10-Day Colorado Tour Packages
Want ten days showing what really makes Colorado tick? Visit the huge Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, Aspen's peaks, and Denver's energy and culture. Experience altitude changes, dramatic landscape shifts, and outdoor adventures throughout the whole trip. Ten days, massive mileage covered, but the state's diversity will blow your mind.
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Colorado tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaColorado travel expert at TourRadar
10 Day Colorado Itinerary, incl. Denver and Rocky Mountains
A 10-day sweep through Colorado's finest spots covers 13 destinations including three national parks. Multiple-night stays in Glenwood Springs and Durango allow for deeper local connections, with 9 breakfasts and 3 dinners included.
- Days 1-2
Denver & Rocky Mountain National Park
Start in Denver and take time to adjust to the mile-high altitude. "The overall experience provided a good sampling of Colorado life," one traveler shared. On day 2 take Trail Ridge Road into Rocky Mountain National Park. It's the highest continuous paved highway in America. Go early in the morning to spot wildlife and avoid crowds. Stop in Estes Park for lunch before exploring Boulder. Important: Drink lots of water and take it slow on your first day at altitude.
- Days 3-4
Vail to Aspen
Check out urban farming in Boulder to learn about sustainable agriculture. Drive to Vail Mountain Resort where the cobblestone streets are quiet in early morning. Stop at Glenwood Springs to enjoy the therapeutic hot springs. The next day take a 4WD jeep tour up Snowmass Mountain past waterfalls and aspen groves. Stop for lunch at Burlingame Cabin with amazing views of the valley.
- Days 5-6
Wine Country & Million Dollar Highway
Start in Palisade's orchards and wineries. Visit Clark Family Orchards for fresh produce and local preserves. Drive through Colorado National Monument on Rim Rock Drive where you might see bighorn sheep early or late in the day. Follow the San Juan Skyway to Ouray, known as the "Switzerland of America." Take the scenic Million Dollar Highway to Silverton. Ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through remote wilderness areas.
- Days 7-8
Mesa Verde & Great Sand Dunes
Visit the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. "Great tour encompassing almost 1,200 miles over 10 days seeing incredible sites," one recent visitor noted. Consider rafting on the Animas River in Durango. At Great Sand Dunes National Park get there early to climb North America's tallest dunes before the sand heats up.
- Days 9-10
Colorado Springs & Pikes Peak
Visit Garden of the Gods in early morning for the best photos and smaller crowds. Take the newly updated Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the 14,115-foot summit. Book afternoon trips for better weather. Finish your trip in Colorado Springs before heading back to Denver. A free airport transfer makes departure easy.
The Colorado Rockies featuring National Parks and Historic Trains (Denver, CO to Colorado Springs, CO)
8 Days in Colorado, incl. Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park
The 8-day Colorado circuit takes you from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Guests visit 4 national parks, ride historic railways, and unwind at comfortable hotels strategically chosen to minimize travel time.
- Day 1
Denver to Colorado Springs
Fly into Denver and drive south to Colorado Springs in the early afternoon. The drive normally takes about 1.5 hours but can be longer with I-25 traffic. A recent visitor shared: "We arrived at Garden of the Gods just before sunset - the red rocks against the backdrop of Pikes Peak were incredible in the golden hour light."
- Day 2
Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge
Take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway first thing in the morning. Pack warm clothes since the 14,000-foot summit can be 30-40 degrees colder than the base. Spend 2-3 hours at Royal Gorge Bridge and grab lunch at Café 1230 for great views. Drive to Alamosa afterward (3 hours).
- Day 3
Great Sand Dunes and Pagosa Springs
Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park early when the sand is cool enough for barefoot walking. You can rent sand boards at the Oasis store just outside the park. Drive about 2 hours through Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa Springs. Stop at Chimney Rock National Monument on your way to Durango.
- Day 4
Mesa Verde National Park
Spend the whole day exploring Mesa Verde's cliff dwellings. Book your Cliff Palace tour ahead of time since spots fill up fast in peak season. One visitor said: "The local guide at Mesa Verde brought the ancient Puebloan culture to life. Wear sturdy shoes - the ladders and steps at Cliff Palace are no joke!"
- Day 5
Million Dollar Highway to Grand Junction
The Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray is beautiful but challenging. Drive carefully since there aren't many guardrails and the drops are steep. Take time to stop for photos at Red Mountain Pass. Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison on your way to Grand Junction.
- Day 6
Glenwood Springs Adventures
Go whitewater rafting in Glenwood Canyon in the morning. Wear clothes that dry quickly and secure your sunglasses. The Class III rapids are exciting but good for beginners. Relax at the hot springs in the afternoon before driving to Silverthorne (2.5 hours).
- Day 7
Rocky Mountain National Park
Start on Trail Ridge Road early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms which are common in summer. Visit the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet for amazing views but take it slow at this altitude. The Bear Lake Loop trail offers classic Rocky Mountain views without being too strenuous.
- Day 8
Denver Departure
Plan for at least 2 hours to reach Denver International Airport from downtown, especially during morning rush hour. The airport is 25 miles east of the city and security can take a while.
