Location: Glenwood Springs
Day 1 - 21 Oct 2021
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Content: If you’re flying into Colorado, I recommend flying into Denver. Denver being a larger city has multiple direct flights from many parts of the country. So, you’ll be sure to find one that works with you’re schedule and budget. Start your 3 hour drive west from Denver to Glenwood, CO to spend a nice afternoon relaxing at Iron Mountain hot spring. You’ll have spectacular views of the Colorado Mountains and the Colorado River all while sipping a glass of wine and soaking in a warm Salt Bath.
Location: Downtown Aspen
Day 1 - 21 Oct 2021
The Wild Fig
Content: When you’re done, drive down one hour south to Aspen, CO for the evening. These drives are visual wonders and experiences of their own. Try to be present in those moments to really feel their magnificence. I had a nice dinner at a The Wild Fig in downtown Aspen and took a stroll around this fancy small town surrounded by mountains on all sides.
Hotel Aspen
Content: Ended the night at Hotel Aspen which is located right in the middle of downtown with free parking access and a free complimentary breakfast in the morning.
Location: Downtown Aspen
Day 2 - 22 Oct 2021
Local Coffee House
Content: Start your day with a beautiful stroll around Downtown Aspen. Grab coffee and breakfast at Aspen’s famous Local Coffee House. You’ll be enjoying your morning surrounded by the great Aspen mountains on all sides while hearing the birds chirp. It’ll be something you’ll remember for a very long time.
Location: Maroon Bells
Day 2 - 22 Oct 2021
Maroon Bells
Content: At about a 30 minute drive over from downtown Aspen, you’ll get the see one of the most photographed mountains in the world. Park your car at the Aspen Highlands visitor’s center and take the highlands shuttle bus (which is the only way and about $20/person) to get on Maroon Creek Rd. and further down to this Amphitheater. You’ll have the chance to hike, bike or simply sit down and stare at this other worldly place, like I did.
Location: Lionshead Village, Vail
Day 2 - 22 Oct 2021
Lionshead Village
Content: Start driving back towards Denver. At the halfway distance, stop by Vail Village and feel transported into a storybook European town. In peak season, besides Skiing, Vail has a great deal of shopping and food options. So it’s a perfect spot to get a break from your drive back and to grab a snack or a full dinner.
Location: Denver
Day 2 - 22 Oct 2021
Airbnb
Content: When you’re done, head on back to Denver which will be your base for the next three days. I got this incredible Airbnb located at the center of Denver’s art district with access to plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and malls.
Location: Rocky Mountain NP
Day 3 - 23 Oct 2021
Rocky Mountain National Park
Content: About a two hour drive up North from Denver, you’ll get to see the Great Rocky Mountain National Park. The views from every point in this park is an absolute delight. If you’re a hiker, you’ll enjoy miles of trails. If you love to just enjoy the views, there are several viewpoints where you can do that. You’ll see wild Elk, various species of birds, miles of snow clad mountains and if you’re lucky, a lot of sunshine shining down on it all. I spent an entire day here and every minute was entirely worth it.
Location: Colorado Springs
Day 4 - 24 Oct 2021
Garden Of The Gods
Content: At a 1 hour drive South from Denver, you’ll get to Colorado Springs and one of the most visited places of Colorado, a National landmark - the Garden of the Gods. Here you’ll see over 1000 acres of red rock sandstone formations which is truly very different from the rest of Colorado’s landscapes. Another opportunity to hike, bike or simply view this wonder.
Location: Cañon City
Day 4 - 24 Oct 2021
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Content: If you continue driving South of Denver for another hour, you’ll get the chance to hop on the Royal Gorge Train ride. The prices of the tickets vary based on the package you pick. I recommend picking the Vista Dome with beer flights package. You can also order lunch/dinner/snacks (depending on the time slot you make) on the train. When you’re done sipping on your beer and snacking, step out to one of the open cart coaches for one of a kind views of your train cutting through the canyon lands by the Royal Gorge. There’s no other way to experience the canyons of the Royal Gorge cutting the Arkansas river.
Location: Morrison
Day 5 - 25 Oct 2021
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Content: Last day in Denver, stop by this open air Amphitheater carved right within the red rocks. If you’re lucky, you might get to hear the effects of the amphitheater if there’s a show playing or testing before a performance. This place is about 45 mins away from Denver International Airport so it was perfect to stop by here before heading to catch my afternoon flight.