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- Colorado Uncovered
Colorado Uncovered
From £2,270 pp
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13 nights
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Economy Flights
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Available May to October
This wonderful fly-drive starts in Denver, known as 'Mile High City' with time to visit its interesting neighbourhoods, before driving out of the city to explore its stunning natural beauty and great outdoors. In Colorado Springs, hike or bike through the pristine wilderness of Pikes Peak Mountain and the unique rock formations at Garden of the Gods. Sandboard down the highest sand dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, then take a scenic steam train ride through the Rocky Mountains on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway. With visits to the world-renowned ski resort of Aspen and the very different but epic national parks of Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, this fly-drive captures the very best of Colorado.
What's Included?
- International flights from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 13 nights
- 12 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, 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 of Denver. 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 in 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 3-4
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. Hike, bike or drive to the summit of Pikes Peak and be amazed at the beautiful wilderness along the 19 miles of Pikes Peak Highway, the world’s highest toll road. Other attractions include the seven majestic waterfalls at Broadmoor Seven Falls and 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 5
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 and its famous 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 6-8
Alamosa to Durango, 149 miles
Drive through the San Juan Mountains to the delightful town of Durango in the southwest of the state, surrounded by alpine lakes, rivers and forests. Durango was originally an important railroad and gold mining town which is evident in its historic buildings and museums. The town is also known for its endless outdoor activities with anything from hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A must-do experience is the spectacular Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway – an authentic steam train ride that winds its way through the southwestern Rocky Mountains and the lush Animas River Valley. 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 was home to the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived in the park for over 700 years, and it protects 4000 archaeological sites and hundreds of cliff dwellings.
Day 9-10
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 that sits above the Gunnison River 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. You can also explore a network of scenic hiking trails offering jaw-dropping views of the 2700-feet deep canyon including Warner Point Nature Trail, a perfect place to enjoy the sunset.
Day 11
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, 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 to the top of Aspen Mountain.
Day 12-13
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 14
Homeward Bound
Enjoy the last morning gazing at the gorgeous mountain scenery before driving back to Denver airport. If you have time drive out to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a stunning open-air concert venue made of red rock which is also home to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Drop off your hire car at the airport and board your return flight back to the UK.
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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
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
