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Going to Colorado for the first time. Two 50 year old adults, a 16yr old and 19 yr old (boys). We like hiking and adventure. My husband and I are reasonably fit, my teenagers will hike circles around us. We are front sea-level-ish cincinnati. I would love some advice about this plan.....especially about the most signature hikes in colorado? And, beautiful drives in between locatations. I am flexible but only have 8 days. And, it is hands-down most economical to fly in and out of Denver Airport. Thanks for your input?? You all know your state best!!!

(ps - I wish I could make it to Mesa Verde.....but not this trip and the sand dunes sound great but my husband is NOT interested)

If you have some ideas for great places to lodge in these locations, I am all ears.....Less than $500 per night. And, I'm flexible on towns.....like Aspen or Snowmass? Ouray or Telluride??

6/21 Sat

- Fly in to denver Airport

- Drive To Manitou (Villa Motel?)

6/22 Sun

- Do the rail trip up to Pikes Peak in the am

- something in the afternoon (Cave of the winds? Lantern tour or Walk around Garden of Gods)

6/23 Mon

- Check out

- Climbing experience at Garden of Gods 9 am

- drive to Ouray

- Check in (hot spring inn?)

6/24 Tue

- Hike Blue Lakes Trail (good one?)

- Enjoy the hot springs in Ouray

6/25 Wed

- Check out

- Drive through Black Canyon of Gunnison / See views

- Check in Aspen/snowmass.

- Attend the Snowmass Rodeo (only on Wednesday)

6/26 Thurs

- Check out

- Maroon bells (maroon bells scenic loop and crater lake) - need reservation...

- Drive to estes park, check in

6/27 Fri

Rocky mnp (drive trail ridge?)

6/28 Sat

- Sky pond va glacier gorge trail

6/29 Sun

- Drive to Denver Airport

- Go home

Answer

Your itinerary looks ambitious but very exciting, with a great mix of adventure, hiking, scenic drives, and iconic Colorado experiences. Since you have 8 days, your plan covers a lot of ground and includes some of Colorado’s most signature spots. Here’s a detailed assessment and suggestions:

6/21 Saturday – Arrival and drive to Manitou Springs

Flying into Denver and driving to Manitou Springs is reasonable (about 1.5 hours). Villa Motel is a good central choice, giving you easy access to shops and the base for Pikes Peak excursions.

6/22 Sunday – Pikes Peak & afternoon activities

The morning rail trip up to Pikes Peak is a classic and should be enjoyed for the views. In the afternoon:

Garden of the Gods is ideal for a casual walk and photography.
Cave of the Winds is fun if you enjoy guided tours inside caverns.
Lantern tour is optional; consider your energy after the morning excursion.

6/23 Monday – Climbing at Garden of the Gods & drive to Ouray

The climbing experience is perfect for adventure seekers. Driving from Manitou to Ouray is a long drive (~5.5–6 hours), so consider stopping for lunch in Salida or Buena Vista to break it up. Hot Springs Inn or similar accommodations in Ouray are great for soaking after a long drive.

6/24 Tuesday – Blue Lakes Trail & hot springs

Blue Lakes Trail is moderately challenging but rewarding with stunning alpine lakes. Carry plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for altitude changes (Ouray sits around 7,700 ft). The hot springs in the evening are ideal for recovery.

6/25 Wednesday – Black Canyon of Gunnison & drive to Aspen/Snowmass

Driving via the Black Canyon offers breathtaking vistas. Allow time for short stops at viewpoints. Check into Aspen or Snowmass; the Snowmass Rodeo is a unique local experience and a fun addition for the family.

6/26 Thursday – Maroon Bells & drive to Estes Park

Maroon Bells Scenic Loop is iconic; reservations are required for shuttle access, so book early. Hiking the Crater Lake trail is beautiful and doable if you start early.
After Maroon Bells, the drive to Estes Park is long (~5–6 hours). Consider an early start and scenic stops along I-70 and CO-82 for variety.

6/27 Friday – Rocky Mountain National Park (Trail Ridge Road)

Trail Ridge Road is spectacular, providing some of the best mountain views in Colorado. With kids or teens, you may want to stop at accessible overlooks and short trails rather than doing long hikes unless everyone is up for it.

6/28 Saturday – Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail

Sky Pond is one of the most rewarding hikes in RMNP but is strenuous (~9–10 miles round trip with elevation gain). For your teenagers, it will be exciting, but for adults coming from near sea level, prepare for altitude and pace yourselves. Pack proper footwear, snacks, and plenty of water. Alternatively, shorter hikes in the same area (e.g., Alberta Falls or Nymph Lake) are easier but still scenic.

6/29 Sunday – Drive back to Denver Airport

The drive from Estes Park to Denver Airport is about 1.5–2 hours. Leaving early ensures a relaxed arrival for your flight.

Overall impressions and tips:

Your itinerary is packed but doable with early starts and reasonable pacing.
Altitude will be a factor in Ouray, Aspen, and RMNP; take it easy the first day at higher elevations.
Signature hikes: Blue Lakes, Maroon Bells Crater Lake, and Sky Pond are among Colorado’s most stunning. Optional shorter hikes for recovery days could include Garden of the Gods trails or Alberta Falls.
Beautiful drives: US-50 from Salida to Ouray, CO-82 from Aspen to Maroon Bells, and Trail Ridge Road in RMNP are absolutely scenic and iconic.
Lodging: Your budget (<$500/night) can be met in all these areas, especially if booking early. Hot Springs Inn (Ouray), Aspen/Snowmass condos or lodges, and Estes Park hotels like The Ridgeline or YMCA of the Rockies (family-friendly) are good options.
Consider the logistics of long drives on consecutive days; sometimes breaking up drives with scenic stops or shorter hikes will help everyone enjoy the trip more.

This itinerary balances adventure, scenic drives, and iconic Colorado experiences, but be prepared for early mornings and altitude adjustments. It is ambitious but will provide a truly memorable trip for adults and teenagers alike.

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