Two Weeks in the Cities

Taking 2 weeks to explore these cities and surrounding areas provides time for a more in-depth examination of their attractions, and to spend more time in the mountains.

Days 1, 2, 3 & 4: Denver

Follow our Denver itinerary in "In One Week", but take the extra day in Denver to explore a neighborhood by bike and foot. Get a rental and a map from Campus Cycles, then hop on one of the in-city trails that converges on Confluence Park for lunch in the vicinity. After lunch, get your rental car and head to one of the attractions farther afield, or if the schedule allows, take in a Rockies game at Coors Field, or another sporting event in this sports-crazy city.

Days 5, 6 & 7: Boulder

Explore the Pearl Street Mall and a museum on your first day, but take the second day to hike some of the trails in the area, packing a lunch before descending for dinner. On your third day in Boulder, visit the National Center for Atmospheric Research or the Redstone Meadery, and take time to do more hiking, biking, or Pearl Street Mall people-watching.

Days 8 & 9: Rocky Mountain National Park

Use Estes Park as a base on night one and camp in the park (or else stay in Grand Lake, the park's western gateway) on night two. Spending 2 full days in the area allows for the second day to be centered on a significant day hike, like the Mills Lake Trail or the Bierstadt Lake Trail.

Day 10: Rocky Mountain National Park to Golden

Boulder is about an hour's drive from Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Stop for lunch in Lyons, and then explore the park by car, parking to take a hike. Stay in Estes Park for the night.

Days 11, 12, 13 & 14: Colorado Springs

Take your time to explore the Pikes Peak region over 3 unhurried days. Spend your entire first day and night exploring downtown and its attractions, namely the Fine Art Center and the Pioneers Museum. For day two, head to Manitou Springs before ascending Pikes Peak by rail or car, then descend for an overnight in Manitou Springs or Old Colorado City. Day three's foci: Garden of the Gods and The Broadmoor, where the trip-capping dinner from above remains our recommendation. From Colorado Springs it's about an hour and a half to Denver International Airport.