I’ve been to Colorado a few times now and during each visit I fall more and more in love. It’s got great vibes, fantastic food, stunning landscapes, and so many incredible outdoor activities. There’s so much to see and do in Colorado that you could easily spend weeks if not months exploring. If you’re short on time, here’s how to spend one week on a Colorado road trip.
Is Colorado safe to travel to as a solo woman traveler?
I would consider Colorado overall safe to travel to as a solo woman traveler. Just like always, I recommend not hiking alone or if you do, to take the necessary precautions. In Denver, just like other major cities, you need to be careful after dark.
Know Before You Go
The best airport for this itinerary is Denver International Airport
I highly recommend renting a car if you’re following this itinerary. Be sure to book one well in advance as car rentals have been extremely popular lately.
Look into the timed entry permits for Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) the moment you book your trip. You have to have a permit to enter the park unless you are entering before 5 am or after 6 pm. This link has everything you need to know about the system.
7 Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Denver / Explore Denver
The first day of your 7 day Colorado Road Trip begins in Denver. After you land grab your rental car. I’d leave plenty of time for this as rental car centers have been slammed lately. It took me about 2 hours to get my car even though I had a reservation.
After you have your car for the week, it’s time to check in to your hotel / AirBnb and explore Denver.
For details on where to stay in Denver and for things to do in Denver, check out my guide here.
Day 2: Day Trip to Pike’s Peak and Garden of the Gods
Wake up early, grab a cup of coffee and get on the road. Your first stop is Pike’s Peak, a summit at 14,115 ft. You will encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery as you drive to the top. If you’re afraid of heights, this drive may not be for you. Once you get to the top of the highway, you’ll park your car in the lot and hop aboard a shuttle to get to the summit (about 30 min drive). Enjoy stunning views from the summit and grab a bite to eat from the cafe if you’re looking for a snack!
Tips for heading to Pike’s Peak:
- Decide if you’re driving or taking the train. If you take the train, be sure to get your tickets in advance
- Make sure your car has 4W drive and that you shift to low gear for the drive down
- Be sure to check the conditions beforehand. If it’s a cloudy day, you will likely not have a view at all at the summit
After your descent, grab a quick lunch in the town and head to Garden of the Gods.
I recommend stopping at the visitor center to get a lay of the land and figure out what you’re most interested in. Even if you’re short on time this is well worth the stop.
Day 3: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park with a stop in Boulder
Check out of your hotel in Denver and get ready to go to the incredible Rocky Mountain National Park! But first, you’re going to make a stop in Boulder located on the way to RMNP and only 40 mins from Denver.
I recommend strolling through Pearl St and exploring the different shots. This street is incredibly picturesque and definitely worth the stop. Next up, grab lunch at Mountain Sun Pub. At the time of writing this, their Pearl St location is closed but they do have other locations that are easily accessible by car. I loved this pub. The staff is friendly, the beer is tasty, and the food is delicious.
After Boulder, head on to Estes Park which is where you will be staying. This drive is very picturesque so I recommend making as many stops as you’d like! We stayed at Hotel Estes and loved the experience.
For the evening, you are going to be driving the Trailridge Road, a scenic drive in RMNP with plenty of lookout points. Be sure to get your access tickets in advance! (details in the Know Before You Go section)
After the drive, head to Antonios for some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. Seriously, it’s so freaking good.
Days 4-5: Rocky Mountain National Park
The next two days are for doing the different hikes in RMNP. Manageable popular hikes are Bear lake, Dream Lake & Emerald Lake, and Alberta Falls. Keep in mind that you may feel altitude sickness in RMNP so it’s best to listen to your body and go slow. Trails can range between 7,800 ft and 12,000 ft.
Once you’re tired of the park, head to Snowy Peaks for a wine tasting. While Colorado is known for their beers, I was pleasantly surprised by this winery and even bought a couple of bottles to take back!
Day 6: Denver
On your last full day, it’s time to head back to Denver and do some more exploring! If you need things to do in Denver, check out my guide here.
Day 7: Denver and Head Home
Sadly, your trip is coming to an end. Depending on your flight time, you may have the chance to explore a bit more in the morning. If not, be sure to at least grab a beer before the journey home!
Bottom Line
Colorado is absolutely amazing and there’s so much to do there that you can spend a lifetime exploring this state. However, it’s possible to get a great taste with this 7 day Colorado road trip itinerary.
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