8 days in Colorado Itinerary

Whereas most national parks are primarily devoted to showcasing unique and special landscapes, Mesa Verde National Park focuses on ancient human habitation.

On the 26th (Sat), explore the ancient world of Long House and then take a memorable drive along Ruins Road. On the 27th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: delve into the distant past at Spruce Tree House, explore the ancient world of Balcony House, and then steep yourself in history at Cliff Palace.

To see ratings, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Mesa Verde National Park trip planning tool.

Dallas to Mesa Verde National Park is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Dallas to Mesa Verde National Park, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Dallas in September, expect nights in Mesa Verde National Park to be cooler, around 45°F, while days are little chillier, around 80°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Sun) early enough to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Mon): trek along Hanging Lake Trail, let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, and then test the waters at a local thermal spa.

For reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Glenwood Springs driving holiday planning app.

You can drive from Mesa Verde National Park to Glenwood Springs in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of taxi and bus. When traveling from Mesa Verde National Park in September, plan for much colder days in Glenwood Springs, with highs around 59°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 42°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Mon) so you can drive to Estes Park.

More than just a convenient resting place for travelers on their way to the national park encompassing the Front Range of the Rockies, Estes Park is a popular place to visit in its own right.

Kids will enjoy Trail Ridge Road and The Beach at Grand Lake. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Aspen and Evergreen Gallery and Images of Rocky Mountain National Park. And it doesn't end there: stop by Estes Park Guided Tours, admire the verdant scenery at Many Parks Curve Overlook, admire all the interesting features of Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, and indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, read our Estes Park travel route planning website.

Drive from Glenwood Springs to Estes Park in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of bus and taxi. When traveling from Glenwood Springs in September, plan for warmer days in Estes Park, with highs around 81°F, while nights are a bit warmer with lows around 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) to allow enough time 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 2nd (Fri), get a new perspective on nature at Denver Museum of Nature & Science, take in nature's colorful creations at Denver Botanic Gardens, then steep yourself in history at Molly Brown House Museum, and finally don't miss a visit to 16th Street Mall.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Denver day trip planning tool.

You can drive from Estes Park to Denver in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. October in Denver sees daily highs of 67°F and lows of 40°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Fri) early enough to go by car 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 3rd (Sat): brush up on your military savvy at National Museum of World War II Aviation, appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Colorado City, and then stroll around Garden of the Gods.

Planning Colorado Springs trip won't be overwhelming when you use Inspirock's itinerary maker.

Drive from Denver to Colorado Springs in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and flight. In October, daytime highs in Colorado Springs are 67°F, while nighttime lows are 39°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.