11 days in Colorado Itinerary

Stunning Garden of the Gods Park scenery, blue skies and the glory of Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain have attracted visitors to Colorado Springs for more than a century.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): take in the dramatic scenery at Crystal Falls, get in on the family fun at North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop, look for gifts at Christmas in Manitou, brush up on your military savvy at National Museum of World War II Aviation, then enjoy unforgettable views with Adventures Out West, and finally get a taste of local nightlife at The Golden Bee. On the next day, trek along Mount Cutler Trail, meet the residents at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, take in the dramatic scenery at The Broadmoor Seven Falls, then walk around Garden of the Gods, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Colorado City Historic District.

To see photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Colorado Springs travel planner.

Austin to Colorado Springs is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time to Mountain Standard Time is minus 1 hour. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Austin in January: highs in Colorado Springs hover around 9°C, while lows dip to -9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) early enough to fly to Aspen.

Known as a ski resort town, Aspen's history goes back to its roots as a silver-mining village tucked away in an isolated valley of the Rocky Mountains.

On the 24th (Tue), relax and float downstream with Aspen Whitewater Rafting, walk around The John Denver Sanctuary, then stroll through Aspen Snowmass, and finally cruise along Independence Pass. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the awesome beauty at Aspen Mountain / Ajax and then test the waters at a local thermal spa.

To find reviews, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Aspen trip site.

Fly from Colorado Springs to Aspen in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Colorado Springs in January, things will get slightly colder in Aspen: highs are around 1°C and lows about -15°C. On the 26th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Winter Park.

Winter Park is a home rule municipality in Grand County, Colorado, United States. Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: hit the slopes at Winter Park Resort, then get in on the family fun at Colorado Adventure Park, and then don't miss a visit to Fraser Tubing Hill.

For more things to do, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Winter Park trip planner.

Drive from Aspen to Winter Park in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Aspen in January: highs in Winter Park hover around -9°C, while lows dip to -16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) so you can travel to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park presents an ideal setting for recreation in the mountain range for which the park is named.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sun): take in the dramatic natural features at Alluvial Fan, then cruise along Trail Ridge Road, and then trek along Emerald Lake Trail.

To find maps, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Rocky Mountain National Park tour itinerary tool.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Winter Park to Rocky Mountain National Park. Traveling from Winter Park in January, you will find days in Rocky Mountain National Park are much hotter (10°C), and nights are somewhat warmer (-8°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to drive to Denver.

Aptly nicknamed the "Mile-High City," Denver sits at an altitude of 1,600 m (5,280 ft) above sea level, located right where the Great Plains give way to the Rocky Mountains.

On the 29th (Sun), get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Downtown Aquarium.

Plan trip to Denver with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Traveling by car from Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver takes 2 hours. In January in Denver, expect temperatures between 7°C during the day and -7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly back home.