Colorado 2 week itinerary. Any recommendations?

Question

Hi All

We are flying into Denver on the first Saturday in September from the UK. This will be our first visit to the US and we are really looking forward to the trip. We have a travel intinery in place and accommodation is booked. We are looking for any recommendations of places to visit, places to eat, hidden gems, etc that we may not be aware of on our various routes. Our itinery is as follows:

Denver 2 Nights and then the Zephyr to Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs 3 Nights to inc 1 day in Aspen/ Maroon Belles, also Rifle Falls, Hanging Lake and Iron Mountain Springs.

Crawford 1 Night to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison North Rim. Using H133 and H92 to Crawford

Buena Vista 2 Nights from Crawford using H92, H50 and Cottonwood Pass. Visit Leadville whilst staying at BV

(Is Crested Butte worth visiting on route to BV?)

Manitou Springs 3 Nights to Visit Pikes Peak Railway and Garden of the Gods

Estes Park 3 Nights to visit RMNP via Peak to Peak Byway (Is Red Rocks Ampitheatre worth a visit on route?)

Thanks in advance

Answer

Your two-week Colorado itinerary looks fantastic, balancing scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and charming towns. Here are some suggestions and insights for each leg of your trip, plus hidden gems and dining tips.

Denver (2 nights)

Explore Larimer Square for boutique shopping and historic charm.
Union Station area has great cafes and breweries—perfect for a first US visit vibe.
If time allows, consider the Denver Botanic Gardens or the Denver Art Museum for a relaxed cultural start.

Glenwood Springs / Aspen day trips (3 nights)

Glenwood Hot Springs is a must for a soak after flights or train travel.
Hanging Lake: Book tickets in advance; it’s a short hike with spectacular views.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a relaxing alternative with riverside pools.
Rifle Falls: Less crowded and very photogenic, especially if you like waterfall shots.
Aspen & Maroon Bells: Stunning in early September. The drive to Maroon Bells is scenic, and the area is manageable with limited hiking.
Dining in Glenwood Springs: Try the Pullman or Juicy Lucy for local favorites.

Crawford (1 night, Black Canyon North Rim)

The North Rim offers dramatic views without needing strenuous hikes. Sunrise or late afternoon light is ideal for photography.
Crawford itself is quiet and historic; stop at the local cafe for breakfast or lunch.

Buena Vista (2 nights, route via H92, H50, Cottonwood Pass)

Leadville: Historic mining town, charming Main Street, and scenic old cemeteries and churches.
Cottonwood Pass: Stunning mountain views; check road status as some sections may be gravel but usually passable in September.
Crested Butte: Worth a detour if you like quaint mountain towns and wildflowers (less vibrant in September but still scenic). Its colorful town center is very photogenic.
Outdoor activities: Consider the hot springs near BV or a short float on the Arkansas River if you enjoy gentle water adventures.

Manitou Springs (3 nights, Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods)

Pikes Peak Cog Railway or the toll road drive: The Cog offers a classic experience; allow a few hours.
Garden of the Gods: Walk short trails to see iconic rock formations; sunset is particularly beautiful.
Downtown Manitou Springs has quirky shops and local eateries; try Adam’s Mountain Cafe for breakfast or lunch.

Estes Park (3 nights, RMNP & Peak to Peak Byway)

RMNP via Peak to Peak Byway: Incredible views, wildlife sightings, and shorter pull-offs for photo opportunities without long hikes.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Worth a short stop if heading south from Denver to Estes Park; the geological formations are impressive even without a concert.
Downtown Estes Park has lots of shops, fudge shops, and casual dining.

Additional tips and hidden gems:

Drive times can be longer than expected due to mountain roads, so plan accordingly.
Early September is great for avoiding summer crowds, but check weather for mountain passes as mornings can be chilly.
Photography: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light; sunrises over Maroon Bells and Black Canyon are exceptional.
Consider a scenic stop at Independence Pass between Aspen and Buena Vista if time permits; very photogenic.

Overall, your itinerary is well-paced with a balance of nature, scenic drives, and charming towns. Crested Butte is a nice optional detour, Red Rocks is a quick worthwhile stop, and the rest of your route maximizes Colorado’s iconic scenery.

Colorado 2 week itinerary. Any recommendations?

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions