8 days in Colorado Itinerary

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 25th (Tue), get to know the resident critters at Denver Zoo and then catch a live event at Coors Field. On the 26th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: look and learn at Denver Museum of Nature & Science, then take in nature's colorful creations at Denver Botanic Gardens, then explore the world behind art at Denver Art Museum, and finally browse the fresh offerings at The Source.

For other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Denver travel itinerary planner.

Sioux Falls to Denver is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Sioux Falls to Denver. In September, plan for daily highs up to 79°F, and evening lows to 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Colorado Springs.

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.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Thu): stroll around Garden of the Gods and then explore the world behind art at Michael Garman Museum & Gallery. Here are some ideas for day two: deepen your knowledge of military history at United States Air Force Academy, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and then have some family-friendly fun at Battlefield Colorado.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read Colorado Springs trip itinerary builder app.

You can drive from Denver to Colorado Springs in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and flight. September in Colorado Springs sees daily highs of 79°F and lows of 51°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can drive to Canon City.

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

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sat): get outside with Royal Gorge Anglers and then let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour.

For other places to visit, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, use the Canon City visit planner.

You can drive from Colorado Springs to Canon City in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In September in Canon City, expect temperatures between 83°F during the day and 56°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Buena Vista.

The Town of Buena Vista is a Statutory Town in Chaffee County, Colorado, United States. On the 30th (Sun), brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Deerhammer Distillery, then indulge in some personalized pampering at Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, and then relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour.

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

Getting from Canon City to Buena Vista by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Canon City in September, with highs in Buena Vista at 73°F and lows at 42°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough 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.

On the 1st (Mon), take in the awesome beauty at Maroon Bells. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 2nd (Tue): pause for some photo ops at The John Denver Sanctuary and then get great views at Independence Pass.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read Aspen trip maker.

You can drive from Buena Vista to Aspen in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 72°F in September, and nighttime lows around 41°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.