5-Day Colorado Rockies Tour: Denver to Aspen, Glenwood Springs & Garden of the Gods
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days (daily 8–10 hours including driving and stops)
Fitness Level
Good for travelers comfortable with several hours of sitting, short hikes and stair-climbs at altitude.
Overview
Drive from Denver over mountain passes to alpine tundra, soak in Glenwood’s hot springs, and photograph iconic peaks at Maroon Bells (or Dillon Lake when closed). This five-day small-group tour pairs city highlights with the sculpted geology of the Rockies and practical logistics for travelers.
5-Day Colorado Rockies Tour: Denver to Aspen, Glenwood Springs & Garden of the Gods
Select participants and date
You step off the shuttle in Denver and the plains give way to a rising, serrated horizon—an edge you’ll follow for five days. The tour moves like a camera pan: an urban opening with the Big Blue Bear and 16th Street’s pulse, then the frame widens to Trail Ridge Road’s wind-swept alpine, the glassy reflection of Maroon Bells (or Dillon Lake off-season), and finally the red, fluted cliffs at Garden of the Gods that seem to lean toward Pikes Peak.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize before high alpine stops
Plan light activity on arrival day and keep water intake high—Trail Ridge Road reaches nearly 3,637 m (11,900 ft).
Bring sun protection
High-altitude sun is strong even on cool days—use SPF 30+, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat.
Wear sturdy shoes
Boardwalks, short hikes and uneven trails at Bear Lake or Dillon Lake need supportive footwear.
Hot springs etiquette
Rinse before entering pools, follow posted rules, and avoid glass or alcohol in thermal areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- bighorn sheep
- mule deer
History
Townsites like Aspen and Glenwood Springs evolved from 19th-century mining and railroad booms; red rocks at Garden of the Gods are part of uplifted sedimentary layers exposed over millennia.
Conservation
Rocky Mountain National Park protects fragile alpine tundra—stay on trails and avoid trampling vegetation; hot springs operators encourage water-conserving behaviors and posted rules to protect geothermal areas.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Denver
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on lakeside boardwalks, rocky overlooks, and short alpine trails.
Layered clothing (base, mid, shell)
Temperature swings from Denver’s plains to alpine tundra require adaptable layers.
winter specific
Sunscreen and sunglasses
High-elevation UV exposure is significant even on cool or cloudy days.
summer specific
Daypack with water reservoir
Keeps water, snacks, and a light jacket handy during short hikes and photo stops.