12-Day Ultimate Palm Springs and Colorado Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Desert Oasis

Palm Springs, California, USA on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cheeky's Palm Springs

Enjoy a popular breakfast spot known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and bacon flight, a must-try dish highlighting local flavors.

USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Ride the Tramway up to Mt. San Jacinto for stunning views of the desert landscape and access to hiking trails in cooler mountain air.

USD26.95, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sherman’s Deli & Bakery

Classic New York-style deli offering hearty sandwiches and fresh bakery items in an old-school environment.

USD15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Through the Palm Springs Art Museum

Explore contemporary art, Native American artifacts, and desert-themed exhibitions in this engaging museum open daily from 10am to 5pm.

USD14, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Downtown Palm Springs and Mid-Century Modern Architecture

Stroll through the downtown area admiring boutique shops and iconic mid-century modern homes with guided tours available in the afternoon.

USD40 for a guided tour, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar

Dine in a trendy industrial space offering farm-to-table seasonal New American cuisine with excellent cocktails.

USD50, 1h30m

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Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Palm Springs, California, USA on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at King's Highway

Enjoy robust breakfast options with a hip, rustic vibe inside the Ace Hotel, opens at 7am.

USD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park

Drive 45 minutes to Joshua Tree, famous for its unique desert flora and rock formations. Popular easy trails include Hidden Valley and Barker Dam. The park opens at 6am.

USD30 per vehicle, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Crossroads Cafe

A casual eatery in Joshua Tree offering fresh sandwiches and salads perfect after a morning hike.

USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Palm Springs and visit Moorten Botanical Garden

Explore this charming desert garden featuring a variety of cacti and succulents, open daily from 9am to 5pm.

USD5 donation suggested, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lulu California Bistro

Enjoy vibrant Californian and international dishes in a lively setting downtown Palm Springs, open until 10pm.

USD40, 1h30m

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Day 3: Relaxation & Culture

Palm Springs, California, USA on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Elmer's Restaurant

Traditional American diner breakfast with outdoor seating, perfect before a laid-back day.

USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Tour the historic estate and beautiful gardens of this former Annenberg retreat, open 9:30am to 4:30pm except Mondays and Tuesdays. Learn about art and Cold War history.

USD15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge

Modern American cuisine in a stylish setting, open daily from 11:30am to 2:30pm for lunch.

USD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Spa Afternoon at Two Bunch Palms

Relax with a massage and soak in natural mineral hot springs at this spa resort, open daily with appointments required.

USD150+, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Piatti Ristorante & Bar

Enjoy authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.

USD45, 1h30m

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Day 4: Palm Springs to Denver

Palm Springs, California to Denver, Colorado, USA on June 21, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Norma's Palm Springs

Start your travel day with hearty options before your flight, open from 6am.

USD20, 1h0m

8:00am

Flight from Palm Springs International Airport to Denver International Airport

Catch a morning flight (approximately 2.5 hours) to Denver, arriving midday.

USD150+, 3h0m including airport time

12:30pm

Lunch at Sam’s No. 3 in Denver

Classic diner-style spot with an extensive menu, great for comfort food after the flight.

USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore the Denver Art Museum

Visit one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago, open 10am to 5pm daily.

USD15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check into hotel and relax

Settle into your Denver accommodation to prepare for mountain adventures ahead.

Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rioja in Larimer Square

Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients in an elegant setting.

USD60, 1h30m

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Day 5: Rocky Mountain Entry

Denver and Boulder, Colorado, USA on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Hearty southern-style biscuit sandwiches, perfect to fuel a day of exploration.

USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Boulder and hike Chautauqua Park

Drive 45 minutes to Boulder for scenic hiking at the base of the Flatirons; trails open dawn to dusk.

Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Buff Restaurant

Popular breakfast and lunch spot in Boulder with generous portions and views of the Flatirons.

USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll Pearl Street Mall

Enjoy shops, street performers, and cafes in this vibrant outdoor pedestrian mall, open throughout the day.

Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return to Denver

Drive back to Denver and rest before dinner.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision

Contemporary American dishes in a market-style setting, focusing on local ingredients, open until 10pm.

USD50, 1h30m

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Day 6: Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park, Colorado, USA on June 23, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Grab a quick and filling breakfast before the mountain trip.

USD15, 0h45m

7:30am

Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park

About 1.5 hours from Denver; arrive early to beat crowds. Entrance fee is per vehicle.

USD30 per vehicle, 1h30m

9:00am

Explore Bear Lake and nearby easy hikes

Walk the scenic Bear Lake trail or take brief hikes to Nymph Lake or Dream Lake, all offering breathtaking mountain views.

Free with entrance fee, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Egg of Estes

Located in Estes Park, this breakfast-lunch spot is perfect post-hike for omelets and sandwiches.

USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road

Drive the highest continuous paved road in the US, open late May through October, for incredible vistas.

Included in park fee, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Denver

Drive back to Denver and relax from the day’s adventures.

Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sushi Den

High-quality sushi and Japanese dishes in an acclaimed Denver restaurant, open until 10pm.

USD50, 1h30m

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Day 7: Aspen Mountains

Aspen, Colorado, USA on June 24, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast and checkout

Prepare for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Aspen with a nutritious breakfast to start the day.

USD15, 0h45m

7:00am

Drive to Aspen

Enjoy a beautiful mountain drive through Colorado’s landscape heading west.

Free, 3h30m

11:00am

Check into Aspen hotel

Settle into accommodation and freshen up.

Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Meat & Cheese

Rustic eatery with creative American fare featuring artisan meats and cheeses in a lively atmosphere.

USD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ride Aspen Mountain Gondola

Open from 9am to 5pm, take a scenic gondola ride to the top for breathtaking views of the Rockies and hiking opportunities.

USD25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore downtown Aspen

Stroll boutique shops and art galleries in this charming mountain town.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Element 47

Elegant dining featuring local Colorado ingredients with a world-class wine list.

USD60, 1h30m

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Day 8: Aspen Outdoors

Aspen, Colorado, USA on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Victoria’s Espresso and Wine Bar

Unique spot offering great coffee and pastries in a cozy setting.

USD12, 0h45m

8:30am

Hiking to Maroon Bells

Trailhead is short drive from Aspen; famous twin peaks and surrounding lakes offer iconic photography and moderate hikes, open dawn to dusk.

USD10 permit, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Wild Fig

Mediterranean-inspired dishes with an emphasis on fresh and local ingredients.

USD35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax by the Roaring Fork River

Take a leisurely walk or rent a bike along the river trails.

Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Tua

Upscale Italian fare in an intimate, elegant environment.

USD60, 1h30m

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Day 9: Travel to Colorado Springs

Aspen to Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA on June 26, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast and checkout

Start with a filling breakfast before the long drive or flight.

USD15, 0h45m

7:30am

Drive to Colorado Springs or take connecting flights

Approximately 5-hour drive or flight connections available with layover in Denver.

USD50-150, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Rabbit Hole

Unique underground atmosphere with a variety of creative American dishes.

USD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Garden of the Gods

Explore stunning sandstone rock formations with accessible trails and free admission; photography and short hikes are highlights.

Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Check into hotel and rest

Prepare for next day’s exploration.

Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Four by Brother Luck

Contemporary American cuisine focusing on Colorado ingredients in a trendy setting.

USD50, 1h30m

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Day 10: Colorado Springs Highlights

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Trendy coffee shop with breakfast pastries and craft coffee, a great start to the day.

USD12, 0h45m

8:30am

Pikes Peak Summit via Cog Railway

Depart early for a full day experiencing Pikes Peak. The railway runs 7 days a week starting at 8am through October. The summit offers unbeatable views of the Rockies.

USD59, 6h0m

3:00pm

Light late lunch in Manitou Springs

Try local cafes offering fresh options close to Pikes Peak Cog Railway terminus.

USD15, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return and relax at hotel

Rest from the active day.

Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Skirted Heifer

Known for gourmet burgers and craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere.

USD25, 1h30m

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Day 11: Royal Gorge & Relax

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Urban Egg

Fresh and hearty breakfast dishes to fuel your day.

USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Day trip to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

Experience one of the world's highest suspension bridges, zip lines, and gondola rides; park opens at 9am. Enjoy views of the Arkansas River and mountain scenery.

USD29.95, 5h0m