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National Park Trips

Colorado Parks | Rocky Mountain Winter

Colorado Trip Planner

Free Colorado National Park Trip Planner

Download our stunning Colorado National Parks Trip Planner filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photos, and a park map for Rocky Mountain National Park, plus what you need to know to visit Colorado's other national parks: Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde. Order this insider’s guide today to get tips on how to get there, what to do and where to stay.

Get even more trip planning information in our email newsletters and by selecting to receive email and/or mail from our Colorado travel partners.

 

Featured Partners

Customize your Colorado National Parks travel guide based on your road trip or airport approach to the parks. On the form above, select to receive trip information directly from vacation partners for the regions you will be vacationing in.

On the Way to Rocky Mountain National Park

Plan your road trip to Colorado's most popular and largest national park. Stop in these Colorado and Wyoming destinations that give you quick access to the park.

  • Ridgeline Hotel - Explore the park, then relax in our well-appointed guest rooms. Travelers enjoy regional cuisines in our dining room and lounge, a heated atrium pool/whirlpool, WiFi and more.
  • Cheyenne, Wyoming - Cheyenne is a big town by Wyoming's standards and provides a fantastic authentic Western experience. For starters it's home to the largest outdoor rodeo in the world, Cheyenne Frontier Days. In addition, visitors will enjoy the Cheyenne Depot, the Big Boy Steam Engine, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, the Railway Trolley, the Historic Governor's Mansion.
  • Laramie, Wyoming - Explore a colorful historic past and some of the region’s best scenery. Find unparalleled adventure within a short drive of the city or visit the historic downtown with great lodging, art culture, nightlife and unique shopping.
  • Colorado State Parks & Wildlife - Colorado’s 41 state parks are places to have fun, get away, recreate and re-create in beautiful settings. Book your camping reservations or find activities across the State.
  • Carbon County, Wyoming - Carbon County is a year-round destination for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. We say, “Star count is more important than thread count."
  • Moffat County, Colorado - The 1.7 million acres of pristine, picturesque public lands, abundant wildlife, wild horses, and untamed rivers define Moffat Country.

On the Way to Mesa Verde National Park

The greater Four Corners area where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona meet showcase ancient human history, diverse culinary treats and beautiful mountain landscapes. Add these nearby destinations in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico to complete your dream vacation.

  • Farmington, New Mexico - Farmington is your ticket to unlimited adventure. Rugged, wild scenery coupled with unique culture, it’s here that outdoor lovers and active families thrive.
  • Mesa Verde Country - The welcoming communities of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos nearby Mesa Verde National Park offer comfy accommodations, world-class dining, microbreweries and wineries, all kinds of outdoor fun, and visitor services.

On the Way to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The areas in Colorado and New Mexico surrounding this natural phenomena includes wildlife habitats, hot springs and world-class art. 

  • Alamosa, Colorado - Come visit Alamosa, home of the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Or, ride the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, camp, fish, hike, and more!
  • South Fork, Colorado - Don't let this sleepy town tucked into the folds of the mountains fool you. Its small size is counteracted by the extraordinary amount of energy its 350 year-round residents generate through outdoor recreation.
  • Santa Fe County, New Mexico - For the adventurous traveler who craves truly authentic experiences, here is the destination that feeds the soul and energizes the spirit. Enjoy world-class hiking, biking, skiing, invigorating spa and wellness retreats, and a celebrated local cuisine.
  • Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - The ride of your life awaits where 64 miles of narrow-gauge railroad track stretch from Antonito, Colo. to Chama, N.M. The train ride, which starts from either end, passes through some of the most gorgeous and untouched country in Colorado and New Mexico.
  • Creede, Colorado - Dotted with art galleries, boutiques and cafes, Creede is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. Creede offers incredible theater, a charming downtown and fun outdoor activities.

On the Way to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Dinosaur National Monument and Colorado National Monument

The region of northwest Colorado and nearby Utah is full of steep canyons, rocky pillars, dinosaur bones and wild horses. Visit three national parks and monuments within a few days by basing your vacation in one of the gateway destinations.

  • Flaming Gorge Country - Explore an unspoiled playground of stunning natural features. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers year-round adventure for families of all ages. Scenic Trails. Superb Boating. DIY Rafting. Trophy Fishing. Wow. 
  • Fruita, Colorado - Colorado National Monument and the surrounding area is a great place to make unforgettable memories with your family. World-renowned mountain biking trails, dinosaur fossils and enticing river and lake oases make Fruita a land of adventure.
  • Gunnison + Crested Butte - Nestled deep in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley is a public lands paradise for mountain bikers, hikers and fishermen. There is as much to explore on the trails as there is in the quirky, laid-back mountain towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte. 
  • Visit Delta County - Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, local wineries, farms and ranches offer tours and dinners. Or experience the the sparkling lakes tucked into the meadows on Grand Mesa and the glistening walls in Escalante Canyon.

Colorado's Front Range and Central Mountains

Plan your vacation along the foothills where Colorado's plains hit the Rocky Mountains. This area of Colorado includes the greater Denver metro area plus quaint mountain towns along the way to Colorado Springs, and all the hidden gems in the central mountains.

  • Morgan County - It's where the prairie meets the sky! Only an hour drive from metro Denver, find clear blue skies, waves of rich farmland and the beauty of the winding South Platte River. Drive the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway from Fort Morgan to the Pawnee Buttes in the national grassland.
  • Visit Colorado Springs - You'll find more than 55 area attractions including trains, museums, parks, a zoo and more.
  • Manitou Springs - Nestled between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, historic Manitou Springs is A road-tripper’s paradise with charming small town attractions, healing mineral springs, mountain adventures and fascinating history.
  • The Wild Animal Sanctuary - See more than 750 tigers, wolves, bears and lions rescued from horrific captive situations and rehabilitated so they can live and roam freely within large habitats with others of their own kind.
  • Natural Retreats - Find your perfect vacation home among a distinguished selection of properties in iconic destinations such as Summit County, Colorado. 

Tour Guides and Tour Apps

Don't miss a thing by following an expert - a literal "Colorado Travel Guide."

  • Rocky Mountain National Park Driving Tour App by GuideAlong -Listen to an expert tour guide automatically play interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.