7 cities in 7 days
I did a week roadtrip through the state of Colorado hitting the top 7 cities in the state in a giant circle from Los Angeles, CA. I will be posting my trip itinerary and the best hikes and adventures that I encountered oh my trek. This was an early spring trip in late March for snow hiking and adventure in CO (March 28-April 3).
Aspen–> Glenwood Springs–> Vail–>Breckenridge–> Boulder–> Rocky Mountain National Park–>Denver–> Colorado Springs–> Durango
Route map for Colorado Roadtrip by Caitlin Vick on plotaroute.com
Colorado 7 day Roadtrip Itinerary
Day one: Aspen
Los Angeles, CA–> Aspen, CO (13 hours)
Maroon Bells Hike (22 miler)
Day two: Glenwood Springs
Aspen, CO–> Glenwood Springs (1 hour)
Glenwood Hot Springs
Hanging Lake hike
Day three: Vail
Glenwood Springs,CO–> Vail, CO (1 hour)
Radium Hot Springs/hike
Day Four: Breckenridge
Vail, CO–> Breckenridge,CO (1 hour)
The Gold Pan Saloon
snowstorm hit, no hiking
Day five: Boulder
Breckenridge, CO–> Boulder, CO (2 hours)
Dushanbee Teahouse
Rocky Mountain National Park
snow shoeing at bear lake
Day 6: Denver/Colorado Springs
Boulder, CO–> Denver, CO (35 minutes)
coloradical store/ downtown explore
Denver, CO–> Colorado Springs, CO (1 hour)
Garden of the Gods
Manitou Incline hike
Day 7: Durango
Old town
Day 8: LA
Durango, CO–> LA, CA (13 hours)
1. Aspen, CO
This is the most charming Victorian storybook town nestled up against the backdrop of the CO mountains. Visiting CO in the winter in the snow is like stepping into
Hiking the Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells is a gorgeous mountainous area in a forest of birch trees and meadows outside of Aspen. There are beautiful lakes, tundra, and lots of wildlife. This area is located 10 miles from Aspen, making it a perfect day hike outside the city. There are 5 trails 1-13 miles roundtrip. These trails can be done by most people and range from easy to moderate. There are out and back trails as well as loop trails available. This area is open mid-May to mid-November. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Denver or a 13-hour drive from LA, CA. The parking fee is $10 per vehicle or the shuttle bus fee per person. In the
Trailhead
The trailhead lies 10 miles outside of the city of Aspen, CO.
Shuttle Service
4 Mountains Sports Ski Shop
Parking fills up quickly in the summer months and spring and is expensive! This is where you can catch a bus regularly heading to the trailhead from town for a minimal fee to not deal with trailhead parking/fees. The shuttle runs from 8am to 5pm, visitors take a 10-15-minute shuttle bus ride to the trailhead. The shuttle lot with free parking is located at Aspen Highlands, a local ski area. You can buy your shuttle ticket at 4 Mountains Sports Ski Shop. You can call the shuttle here: USFS Maroon Bells Hotline at (970) 945-3319. You can also visit their website about the shuttle service here.
Maroon Bells during the Winter Months
Maroon Creek Road is closed during the winter months (mid November-through April). The road re-opens mid-May normally. This means the trials are only accessible by hiking in, cross country skiing, or snow shoeing. This is what I did while I was there in March, and it is the only way to see the Bells without a million people and tourists parking and hiking. You have the Maroon Bells to yourself in a peaceful, winter wonderland. From the gate entrance, one way, the hike in is 6 miles and from Aspen Highlands, it’s about 8 miles.
There are winter snowmobile tours if you want to see the mountains but don’t want to trek into the snow that you can schedule here.
Map
This is a topographical map of the mountain and hiking area of the bells.
Trails
- Maroon Lake Trail (1 mile)
This is an easy option that has gorgeous views of the mountain and lake. This has very little elevation and is an out and back trail. For more trail information and a guide click here.
2. The Scenic Loop (3 miles)
This is another easy hike that is a loop around. This hike takes you around the lake and mountain and along the creek. This trail begins at the footbridge at the far end of the lake. This crosses over part of the Maroon lake trail and keeps going.
3. The maroon Creek Trail (2.5/3.5 one way)
This is probably the least crowded hike probably in the Bells. This trail begins at the lake following the creek, crossing the footbridge, turning left and following the trail into the valley. At 2.5 miles into the hike, you can decide to go right or left which either adds another mile or heads back. There is a map of this hike here.
4. The Crater Lake Trail at the Maroon Bells 3.6 roundtrip
This trail leads up through alpine forests, meadows, and scree fields to the right side of the lake. A trail split at 1.7 happens, and you must take the West Maroon trail. Camping is prohibited when you reach Crater lake due to poor camping practices used which partly is why the lake is now dead. The trail map for this hike is here. Also, for a more detailed trail guidance click here for trail details.
5. The Willow Lake Trail at Maroon Bells
This hike is 13 miles roundtrip and is a difficult out and back hike. For some hikers, this may demand an overnight depending on your fitness level. This follows the same trail that leads to crater lake. The trail forks to the right going to Minnehaha Gulch and eventually to a sign for Maroon Snowpass. Here the trail veers right. Switchbacks lead to Willow Pass. Beware of thunderstorms in the afternoon on this hike. Camping is prohibited on this trail. The only place camping is allowed is in the Minnehaha Gulch. The map for this hike is here.
Camping
There are 3 official camping areas on the Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells. All camping reservations must be made online at Recreation.gov. You can also make reservations on the phone at (877) 444-6777.
Silver Bar Campsite
- 4 primitive camp sites that are walk in
- Elevation 8500
- Drinkable water and toilets available
- 5 day camping limit with 2 pm check in
- 8 person 2 car limit per site
- Pets allowed on leash
- Reservations available: 5/26 – 9/13
- Camping fee and vehicle fee $15/night
Silver Bell Campsite
- 4 campsites
- Elevation 8530
- Drinkable water and toilets available
- 5 day camping limit 2 pm
check in - 8 person 2 car limit per site
- Reservations available: 5/26 – 9/13
- Camping fee and vehicle fee $15/night
Silver Queen Campsite
- 6 campsites
- Elevation 9100
- Drinkable water and toilets
5 day camping limit, 2 pm check-in- 8 persons 2 cars per spot
- Reservations available: 5/26 – 9/13
- Camping and vehicle fee $15/night
Backcountry Camping
- Backcountry camping is currently allowed and you must adhere to the USDA Forest Service Regulaations. Leave no trace!
- Check if camping at Crater Lake is allowed because it changes every year.
- Bear canisters are a necessity
- Self-register at the trailhead
Maroon Bells Day hike Photo Diary
Glenwood Springs
These are amazing hot springs with epic views overlooking the mountain peaks capped with snow. Soaking in hot springs is the best way to end a day of winter snow trekking in Colorado. Letting your muscles soak in the heat is so therapeutic and relaxing. You don’t have to stay at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to utilize the amazing springs on their property. I was camping and budget tripping but definitely paid to enter the springs for the night and stayed for hours to get
Pool Hours
9:00am – 10:00pm
Hot Springs Rates
The rates vary depending on the season and you can check here for updates monthly. But on average an adult entry fee is $18 and a child fee is $9-12.
Hanging Lake Hike
This is one of the most gorgeous hikes I have ever done in my life and the most beautiful colored lake I have ever seen. This is a 3 mile out and back trail that takes between 2-4 hours depending on your fitness level. This trail is pretty icy and dangerous in the winter. In March, it wasn’t really that safe and took me a long time in the ice with poles to safely come down, especially sliding down ice sheets. Would not recommend this hike in the winter time. There is no entrance fee and it is open technically year-round at your own risk. The elevation of this short, but brutal hike, is 7323 ft. The trail climbs about 1000 feet in one mile and you will feel the burn on this one. This was my morning wake up for the day. That is one way to wake up! There are bathroom facilities at the trailhead that are very nice and heated. Also, this is a rest stop with grass space that allows for overnight camping. This is where I camped for free on my colorado road trip. Most of CO has a free rest stop camping policy.
Camping
The trailhead is a rest stop with a really nice, well-maintained, heated bathroom. There is a pretty good size grassy knoll area up against the mountain. There is lots of room to pop a tent to camp or sleep in your car. This is a great place for van life people or car camping. On my
2. Vail, CO
This ski resort town is another picturesque quaint colorful village against the snow peaked mountains. The downtown cobblestone streets in the middle of Victorian architecture framing the mountain peaks are idyllic. There is a Patagonia on every corner of the street in CO, almost like starbucks. There is something magic about this little town even if you don’t ski. There are lots of shops, restaurants
Radium Hot Springs & hike
Hike Stats
This hike is only 1 mile from the Mugrage Campground. The hike will only take 20-30 minutes. You will be hiking on a ridge up above the springs and will be able to see them from above. The trail starts on a steep trail to the left of the bathrooms. After the first bit, the trail flattens out almost completely and is very easy to walk. The rest of it is over a mesa to a cliff overlooking the river. You must climb down a rock face to get to the springs, and it is pretty steep, be careful! This is about a 60 foot drop. The campground, parking
Directions
Natural hot springs are the best and way less crowded and authentic out in nature. This is a must experience in CO. They are quite remote and it will be rare to find people here with you. Kremmling is the closest town and is 2 hours from Denver. There really is barely any signage or directions and is a really rough road to get out to the springs.
Radium Hot Spring from Kremmling:
- Go south on Highway 9 for 2 miles/3.2km to Trough Road, also called Grand County Rd 1. Turn right.
- Follow this for around 14 miles/22.5km until you reach Grand County Rd 11. You’ll also see a BLM sign at the corner. Turn right.
- Follow this road for about a mile (1.6km) and you will see the Mugrage Campground on the left. This is the best spot to park for the Radium Hot Springs.
Silverthorne:
- Exit the I-70 onto Blue River Parkway (CO-9) north at Silverthorne. Travel along CO-9 for approx. 35 miles/56.5km until you reach Trough Road/Grand County Rd. 1 – turn left here. Then continue as per above.
Eagle or Edwards:
- Take the I-70 to US 131 at Wolcott. Turn north to Steamboat Springs on US 131.
- Travel about 12 miles/19km to State Bridge Lodge and then turn right onto Eagle County Rd 11 (Trough Road).
- Travel on Trough Road for about 10 miles/16km to Grand County Rd 11. You’ll see a BLM sign on the corner. Turn left.
- Follow this road for about a mile (1.6km) and you will see the Mugrage Campground on the left. This is the best spot to park for the Radium Hot Springs.
Camping
The trailhead is at Mugrage Campground for the springs. Mugrage Campground is FREE!!! Yes I said free! It is a part of the public bureau of land. There are 8-10 spots and a compost toilet with no water or electricity. There is more information on this site to verify it is free and public land. You are also allowed to camp along the trail leading to the springs on the mesa with a cool view of the river. I recommend dispersed camping here. It is pretty far out and private and a gorgeous location.
Mugrage Campground
Address: Bond, Colorado
GPS: 39.951069, -106.54202
Elevation: 6926′
ManagementPublic – Bureau of Land Management (Official)
callto:”+19707256200″
Radium Hot Springs Photo Diary
3. Breckenridge, CO
This charming town at the base of the Rocky Mountains is a creative art filled community. The historic main street is lined with colorfully painted buildings from the
Parking downtown
There are several parking lots. This is the main closest one within the best walking distance. The parking lots are free! They get packed, and you have to go to ones farther out, so claim a spot earlier in the morning for the day.
Gold Pan Saloon
This is the oldest bar west of the Mississipi and has stood for 140 years, even through prohibition. The saloon has a cozy and old-timey vibe, making it fun to sit and watch the snow through the big picture windows and get a good meal and drink for the afternoon. You can see their menu and more here. I highly recommend this as a place for lunch or dinner during your time in Breckenridge.
HOURS:
Mon-Wed 11am-12 am
Thurs 11am-2am
Fri-Sat 8am-2am
Sun 8am-12am
Breckenridge Patagonia Store
Visit their mainstreet location of Patagonia which is on every corner in Colorado for great quality outdoor gear. This location is especially fun in the old colorful and charming victorian architecture.
4. Boulder, CO
Boulder is a bigger city, but still a college town in CO. It’s the perfect gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a great city to explore before or after entering the Rocky Mountain National park for trekking. The national park is about an hour inland from the city.
Boulder Dushanbee Teahouse
This colorful Indian/Nepalese coffee shop is a colorful dream with gorgeous architecture and the highest vaulted ceilings in a coffee shop you’ve probably ever encountered. The whole place is grand and has different comfy corners to cozy up and sit in individual gazebos on th floor with cushions. This is a great place to get tea to warm up before heading out for the day hiking in the national park.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Cost
This park on the Rocky mountain range is gorgeous! The entry fee is $30 for a one vehicle 7 day pass to enter the park. I have the national park yearly pass that I pay $80 for annually to enter as many parks as many times as I want. I love hiking and camping in the parks, and it is a great investment. Check for the details about getting a national park pass here. If you are looking for ways to give back to the national parks and save money on your next trip, check out this guide.
How to get there
The park is an hour into the mountains from Boulder, CO.
Camping
The camping permits that are needed for wilderness camping and campgrounds can be found here. The overnight camping is technically in Estes Park and not directly in the park grounds. I list the 5 best camping options that are the highest rated in the park below. You can reserve up to 6 months in advance.
Reservable Campgrounds
| Campground | Opens for Summer Season | Closes for Summer Season |
|---|---|---|
| Aspenglen Campground | May 23, 2019 at 12 noon | Sep 30, 2019 at 12 noon |
| Glacier Basin Campground | May 23, 2019 at 12 noon | Sep 9, 2019 at 12 noon |
| Moraine Park Campground | May 23, 2019 at 12 noon Closed June 3-14 for road work | Oct 15, 2019 at 12 noon (First-come, first-served in winter) |
First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds
| Campground | Opens for Summer Season | Closes for Summer Season |
|---|---|---|
| Longs Peak Campground | Jun 28, 2019 at 12 noon | Sep 9, 2019 at 12 noon |
| Timber Creek Campground | May 23, 2019 at 12 noon | Sep 30, 2019 at 12 noon |
Aspenglen Campground
This campground is near the Fall River entrance with 52 sites and 13
Glacier Basin Campground
There are 150 camping spaces here with 73 tent only spots. They have 13 group sites available. There are lots of trees with sun and shade. This campground area is more open than Aspenglen. The cost is $26/night. Make reservations here.
Longs Peak Campground
The campground is 20 minutes south of Estes Park on highway 7. This is the smallest of the campgrounds with only 26 spots. It is is a forested higher elevation at 9500 feet. The cost is $26/night. Again, it is first come, first serve only. You can not reserve this campground.
Rent a Cabin
Here is a list of all the cabin rentals available in the park to stay in. The cabins are pretty expensive, and if you are trying to stay on a budget you should probably stick to camping. If you are looking for a nicer stay in a hotel/cabin in the park this is the list for you.
Timber Creek Campground
This is the only campground on the west side of the park. It’s is located at 8900
SnowShoeing at Bear Lake
There are many trail areas closed during winter, and I found snowshoeing different trails was the best way to explore in March amid the snowfall. This lake, and trail around the lake, was absolutely a gorgeous, snowy wonderland. The quiet paths between the green trees and the open meadow with a huge a snowman were so fun! This hike is only a mile and is easy and beautiful. If you want more trail instructions click here.
Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Diary
5. Denver, CO/ 6.Colorado Springs, CO
On my way to Colorado Springs from Boulder, I stopped through Denver to explore the city. One of the coolest local gear shops I happened to come across was a brand called Coloradical. They have the coolest outdoor gear, shirts, stickers and patches. You can see my sticker on my Nalgene water bottle below. They are an awesome local company to support with super cool gear for souvenirs. I definitely bought a t-shirt as well with the Colorado flag.
Coloradical Store
Their shirts on average are around $30 a shirt. They ship for free for all orders over $20! Check out their cool gear here.
Garden of the Gods
This is one of my favorite spots in Colorado. The gorgeous red rocks include 15 miles of trails to cover. I came here years ago and being back again to hike and spend more time was awesome. This is the coolest spot in Colorado Springs hands down. This park is a registered national natural landmark in Colorado Springs.
Cost
The entrance to the park and visitor’s center is FREE! That is right! It’s a rare gem these days folks, especially for a highly sought after destination for travelers and hikers! Also, FREE trail maps are available at the visitor’s center.
CURRENT HOURS
Visitor & Nature Center : 9 am – 5 pm
Cafe Grill Closes at 4:30 pm
Park : 5 am – 9 pm
How to get there
Take interstate I-25 to Colorado Springs. West Filmore Road will be your first exit as you head west. This road will become Fontmore road. Take a right on North 30th Street. the visitor center is up 1 mile on the right side of the road. The main parking lot is on the North end of the park.
Tips
- There is no overnight camping allowed in the park.
- Pets are allowed but must be on leashes at all times.
- Be careful with the rock formations and do not draw on them or remove nature from the park
- In order to rock climb, you must have a permit that can be found here. You must have and bring your own safety gear.
- There is bouldering available inside the park. You need to have a climbing permit and safety pads that you bring. This is the same permit as the link above. There are $500 dollar fines if you do not have these.
- Drones are not allowed
- More in-depth trail routes and maps can be found here
Trails
- PERKINS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL (easy)
This trail starts at the north main parking lot. It’s is an easy 1.5 mile hike on a concrete path. This loop is in the midst of the park at the base of the rock formations.
2. RIDGE TRAIL (moderate)
This is a moderate half mile loop trail.
3. SIAMESE TWINS TRAIL (easy)
This is a
4. CHAMBERS/BRETAG/PALMER TRAIL (moderate)
This is a 3 mile hike almost circling the whole park.
5. SCOTSMAN/BUCKSKIN CHARLIE TRAIL (moderate)
This path is a cool view of the central garden formations.
Garden of the Gods Campground
This campground is located 2 miles from the park and is the only official camping associated with the Gardens. There are cabins, tent sites, 2 pools, a hot tub, and an arcade. There are plenty of activities available, including bicycles on site. They also have wifi. Book your stay here or if you are looking for free camping, then you can check out this article about how to find free camping spots
RATE INFORMATION:Fall/Winter (Range): $24.99+, Spring/Summer (Range): $34.99+
Garden of the Gods Photo Diary
Manitou Incline
This is an extreme hiking trail that used to be a cable car. This hike gains 2000 feet of elevation in 1 mile and is very steep up the mountain. The hike is only 1 mile! There are 2744 steps on the trail up. The trail could take 30 minutes to over an hour depending on your fitness level. This was the most brutal hike I have ever done and the most elevation I have summited in that short of a distance. Old Coloradan men were sprinting up past me like I was a turtle. This is a legal hike open to the public. There are paid parking lots you must use to hike the incline and there is an entry fee. The parking lots are at the Pike’s Peak
Trail Hours
The trail is open from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. with no night use permitted.
Parking
Free parking and a free shuttle to the trailhead can be found here at the Hiawatha Gardens building. There is also the parking lot on Ruxton Road, but it fills up so fast you don’t want to deal with this.
Manitou Incline Gallery
7. Durango, CO
The last stretch of my journey was to see the more
Carver Brewing Company
This is a great place for food and drinks. My cousin helps manage this place and the brewery tours are cool. Overall, the vibe of the place is chill and fun.
More things to do in Colorado
If you are looking for more ideas of what to do in Colorado, then check out this amazing post by Your RV-Lifestyle. It’s a huge list filled with great ideas for your trip.
