In the book of Annie, summertime equals road trip time… can I get an amen?! If you have a full tank of gas, plenty of snacks, and your besties in tow, we have the perfect itinerary for a Colorado weekend road trip that takes you through pure perfection.
From fantastic restaurants to natural wonders and iconic landmarks, this trip shows off the best-of-the-best in Colorado.
We're beginning and ending this route in Denver, but you can adapt the trip via this link to the interactive map so you can hop in at the nearest point to where you live.
1. Denver Biscuit Company (3237 E Colfax Ave., Denver)
What better way to begin the perfect weekend road trip than by fueling up with the PERFECT biscuit?! While you really can't go wrong with any of the spectacular options here, my go-to is the sinfully sweet Strawberry Shortcake. Yum!
Hear to Allenspark to see the stunningly beautiful St. Catherine of Siena Chapel (or Chapel on the Rock). This 1916 Catholic church that was visited and blessed by St. Pope John Paul II during World Youth Day in 1993. Though the inside is currently closed due to a devastating fire, the Chapel is still worth visiting for both its intricate exterior and jaw-dropping setting. Check out our previous article here to learn more about this breathtaking place.
The most quaint and charming of Colorado mountain towns is Grand Lake, which makes for the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs! Whether you shop the boardwalk, hike Adam's Falls, or even just take a bench at the swim beach, you are guaranteed to enjoy any amount of time spent in Grand Lake. Check out our previous article here to see what's in store when you visit this cool little town.
You have been driving around all day, so I have two simple words for you: Hot. Springs. And not just any old hot springs, but the LARGEST hot springs pool in the world. You'll find more of the relaxing details in our previous article here.
5. Hotel Colorado (526 Pine St., Glenwood Springs)
After a long day of driving, you deserve a comfortable night's rest, which is exactly what you will find at the Hotel Colorado. The hotel was opened in 1893 and has welcomed a number of distinguished guests over the years, including Presidents William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt.
Have you noticed that the Maroon Bells makes a ton of our lists? There is a good reason for that, which can be seen just by looking at this incredible photo. If a morning at the Maroon Bells doesn't get you excited for the day, nothing will!
The perfect Colorado road trip wouldn't be complete without a bowl of delicious green chile, the best of which comes from Romero's. This 50-time(!) award-winning green chile recipe is famous for delighting locals, travelers, and distinguished guests. If your mouth isn't watering yet, it will be after you read about all of the delicious details in our previous article here.
8. Garden of the Gods (1805 N 30th St., Colorado Springs)
What better way to end our trip than with a visit to the most dramatic garden in all of Colorado? Named one of TripAdvisor's "Top 10 Things to Do in United States," the Garden of the Gods is made up of red rock formations comprised of deposited red, pink and white sandstone, conglomerate, and limestone that were created millions of years ago during a geological upheaval, making for a unique place to stroll, hike, or drive. For more info (and some seriously stunning photos), check out our previous article here.
Ready to hit the road? Who would you bring with you on this epic weekend trip? Tag them in the comments below and start planning your adventure! Don’t forget to snap a few photos along the way to share on our Colorado Nature Lovers Facebook group for a chance to see them featured!