Rocky Mountain High Colorado

On arrival into Denver Airport, take the short 1hr30 min drive to Colorado Springs. Kick off your Colorado experience here in “Olympic City,” home to the US Olympic Headquarters and the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. Visit the brand new Olympic Museum, tour the Training Center, or go for a skate on the same ice where Olympic figure skating champions have trained.

Start your day visiting the famous Colorado Springs Air Force Academy (you may want to time your visit to catch the cadets’ impressive noon mealtime formation). Then head to the magnificent Garden of the Gods. Choose a leisurely stroll on an easy trail or a Jeep tour for a relaxing experience, take a challenging hike to explore more rugged terrain, or get your adrenalin pumping with a rock climbing adventure. Don’t miss the chance to take in breathtaking views from the top of Pike’s Peak: take the cog wheel train, or push your limits with a strenuous but rewarding hike up the 1-mile Manitou Incline.

Pass through some of America’s most beautiful landscapes as you take the scenic mountain climb to the resort town of Vail. Stop off in the quaint town of Breckenridge, with its Swiss-village-inspired architecture and gorgeous views in all seasons.

Wake up and take a deep breath of the crisp mountain air! Admire the mountain views from a chair lift ride, set off on a biking tour or wildflower hike, take an art walk to discover the town’s extensive public art collection, or browse the European-style boutiques.

Enjoy yet another scenic drive from Vail to Estes Park via Trail Ridge Road (U.S. 34), Rocky Mountain National Park's Highway to the sky. Covering the 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, eleven miles of this high highway is above treeline at 11,500 feet where the park's evergreen forests come to a halt. As it winds across the tundra's vastness to its high point at 12,183 feet elevation, Trail Ridge Road offers thrilling views, wildlife sightings and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions, all from the comfort of your car. Once in Estes Park, stroll the quaint streets of the town with its many galleries and artisan boutiques and savor the natural beauty of this gorgeous location.

Spend a few hours in Rocky Mountain National Park this morning, or maximize your time in the city and head straight for Denver. Consider visiting the Denver Botanical Gardens, Denver Zoo, or the Museum of Nature and Science, sample some of the city’s excellent local microbrews, or dig into some farm-to-table cuisine at a restaurant on Larimer Square. In the evening, you may want to catch a show at the outdoor Red Rocks Parks and Amphitheatre to complete your Rocky Mountain High Colorado experience!