Explore the contrasting scenery of the mighty mountains of Colorado with its lush landscapes to the red sandstone canyons and incredible National Parks of Utah

DAY 1

Arrive at In Denver Colorado for the start of your journey. 

Enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure. Maybe take a walking tour of the city and visit its many toursit attractions such as the US Mint, The Denver Art Musuem or the Coors Baseball Field. For a taste of the real Wild West head to the Buckhorn Exchange, the famous Buffalo Bills favourite watering hole. It stills serves Elk, Quail, and Rattlesnake.

Check in at your hotel The Kimpton Hotel Born

Prefer a different hotel? Remember you can tailor your Escape!

DAY 2

Make an early start today as you head for Gunnison. Gunnison looks like it's right out of a John Wayne Western movie and feels like a catlletown.

We recommend trying the whitewater rafting, where you will navigate several rapids like Rosy Lane and Generator Alley before trying the Nestea Plunge if you dare. Or for some calmer action try a half-day river trip with easy waves and stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Check in at your hotel The Quality Inn Gunnison

Day 3

Before you leave for Telluride spend the morning at your leisure enjoy the Black Canyon of Gunnison, deep enough to fit in the Empire State building.

Arrive in Telluride in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing dip in the famous sulphur free hot springs.

Check in at your hotel The hotel Telluride

DAY 4

Travelling today 80 miles to reach Durango, a bustling Western Cowboy Town. Durango is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of mountain bike trails and white water rafting. More importantly, it is the departure point for the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Road, a vintage steam train which follows the Animas River into the Colorado Wilderness.

In the evening enjoy at your leisure, try the Diamond Belle Saloon one of the most famous original ragtime piano bars in the Wild West.

Check in at your hotel The Strater.

DAY 5

From Durango we head to The  Mesa Verde National park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to 4000 historic ruins

Enjoy the day at your leisure.

Check in at your hotel The Far VIew Lodge.

DAY 6

Today you cross the border into Utah where the contrast in scenery becomes apparent. The lush landscape of Colorado is replaced by the striking red rocks and desert scenery.

Take the flight of your life over Monument Valley, perhaps the most filmed and photographed landmark in the USA. You will be looking down on gigantic rock formations that have been standing for millions of years. See The Mitten Formations, Stagecoach, Merrick Butte, and Totem Pole.

Check in at your hotel Goulding's Lodge.

Day 7

Enjoy the day in Monument Valley to enjoy at your leisure, perhaps a hiking trail or bike ride or maybe try neighbouring Mystery Valley which is no less impressive, hiking through a series of labyrinthine side box canyons concealing Anasazi ruins.

Day 8 

Travelling the 170 miles to Moab- a charming Western town and a great base to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Park. Take the sunset guided tour in a 4x4 , your tour guide will take you down backroads and up steep rock wall that you might not otherwise see. You will recognise the landscape from famous films like Thelma and Louise and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Check in at your hotel The Hyatt Place

Day 9

Enjoy the day in Moab at your leisure

Day 10

Enroute to Aspen Colorado stop a while at Grand Junction known as a palaeontologists playground and home to the greatest prehistoric bones ever recovered. 

Enjoy the rest of your day in Aspen exploring and enjoying the great outdoors, there are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities or perhaps some shopping or one of Aspens spas.

Check in at your hotel The Limelight.

Day 11

Today you will travel to the Roaring Fork River for some white water rafting suitable for .beginners experiencing the stunning scenery along the way. In the afternoon climb aboard a gondola for elevated views of the Rocky mountains.

Day 12

Travelling the today to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, starry nights and fun times.

Enjoy the day at your leisure or relax in the hotel's outdoor pool and hot tub.

Check in your hotel The Estes Mountain Lodge. 

Try the Donuts at The Donut Haus they are the best morning snack before any hike.

Day 13

You're in cowboy country so saddle up. Explore the mountains on trail roads where you may catch sight of Deer, Elk or even Coyote. Your 2-hour ride is suitable for all ages and you will reach an elevation that affords an impressive view of The Rocky National Park, The Continental Divide and The Estes Valley.

Day 14

Check out of your hotel with plenty of time to make your own way to the airport for your flight home.

Return your car to the car hire depot at the airport.

Remember your Escape is unique to you. Customise your itinerary by speaking to one of our experts today.

Call us now and talk about your next holiday to Colorado and Utah!