June/July Road Trip

Question

Love to hear opinions on this road trip which are coming close to booking flights etc

We are a retired and active couple in 70's who to date have completed over 20 road trips in USA and included 48 states. This trip will be a final one and from the history of trips we have favoured Colorado hence a return some 15 years later.

Arrive Denver 23rd June

Denver 24th -27th

Hire car 28th

Colorado Springs 28th - 30 June

Salida 1st July

Alamosa 2nd

Durango 3rd

Cortez 4th (Mesa Verde Park)

Montrose 5th

Grand Junction 6th

Glenwood Springs 7th/8th

Golden 9th

Depart Denver 10th (late flight)

We could add 2 extra days

Answer

Your planned Colorado road trip looks well-paced and thoughtfully covers a lot of the state’s highlights. Since you are active and have extensive road trip experience, this itinerary should provide a rich mix of scenic drives, historic towns, and natural beauty. Here are some detailed considerations and suggestions for optimizing the trip:

General Notes: Late June and early July are peak tourist months in Colorado, so book accommodations and any guided tours (Mesa Verde, hot springs, or historic sites) well in advance. Roads such as those over the Continental Divide (e.g., Independence Pass near Aspen) will be open, but weather can still be variable at higher elevations.

Flying into Denver and spending 24th–27th there is good for acclimatization and urban exploration. Consider visiting the Denver Art Museum, Union Station, and nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre for an easy day trip.
Renting the car on June 28th aligns perfectly for your Colorado Springs leg. While in Colorado Springs (28th–30th), Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak Highway, and the U.S. Air Force Academy are recommended and easily accessible without strenuous activity.
Salida and Alamosa are scenic stops en route to Durango. Salida has charming streets and the Arkansas River for casual walks. In Alamosa, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see.
Durango (3rd) and Cortez (4th) give you access to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Mesa Verde National Park. Booking Mesa Verde timed entry tickets ahead of time is critical as summer is busy.
Montrose (5th) is a convenient stop near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Consider a short rim drive and easy overlooks to avoid fatigue.
Grand Junction (6th) offers wine country and Colorado National Monument; the scenic drive along the monument is ideal for your activity level.
Glenwood Springs (7th–8th) is perfect for hot springs relaxation. You could spend a full day enjoying the springs and a gentle stroll along the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for light sightseeing without strenuous hiking.
Golden (9th) is a nice final stop near Denver for a historic downtown walk, Coors Brewery tour, and a scenic stroll along Clear Creek before returning to Denver for your departure on the 10th.

Optional Adjustments or Additions:

If you add two extra days, consider splitting your time in the Denver area into one day for day trips to Boulder or Rocky Mountain National Park, which could be done without strenuous hiking by enjoying scenic drives and overlooks.
Alternatively, spend an extra night in Durango or Glenwood Springs to allow a slower pace or a day trip on the historic railroad, or soak longer in the hot springs.
For dining, Colorado has excellent farm-to-table options, local breweries, and casual Western fare; sampling these along the way can enhance the local experience.

Timing Tips: Driving distances are reasonable, but expect some delays due to summer traffic in tourist areas. Early starts for scenic drives or park visits are recommended to avoid crowds, particularly at Mesa Verde, Garden of the Gods, and Glenwood Springs.

Overall, your itinerary is well-balanced, combining city culture, historic towns, scenic drives, and natural wonders without overly strenuous activities. Adding one or two extra days would allow a more relaxed pace and optional excursions without feeling rushed.

June/July Road Trip

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions