17 days in Colorado Itinerary

An internationally known ski resort, Steamboat Springs sits in the shadow of Mount Werner in north central Colorado.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Sun): take a tour by water with Yampa Valley Anglers and then relax and float downstream with Paddle Colorado. On the next day, admire the sheer force of Fish Creek Falls and then take a leisurely stroll along Rotary Park Boardwalk.

To find where to stay, ratings, photos, and tourist information, go to the Steamboat Springs trip planner.

Aspen to Steamboat Springs is an approximately 3.5-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of flight and shuttle; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. In August, plan for daily highs up to 79°F, and evening lows to 46°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to travel to Breckenridge.

Founded in 1859 as part of the Gold Rush in the Rockies, Breckenridge boasts a main street lined with colorful wooden storefronts housing cafes and shops, giving the effect of a thriving western town from the 19th century.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Tue): get answers to all your questions at Breckenridge Welcome Center and then identify plant and animal life at White River National Forest. On the 19th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get active on the water at Cutthroat Anglers and then contemplate the waterfront views at Dillon Reservoir.

To see maps, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Breckenridge trip itinerary builder site.

You can do a combination of shuttle and taxi from Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of shuttle and bus. Traveling from Steamboat Springs in August, you will find days in Breckenridge are a bit cooler (62°F), and nights are about the same (46°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Vail.

Originally built as a base for Vail Ski Resort, the town of Vail has blossomed into its own destination, but still has less than 6,000 permanent residents.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Thu): add some entertainment to your itinerary with Bravo!Vail and then fly down the slopes at Vail Mountain Resort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Fri): get active on the water at Colorado River Runs and then find your balance on the water with Stand Up Paddle Colorado.

To find traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, go to the Vail trip itinerary maker site.

You can drive from Breckenridge to Vail in an hour. Other options are to do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. In August, daytime highs in Vail are 62°F, while nighttime lows are 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can drive to Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs occupies a scenic location at the junction of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River, halfway between Vail and Aspen along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): contemplate the waterfront views at Hanging Lake. Here are some ideas for day two: boost your wellbeing at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool.

For traveler tips, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, use the Glenwood Springs online attractions planner.

Drive from Vail to Glenwood Springs in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Glenwood Springs can reach 64°F, while at night they dip to 47°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) to allow time to drive 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Crater Lake Trail and The John Denver Sanctuary. Family-friendly places like Blue Mesa Fishing and Ashcroft Ghost Town will thrill your kids. On the 27th (Thu), dedicate a day to the elevated beauty of Buttermilk Mountain. On the 26th (Wed), dedicate a day to the elevated beauty of Aspen Mountain / Ajax. It doesn't end there: relax and float downstream with Elk Mountain Expeditions and see the interesting displays at Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center.

For other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Aspen trip planner.

You can drive from Glenwood Springs to Aspen in an hour. Another option is to take a bus. Traveling from Glenwood Springs in August, you will find days in Aspen are somewhat warmer (77°F), and nights are about the same (46°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Buena Vista.

The Town of Buena Vista is a Statutory Town in Chaffee County, Colorado, United States. You've now added Twin Lakes to your itinerary. Start off your visit on the 29th (Sat): let the river carry you with The Adventure Company, then take a memorable excursion with Performance Tours Whitewater Rafting, and then brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Deerhammer Distillery. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the natural beauty of Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, then let the river carry you with Browns Canyon Rafting, and then explore the activities along Twin Lakes.

To find maps, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Buena Vista trip maker.

Traveling by car from Aspen to Buena Vista takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. August in Buena Vista sees daily highs of 77°F and lows of 47°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Cañon City.

Part of Colorado's Royal Gorge Region, Cañon City straddles the Arkansas River.

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Mon): take in the views from Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and then hike along Tunnel Drive. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: do a tasting at The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey and then delve into the lush surroundings at Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.

To find reviews, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Cañon City online holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Buena Vista to Cañon City takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Buena Vista in August, expect Cañon City to be a bit warmer, temps between 89°F and 61°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) early enough to go by car back home.