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Colorado and New Mexico Uncovered
Colorado and New Mexico Uncovered
From £2,689 pp
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16 nights
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Economy flights
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Available May - October
Dramatic natural beauty, Native American, Spanish and Mexican cultures, Route 66 memorabilia and a warm welcome await on this two state fly-drive including Colorado and New Mexico. Start your journey in Denver, and then collect your hire car and drive south through mountain peaks, gold rush towns and the tallest sand dunes in North America in Alamosa. Cross the border into New Mexico and soak up pueblo architecture, charming towns, fascinating art, chili-inspired dishes and Route 66 neon signs, diners and hotels. Your journey finishes back in Colorado where you'll visit the magical cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, the sophisticated ski resort of Aspen and a fabulous finale of the alpine forests and abundance of wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park.
What's Included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 16 nights
- 15 days intermediate car hire with insurance coverage, unlimited mileage and taxes
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-2
Arrive in Denver
Arrive in the ‘Mile High’ city of Denver to spend two nights. Make your way by taxi or take the 30-minute train from the airport into Union Station, located in the heart of Denver. Spend the next day exploring the exciting Downtown area. 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian friendly mile-long strip packed with shops, restaurants and attractions and getting around is easy using the Free Mall Ride Bus. Stroll around the bustling Union Station area and go into the 19th century train station and admire its stunning architecture and soak up its vibrant atmosphere or enjoy some live music and craft beer in nearby historic Larimer Square.
Day 3
Denver to Colorado Springs, 69 miles
Pick up your car in downtown Denver and drive south to the picture-perfect setting of Colorado Springs set beneath the famous Pikes Peak - 'America’s Mountain'. A modern city, with a modern downtown filled with restaurants, breweries, distilleries, art galleries, and history museums. Be sure to get out and explore Garden of the Gods, which boasts some of the most memorable scenery in the whole of Colorado with unusual sandstone rock formations that shoot up to 300 feet in the sky. Other attractions include the U.S Olympic and Paralympic Museum that has 13 galleries filled with interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Olympic Games from its birth to the present day.
Day 4
Colorado Springs to Alamosa, 165 miles
Drive southwest to Alamosa or take a more scenic route via the authentic wild west town of Cripple Creek, made famous during the gold rush boom era, and Canon City, famous for its Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. On arrival at Alamosa drive out to spend the afternoon in the phenomenal spectacle of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. For thrill seekers, sandboard or sand sledge down the dunes, and explore the diverse landscape made up of grasslands, wetlands, forests, tundra and alpine lakes. Great Sand Dunes is a certified International Dark Sky Park where you could be lucky enough to see the Milky Way at night.
Day 5
Alamosa to Taos, 90 miles
Taos and it’s spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site Taos Pueblo await today. Be amazed at its striking multi-storey adobe architecture that make up a huge Native American community over 1000 years old. In the charming town of Taos, the Taos Plaza is the historic heart of the town with galleries, cafes, shops, and many museums. A great place to end the day in Taos is at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, taking in the spectacular sunset which overlooks the incredible Rio Grande Gorge.
Day 6-7
Taos to Santa Fe, 70 miles
One of New Mexico’s true gems, the wonderful city of Santa Fe, has magic dust sprinkled all over it. The historic Santa Fe Plaza is the main central point of the city, with authentic adobe buildings including the important Palace of the Governors, galleries, and boutiques, plus the daily market where locals come to sell their handcrafted goods and jewellery. Santa Fe is renowned for its outstanding art and over 100 art galleries can be visited along Canyon Drive, visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and see the work of one of America’s most famous artists who was known for her pioneering spirit and modernism.
Day 8-9
Santa Fe to Albuquerque, 63 miles
On arrival in New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque explore Central Avenue, a haven for Route 66 landmarks and Historic Old Town to get a taste of New Mexico's Spanish colonial past, where you may catch a Mariachi band playing and Tango dancers performing. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre to learn about the history and lives of the Pueblo people. For spectacular views of the city, ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway to the summit of the Sandia Mountains and take in the Rio Grande Valley and desert landscape.
Day 10
Albuquerque to Gallup, 138 miles
Head west to the Route 66 town of Gallup, driving past volcanic landscapes, ancient pueblos and red rock scenery. Stop at the El Malpais National Monument to see vast lava flows and volcanic cones, make a photo stop at the Continental Divide, and Red Rock Park, close to Gallup. Gallup lies on a Navajo Reservation and is one of the best places in the USA to experience Indigenous art and heritage. A good starting point is the Gallup Cultural Centre which has many interactive and railroad exhibits. Gallup captures the spirit of Route 66 with its neon lights, vintage hotels, and authentic diners.
Day 11-12
Gallup to Durango, 162 miles.
Head through northern New Mexico and back across the border to the city of Durango which is surrounded by alpine lakes, rivers, and forests. The town is also known for its endless outdoor activities with anything from hiking, mountain biking to horseback riding. A must-do experience is the spectacular Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway – an authentic steam powered train ride that winds along the Animas River through towering canyon walls. Whilst in Durango, take the time to drive out to Mesa Verde National Park, and be amazed at its 80-square mile plateau that rises 2,000 feet from the surrounding desert and river valley. This unique and mysterious park has some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the USA and over 4000 archaeological sites.
Day 13
Durango to Montrose, 107 miles
Today we head through the San Juan National Forest to the dramatic spectacle that is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park located in the heart of western Colorado. This striking, deep canyon sits above the Gunnison River and has high, sheer, black cliffs. For the best views of the canyon drive, along the South Rim Road which takes you to several overlooks at the edge of the canyon including Painted Wall View, the tallest cliff in Colorado.
Day 14
Montrose to Aspen, 136 miles
Next stop is the world-class ski resort of Aspen, nestled high in the Colorado Rockies that offers year-round adventure amongst its spectacular scenery of four mountain peaks and pretty aspen trees. During the warmer months activities on offer include hiking and biking trails and white-water rafting, whilst arts and culture is in abundance at its food and music festivals. Its historic red-brick downtown offers dining options for every palate and budget from rustic mountain eateries to Michelin-worthy restaurants, and farmers' markets where you can enjoy a tasty grab and go lunch. For unforgettable views of the Rocky Mountains, take a gondola ride to the top of Aspen Mountain.
Day 15-16
Aspen to Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park), 199 miles
Today you head off to Rocky Mountain National Park, maybe taking a slight detour to visit Breckenridge to enjoy its alpine paradise and charming historic downtown. On arrival at Grand Lake, take the Trail Ridge Road, America’s highest paved road into Rocky Mountain National Park and be amazed at its evergreen forests, wildflowers, dramatic switchbacks and eleven miles of highway that travels above tree level. The park has an abundance of wildlife where you can spot elk, moose and bighorn sheep, and there are hiking trails to suit every ability. Stay two nights in the charming mountain town of Estes Park located at the east entrance of the park and visit the Stanley Hotel which was the inspiration for the Stephen King novel ‘The Shining’.
Day 17
Homeward Bound
Enjoy the last morning gazing at the gorgeous mountain scenery before driving back to Denver Airport. Drop off your hire car at the airport and board your return flight back to the UK.
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 31st March and take advantage of our exclusive savings
Book your next American adventure by 31st March 2026 and you can save up to £500 per booking. You’ll save:
• £500 on bookings over £10,000
• £350 on bookings between £7,500-£9,999
• £300 on bookings between £5,000-£7,499
• £250 on bookings between £2,500-£4,999
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Low Deposit Offer
Book by 31st March and secure your booking with a deposit of just £150pp
Low deposit offer of £150pp on holidays departing between 3rd March 2026 and 31st October 2027. Book by 31st March 2026.
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10GB of FREE data
Stay connected with up to 10GB of FREE data
Stream, surf, and share more with up to 10GB data on us. Book by 31st March 2026.
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This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
