So you have a week off and you’re headed to Colorado for some outdoor adventure. How do you see the most with your time? Between hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, skiing Vail and Breckenridge, exploring in Telluride and the San Juan’s, and even with easy access to places like Moab, UT, Colorado is exploding with opportunity for travel and adventure.
But how do you see it all? With a VanCraft campervan rental, you unlock the freedom to explore Colorado in all of it’s natural beauty, without committing to one location like you would with a hotel or resort.
READY TO HIT THE ROAD? HERE’S OUR 7-DAY COLORADO ITINERARY.
Day 1: Denver is the perfect launching point for your 7 Day Colorado Road Trip. Fly in to Denver International Airport and pick up a Sprinter campervan (short vans sleep up to 4, and long vans can sleep 6, with the addition of our rooftop camper) at the VanCraft Denver Depot. It’s a 20 minute ride from the airport to your new home on wheels for the week.
Want to spend the afternoon in Denver before you become a mountain dweller for the week? Here are some of our favorite Denver hidden gems:
- 16th Street Mall. Sure, downtown doesn’t seem too much like a hidden gem, but have you ever visited one of the 16th street food vendors? Liang’s Thai, for example, has been a staple of the Mall for years. The chef, Jpop, hand prepares every order. There’s often a wait, but it’s worth every bite (and the super reasonable $10 for most plates.) Oh, and watch out for the spice. His food is authentic! Check out the menu here: CLICK FOR MENU
- Forgot some gear? REI’s Denver headquarters is a short drive from Downtown. Built in a historic train depot, the store is unlike any other, and often has an entire floor dedicate to clearance items, for the deal seekers
After seeing Denver, make your way to Breckenridge for the evening. After the sun sets, Main Street comes to life in the shadow of Quandary Peak (a very attainable fourteener, for the peak-baggers out there.)
DAYS 2-3: HIT THE ROAD TO MOAB, UT.
We know this is a “Colorado Road Trip” BUT we cant help but add a stop in Utah. Moab is a “can’t miss” destination for any southwest outdoor adventure. It’s iconic arches, sweeping red walls, and hidden towers will captivate any mind. You’ll love Arches and Canyonlands National Parks as a day hike, but only a few people know about the secret spots that make Moab a one-of-a-kind destination. Here’s how to get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in Moab’s “other-worldly” red rocks.
- Skip town and camp in your off-the-grid sprinter van at Gemini Bridges dispersed camping. If the road out is a bit too crazy for you, make your stop at Dalton wells, or in one of the designated camping areas along the Colorado river down River Road. Don’t forget to stop and fill up your water from the natural spring just past the Lion’s Park Trail Hub.
- On your first full day in town, choose from one of these hikes to get away from the crowds and soak in the incredible scenery:
- Corona Arch Hike
- Mary Jane Canyon (a wide, water filled canyon like Zion’s “The Narrows” ending at a stunning waterfall)
- Drive through Castle Valley and hike to the base of Castleton Tower (a super popular climbing route, and an incredible hike, 2000 ft elevation gain in 1 mile)
- Hike to Fisher’s Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in Moab
DAY 4: DRIVE THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY FROM DURANGO TO OURAY.
A Colorado road trip wouldn’t be complete without a drive on one of the most iconic mountain roads in the world. Colorado’s route 550 winds perilously through the San Juan Mountains from Durango to Ouray, a hidden mountain town that feels frozen in time. It may be small, but Ouray has something to offer for just about everyone.
Take a stroll down Main Street and stop in at Mouse’s Chocolate for a truffle and coffee, then hike the Perimeter Trail and check out the Ouray Ice Park, a favorite spot for ice climbing during the winter.
DAY 5: MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE IN THE SAN JUAN’S.
Whether you like ice climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, or Jeep trails, Ouray and Telluride have it all. Check in with a local outfitter like Ouray Mountain sports or the San Juan Mountain Guides and schedule your adventure! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Half-Day ice climbing outing at the Ouray Ice Park (November-March)
Snowshoe/BackCounty Ski McMillan Peak (the trailheads at Red Mountain Pass allow overnight parking, so don’t be afraid to get an early start to catch sunrise as you reach the summit!
- Relax at the Ouray Hot Springs.
- Drive the hour on scenic route 145 to Telluride and grab a lift pass or hike to Bridal Veil falls. Don’t forget to re-stock on supplies at Clark’s market, a Telluride original with amazing local foods.
DAY 6: IT’S TIME TO START THE TREK BACK TO DENVER, BUT THE ADVENTURE ISN’T OVER YET!
Make your way to Colorado Springs. The route that includes IH-50 will take you through Gunnison National Forest and the sweeping Blue Mesa Reservoir. Here’s what to do when you make it to Colorado Springs.
- Garden of the Gods. An easy walk that will take you back to sweet memories of Moab, Garden of the Gods is home to unique red-rock formations that seems to shoot up from nowhere.
Snowshoe/BackCounty Ski McMillan Peak (the trailheads at Red Mountain Pass allow overnight parking, so don’t be afraid to get an early start to catch sunrise as you reach the summit!
Up for a challenge? Hike the Manitou incline. The 2,768 steps rise 2,000 feet in less than a mile. The record is 17 minutes, but give yourself an hour or more to reach the top.
DAY 7: SEE YA LATER!
We hope this itinerary has helped you to make the most of your 7 Day Colorado Road Trip! It’s true, all good things must come to an end…for now! Don’t hesitate to book your next adventure while you’re dropping your camper van off at the VanCraft Denver depot. We’ll be ready for you!
