Fly & Drive May 3-10

Question

We are traveling to celebrate our 24th anniversary on May 5th. Arriving DEN May 3rd and departing DEN May10th. We will be renting a full size car for the entirety of our trip. Would like some suggestions on an itinerary that would avoid a lot of backtracking which I am struggling to figure out because it seems a lot of roads will still be closed this early in the season.

We travel a lot to the Smoky Mountains and usually stay in a rental cabin for the week as most what we do there is within a couple hours drive. Colorado seems like it would be best to stay in a couple different places and sort of do a “loop” back to Denver.

We like outdoor activities but know hiking will not the best at this time. We like good food, scenic drives, chatting with locals. We like to learn about local history but not in a museum. More through experiences rather than “exhibits.” Any suggestions for us are welcome and appreciated!

Answer

Celebrating your 24th anniversary in Colorado in early May is perfect for scenic drives, local culture, and enjoying the outdoors without the crowds of peak summer. Since some higher-elevation roads and trails may still be closed due to snow, focusing on lower-elevation scenic areas and mountain towns is a smart approach. A loop itinerary from Denver allows you to see diverse regions while minimizing backtracking.

Suggested Itinerary:

Days 1-2: Denver & Nearby
Arrive May 3rd and pick up your rental car. Spend a day or two exploring Denver’s neighborhoods and food scene. Consider:
- RiNo Arts District: murals, galleries, breweries, and artisanal dining
- LoDo & Larimer Square: historic downtown streets with boutique shops and restaurants
- Local history walk: take a guided walking tour highlighting Denver’s pioneer and mining history
Days 3-4: Boulder & Estes Park/Rocky Mountain Foothills
Drive northwest to Boulder (about 45 minutes). Enjoy the Pearl Street Mall, local cafes, and chat with locals. From Boulder, head to Estes Park (roughly 1.5 hours), the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Early May, snow may still cover higher elevations, but lower valley roads are typically open.
- Scenic drive along Peak to Peak Highway
- Optional short walks in Estes Park or accessible lower-elevation trails
- Local craft shops and artisan food markets
Days 5-6: Central Mountains – Colorado Springs & Royal Gorge / Pikes Peak
Head south to Colorado Springs (2.5 hours from Estes Park) for a change in scenery with gardens, historic sites, and mountain views.
- Garden of the Gods – drive through or take short walks
- Pikes Peak Scenic Highway – drive to the summit if open (check early May road conditions)
- Old Colorado City – historic district with local shops and cafes
- Optional day trip to Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Days 7: Back toward Denver
On May 9th, begin your return to Denver. Consider taking scenic backroads or stopping in small towns along the way, such as Lyons or Golden, to experience local dining and views of the foothills.
- Golden: Coors Brewery tour or local history walk
- Lookout Mountain for sunset and scenic overlook of Denver
Day 8: Depart from Denver
May 10th, return your rental car and fly out. If you have time, a morning stroll in Washington Park or Union Station area for coffee and breakfast before your flight.

Additional Tips:

Focus on scenic drives rather than high-altitude hiking; early May snow can limit access to higher trails.
Engage with local experiences, such as guided walking tours, small-town farmers’ markets, or local art galleries to learn Colorado history through people rather than museums.
Check the opening status of mountain roads (Pikes Peak, Peak to Peak) in advance as snow may still close some sections.
For foodies: try regional specialties like green chili, Rocky Mountain trout, and craft breweries in Boulder and Estes Park.

This itinerary balances city culture, scenic drives, mountain towns, and local history while minimizing backtracking and avoiding roads that may still be closed due to lingering snow.

Fly & Drive May 3-10

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions