9 days in Colorado Itinerary

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.

To see reviews, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Estes Park trip itinerary builder site.

New York City to Estes Park is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and taxi. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from New York City to Estes Park due to the time zone difference. Expect little chillier evenings in Estes Park when traveling from New York City in July, with lows around 59°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) so you can 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 23rd (Thu): stroll around Garden of the Gods, then find something for the whole family at North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop, and then admire nature's wide array of creatures at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Colorado Springs journey site.

Traveling by car from Estes Park to Colorado Springs takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or fly. While traveling from Estes Park, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Colorado Springs, ranging from highs of 86°F to lows of 58°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Thu) 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 24th (Fri), see Off-Road Tours and then relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour.

To find reviews, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Buena Vista trip planner.

Traveling by car from Colorado Springs to Buena Vista takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July, Buena Vista is a bit cooler than Colorado Springs - with highs of 80°F and lows of 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Sat): take a memorable tour with Tours and then see Off-Road Tours. Keep things going the next day: don't miss a visit to Historic Downtown Durango, then get interesting insight from Tours, and then explore the galleries of Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

For reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Durango trip itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by car from Buena Vista to Durango takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of bus, shuttle, and taxi. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Buena Vista in July: highs in Durango hover around 86°F, while lows dip to 54°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) 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 27th (Mon): take in the awesome beauty at Maroon Bells. On the 28th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: trek along Hanging Lake Trail, test the waters at a local thermal spa, and then let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour.

For reviews, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Glenwood Springs online road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Durango to Glenwood Springs takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Durango in July: highs in Glenwood Springs hover around 68°F, while lows dip to 50°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 29th (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.