7 days in Colorado Itinerary

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.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sun): stroll through Sunlight Mountain Resort and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Rocky Mountains.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Glenwood Springs visit site.

New York City to Glenwood Springs is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Mountain Standard Time, which is usually a -2 hour difference. Expect colder temperatures when traveling from New York City in December; daily highs in Glenwood Springs reach 26°F and lows reach 15°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sun) so you can go by car to Durango.

Originally a frontier mining town, Durango is known today for its scenic setting, outdoor activities, and the 1880s steam-powered railway that takes visitors through sections of the mountains where roads don't reach.

On the 21st (Mon), trek along Animas River Trail and then cruise along Million Dollar Highway. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Tue): see the interesting displays at Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum, trot along with a tour on horseback, and then fly down the slopes at Purgatory Resort.

For traveler tips, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Durango trip itinerary maker tool.

Traveling by car from Glenwood Springs to Durango takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Glenwood Springs in December, you will find days in Durango are somewhat warmer (40°F), and nights are about the same (13°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Tue) early enough to drive to Canon City.

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

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Wed): examine the collection at Museum of Colorado Prisons, get the adrenaline pumping with Lost Paddle Rafting, then see the world from above with Royal Gorge Helitours, and finally kick your exploration up a notch at Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours.

To see photos, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Canon City trip itinerary app.

Getting from Durango to Canon City by car takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: fly; or do a combination of shuttle, taxi, and bus. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Durango in December, with highs in Canon City at 49°F and lows at 23°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) to allow time to drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Thu): hit the slopes at Blue River Sports, then glide through natural beauty at Breckenridge Nordic Center, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Peak 9, and finally hit the slopes at Frisco Adventure Park.

To see traveler tips, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Breckenridge vacation planner.

Getting from Canon City to Breckenridge by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Canon City in December, expect nights in Breckenridge to be a bit cooler, around 14°F, while days are cooler, around 25°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) early enough to travel to Steamboat Springs.

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

Start off your visit on the 25th (Fri): fly down the slopes at Steamboat Gondola, then hike along Yampa River Core Trail, then steep yourself in history at Tread of Pioneers Museum, and finally hit the slopes at Howelsen Hill Ski Area. On your second day here, trot along with Del's Triangle 3 Ranch.

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

Traveling by combination of taxi and shuttle from Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. Traveling from Breckenridge in December, expect little chillier with lows of 9°F in Steamboat Springs. On the 26th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.