Ultimate 10-Day Colorado Adventure: Mountains, Cities, and Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Explore Denver

Denver, Colorado, USA on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Enjoy creative pancakes and breakfast classics at Snooze, popular for its fresh and vibrant morning menu. Open daily from 6:30am to 2:30pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Tour Denver Art Museum

Experience extensive collections of Native American and contemporary art in a striking building; open 10am–5pm.
USD13, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Market at Larimer Square

Sample gourmet options in an iconic historic district with outdoor dining; explore shops afterward. Open 11am–9pm.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Denver Botanic Gardens

Explore beautiful themed gardens showcasing Colorado’s native plants and exotic species; open 7am–8pm.
USD15, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Guard and Grace

Indulge in upscale steakhouse fare with diverse cuts and sides in a chic setting. Open till 10pm.
USD50, 1.5h

Day 2: Denver Culture & History

Denver, Colorado, USA on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Try hearty biscuit sandwiches and Southern-inspired breakfast dishes; open 7am–3pm daily.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Visit History Colorado Center

Interactive exhibits detail the rich history of Colorado and the West region; open 10am–5pm.
USD14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sam’s No. 3

Enjoy an eclectic diner menu famous locally for comfort food and quick service; open 7am–2am.
USD18, 1h

1:30pm

Walk through Washington Park

Relax in this scenic urban park featuring flower gardens, lakes, and walking trails.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Rioja

Savor Mediterranean inspired dishes prepared with fresh Colorado ingredients; open until 10pm.
USD45, 1.5h

Day 3: Colorado Springs Beauty

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Grab quality coffee and breakfast sandwiches at this relaxed, popular spot; open 7am–2pm.
USD10, 1h

8:30am

Garden of the Gods Park

Walk or drive through dramatic red rock formations with stunning mountain backdrops; open 24/7.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Manitou Springs

Stroll this charming town known for mineral springs, shops, and cafes.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Loop

Enjoy New American cuisine and craft beers in Manitou Springs; open 11am–9pm.
USD22, 1h

2:00pm

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Take a scenic train ride to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s famous fourteeners; ticket prices are moderate, and check operating times as hours vary seasonally, generally 8am–4pm.
USD55, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Shuga’s

Cozy bistro offering creative small plates, wine, and craft cocktails; open till 10pm.
USD35, 1.5h

Day 4: Historic & Natural Walks

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Over Easy

American breakfast classics with a fresh twist; open 7am–2pm.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Enjoy mountain views and engaging wildlife exhibits in the country’s highest zoo; open 9am–5pm.
USD22, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Edelweiss German Restaurant

Relax with traditional German food and beer in a quaint setting; open 11am–9pm.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Seven Falls

View spectacular waterfalls in a natural box canyon; hike and enjoy the scenery, open 9am–7pm.
USD14, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

Creative American cuisine in a stylish underground setting; open till 10pm.
USD40, 1.5h

Day 5: Rocky Mountain Park

Estes Park, Colorado, USA on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Café

Fresh bakery items and hearty breakfast options, perfect before mountain adventure; open 7am–2pm.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

Hike scenic trails and see abundant wildlife in this iconic national park; entrance open 24/7, visitor centers open 8am–5pm.
USD30 per vehicle, 6h

3:00pm

Relax in Estes Park Downtown

Discover charming shops and local breweries along the riverwalk.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Grubsteak Restaurant

Classic American pub fare offering steaks and seafood in a cozy atmosphere; open till 9pm.
USD35, 1.5h

Day 6: Mountain Scenic Drive

Estes Park, Colorado, USA on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kind Coffee

Specialty coffee and light breakfast in a friendly environment; open 7am–3pm.
USD10, 1h

9:00am

Trail Ridge Road Drive

Drive through one of the highest paved roads in the US with stunning vistas; open seasonally 9am–6pm during summer.
USD30 (park entrance if not previously paid), 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Picnic Rooftop

Enjoy inventive takes on classic dishes in downtown Estes Park; open 11am–9pm.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Estes Park Museum

Learn about the town’s history and natural surroundings; open 10am–5pm.
USD7, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Rustic tavern atmosphere with hearty American comfort food; open till 9pm.
USD30, 1.5h

Day 7: Hot Springs Relaxation

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse

Start the day with morning classics and great coffee; open 7am–2pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

Relax in the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool; open daily 7am–10pm.
USD28, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Pullman

Featuring upscale American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients; open 11am–9pm.
USD30, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Charming cave tours and rides with mountain views; open 10am–6pm.
USD45, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Slope & Hatch

Famous for creative tacos and craft beers; open till 9pm.
USD25, 1.5h

Day 8: Glenwood Outdoor Fun

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Main Street Social

Enjoy excellent coffee and artisanal breakfast options; open 7am–3pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Hiking at Hanging Lake

Popular trail leads to a stunning turquoise lake and waterfalls. Permit required, open 8am–12:30pm for entry passes.
USD12 permit, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Casual dining with a beautiful river view; open 11am–7pm.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Rest in multiple mineral soaking pools surrounded by mountains; open 8am–10pm.
USD35, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Italian Underground

Rustic Italian dishes with an intimate ambiance; open 4pm–9pm.
USD30, 1.5h

Day 9: Aspen Arrival

Aspen, Colorado, USA on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Early Bird

A bright eatery serving local, seasonal breakfast favorites; open 7am–2pm.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Aspen

Drive from Glenwood Springs to Aspen (approximately 1.5 hours) via scenic US-82 E, enjoying mountain vistas.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Meat & Cheese

Farmstead eatery offering artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, sandwiches; open 11am–9pm.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Maroon Bells

Visit one of Colorado’s most famous and photographed peaks; shuttle access recommended, open dawn to dusk.
USD10 shuttle, 3h

5:00pm

Stroll Aspen Downtown

Browse boutique shops and art galleries along the pedestrian-friendly streets.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Element 47

Elegant fine dining with a focus on seasonal local ingredients; open till 10pm.
USD60, 2h

Day 10: Aspen Mountains & Departure

Aspen, Colorado, USA on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Victoria’s Espresso and Wine Bar

A cozy spot serving premium coffee and tasty breakfast fare; open 7am–2pm.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Take the Aspen Mountain Gondola

Ride the gondola for spectacular panoramic views and hiking trails; open 9am–5pm.
USD29, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Paradise Bakery & Cafe

Casual lunch offering fresh salads and sandwiches; open 7am–5pm.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Last-minute Aspen Shopping & Departure

Pick up souvenirs and relax before departure from Aspen.
Varies, 2h