7 days is just enough time to fit the best of beautiful Northern Colorado into one itinerary.
If you’re looking for an adventure throughout Colorado, enjoy my 7-day Northern Colorado itinerary. The nature and sights here are unbeatable!
Here is your 7 Day Colorado itinerary:
What to Pack for 7 Days in Colorado
- Reusable Water Bottle (22 Oz, leakproof, and rolls up small enough to fit in your pocket)
- Binoculars for spotting wildlife.
- Moisture Wick Ankle Support Socks
- Wool Socks.
- Hand-Warmer. A must for cold hikes.
- Gloves. I like these because they’re not super bulky, and you can still use your hands.
- Columbia Rain Jacket
If you know you’ll be hiking and are prone to blisters:
- Blister Prevention Tape. Use Blister Tape on your Achilles (the back of your ankle) and under the ball of your foot.
- Blister Bandages. Use at the first signs of irritation.
- Blister Balm. This is a protective balm to use everywhere else. Apply this BEFORE putting on your socks.
Day One – Fly into Denver
Though there are direct flights into Aspen and other small towns, the most inexpensive flight option is definitely Denver.
After collecting our rental car from the airport, we drove to our ‘home base’- centrally located in our destination cities. The Ski Bum Cottage, our A-Frame in Silverthorne (1.5 hours east of Denver), featured snowy mountain views, a hot tub, an electric fireplace, a ping pong table, a fully equipped kitchen, six beds, and two baths.
We spent the first night enjoying the hot tub, cocktails, and views. I loved having access to a full-sized washer and dryer because I felt no trepidation about wearing one of the few bathing suits I had brought on day one.
I cannot recommend staying in Silverthorne enough-
With adorable boutique shopping and local eats, a bustling river running through its center, and mountain-top housing, Silverthorne is a destination in and of itself.
Other nearby towns to look for Lodging:
This 7 Day itinerary is designed to be flexible and to expose you to parts of Colorado beyond Denver.
The area north of Denver is full of ski towns, which are notoriously pricy and packed. Unless you’re specifically there to Ski, your best bet is to plan ahead and avoid peak seasons.
- For luxury stays: Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Aspen
- For Budget stays: Avon, Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, Idaho Springs
Day Two – Explore Home Base
All 7 days of this itinerary are designed to be flexible and to expose you to parts of Colorado beyond Denver.
Make sure to explore the area you stay in!
I always recommend taking a day to get acclimated to the weather, climate, and diving conditions of the area (especially in such a naturally diverse and rugged area like Colorado!) when you have the luxury of time.
Since we stayed in Silverthorne, the first thing we decided to do was visit nearby Sapphire Point Overlook in Dillon, a scenic 15-minute drive away from Silverthorne.
Sapphire Point Overlook Trail is a 0.6-mile heavily trafficked loop trail that features a lake and is suitable for all skill levels. Every piece of this place was picture-worthy- definitely don’t miss it when you’re in the area, and bring a tripod for the best photos! Parking is easy but somewhat limited for peak season.
Other things to do nearby:
Dillon Reservoir, the stunning trails of Silverthorne, or check out any of the nearby cannabis dispensaries. If you’re there in December and the snowy/ski season, check out the Ice Castles In Dillon.
Next, we headed over to The Sallie Barber Mine trail in nearby Breckenridge.
The Sallie Barber Mine trail is a 2.8-mile, heavily trafficked, out-and-back trail that has a steep incline, adorable bubbling streams, and ends the experience with an abandoned mine/ cherry on top.
After this excursion, we were BEAT!
We headed back to our temporary crib for adult beverages, Netflix, and The Electric Fireplace I Never Knew I Needed in My Life.
Day Three – Independence Pass + Aspen
Independence Pass
Independence Pass is a Scenic Byway through 32 miles of mountainous Colorado terrain, with the pass’s summit reaching an elevation of 12,095 feet.
Driving through Independence Pass isn’t for the faint of heart: though it is a paved road, sections are narrow and winding with steep dropoffs. The summit of Independence Pass is located west of Twin Lakes and east of Aspen and crosses the Continental Divide, so this was our (slow, more scenic) route to Aspen.
Note: The pass closes annually due to weather conditions. Check weather conditions before you travel.
Aspen
Elevated at 8,000 feet, the tiny ski town of Aspen, Colorado, is home to only 7,000 residents annually and is a world-class destination for skiing and other snow sports.
Check out Aspen’s free scavenger hunt.
Maroon Bells
Just 10 miles west of Aspen lies a reflective lake and two snow-studded mountaintops called Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak.
The Bells received their famous maroon coloring from the weathering of hematite, an iron-heavy mineral, and Maroon Lake is a basin sculpted by Ice-Age glaciers.
A heaven for any photographer (or Instagram’r!), the Maroon Bells offer a kaleidoscope of color that changes with the seasons.
Note:
Maroon Creek Road to Maroon Bells closes for the winter season. Make sure to check here for current information.
Woody Creek Tavern
This rustic tavern is wallpapered with Hunter S. Thompson memorabilia & visitor Polaroids and was an actual haunt of the ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas author. Woody Creek Tavern has a full menu with excellent margaritas.
We asked to get our photo on the wall- The staff at Woody Creek let us know they only had one Polaroid left… it was meant to be!
*If you’re a fan with time to spare, check out the nearby Hunter S. Thompson shrine.
Day Four – Vail & Avon
Vail is a ski town, home to 5k permanent residents and other 5k part-time residents of vacation properties. You’ll find luxury accommodations and killer views from every angle of the town.
Avon sits eight miles west of Vail and offers many activities, parks, and trails, including the breathtaking Henry A. Nottingham Park and the Walking Science Mountains Nature Center.
Walking Mountains Science Center
The Walking Mountains Science Center offers free and fantastic trails full of aspens and other Colorado nature essentials. For free guided nature walks, available seasonally, check here.
Nottingham Park
Harry A. Nottingham Park offers 48 acres of open space, trails, and athletic fields. If you only have a spare twenty minutes, stop by the park for incredible reflective views.
Hot springs- you’ve got options!
There are two popular hot springs in the area- Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs and Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa in Hot Sulphur Springs.
We chose Hot Sulphur Springs, which featured fifteen pools ranging from 100-112°!
Note: It’s a bring your own towel situation. I like this fast-drying microfiber one.
Day Five – Stanley Hotel + Estes Park
The Stanley Hotel
Tucked away in the mountains of Estes Park lies one of the most haunted hotels in America and THE setting of Stephen King’s The Shining. The Stanley is a can’t-miss for northern Colorado.
The hotel offers tours (Book Ahead) for a small fee, but casual visitors can view the main areas for free, including the Hedge Maze.
To see it all and get the best experience possible, stay a night in the hotel!
Estes Park
The base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, is everything you want in a Colorado hike.
Day Six – Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is nestled in Yampa Valley.
This town is a northern Colorado treat home to acres of trails, a ski resort, a scenic gondola, and a geothermal spa said to have healing properties!
Fish Creek Falls
One of the most popular hikes in Yampa Valley, Fish Creek Falls, offers trails for all difficulty levels. We did the Lower Falls and Overlook Trails. This hike is perfect for a day trip and is only minutes from downtown Steamboat.
If you decide to stay overnight, check out these hotels in Steamboat Springs.
Day Seven – Return home + optional ideas for Denver
Make sure you set aside plenty of time to get back to the airport in Denver. Conditions can be intense, roads can be icy, and construction is expected. Check the weather and driving conditions beforehand.
Optional ideas for Denver:
If you have any time to kill before your flight, consider:
- A moment spent at Red Rocks is never wasted.
- The Church of Cannabis (400 S Logan Street) is undoubtedly one of a kind.
- Downtown Denver is an excellent place for photos.
Don’t have 7 days?
Fear not if you don’t have 7 days to enjoy this Colorado itinerary!
If you only have 3 days, I would stick to Aspen and Estes Park.
If you have 5 days, I recommend Aspen, Estes Park Vail, and Avon. Here are your options:
Ready to explore one of the most beautiful places in the world? Let me know how your Colorado trip was in the comments section below, or tag me on social media:
