The Colorado Plateau
Essential Gear
Smart recommendations tailored to your specific itinerary and season.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Booth Falls Trail involves elevation gain and potential mud or stream crossings near the falls.
Insulated Layered Jacket
Loveland Pass is at 11,990 feet; even in summer, high-altitude mountain passes are windy and significantly colder than the valley.
Polarized Sunglasses
Essential for reducing glare while driving mountain passes and visiting the Dillon Reservoir.
High-Traction Trail Shoes
The Hanging Lake Trail is steep and rocky, requiring excellent grip to navigate safely.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Ideal for taking photos near the mist of Rifle Falls without damaging electronics.
3L Hydration Bladder
The Palisade Rim and Devil's Kitchen trails are in arid, exposed desert environments where dehydration occurs quickly.
LED Headlamp
Crucial for safety when visiting the Delicate Arch Viewpoint or Fisher Towers during sunset or twilight hours.
Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat
The Colorado National Monument and Moab areas offer very little shade against intense high-desert UV rays.
Padded Gear Bag
Useful for safely transporting delicate finds or souvenirs from the Moab Rock Shop.
Day 1
- •Pacing: Balanced mountain exploration with 4h 18m of driving and 8h 10m of visit time.
- •Vibe: High-altitude scenic adventure transitioning from the Continental Divide to the hot springs region.
Loveland Pass
Dillon Reservoir
Booth Falls Trailhead Parking
🍽️ Lunch at Manor Vail Lodge
Centennial Park
Frontier History Museum
🍽️ Dinner at Grizz Grill at Sunlight Lodge
Day 2
- •Pacing: Active and immersive day with 4h 17m of driving and a robust 10h 5m of visit time.
- •Vibe: Canyon-carving and waterfall-chasing through Western Colorado's most dramatic geology.
- •Focus: Heavy on trailheads and natural features; ensure you have your Hanging Lake permit ready and wear sturdy hiking boots for the Palisade Rim.
🍳 Grab breakfast on the road
Hanging Lake Trailhead
Glenwood Canyon
Rifle Falls State Park
🍽️ Lunch at The Rough Bar & Grill
Palisade Rim Trail Head
Devil's Kitchen Trail
Dinner at Citrola's Italian Restaurant
Courtyard By Marriott
Day 3
- •Pacing: Efficient desert discovery with 4h 4m of driving and 7h 45m of visit time.
- •Vibe: Red rock immersion and iconic arches photography.
- •Focus: High-exposure desert hiking; sun protection and salty snacks are essential for the Arches and Moab heat.
Otto's Trail
Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trail
Rope Swing Moab
Lunch at Moab Giants
Monitor and Merrimac View Area
Arches National Park Visitor Center
Dinner at Sunset Grill
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