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Colorado Rockies Loop
A 7-day driving-only Colorado loop with big mountain views, red-rock canyons, hot-spring towns, and enough breathing room to actually enjoy the Rockies.
7days
28stops
Day 1: Denver to Estes Park foothills
4 stops
Depart
09:00
Boulder Pearl Street Mall
11:00
Chautauqua Park
14:00
Estes Park Riverwalk
17:00
Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park
4 stops
Depart
07:30
Bear Lake
08:00
Trail Ridge Road / Alpine
12:30
Grand Lake
16:30
Day 3: Grand Lake to Aspen via high country
4 stops
Depart
08:30
Vail Village
10:30
Glenwood Springs
13:30
Aspen Downtown
17:00
Day 4: Maroon Bells and Black Canyon country
4 stops
Depart
07:30
Maroon Bells Scenic Area
08:00
Curecanti National Recreation Area
12:30
Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim
16:30
Day 5: Million Dollar Highway to Durango
4 stops
Depart
08:30
Ouray
09:15
Million Dollar Highway / Red Mountain Pass
11:30
Durango Downtown
15:30
Day 6: Mesa Verde and Great Sand Dunes route
4 stops
Depart
07:30
Mesa Verde National Park
08:30
Pagosa Springs
13:30
Alamosa
17:30
Day 7: Dunes, canyon, and back to Denver
4 stops
Depart
07:30
Great Sand Dunes National Park
08:15
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
12:30
Denver
17:30
Heads Up
- 1. Reserve timed-entry or shuttle access where required for Rocky Mountain National Park and Maroon Bells; buy or bring an America the Beautiful pass if you'll enter several national parks; keep a warm layer handy even in summer because Colorado altitude changes fast.
- 2. Day 3: 5h 15m driving — plan rest stops
- 3. Day 6: 6h driving — plan rest stops
- 4. Day 7: 5h 30m driving — plan rest stops
- 5. Day 4: 5h 15m driving — plan rest stops
- 6. Day 6: 5h 8m driving — plan rest stops