Colorado is a state known for its stunning natural beauty, with landscapes that include towering mountains, rolling hills, and vast plains. It’s no wonder that road tripping through Colorado is a popular way to explore this magnificent state. But just how many days do you need to see all the best sights?
The Short Answer
The short answer is that it really depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. If you’re looking to hit all the major attractions, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Great Sand Dunes, then you’ll probably want to plan for at least 7-10 days. However, if you only have a few days and want to see some highlights, such as the iconic Maroon Bells or Garden of the Gods, then a shorter trip may be possible.
The Long Answer
To help you plan your Colorado road trip itinerary, let’s take a closer look at some of the top attractions in the state and how long you might want to spend at each one.
Rocky Mountain National Park
If there’s one must-visit destination on any Colorado road trip, it’s Rocky Mountain National Park. This vast park covers over 400 square miles of pristine wilderness and includes numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities. To truly experience everything that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer, plan on spending at least 2-3 days here.
Mesa Verde National Park
Located in southwestern Colorado near the town of Durango, Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient Puebloan people who inhabited this area over 1,000 years ago. Plan on spending at least 1-2 days exploring the park and taking one of the ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes are one of the most unique natural wonders in Colorado, with towering dunes that rise as high as 750 feet. This national park also includes alpine lakes, forests, and wetlands, making it a great spot for hiking and wildlife viewing. While you could see the sand dunes in just a few hours, plan on spending at least a full day here to truly appreciate everything this park has to offer.
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are perhaps the most iconic image of Colorado’s natural beauty, with two towering peaks reflected in a crystal-clear alpine lake. While you can easily drive up to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and snap some photos, plan on spending at least half a day here to take one of the hiking trails or just soak up the stunning scenery.
Garden of the Gods
Located in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is another iconic destination that should be on any Colorado road trip itinerary. This public park features towering sandstone formations that have been eroded into interesting shapes over millions of years. You could easily spend a full day exploring Garden of the Gods and taking one of the many hiking trails that wind through this unique landscape.
The Bottom Line
In summary, there’s no single answer to how many days you need for a road trip in Colorado. However, if you’re looking to hit all the major sights and enjoy some outdoor adventures along the way, plan on spending at least 7-10 days exploring this beautiful state. However, even if you only have a few days, there are plenty of highlights that you can still see and enjoy – just be prepared for some long driving days!