Explore stunning red rock formations in this National Natural Landmark, great for short walks or photography.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

Dine in a unique underground setting offering a modern American menu.
$35, 1.5h
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Day 13: Colorado Springs Exploration

Colorado Springs, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Urban Egg

Start the day with Southern-style breakfast favorites.
$15, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Pikes Peak Highway

Drive or take a guided tour up this famous 14,115-foot mountain with spectacular views; the road is open seasonally, typically May onward.
$15 toll, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company

Enjoy hearty brewpub fare and local beers.
$20, 1h

2:30PM

Tour U.S. Air Force Academy

Visit the iconic chapel and learn about the academy's history; Visitor Center open 9am-5pm.
Free, 1.5h

5:00PM

Relax at hotel or explore downtown Colorado Springs

Stroll the charming downtown district, visit shops or cafes.
Varies, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Four by Brother Luck

Upscale southwestern cuisine with innovative dishes.
$40, 1.5h
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Day 14: Departure Day

Colorado Springs, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Over Easy, A Daytime Eatery

Enjoy one last hearty breakfast with great local favorites.
$15, 1h

9:30AM

Checkout hotel and drive to Denver International Airport

With your rental car, allow about 1.5-hour drive to Denver Airport for your departure.
Included in rental, 1.5h
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