Denver consistently ranks among the top cities in America. From the breweries to the snowcapped mountains in the background, it’s truly one of the best places to begin a road trip.
On this RV rental adventure, you’ll dive deep in the beautiful heart of Colorado. You’ll discover mountains and lakes, soak up the eclectic charms of places like Boulder and Colorado Springs and get totally immersed in the Centennial State. Immerse yourself in Colorado on this incredible RV journey.
Day 1: Denver
There’s no better place to begin your RV rental adventure than in Denver. Before heading out on the road, take a little time to enjoy the city. The city is so rich in culture. It’s home to the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, which consistently hosts big-name acts from around the world. You can catch a Colorado Rockies game or discover the treasures of the Denver Art Museum. There are many great places to stay. One excellent option is just south of the city, in Chatfield State Park, which encompasses a gorgeous lake and features full RV hookups.
Day 2: Denver - Colorado Springs
Skip Interstate 25 and keep to the marvelous mountain roads. Nothing beats Highway 67 which through nationals forests and offers plenty of great opportunities for outdoor activities. One great option is the 14,000 foot tall Pikes Peak. Carved by glaciers, this incredible mountain offers a mix of hiking and climbing trails, incredible trails, and excellent campgrounds if you want to spend the night. From here, it’s just a short drive to Colorado Springs. There’s no better place to enjoy the sunset than the gorgeous Garden of the Gods.
Days 3-4: Colorado Springs - Rio Grande National Forest
No matter where you go in Colorado, you’ll always get a little taste of the Rockies. Heading out from the city, you’re riding along classic routes from the days of the Wild Wild West. Today you’ll drive through the breathtaking Gunnison Forest through charming towns like Saguache until you reach South Fork. At South Fork, you have options. Some people prefer to spend the night in a rustic town.
On the other hand, it’s always the gateway into Rio Grande National Forest. Inside the forest, you’ll have your choice of countless amazing RV campgrounds. You have lush valleys, rollings hills, and gorgeous mountain passes. So take your time along beautiful Highway 149 and enjoy the many amazing options. There’s no better way to enjoy the incredible nature of Colorado than by having your own comfortable and cozy RV to come back to at night.
Day 5: Rio Grande National Forest - Curecanti National Recreation Area
You’ll continue along the incredible Highway 149 across some of the most majestic landscapes in the country. However, you’re not going too far. Curecanti National Forest is just 100 miles away. Curecanti is comprised of three alpine reservoirs perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy kayaking and world-class fishing, hiking, ATV riding, and so much more around here. The setting is absolutely amazing too as the lakes are ringed by snow-capped peaks on all sides. The park has plenty of RV sites with full hookups so even during peak season, you’ll have no trouble finding a great spot to camp for the night.
Day 6: Curecanti- Aspen- Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
From Curecanti, you should take a quick detour to Aspen on your way to Arapaho. What’s not to love in the famous ski-resort and year-round destination. It’s well known for its high-end stores and restaurants, and classic architecture from the mining area. You can an authentic taste of old fashioned Colorado in classic places like the Wheeler-Stallard House. Don’t take too long, however, because you’re headed into Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.
The park spans near 800,000 square acres of protected forest and includes Colorado largest lake, waterfalls, and so many beautiful places to discover. There’s no shortage of great campgrounds here from Olive Ridge to Pawnee and more. Even some of the more remote campgrounds offer full hookups and other amenities. So be sure to take some time to really enjoy all the great options.
Day 7: Arapahoe - Boulder
You're descending from the highest part of the Rockies into Boulder. Sitting at 5,400 feet above sea level, it will almost feel like you’re in a valley after all the time you’ve spent cruising in the mountains. Boulder is a diverse college town not far from Denver. After so much time in nature, you’ll enjoy the great food and shopping in places like Pearl Street Mall. This historic district spans four city blocks and includes restaurants, bars, and historic sites like the courthouse. And if you’re looking for one last taste of the mountains, you’re in luck. You can head to Eldorado Canyon State Park which is packed with tons of great outdoor activities. There’s no better place to enjoy the last day of your RV rental than inside this stunning park.
Day 8: Boulder- Denver
The drive between Boulder and Denver is only about 30 miles. Before you wrap up your trip, take a little time to check out a few last places. One great option is the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Here you can find owl, deer, elk, and over 600 plant species. The area has a unique history as well that you can discover. Then you can easily cruise into Denver and toast your RV travel accomplishments at one of the city’s great breweries.
