Cotopaxi to Denver, 3 nights in July

Question

Hello. Visiting friends in Cotopaxi for a few nights and looking for suggestions on route/itinerary, places to stay, things to see/do from Cotopaxi back to Denver. Depart Cotopaxi 7/2, fly out 7/5, so three nights to see what we can. Wife, Daughter 13 and son 12.

I’m generally thinking a route north/west that takes us through the mountains as we’ll have a night in CO Springs on the way to Cotopaxi. So Gunnison, Crested Butte, Buena Vista, Aspen…. all on the table.

Ideally, two nights in one place where the girls could get pampered for a day (spa, nails, etc.) or “walk the shops” while we go fish (guides??).

Maybe a good hike? We love scenic driving (cottonwood pass?), waterfalls, rivers, streams (Cheeseman Canyon, Black Canyon of the Gunnison?)

Main focus is the beautiful Rockies, but trying to give wife/daughter a “nature break” too.

Thank you for any ideas!

Answer

With three nights to get from Cotopaxi to Denver and your family’s interests in mind, you can craft a scenic and enjoyable route through central Colorado’s mountains while balancing outdoor adventure with relaxation for your wife and daughters. Since you’ll have already spent a night in Colorado Springs before heading to Cotopaxi, a northwestern loop works well.

Day 1: Cotopaxi to Gunnison / Crested Butte area

Depart Cotopaxi in the morning and head toward Gunnison. The drive is scenic and passes through mountain valleys. Once in Gunnison or nearby Crested Butte, check into a hotel or lodge. This area is excellent for a mix of outdoor activities and small-town charm.

Gunnison: Comfortable town with lodging options, restaurants, and river access for fishing. Consider a guided fly-fishing trip on the Gunnison River.
Crested Butte: Known as the “Wildflower Capital,” small boutiques and charming streets, good spa options for the girls while you fish or explore.
Optional short hikes: Snodgrass Mountain or Maroon Bells trail loop near Crested Butte for scenic mountain views and waterfalls.

Day 2: Crested Butte / Gunnison Activities

Spend a full day exploring the area. You could split activities so the family enjoys different experiences:

Wife and daughters: Spa treatments, nail salons, or strolling downtown Crested Butte for shops and cafés.
You: Guided fly-fishing trips on the Taylor or Gunnison rivers.
Family activity: Scenic drive over Cottonwood Pass (if open), stopping for short hikes, waterfalls, and panoramic views.
Alternative: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – the North Rim and South Rim drives are mostly accessible by car and offer breathtaking overlooks without strenuous hiking.

Day 3: Crested Butte / Gunnison to Buena Vista or Aspen

Drive east or north depending on preference. Buena Vista offers the Arkansas River, great for rafting or gentle walks along the river. Aspen is more upscale, with excellent shopping and spa options, but also a longer drive. You can break up the day with scenic stops and short hikes.

Buena Vista: Riverside strolls, potential for mild water activities, and easy family-friendly hikes such as Cottonwood Lake or Fourmile Creek.
Aspen: Upscale town, shops, art galleries, spas for pampering day, and nearby Maroon Bells for scenic short hikes (if time permits).
Drive considerations: Cottonwood Pass offers incredible scenery but is unpaved on the east side; check conditions before attempting.

Day 4: Return to Denver for flight

Leave early from Buena Vista or Aspen to reach Denver on time. The drive is mostly along US-285 or I-70, depending on your starting point, and offers beautiful mountain vistas along the way. Stop for brief photo ops or light hikes if time allows, such as at Kenosha Pass (if coming from the south).

Additional Tips:

Book lodging and any guided activities (fishing or spa) well in advance, as July is peak season.
For scenic drives, consider US-50, US-285, and Cottonwood Pass for variety; they provide access to rivers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows.
Carry snacks and water for mountain drives and short hikes, especially with kids.
Check road conditions for passes like Cottonwood and Maroon Creek; some may still have late snow patches or closures in early July.

This itinerary balances your desire for Rockies scenery, family-friendly hikes, river activities, and a day of pampering and shopping for the girls, while keeping driving manageable between destinations.

Cotopaxi to Denver, 3 nights in July

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