12 Itinerary

Question

Flying from London to Denver with my wife to meet our son who is flying in from LA on the 16th March. We need to fly out of Dener on the 28th March. Any ideas on how we could spend the 12 days. We will hire a car but do not want to be behind the wheel all the time. Am aware its Spring break and snowy season but its what we have. Suggestions of where to visit welcome.

Answer

With 12 days in Colorado in mid-March, you can enjoy a mix of city life, mountain scenery, and outdoor adventures without spending all your time driving. Hiring a car is the best way to explore, but you can plan stops to minimize long driving stretches and include some relaxing days. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Days 1–3: Denver & Surroundings

Explore downtown Denver, including Larimer Square, Union Station, and the Denver Art Museum.
Take a day trip to Boulder (about 45 minutes) to stroll Pearl Street Mall and enjoy local cafés and shops.
Consider a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre and nearby hiking trails if the weather allows.

Days 4–5: Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park

Drive to Estes Park (about 1.5–2 hours from Denver) and use it as a base to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.
Even in March, many lower elevation trails are accessible; enjoy snowshoeing or winter hiking if there is snow.
Relax in the charming town of Estes Park and try local restaurants and shops.

Days 6–7: Colorado Springs & Garden of the Gods

Drive south to Colorado Springs (about 2–2.5 hours). Visit Garden of the Gods for dramatic red rock formations.
Check out Pikes Peak, either by car (weather permitting) or the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo or the Olympic Training Center if interested.

Days 8–9: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Alamosa

Head further south to Great Sand Dunes National Park (about 2–3 hours from Colorado Springs). Even in March, the dunes are impressive and less crowded.
Try sand sledding or simply hike along the dunes for photography and scenic enjoyment.
Overnight in nearby Alamosa to minimize driving in one day.

Days 10–11: Pueblo/Back toward Denver

Drive back north toward Denver, stopping in Pueblo or Salida for a leisurely overnight stay and local sightseeing.
Consider relaxing days with spa visits or local breweries to break up driving stretches.

Day 12: Denver & Departure

Return to Denver for your departure flight.
If time allows, enjoy a final meal downtown or a short city walk before heading to the airport.

Tips for managing driving and travel:

Break up longer drives with stops in scenic towns or viewpoints to avoid fatigue.
Use your hotel as a base for 2–3 night stays to reduce the frequency of packing/unpacking.
March weather can be unpredictable—snow at higher elevations is common, so check road conditions and have winter tires or chains if needed.
Consider guided day trips for parts like Rocky Mountain National Park or Great Sand Dunes if you prefer less driving and local expertise.

This itinerary balances city exploration, mountain scenery, and unique Colorado landscapes while keeping driving manageable and allowing you to enjoy both sightseeing and relaxation during your 12-day trip.

12 Itinerary

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