9 days in Colorado Itinerary

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.

On the 16th (Sun), ski along the peaceful trails at Breckenridge Nordic Center and then contemplate the waterfront views at Keystone Lake. On the 17th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get active on the water at The Colorado Angler and then explore the activities along Dillon Reservoir.

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Breckenridge travel route planner.

New York City to Breckenridge is an approximately 9.5-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Mountain Standard Time (MST) is minus 2 hours. Prepare for cooler weather when traveling from New York City in August: high temperatures in Breckenridge hover around 62°F and lows are around 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) so you can 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.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Tue): take in nature's colorful creations at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and then fly down the slopes at Vail Mountain Resort. On the 19th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see what you can catch with Gore Creek Fly Fishing and then glide peacefully along the water with Stand Up Paddle Colorado.

For photos, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Vail trip planner.

Traveling by car from Breckenridge to Vail takes an hour. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 62°F, and evening lows to 46°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to go by car 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.

On the 20th (Thu), let the river carry you with Rock Gardens Rafting and then contemplate the waterfront views at Hanging Lake. Here are some ideas for day two: boost your wellbeing at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool.

To see photos, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, read Glenwood Springs tour planner.

Traveling by car from Vail to Glenwood Springs takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In August in Glenwood Springs, expect temperatures between 64°F during the day and 47°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can 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 22nd (Sat), cast your line with Elk Mountain Expeditions and then explore the activities along Crater Lake Trail. Keep things going the next day: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Buttermilk Mountain.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Aspen trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Glenwood Springs to Aspen in an hour. Another option is to take a bus. When traveling from Glenwood Springs in August, plan for a bit warmer days in Aspen, with highs around 77°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) so you can travel back home.