Destination 01
Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Geologic venue with city-to-peak views
sight
RiNo District
Murals, breweries, and pre-mountain fuel
food
Colorado Rockies
Mountains, trails & alpine lakes
Route preview
6 days through Denver, Rocky Mountain NP, Aspen.
Colorado Rockies is a 6-day curated route with 3 destinations and 8 suggested stops. Preview stops and timing, then find it in TripsCircle Explore.
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12 stops
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23 stops
Destination 02
Rocky Mountain NP
Trail Ridge Road
Highest continuous paved road in the US
sight
Bear Lake
Alpine loop trail hub
nature
Alberta Falls
A rewarding waterfall hike from the Bear Lake corridor
adventure
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33 stops
Destination 03
Aspen
Maroon Bells
Most-photographed peaks in North America
nature
Aspen Mountain gondola
Ridge views without a big hike
adventure
Independence Pass
High-alpine overlooks along one of Colorado's great scenic roads
nature
Route highlights
The moments that shape this trip.
- 01Trail Ridge Road
- 02Maroon Bells
- 03Garden of the Gods
- 04Red Rocks
Trip guide
Planning Colorado Rockies.
A trip that gains elevation with every leg. Denver is the easygoing start, with breweries, museums and a mountain skyline that tells you what is coming. Aspen brings alpine scenery, gondola rides and a polished mountain-town feel. The route ends in Rocky Mountain National Park, where high ridges, lakes and wildlife make the final days feel wild. Mountain weather shifts quickly, so mornings are best for the big outdoor plans.
Good for Active groups who like mountain air and big views
When to go
June through September has the most reliable access to high trails and mountain roads. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, so start early. Wildflowers peak in early summer, and aspen leaves turn in late September. Higher roads can close for snow in the shoulder seasons.
Getting around
Most travelers fly into Denver and rent a car, since the mountain legs involve long, scenic drives with few alternatives. Mountain roads can be slow, particularly on weekends, so leave a buffer. Check road and park conditions before each leg.
Tips for your crew
- Spend your first night in Denver and take it easy. The altitude catches some people off guard, so drink water and go light on day one.
- Do the highest or most strenuous hikes later in the trip, after your group has had a couple of days to adjust.
- Book Rocky Mountain National Park entry and lodging early for summer. Popular areas can be crowded, so consider shuttle options and early starts.
