Please comment on 8 day trip in august

Question

We are an active couple in late 40’s who enjoy hikes and rafting, flying into and out of DEN. Please comment if the following plan is feasible.

Day 1 arriving in DEN at 9:30am, time entry during Pike’s Peak noon to 14:00, say in Colorado Springs.

D2. Drive hwy24 to buena vista. Stay 3 nights.

D3 class iv whitewater rafting

D4 Decalibron hiking 4 14kners.

D5 drive to Leadville, then turn around drive to aspen via independence pass, then to Glenwood springs. Maroon Bell time entry at 17:00. Stay 2 nights

D6 glenwood springs. Hanging Lake trail time entry at 16:00.

D7 stop at Vail for short hikes and then to Breck. Stay in Breck or Frisco

D8 DEN 13:00 departure time.

Question - can I fit in Great Sand Dune park on D2? Or hike Manitou incline( really worth the effort?)

Any other suggestions. Too much or fit more places to visit? Thanks

Answer

Your 8-day Colorado itinerary is ambitious but feasible if you are active and comfortable with driving and high-altitude activities. Here’s a detailed breakdown and suggestions:

Day 1 – Denver to Colorado Springs: Arriving at 9:30am gives you just enough time to grab a rental car and head to Pikes Peak. Time entry from noon to 2:00pm is tight but doable if you’re taking the highway rather than hiking. Consider that traffic and lines at the summit can slightly reduce time at the top.

Day 2 – Colorado Springs to Buena Vista: Highway 24 will take ~2.5–3 hours. Adding Great Sand Dunes National Park as a detour is theoretically possible but will require at least 3–4 hours of extra driving (round trip is ~3 hours from Buena Vista), which may make for a long day. If your priority is rafting and hiking in Buena Vista, it may be better to skip the Sand Dunes on this trip or make it a separate day if you can shorten other stops.

Day 3 – Class IV Whitewater Rafting: Buena Vista has several outfitters (Arkansas River) offering Class IV trips. Ensure you book in advance; early morning trips leave more afternoon flexibility for short hikes or relaxation.

Day 4 – Decalibron 4 14ers: Hiking all 4 14ers in one day is extremely challenging and requires excellent fitness, acclimatization, and early start. This day is full, so avoid adding extra activities.

Day 5 – Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass: Driving through Leadville and Independence Pass is scenic. Arriving at Maroon Bells at 5:00pm is possible, but parking can be limited; consider shuttle reservations if available. This day is already packed, so keep hiking minimal unless you’re very fast.

Day 6 – Glenwood Springs: Hanging Lake trail at 4:00pm is fine. Trail is ~3 miles round trip and steep in parts, but late afternoon is less crowded. Relax at Glenwood hot springs afterward.

Day 7 – Vail to Breckenridge: Short hikes in Vail are feasible. Breckenridge or Frisco both work for overnight. Breck offers more dining and walking options; Frisco is quieter and slightly closer to I-70 for the return.

Day 8 – Return to Denver: With 1:00pm departure, leaving Breck around 9:00–9:30am gives you sufficient time to return rental car and check in at the airport.

Regarding optional activities:

Great Sand Dunes: Possible but will make Day 2 very long; recommend skipping for a smoother itinerary.
Manitou Incline: Very strenuous; gains ~2,000 ft in <1 mile. If you haven’t acclimated to altitude yet, it may be overly challenging. Worth it only if you are fit and have extra time, otherwise Pikes Peak or a shorter hike in Garden of the Gods is better.

Additional suggestions:

Acclimate to altitude gradually; avoid overexertion on early days.
Consider pre-booking shuttles for Maroon Bells and Hanging Lake to avoid delays.
Keep flexibility; weather can affect Independence Pass, rafting, and high-altitude hikes.
Focus on quality experiences rather than trying to fit in every “must-see”; some scenic drives or viewpoints can replace extra stops without overloading the schedule.

Overall, your itinerary is feasible, but Days 2 and 4 are the most packed. Skipping Great Sand Dunes and Manitou Incline will make it more relaxed while still hitting major highlights. With this plan, you’ll experience Colorado’s scenic nature, adventure activities, and iconic spots efficiently.

Please comment on 8 day trip in august

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