Road Trip Guide · Colorado · 6 Days

Colorado Rockies Road Trip: 6 Days Through the High Country

58 mountains over 14,000 feet and more paved roads above 10,000 feet than any other state — Rocky Mountain National Park, the I-70 ski corridor, and the Million Dollar Highway.

11 min read6-day loopDenver → Aspen → OurayUpdated July 2026

Colorado has 58 mountains over 14,000 feet and more paved roads above 10,000 feet than any other state. This 6-day colorado rockies road trip loop from Denver covers Rocky Mountain National Park, the ski towns of the I-70 corridor, and the Million Dollar Highway — one of the most dangerous and most beautiful roads in America.

Pro Tip

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The 6-Day Route

Denver → Estes Park → Rocky Mountain NP

70 mi

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved highway in the US, reaching 12,183 ft, open late May through October. Pair it with the Bear Lake trailhead.

Trail Ridge Road — highest continuous paved highway in the US
Bear Lake trailhead

Overnight: Estes Park

Find hotels in Estes Park

Estes Park → Winter Park → Breckenridge

120 mi via US-40 over Berthoud Pass

A mountain-pass connector day linking the northern Rockies to the I-70 ski corridor.

Berthoud Pass — high-elevation crossing on US-40
Winter Park — ski town, summer mountain biking hub

Overnight: Breckenridge

Find hotels in Breckenridge

Breckenridge → Aspen

110 mi via Independence Pass

Independence Pass is one of the highest paved passes in Colorado at 12,095 ft, closed in winter and typically open Memorial Day through October. Maroon Bells requires a reservation in season.

Independence Pass — 12,095 ft, seasonal (Memorial Day–October)
Maroon Bells — reservation required in season

Overnight: Aspen

Browse Aspen guided hiking and jeep tours

Aspen → Glenwood Springs → Ouray

215 mi

Glenwood Springs has the largest hot springs pool in the world — a natural stop before continuing on to Ouray, the "Switzerland of America."

Glenwood Springs — largest hot springs pool in the world

Overnight: Ouray

Find hotels in Ouray

Million Dollar Highway: Ouray → Silverton

25 mi via US-550

No guardrails on significant sections, with an 11,000+ ft summit at Red Mountain Pass. Silverton is a historic mining town connected to Durango by narrow-gauge railroad.

Red Mountain Pass — 11,000+ ft summit, no guardrails on significant sections
Silverton — historic mining town, narrow-gauge railroad to Durango

Overnight: Silverton or Durango

Durango → Denver Return

335 mi, 6 hrs

Return via US-160 and US-285, or fly out of Durango-La Plata County Airport to skip the drive back.

US-160 and US-285 return route
Durango-La Plata County Airport — flight-out alternative

Overnight: Departure

High-Altitude Driving Notes

Altitude sickness affects sea-level travelers above 8,000 ft

Hydrate aggressively, avoid alcohol the first 24 hours, and ascend gradually where possible.

Afternoon thunderstorms are near-daily above treeline in summer

Plan alpine activities before noon to avoid getting caught above the treeline during a storm.

Mountain pass closures are possible even in summer

Snow or rockslides can close passes with little notice — check cotrip.org daily.

Common Questions

What is the Million Dollar Highway?+

A 25-mile stretch of US-550 between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado, known for sheer cliffs, no guardrails on significant sections, and a summit over 11,000 feet at Red Mountain Pass. It's considered one of the most scenic and demanding drives in the US.

When is Trail Ridge Road open?+

Typically late May through mid-October, weather dependent. It's the highest continuous paved highway in the US, reaching 12,183 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park.

How do you deal with altitude sickness on a Colorado road trip?+

Hydrate more than usual, avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours at elevation, and ascend gradually when possible. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue — if severe, descend to a lower elevation.

When is Independence Pass open?+

Typically Memorial Day weekend through late October or first snowfall. It closes completely in winter and is not plowed.