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September 10 days in CO

Hi all! My husband and I will be flying into Denver and renting a car for a flexible 10 day to 2 weeks in September. This will be my first CO trip (age 65) and my husband (65) has only been to Ouray. We love mountains and gentle hikes, fall colors, smaller towns and talking to locals. We want to enjoy and relax without fast pace. Not into rock climbing, white water rafting but would love a gentle river raft float experience. Thinking Denver to Estes Park for RMNP for a few days but then want Garden of Gods ( maybe horseback), hot springs (Glenwood?) and spa, Telluride and a good back country train ride before heading back toward Denver and Red Rocks area. Interesting side stops? Good local eateries? Suggestions are appreciated! Ty

For a relaxed 10-day trip to Colorado in September, focusing on mountains, gentle hikes, fall colors, and small-town charm, your plan can be structured to balance scenic drives, nature, and leisure activities. Here’s a suggested itinerary and tips based on your interests:

Suggested Itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Denver Arrival & Red Rocks
    • Arrive in Denver, pick up rental car.
    • Optional exploration of LoDo or RiNo districts for a gentle walk, local eateries, and coffee shops.
    • Evening visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a walk around the grounds and views.
  • Day 3-5: Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park
    • Drive to Estes Park (approx. 1.5-2 hours from Denver).
    • Stay 2-3 nights to explore RMNP.
    • Gentle hikes: Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Alberta Falls.
    • Fall colors peak in September, especially along Trail Ridge Road (if open).
    • Local eateries: The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern, Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ.
  • Day 6-7: Colorado Springs & Garden of the Gods
    • Drive south to Colorado Springs (~4 hours). Stop at scenic points along the way, e.g., Boulder for a quick stroll at Pearl Street Mall.
    • Garden of the Gods: gentle walks among rock formations; optional horseback ride tours.
    • Pikes Peak Cog Railway or scenic drive to the summit.
    • Local eateries: Adam’s Mountain Café, The Rabbit Hole.
  • Day 8: Glenwood Springs / Hot Springs
    • Drive west to Glenwood Springs (~3.5-4 hours).
    • Relax in the hot springs and consider a spa treatment.
    • Optional gentle river float on the Colorado River.
    • Local eateries: Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse.
  • Day 9-10: Telluride / Backcountry Train Ride
    • Drive to Telluride (~3-4 hours from Glenwood Springs).
    • Explore the historic town and enjoy easy walks around town and nearby scenic viewpoints.
    • Consider a backcountry train ride experience nearby or the Durango & Silverton train if feasible (requires some planning).
    • Local eateries: The National, Brown Dog Pizza.
  • Day 11: Return toward Denver
    • Drive back toward Denver (approx. 6-7 hours if coming directly from Telluride). Optional scenic stops include Black Canyon of the Gunnison or small mountain towns along the way, e.g., Ouray, Silverton, or Breckenridge if time allows.

Additional Suggestions & Tips:

  • September weather: Expect mild days (60s-70s°F in the mountains) and cooler nights (40s-50s°F). Layers are essential, and early snow is possible at high elevations.
  • Accommodations: Opt for charming lodges, B&Bs, or boutique hotels in each town rather than big chains to maximize local character.
  • Driving: Roads are generally good; plan extra time for scenic drives, especially Trail Ridge Road in RMNP and mountain passes.
  • Gentle river rafting: Several companies in Buena Vista and Glenwood Springs offer short, easy floats suitable for relaxing and scenic enjoyment without strenuous paddling.
  • Fall colors: Peak times vary, but mid-September is typically excellent for aspen groves in RMNP, near Crested Butte, and around Ouray.
  • Local food experiences: Colorado is known for farm-to-table, breweries, and local pastries. Ask locals for recommendations to find hidden gems.

This itinerary balances scenic drives, gentle walks, small-town charm, and relaxation, while allowing you to experience some of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes and fall colors.

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The attractions mentioned in this question

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Alberta
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Mall
rock
country
Street
Rocky Mountain National Park

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