Curator’s statement
Colorado is almost synonymous with Denver, but there's so much to see outside of the mile-high city. Whether you're an outdoorsy type craving mountain views, or a craft beer buff who wants to tour some of the world's most famous breweries, this road trip has a little something for everyone. In five days you'll also see a National Park! Let's Dive in.
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Day 1: Arrive in Denver
Denver is a massive city with something to offer everyone. Most breweries are kid and dog friendly, and there is culture to take in everywhere.
One of the less expensive but rich cultural areas to stay is the RiNo District. Here, you'll find artists pouring their hearts onto canvases, designers who push boundaries, furniture makers who transform wood into functional art, craft distillers and brewers conjuring up intoxicating elixirs, and small-batch coffee roasters who awaken your senses with aromatic, perfectly roasted beans.
Craft beer lovers can enjoy RiNo's oldest brewery, River North Brewery, or something specialized like the Czech Republic inspired beers at Cohesions Brewing Company.
Take a walk around the RiNo ArtPark, or enjoy the 400-foot elevated Atkins Promenade overlooking the South Platte River before catching dinner at one of the local food halls like Zeppelin Station or The Source.
Settle in for the night at an artsy hotel that lets you rent plants for your room- The Catbird.
Day 2: Red Rocks Amphitheater and Evergreen
As you make your way outside of Denver, see if you can line up your trip with a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. One of the most iconic concert venues in the world known for its amazing acoustic surroundings and beautiful scenery. Even if no show catches your eye, stop by just to see the natural beauty.
Evergreen, Colorado, is only 20 minutes from Red Rocks and a pillar of classic Colorado charm. Stop by for the day or night to enjoy a charming downtown, grab a glass of wine at Creekside Cellars, or enjoy some outdoorsy time at Echo Lake Park.
Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park
While you could spend seven days in Rocky Mountain National Park alone, it deserves at least one while on this road trip! This is a park with a time permit entry system, so make sure you book your slot accordingly.
RMNP is very drivable if you're not one for hiking, but if you are the get out and about type, Ouzel Falls is my personal favorite.
Day 4: Steamboat Springs
No Colorado road trip is complete without a visit to a ski town, so Steamboat Springs it is! In Steamboat, you've got tons of hiking, biking, and gourmet dining available. But if you visit in the summer, you've also got The Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series!
Alternatively, if you're ready for some relaxation after all that driving, there are also famous Hot Springs that gave Steamboat Springs its namesake.
Day 5: Back to Denver through Silverthorne
The last day of the road trip is meant for meandering, and no meander is complete without a planned amazing coffee house stop. Make sure when you're driving through Silverthorne to hit up House of Vibes Coffee and Curio to enjoy a breakfast sammie and some of the best latte art I've ever seen.
Enjoy one last night in Denver before heading back home!
Travel Advisor
Cat Noble
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Julia Tafoya’s guide, Colorado National Parks Itinerary: A Day In Rocky Mountain National Park.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado.