A 7-Day Colorado Family Road Trip

A week is barely enough time to scratch the surface of everything Colorado has to offer, but this family road-trip itinerary through the western part of the state and a handful of its national parks and attractions gives you a seven-day survey of the incredible diversity available.

By: Colorado.com Staff Writer

Updated: March 19, 2026

Someone in a pink shirt and jeans walks down steps under a tall beige cave at Mesa Verde National Park. — Mesa Verde National Park in Southwest Colorado

Bright- and deep-rock pillars at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. The sun setting sun shines upon the formations and they are surrounded by dark-green pine trees. — Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

Pack up your car and hit the road to discover all our great state has to offer, from the splendor of Glenwood Hot Springs to the ancient beauty of Mesa Verde National Park and majestic engineering of Royal Gorge Bridge.

Day 1

Start your tour in Glenwood Springs, a three-hour drive from the travel hub of Denver through the glorious Glenwood Canyon and home to the world’s largest hot springs pool, the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Choose to stay at the lodge (in winter, inquire about ski, swim and stay packages) or just take a dip in the pool any time of year. The town is also home to plenty of outdoor adventures, like fishing, rafting, hiking and horseback riding, as well as the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which offers a unique caving experience and an amusement park.

Day 2

From Glenwood Springs, head west to Grand Junction, the largest city on Colorado’s Western Slope. Nearby, the beautiful Colorado National Monument offers astonishing red-rock formations, steep cliffs and breathtaking vistas, many of which are visible from the 23-mile Rimrock Drive.

Don’t pass up the many fruit and produce stands you may see along the side of the road — they offer a taste of Colorado at its best. You might even choose

Hiker at Colorado National Monument Near Grand Junction stands atop red-rock spires — Hiker at Colorado National Monument Near Grand Junction
Visit Grand Junction

Day 3

Head southeast through Montrose to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Words can barely describe the awe you’ll feel looking down into the narrow, sheer depths of black rock that make up the canyon. Hike around a little on your own or opt for a ranger-led tour. Camping is available or choose to stay nearby in picturesque Ouray or Ridgway.

Day 4

Continue south to Durango and Mesa Verde National Park, one of only 20 World Heritage sites in the United States. Take a ranger-guided tour of some of the most spectacular cliff dwellings in the park, then hike on your own to take in petroglyphs, ancient dwellings and the natural surroundings. If trains make your family’s hearts go clicker-clack, take a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Day 5

From Mesa Verde, head east and then north toward Alamosa and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Mountains of pristine sand bump up against the mountains here, creating a mini-Sahara in the heart of Colorado. In the spring, flowing Medano Creek creates Colorado’s most unique beach, and year-round visitors love to hike up and then ski, sled or snowboard down the dunes.

A girl rides a snowboard down a dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park — Sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Day 6

From Alamosa, head north and then east to Cañon City. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has one of the world’s longest and highest suspension bridges. The park offers rides, a wildlife park and other entertainment and attractions. Take lunch or dinner aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad through the bottom of the canyon for a completely different perspective. Find a little luxury staying in Colorado Springs for the night and, if there’s time, make a stop at the Cave of the Winds, Garden of the Gods or Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Day 7

Finish your trip exploring Denver with the family. You might choose to visit a museum, such as the Children's Museum of Denver, the Denver Art Museum or the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The city offers oodles of other family-friendly attractions as well, including the Downtown Aquarium, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and the 16th Street, just to name a few. Pick your favorites and customize your itinerary to match your family’s personality.