In fall 2022, my trusty travel buddy Megan and I reunited after nearly three years of separation due to pandemic and travel restrictions. Megan, fresh off the incredible achievement of visiting all 50 U.S. states (I know… amazing!), was already onto her next big goal: visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks. While I may not share that same bucket-list dream, I’m more than happy to tag along when the itinerary is as enticing as the one she proposed in Colorado—a state I had yet to visit.

Although I’d spent time in the Canadian Rockies, I’d never explored their American counterparts and was eager to experience the natural wonders they had to offer. I thought I knew what to expect, but I couldn’t have imagined just how diverse and breathtaking the landscapes would be—truly, no hyperbole, jaw-dropping. With an ambitious plan, a rental car, and five days to pack in as much as possible, we set off from Denver with nine Taylor Swift albums on shuffle.

Stop 1: Frisco

Our first stop was Frisco, a charming mountain town that doubled as a chance to reconnect with one of Megan’s friends, Katarina, who had recently moved to a stunning house in nearby Silverthorne. It was the perfect way to ease into our adventure, blending beautiful scenery with the warmth of good company.

As we drove into town, we started to catch glimpses of Colorado’s famous golden aspen trees—a hint of the breathtaking autumn landscapes that would accompany us throughout the trip. After stretching our legs and enjoying some of Katarina’s generous hospitality, we headed to dinner at Vue Rooftop in Dillon – the highlight being panoramic views over the Reservoir. We definitely could have stayed longer but we still had a 2 hour drive to make it to our first hotel of the trip and braving those mountain roads in the dark was about to prove more difficult then we had prepared for.

Stop 2: Aspen / Maroon Bells

Aspen was next on the list, but getting to this famous mountain town took a heavy toll on our nerves. As we climbed higher in elevation, the roads became treacherous, with snowy conditions and barely any lighting to guide us. Megan, the hero behind the wheel, white-knuckled it the entire way, hugging the taillights of the vehicle in front of us as if they were a lifeline. By the time we arrived at the Aspen Meadows Resort, we were exhausted but relieved to check into our massive hotel room and get some much-needed rest. The property itself looked incredible, but we had little time to explore—our itinerary was calling.

The real star of this stop was Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in the U.S., and they certainly lived up to the hype. Access to the park is tightly controlled, so we were glad to have done our research and secured an 8:15 AM shuttle from the Welcome Center in town. Our early start paid off as we arrived before the bulk of the crowds and set off on the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop for a quick 45-minute hike.

We were awe-struck from the moment we stepped onto the trail. The iconic twin peaks reflected perfectly in the calm lake, surrounded by a sea of golden aspens. As if the scene couldn’t get more magical, we lucked into a moose sighting almost immediately. Three moose gracefully waded into the lake, their silhouettes framed by the majestic mountains behind them. It felt like nature had staged the moment just for us.

The rangers quickly reminded us to keep our distance, so we admired them from afar before continuing to soak in the scenery. Frolicking among the aspens (because how could we not?) felt like stepping into a nature lover’s playground. It was the kind of beauty that stops you in your tracks and makes you forget about everything else.

As much as we wanted to linger, I already warned you about our ambitious itinerary—Maroon Bells was just the beginning of a very packed day.

Stop 3: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

If you’ve never heard of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, you’re not alone—it’s one of Colorado’s lesser-known gems. To be honest, I went in with low to nonexistent expectations. Sure, it’s a National Park, but could it really compete with the likes of the Rockies or Mesa Verde? Turns out that it’s a very worthy addition to any Colorado road trip itinerary.

The drive to the canyon, which we estimated would take about three hours, stretched a little longer because we couldn’t resist stopping to capture the stunning autumn scenery. Golden aspens lined the roads like something out of a movie, and the vibrant foliage was pure magic under the bright Colorado sun. Fall is truly the optimal time to visit this state, and every turn seemed to prove it.

When we finally arrived at Black Canyon, we were met with sheer cliffs plunging thousands of feet into the Gunnison River below, so steep and narrow that parts of the canyon barely see sunlight. It was rugged, dramatic, and awe-inspiring in a way that no photo could fully convey. But that didn’t stop us from trying.

We spent the afternoon exploring viewpoints along the South Rim Drive, each one offering a unique perspective on the canyon’s scale and beauty. Painted Wall View was a standout, featuring Colorado’s tallest cliff, streaked with light-colored rock formations that looked like brushstrokes on a dark canvas. Even on a weekend, the park was blissfully quiet. Parking was a breeze, and we had many of the viewpoints and short trails almost to ourselves. It felt like discovering a secret that only a few people knew about—a reminder of why I love road trips like this.

We were quite exhausted after our full day of activity so luckily our motel in Montrose was only 20 minutes away.

Stop 4: Telluride

The next morning, we were back on the road early for another three-hour drive south to our next National Park. But Megan, ever the persuasive adventurer, convinced me to make a detour to Telluride—and thank goodness she did. This town is pure mountain magic, oozing charm and character at every turn.

We started with a coffee stop at High Alpine Coffee, a delightful café tucked inside a bookshop. It was the perfect place to soak up the small-town vibe, and I could already tell that I’d need to come back someday—preferably in the winter, when the snow transforms it into a real life snow globe. After a quick wander down the main street, we reluctantly peeled ourselves away to continue the drive.

What followed was a stretch of road so breathtaking it was almost overwhelming. Somehow, the views managed to outdo the day before. Around every bend, the scenery shifted into something even more stunning, and I was constantly pulling over onto the shoulder so we could jump out and snap yet another photo. Golden aspens framed dramatic mountain vistas, and the light seemed to glow in that perfect way only autumn can deliver. It was an adrenaline rush of beauty—if that’s even a thing. What’s that saying about it being the journey not the destination?

Stop 5: Mesa Verde National Park

Fortunately, our next destination was about to be truly epic. Mesa Verde National Park, renowned for its ancient cliff dwellings, offered a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. As we arrived, the warm and sunny weather felt like a welcome change from the alpine chill we’d left behind. It wasn’t just a shift in temperature—it was a complete shift in atmosphere. Immediately, we felt transported to another time and place.

We began our visit with a view of Spruce Tree House from above, marveling at its intricate construction nestled into the cliff face. A short walk brought us closer to this remarkable structure, giving us our first taste of the ingenuity required to thrive in such a rugged environment.

The highlight of our time at Mesa Verde was a pre-booked guided tour of Cliff Palace, the park’s largest and most famous dwelling. Climbing ladders and squeezing through narrow stone passageways, we explored an 800-year-old settlement built into the rock. Standing inside those ancient walls, I couldn’t help but marvel at the resilience and resourcefulness of the people who called this place home.

Mesa Verde wasn’t just a history lesson—it was a profound reminder of the deep connection between Indigenous people and the land, and the ingenuity it took to survive in such an inhospitable place. Walking in the footsteps of the Ancestral Puebloans felt humbling and awe-inspiring.

Determined to make the most of our visit, we squeezed in one more brief walk at Soda Canyon before driving back through the park to our accommodation for the night at the Far View Lodge. Staying right inside the park gave us a chance to soak in the serene surroundings, and our cozy room was the perfect retreat after a full day of exploration.

As the day began to wind down, we laced up our boots one last time for a sunset hike at Point Lookout. The wind picked up, and clouds rolled dramatically over the landscape, creating an atmospheric finale to an incredible day. Back at the Far View Lounge, we capped the evening with a delicious dinner and a glass of wine, toasting to the incredible day we’d been lucky enough to experience.

Stop 6: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Just when we thought Colorado couldn’t get any more diverse, we arrived at Great Sand Dunes National Park. After another long morning of driving across what felt like the entire state, the towering dunes finally came into view, rising dramatically against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Yet again, we were stepping into another world.

Too chicken to rent sandboards (maybe next time), we decided to tackle Star Dune, the tallest in the park at a staggering 750 feet (225 meters). Hiking in sand proved to be a novel and humbling experience, with each step sinking back almost as far as we’d climbed. But there’s something magical about carving your own path across a landscape this wild and untouched. Although difficult, it was quite possibly the most enjoyable hike I’ve ever done. And the view from the top made every challenging step worthwhile: waves of golden dunes stretching endlessly into the horizon, with the rugged mountains standing sentinel in the distance.

And while I wouldn’t exactly call myself an influencer, I couldn’t resist packing my flowiest skirt in my backpack for a dramatic photo shoot at the summit. Was it extra? Maybe. Did it pay off? I think so.

The descent was another adventure altogether. Slipping, sliding, and laughing our way down the steep dunes was as exhilarating as it was terrifying. By the time we made it back to solid ground, we were thoroughly dusted with sand but grinning from ear to ear. Luckily, our second National Park accommodation of the trip, the Great Sand Dunes Lodge, offered the perfect place to regroup. With a patio overlooking the dunes, we were able to relax and soak in the surreal landscape a little longer.

But our day wasn’t over just yet. After all that hiking and driving, our weary bodies were crying out for some well-earned relaxation. A short drive brought us to nearby Hooper, where we capped off the day with an evening of luxury at the Hot Springs nestled in a lush greenhouse. The warm, soothing waters melted away every last ache and made for an absolutely perfect end to our final full travel day.

Stop 7: Garden of the Gods / Colorado Springs

The final day of our trip was mostly dedicated to driving back to Denver to catch our flights home. But we couldn’t resist squeezing in one last stop to experience yet another of Colorado’s completely unique landscapes. Our journey concluded in Colorado Springs at the Garden of the Gods, where massive red rock formations jut out of the earth like ancient sculptures.

This was easily the busiest park of our trip, which made sense given its location right in the heart of the city. With limited time, we had to be strategic about where to explore. We made a beeline for Balanced Rock, an iconic formation that felt like a natural balancing act defying gravity. From there, we hit the Siamese Twins Loop Trail and Ridge Loop Trail, both short hikes that packed in plenty of stunning views and photo-worthy moments.

After a quick two hours soaking in this final masterpiece of Colorado’s diverse landscapes, it was time to head to the airport. Dropping off the car, we tallied up the miles—over 1,000 in just five whirlwind days. As we boarded our flights home, we couldn’t help but marvel at everything we’d seen and accomplished, already dreaming of the next adventure… little did we know at the time, 2023 would bring not one, but two epic road trips our way.