7-10 days with Red Rocks concert

Question

My wife and I will be making our first visit to Colorado in late August. The only set date is 8/28 to see Sierra Ferrell at Red Rocks. We have max flexibility as to where we fly in/out of, and although we're not young don't have any physical limitations. We would like to see a lot without biting off too much. I can either start or end the trip with the concert.

One possibility is flying into Aspen and out of Colorado Springs, with a night or two in several spots.

Another idea would be to fly into Durango to see Mesa Verdo, then up to Montrose for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, then to Salida, up past Breckinridge to Red Rocks, then finish with a day or two in Colorado Springs.

Answer

Planning 7–10 days in Colorado with a fixed Red Rocks date gives you a perfect chance to see several of the state’s most iconic regions without rushing. Since you’re open to flying into or out of different airports, you can build a route that naturally flows from mountains to canyons to cities. Below is a detailed, practical breakdown of two excellent itinerary structures plus variations to help you decide.

Your two draft ideas are both strong, and each offers a mix of landscapes, culture, and manageable driving times. The key is to organize the trip so you’re not backtracking and you give yourself recovery time before and after the Red Rocks show.

Below is a detailed suggestion for each option, with daily pacing and recommended stops.

OPTION 1: Aspen ➜ Central Mountains ➜ Denver & Red Rocks ➜ Colorado Springs (Moderate pace, mountain-focused)

This route gives you classic Colorado mountain towns, shorter drives, and excellent food/scenery, ending with the concert and a relaxing finale around Colorado Springs.

Days 1–2: Aspen – Fly into Aspen if possible. Enjoy Maroon Bells, Independence Pass (if open), walkable downtown, and scenic drives. Great intro to Colorado at high elevation with world-class views.
Days 3–4: Glenwood Springs or Buena Vista/Salida – Head north or southeast. Glenwood gives you hot springs and relaxing evenings; Buena Vista/Salida offer rafting, the Arkansas River valley, and mellow mountain-town charm.
Days 5–6: Breckenridge or Frisco – Easy base to explore Summit County. Good hikes, gondolas, historic main streets, and cooler weather. Also puts you within two hours of Red Rocks.
Day 7: Red Rocks area (Morrison / Golden / Lakewood) – Spend the day close to the venue so you’re not rushing. Explore Golden breweries, the Colorado Railroad Museum, or dine in Morrison before the show.
Days 8–10: Colorado Springs – Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, the Broadmoor area, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs. Fly out of COS when done.

This itinerary is great if you want easier travel days, beautiful alpine scenery, and a mix of adventure and relaxation. It avoids the longer drives of the southwestern portion of the state.

OPTION 2: Durango ➜ Mesa Verde ➜ Montrose ➜ Salida ➜ Breckenridge ➜ Red Rocks ➜ Colorado Springs (More driving, more national-park-quality scenery)

This version covers Colorado’s spectacular southwestern region—which many consider the most dramatic part of the state—but involves longer drives. It’s excellent for people who enjoy scenic roads and national park landscapes.

Days 1–2: Durango – Charming historic town, Durango–Silverton train (optional), good restaurants. Great base for the first part of the trip.
Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park – Spend a full day exploring cliff dwellings and archaeological sites. Stay either in Cortez or return to Durango.
Days 4–5: Montrose / Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Drive to Montrose and spend a day visiting Black Canyon. The South Rim is accessible and dramatic with minimal walking required.
Days 6–7: Salida / Buena Vista – Beautiful mountain town with hot springs, the Arkansas River, and an artsy downtown. A calm midpoint in your itinerary.
Day 8: Breckenridge or Dillon/Frisco – One night in Summit County gets you closer to the Denver metro area and breaks up the drive.
Day 9: Red Rocks area & Concert – Overnight in Golden or Morrison so you can enjoy the show without stress.
Day 10: Colorado Springs (optional extension) – Add a couple nights if you want, or fly out right after Red Rocks.

This itinerary is best for those wanting Mesa Verde/Black Canyon highlights and don’t mind the extra miles. Late August weather is great for the southwest.

WHICH OPTION IS “BETTER”?

Choose the Aspen route if you want easier logistics, short drives, cooler temperatures, and a classic-mountain-village feel.
Choose the Durango–Mesa Verde route if you want the most varied landscapes, dramatic canyons, and a true “see a lot of Colorado” experience.
Both options mix national parks, mountain towns, rich culture, and leave you positioned for Red Rocks without rushing.

If you want a hybrid option, consider flying into Montrose (near Black Canyon), looping through Ouray/Silverton, then continuing north toward Salida, Breckenridge, and Red Rocks. This still gives you high-impact beauty with slightly less driving than Durango/Mesa Verde.

7-10 days with Red Rocks concert

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