Suggestions For Grand Teton to Denver Drive

Question

Hi, we're doing a 15 day holiday in June from UK, flying into and out of Denver. After a long looping drive through Cheyenne, Deadwood, Cody, YSNP and GTNP, our itinerary has left us with 3 days to get back to Denver for the flight home. I'm trying to think of ideas to maximise the run. We were in Colorado September 23 and stayed in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs and Estes Park and seen a lot of what they all have to offer already. Do we head for any of these for a night then try Aspen or Breckenridge for the last 2 nights, or do we try Boulder or Denver (also stayed Denver in 23), do we head for Salt Lake City, give the rental car up there and just fly to Denver to connect with the flight home, or has anyone got any better suggestions? We're open to anything, so looking forward to hearing from you all.

Answer

With three days to return to Denver from Grand Teton and Yellowstone, you have a variety of options depending on whether you want scenic drives, mountain towns, or a more direct route. Since you’ve already explored much of Colorado’s central destinations in your previous trip, focusing on new areas and a relaxed pace might make the most of your final leg.

Here are several options to consider:

Scenic Mountain Route via Aspen and Breckenridge: From Grand Teton or Yellowstone, you could drive south toward Steamboat Springs, then over to Aspen for a night or two, followed by Breckenridge or Vail. This route provides classic Rocky Mountain scenery, alpine towns, and opportunities for short hikes, gondola rides, or exploring historic downtowns. It’s a bit of a longer drive but very scenic.
Boulder and Denver: If you want to minimize driving and spend your last days in areas with good restaurants, cultural activities, and easy sightseeing, consider heading straight to Boulder or Denver. Boulder has Pearl Street Mall, short hikes at Chautauqua Park, and a lively town center, while Denver offers museums, breweries, and relaxed city exploration.
Grand Junction/Glenwood Springs Loop: Since you’ve already been to these towns, you could still include a night in Glenwood Springs for a relaxing hot springs soak and drive down the scenic I-70 corridor through Glenwood Canyon and the Rockies, staying perhaps in Vail, Avon, or Frisco before finishing in Denver.
Salt Lake City Option: Technically feasible, but it would be out of your way if your flight is from Denver. You could drop off your rental in Salt Lake City and fly to Denver, but this adds the complexity of coordinating flights and may not add much scenic value compared to exploring more of Colorado.

Additional considerations to help refine your plan:

Time your driving: Driving through mountain passes can be slower in June than expected due to traffic and potential construction. Allow extra time for stops and sightseeing.
Accommodation: Popular towns like Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail can book up early, so reserving hotels in advance is advisable. Vacation rentals can also accommodate groups or families more affordably.
Activities: Short hikes, scenic overlooks, or a gondola ride can break up long driving days. Towns like Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail offer kid-friendly activities, shopping, and dining.
Flexibility: Consider leaving some flexibility for spontaneous stops at scenic byways, waterfalls, or historic towns along the way.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Yellowstone/Grand Teton, overnight near Steamboat Springs or Glenwood Springs (depending on route preference).
Day 2: Drive to Aspen, explore town or take a short hike, overnight in Aspen.
Day 3: Drive through Vail/Breckenridge area for scenic mountain views and final alpine experience, then continue to Denver for departure.

Overall, the Aspen/Breckenridge loop maximizes mountain scenery and new experiences, while a Boulder/Denver finish is easier logistically and offers cultural and city exploration. Avoiding Salt Lake City unless you have specific reasons keeps your travel time manageable and ensures a scenic, relaxed end to your trip.

Suggestions For Grand Teton to Denver Drive

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions