The Facts:
Start Location: Summit County
Distance: 378 miles
Suggested Duration: 7–10 days
Map of Route
Itinerary Summary: This grand tour of Northwest Colorado incorporates a wealth of activities and attractions, from shopping in Breckenridge to exploring the fossilized remains of dinosaurs. Allow yourself plenty of time to truly enjoy the entire experience. If you can't fit everything in during your stay, feel free to pick the most intriguing items to patch together an unforgettable vacation experience.
Destinations Include
Day One and Two
Dubbed "Colorado’s Playground," Summit County provides endless outdoor adventure high up in the incredible Rocky Mountains. Start your expedition in Breckenridge. This picturesque mountain town is a great place to launch a mountain biking excursion that covers hundreds of miles of singletrack. After a great workout, relax by sailing across the waters of serene Lake Dillon. Then, enjoy dinner at the town’s many outstanding restaurants, each with its own unique charm.
Day Three
Have a delightful breakfast at one of the locals' favorite cafes (ask & they’ll tell you) then hop on State Highway 9 to I-70 heading west. Stop in Vail and enjoy one of their many festivals held throughout the year, including the Jazz Festival, The Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, the Vail International Dance Festival and the Teva Mountain Games. Take the Gondola up to the top of Vail Mountain for an outstanding view and a memorable meal at the Game Creek Restaurant. Vail Village also has great shopping, nightlife and accommodations.
Day Four and Five
From Vail, you will once again head west on I-70 to Glenwood Springs. Spend the morning whitewater rafting down the Colorado River. Or try the steep hike up Hanging Lake Trail. During the afternoon, you can splash among the many water slides at the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Lodge & Pool, the largest in the world. Get some sleep at one of two grand historic hotels—the Hotel Colorado or the Hotel Denver.
Day Six and Seven
Next it’s on to Aspen via Highway 82. Once you’ve arrived in "Glitter Gulch," grab a late breakfast, then venture around the pristine lake of the famed Maroon Bells—the most photographed mountains in North America. Back in town, wine, dine, shop and keep your eyes out for visiting celebrities. Nightlife options abound, but check out Belly Up, one of the many venues that feature live music. The historic Hotel Jerome, the luxurious Little Nell and the charming Chalet Lisl are just a few of the perfect places to sleep that night.
Day Eight and Nine
Retrace your steps back to I-70 west and on to Rifle. Go rock climbing at Rifle Mountain Park, one of America’s premier sport climbing destinations, or take it a little easier with a picnic lunch at Rifle Falls State Park. Home to Colorado’s only 80-foot triple waterfall, you can also spend time here exploring the limestone caves. From Rifle, make your way back to I-70 west towards Grand Junction. The Grand Valley is a hotspot for Colorado’s growing wine industry. Spend the evening at a local hotel, and the next day enjoying the lovely wineries and breathtaking scenery on a variety of wine trail tours throughout the area. Don’t forget to drive along Rim Rock Road through the Colorado National Monument and discover the Coke Ovens, a series of odd looking sandstone formations.
Day Ten
Finish your trip by heading north along the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic & Historic Byway to the Dinosaur National Monument. Here, travelers will see fossilized dinosaur bones and ancient Indian pictographs.
Insider's Tip:
Wine aficionados won’t want to miss the annual Colorado Mountain Winefest held in Palisade in September. You can partake in a variety of activities from hands-on workshops and winery tours, to chef competitions and food and wine pairing events.
Travel Information
Colorado Welcome Center, Dinosaur
US Highway 40, 101 E. Stegosaurus
(970) 374-2205
Colorado Welcome Center, Fruita
I-70 at exit 19
(970) 858-9335