8-Day Colorado Itinerary in Summer

Today I want to bring you my 8-day Colorado itinerary in summer. Just over a week in this part of the United States is an ideal amount of time to explore some of the most famous cities and immerse yourself in Rocky Mountain scenery. If you want to see the highlights of Denver and Boulder and visit places like Vail and Beaver Creek, read on for my road trip route. I’ve included a map, too.

My other half and I have booked a trip to the Centennial State to spend 8 days in Colorado starting and ending in Denver. He used to live here, so I’m lucky to be traveling with an expert tour guide.

He’s planned a great Colorado road trip itinerary for us, and we’re looking forward to spending a week and a day seeing some of the best places in the state.

Colorado is known for everything from the cultural scene in Denver to the college town of Boulder, the amazing natural beauty of the Rockies, and ski resorts like Vail.

Add to that great local food, outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, and historic mining towns, and there’s a lot to love about this part of the US. If you’re wondering if summer is a good time to visit Colorado, it is.

I hope my itinerary helps you plan a fun trip of your own. You can adjust it to fit your interests and travel style, but if you’re like me it will give you a solid overview of what you can do with 8 days in Colorado in summer.

Oh, and if you’re asking yourself “how many days do you need to spend in Colorado?”, you’ll get a feel for the answer as you read this post. While you can’t see everything, you’ll be able to discover a lot of the most popular places.

Day 1 in Colorado: Denver

After our flight arrives at Denver International Airport, we pick up our rental car and head into the city. It’s a 40-minute drive to our hotel, The Acoma House.

Right near the Colorado State Capitol building in the Golden Triangle, this place is a colorful boutique hotel with artist-designed rooms and fun lounges. Each guest room is fitted out with a full kitchenette, and we feel like we could move right in.

Better yet, The Acoma House is in an ideal location for exploring the downtown area. There are major museums, cultural attractions, and landmarks all within a few blocks of its purple facade.

After getting settled in, we start our trip with a quick walk around the neighborhood. There’s a gorgeous shop right next to the hotel with all kinds of home goods for sale. Around the corner we discover everything from cool cafes to street art.

Nearby we find the History Colorado Center and the eye-catching Denver Art Museum. This creative district packs a lot of punch. It makes us feel like we’ve made a good decision about where to stay in the city.

If you want to follow in our footsteps, you can book your room here. If you want to see more options, you can check out the best hotels in Denver here.

Dinner in Denver

After getting a feel for the Golden Triangle, we hop in the car and head to dinner at a restaurant called Sierra. This hilltop spot is known for good food and great views over Lone Tree, Colorado.

Sierra serves an eclectic mix of American classics and other fare, and it has cool contemporary architecture and a buzzing atmosphere.

We meet some of my other half’s local relatives here. We all tuck into sizzling platters of fajitas and fat slices of Texas chocolate sheet cake for dessert.

Sierra proves a fun place to kick off our trip, and the view at sunset makes it the perfect spot to end the first evening of our 8-day Colorado itinerary in summer.

Day 2 in Colorado: Denver

When morning comes, we start with caffeine and breakfast at a place called Cherry Bean Coffee near The Acoma House.

It’s sunny out, and we can’t think of a better way to chase up our meal than with a big day of sightseeing in Denver. Lucky for us, my other half’s aunt has offered to take us around.

We’re right by the Colorado State Capitol, so we pop over to admire its gold-domed facade. Perched atop Brown’s Bluff, it’s exactly one mile above sea level (hence Denver’s nickname, The Mile High City). Built in the late 19th century, it’s reminiscent of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

From there we head over to the famous Big Blue Bear. This 40-foot (12-meter) statue on 14th Street between California and Stout peers into the windows of the city’s convention center. It’s a playful addition to Downtown Denver, and a fun photo spot.

Not far from the bear, we walk around the pedestrianized stretch of Larimer Square. The city’s first designated local historic district, this pretty place is packed with outdoor restaurant tables and flags.

From Larimer Square we head to the Denver Art Museum. Housed in a cool contemporary building, it’s surrounded by the central branch of the Denver Public Library, the Center for Colorado Women’s History, and the Clyfford Still Museum.

It’s also near cultural heavyweights like the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art and the History Colorado Center.

We start with lunch at The Ponti, a restaurant with views of the pointy silver building. We eat outside on the terrace, enjoying a light meal of salads and grain bowls before heading into the museum.

Afterwards we drive over to the Denver Botanic Gardens. One of the top five botanic gardens in the country, it has a mix of green spaces and educational exhibits. It’s a great place to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy getting into nature.

Speaking of which, our next stop is Washington Park. It spans 155 acres (63 hectares), and one of the two flower gardens is a replica of George Washington’s grounds at Mount Vernon.

There are trails for cycling and running, and water features like Smith Lake. We stop at the edge of the latter to watch the swan boats go by.

In the evening we order pizza from a local place and eat with my other half’s relatives. It’s a relaxing way to end a big day of sightseeing in Denver.

Day 3 in Colorado: Denver, Red Rocks, Idaho Springs & Beaver Creek

The next morning our 8-day Colorado itinerary in summer continues as we discover more of Denver. We start with a walk down the famous 16th Street Mall, a mile-long stretch of road packed with shops, restaurants, and landmarks.

The mall connects Denver Union Station at one end with Civic Center Park at the other. As we walk down it, we pop into the famous Brown Palace Hotel, a historic property with a stunning lobby.

We also admire the eye-catching form of the Daniels & Fisher Tower. Built in 1909, this two-thirds replica of the Campanile of St. Mark’s in Venice was the highest building west of the Mississippi River when it was completed.

We pass by shops and the Museum of Illusions as we make our way to Denver Union Station in LoDo. There we find ourselves in a bygone era of train travel. The renovated historic Beaux-Arts building houses a range of hip restaurants and cafes under its high ceiling.

After checking out the station, we walk past Coors Field, the ballpark where Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies play. Next to it is McGregor Square, an open area with outdoor restaurants and big screens for watching the games.

Leaving the square, we head over to RiNo. This hip area is home to everything from street art to shops and markets. We walk down Larimer Street to take in the murals, which cover facades and brighten up buildings.

Eventually we find ourselves at the Denver Central Market. This indoor food hall features a range of vendors selling everything from baked goods to seafood.

We pop in and order lunch at Izzio Bakery, a place that offers a range of bowls. When they’re ready, we eat at the central tables as the market buzzes around us.

After lunch we walk down Walnut Street to get back to LoDo. There are great shops and more street art here, and we love the cool atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Once in LoDo, we stroll to the Denver Millennium Bridge, then over to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. After popping in we walk all the way down 15th street and back to The Acoma House.

Red Rocks

At 4pm we hop in the car and wave good-bye to Downtown Denver. We’re off on the next leg of our Colorado road trip itinerary, but we have one stop to make before we get too far from the city: Red Rocks.

This famous open-air amphitheater near Morrison, Colorado is around 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Denver. As the name implies, it’s known for its dramatic geological formations.

Not only is Red Rocks one of the world’s most iconic concert venues, but also an area popular for hiking and biking. Additionally, it’s home to a visitor center, gift shop, restaurant, and exhibits.

Idaho Springs

We walk around Red Rocks for a while, taking in the stunning natural scenery and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Afterwards we hop in the car and get on the I-70 en route to Idaho Springs.

In less than 30 minutes we find ourselves walking down Miner Street in the heart of town. The pedestrianized stretch is full of umbrella-covered tables and historic shopfronts. It has an Old West feel about it, and we love it.

We’re here to have an early dinner at a famous place called Beau Jo’s. It’s been serving Colorado-style pizza since the 1970s. The signature Mountain Pie style comes with a thick crust that offers a built-in dessert that can be dipped in honey.

The restaurant itself is as legendary as the food. All wood paneling and local history, being here feels like stepping into a 19th-century mining town (which is exactly what Idaho Springs started out as).

Beaver Creek

After eating our fill at Beau Jo’s, we hop back on the highway for the 80-minute drive to Beaver Creek, a village with a famous ski resort in Colorado. As we go, we’re treated to a beautiful sunset against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

We stop to buy groceries at City Market in Avon and arrive at our accommodation in Beaver Creek just as night falls.

We’re staying in a condo in Highlands Lodge, a property situated right above Beaver Creek Village. With stunning views and a big pool, it’s a beautiful place to call home-away-from home for the rest of our 8-day Colorado itinerary in summer.

We’re tired after a big day of sightseeing and driving, but we can’t help taking a dip in the hot tub before calling it a night. With millions of stars overhead, it’s a great introduction to life in the Rockies.

Day 4 in Colorado: Beaver Creek

The next morning we wake up to a beautiful sunny day. We cook breakfast and enjoy it with a view of the ski slopes before walking down to Beaver Creek Village.

There’s everything from shops to restaurants, cafes, and a Park Hyatt hotel here. Colorful flowers adorn the walkways, and there are fountains and sculptures galore.

The winter ice rink has been transformed into a summer concert venue, and the place is buzzing with outdoor tables and packed with games like Cornhole.

We spend the morning popping into shops and picking up souvenirs before settling in for lunch at the Golden Eagle Inn. We tuck into Rocky Mountain rainbow trout, and it goes down a treat under the Colorado sun.

After lunch we head a few doors down to get ice cream at Rimini. There are inventive flavors in all colors of the rainbow here (ever had Hawaiian Punch gelato?).

Unfortunately, we don’t think to check the prices before ordering. My single scoop of cookies-and-cream in a cup costs nearly $10 and it’s not as good as the price would suggest.

Hike

We console ourselves with exploring more of Beaver Creek. We walk over to see the pretty chapel, check out the miniature golf course and trampolines on the lawn in front of the Park Hyatt, and watch the gondolas glide up the mountain.

Inspired, we head up the mountain ourselves. We hike along the Village Loop Trail to get to the Aspen Glade Trail, passing horseback riders as we go.

The moderately-challenging Aspen Glade Trail is 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) long. It takes us through wildflower-laden hills full of tall white tree trunks and quivering green leaves. It’s everything I think of when I think of Colorado in summer, and I’m in hiking heaven the whole way.

Drinks & Dinner

In the evening we head back into the village for al fresco drinks on the terrace of the Park Hyatt’s 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill. From there we walk over to a tiny tiki bar at a restaurant called Hooked. The Mai Tais are delicious.

Afterwards we hop on a shuttle that whisks us up the mountain to a famous restaurant called Beano’s Cabin. Tucked away in a meadow at the base of Larkspur Bowl, this place is known for its alpine cuisine and luxurious-yet-rustic atmosphere.

We’re seated at a table by the window, from which we order a 5-course tasting menu. Everything from French onion soup to Colorado trout fritters and Rocky Mountain elk goes down a treat as we’re serenaded by a live guitarist.

Day 5 in Colorado: Booth Falls & Vail

The next morning we have a quick breakfast before continuing our 8-day Colorado itinerary in summer with a hike. We drive to Vail, park in the free garage, and head upstairs to the Vail Transportation Center to board a shuttle to Booth Falls (there’s no parking at the trailhead).

This is one of the most popular hikes in the area, and we’re excited to hit the trail. Shuttles run every 15 minutes, and the ride is quick and easy.

Soon we find ourselves immersed in nature as we hike by purple wildflowers and through aspen groves in Eagle’s Nest Wilderness.

Our destination is Booth Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that we hear before we see. It’s worth the uphill climb to reach it, and we sit down to watch it roar as we eat a picnic lunch on the rocks beside the water.

Afterwards we retrace our steps back to the shuttle stop. The whole hike is 3.9 miles (6.3 kilometers), and it takes us 2.5 hours to complete it. We arrive back in Vail Village just before 2:30pm.

Vail

We walk through the village, admiring the European-style buildings and outdoor cafes as we make our way to the Sonnenalp Hotel.

My other half was a concierge here for a summer after college. The highlight of his experience was helping Jim Carrey propose to Renee Zellweger (she said yes, but they split up before the wedding).

Today we’re at the Sonnenalp for post-hike indulgence. He’s booked us in for massages at the spa, and we can’t wait to relax after a big climb.

We spend an hour swimming in the pool and soaking in the hot tubs, then head indoors for our treatments. They whisk us off to a hedonistic place before gently returning us to reality in Vail.

Back outside, we use the early evening to explore the Thursday edition of the Vail Farmers’ Market. We browse the stalls, taking in everything from mouth-watering pies to smoked salmon and latkes.

Away from the stalls, we pop into classic shops like Gorsuch and admire the alpine-style architecture all around us.

Afterwards we head back to the Sonnenalp for drinks. Its Bully Ranch restaurant is famous for mudslides, and we settle in at the bar to try them. They’re rich, chocolatey, and delicious, and they go down a treat in the rustic wooden dining room.

From Bully Ranch we head next door to have dinner at the Swiss Chalet. With its red flags and cowbells, this famous fondue restaurant in Vail transports us to Europe as soon as we walk through the door.

We settle in for a feast of cheese fondue, kasespatzle, and chocolate fondue. It’s rich and indulgent, and we feel like we’ve earned it after our big hike earlier in the day.

Day 6 in Colorado: Whitewater Rafting, Beaver Creek & Minturn

The next morning our 8-day Colorado itinerary in summer continues with a whitewater rafting trip. We meet the shuttle at the Park Hyatt at 8:45am. 30 minutes later, we pull into a boathouse in Eagle.

After getting caffeinated and outfitted, we hop back on the shuttle for the 30-minute ride to our put-in location on the Colorado River’s Shoshone stretch.

The rafting trip starts with a mile of fun Class III rapids. Afterwards we enjoy a scenic float through the gorgeous Glenwood Canyon. Red rock walls tower above us as we drift past hot springs and alongside local towns.

At the end, we enjoy a barbecue lunch by the river before boarding the shuttle back to the boathouse and out to Beaver Creek. We arrive at Highlands Lodge at 3pm having had a great morning on the rapids.

Hike in Beaver Creek

Once at the condo, we throw on dry clothes and head outside to squeeze in a hike before dinner. We walk into Beaver Creek Village and head up a big hill to reach a trail called Allie’s Way.

This 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) path goes through aspen trees and cuts across ski slopes to get to the horse stables and Haymeadow area.

It’s a beautiful hike, and we enjoy everything from the lush wildflowers to the views from the pistes as we go. The path ends near Highlands Lodge, so we pop down and freshen up for dinner before heading into Minturn.

Dinner in Minturn

Minturn is a small town with a main street lined by shops and restaurants. It has a local feel, and it offers a great contrast to upscale Vail and Beaver Creek.

We’re here to have dinner at a restaurant called Minturn Country Club. This rustic place claims to be the “Vail Valley’s oldest and most fun steakhouse”. It’s unique in that you cook your own main course for dinner.

We settle in at a booth in the wood-paneled dining room. We start with crab cakes before taking a turn at the salad bar. When it comes time for our mains, we head over to the restaurant’s butcher shop and pick out a steak and a piece of ahi tuna.

We cook the meat and fish on a big indoor grill, adding slices of thick buttered Texas Toast alongside them. When they’re done, we head back to the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor with sides of broccoli and twice baked potatoes prepared by the kitchen staff.

Day 7 in Colorado: Hot Springs, Eagle, Lionshead & Vail

The next morning our 8-day Colorado itinerary in summer continues as we head out to the hot springs. This part of Colorado is known for them, and no trip would be complete without a soak.

We drive to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, a place we’d seen from the water on our rafting trip. It came highly recommended by the others in our group, so we booked ourselves a 3-hour session.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs features a series of pools and natural tubs right on the river. They vary in temperature and mineral content, with some intended to mimic famous hot springs from across the world.

We make the rounds, dipping in as many as we can as we sip frozen cocktails under the Rocky Mountain sun. It’s a real treat to be here, and we love everything from the steaming pools to the peaceful atmosphere.

Lunch in Eagle

When our time is up, we drive into Eagle for lunch on the patio at a casual Mexican restaurant called Garduno’s. We graze on chips and salsa before tucking into plates of tacos as a waterfall bubbles next to us.

Lionshead Village

After lunch we drive to Lionshead Village. Right by Vail, it has a Bavarian vibe, lots of shops and restaurants, and beautiful hotels like The Arrabelle.

We walk around the area, taking in the scene and doing some souvenir shopping as the sound of live music drifts through the air.

When we’re done, we stroll along the river to get to Vail. It’s a scenic route and in 15 minutes we find ourselves in the heart of the village. We can’t help stopping for drinks at The Red Lion, a beloved local restaurant with a band playing inside.

Afterwards we take a shuttle back to Lionshead to have dinner at Montauk Seafood Grill. We share a delicious crab salad before tucking into mains of barbecued salmon and Chilean sea bass.

We indulge in the Sand Pie for dessert. The whipped chocolate chip ice cream with graham cracker crust is divine.

After dinner we check out the cool Rabbit Hole bar in Vail. This whimsical place is a reimagined arcade, complete with games, movies, and cocktails.

Day 8 in Colorado: Vail and Boulder

The following morning our 8-day Colorado itinerary in summer takes us back to Vail. After checking out of Highlands Lodge, we drive over and explore the buzzing Sunday farmers’ market. Afterwards we pick up souvenirs and gifts at The Golden Bear.

Shopping done, we have lunch on the patio at La Bottega. My other half has always loved their T.E.D. sandwich (that’s Thanksgiving Every Day in case you’re wondering), and I enjoy a grilled vegetable panino. It’s a great quick lunch, and a delicious one at that.

After eating we drive over to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. At 8,250 feet (2,515 meters) above sea level, it’s the highest botanical garden in the United States.

It’s also the only botanic garden in North America dedicated to the preservation and conservation of alpine plant species and their habitats.

We have fun walking along the paths and past the waterfalls, learning the names of all the wildflowers we’ve seen along the trails on our hikes. At the end we explore the historic schoolhouse that’s now the gift shop.

Boulder

Leaving the gardens, we hop in the car for the drive to Boulder. It’s supposed to take around 2 hours, but we hit heavy traffic and it takes nearly 3. We arrive ready to explore, and our first stop is the University of Colorado Boulder campus.

We walk around the quiet greens, taking in the stately facade of the Norlin Library and finding the names of my other half’s family members on bricks near Old Main.

When we’re done exploring, we walk to 13th Street, a road full of shops and restaurants. We’re here to have dinner at The Sink, a local institution that’s featured on everything from Man v. Food to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

The Sink opened in 1923, and it’s Boulder’s oldest restaurant. It’s famous for its burgers and pizzas, and for all the CU Boulder grads that have signed their names on the ceiling.

We sit at the bar and tuck into big burgers and plates of mac-n-cheese with Colorado Lager tempura-battered cauliflower pieces. It all goes down a treat in the colorful atmosphere.

When we’re done with dinner it’s time to head to the airport. It’s a 45-minute drive to the rental car return, from where we board a shuttle to the terminal building to catch our flight.