Like most websites, we use cookies to collect anonymous data in order to enhance your browsing experience and provide us with information about how the website is being used. By clicking Accept or continuing to use the site you agree to this use of cookies. Visit our updated Privacy Policy if you wish to learn more.

Your Location

Call us now:

0333 7000 747

Open 9 until 9 daily

Start your perfect holiday

contact us today!

Price Guide
11 Nights - £2,395pp

Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Tour Info
  • International Flights from UK
  • 11 nights Accommodation
  • Meals as Specified
  • Car Rental
  • ATOL Protection
  • Travel Trust Protection
  • Based on 2021 - 22 Prices

Holiday Confusion?

You need a Specialist

Solve my Problem

Ask us about Colorado

Call us Now 0333 7000 747

Colorado Self Drive

32825
32826
32827
32828
32829
 

Colorado Self Drive

This mile-high road trip comes with almost non-stop cover shot-worthy backdrops.

Scrape the sky as you cross high mountain passes, drop into forest-shaded valleys where historic railroads hug gold-flecked creeks and follow in the footsteps of the Southwest’s Ancestral Pueblo people.

See the beautiful backdrops of western Colorado from 4000-metre mountains to Navajo sandstone canyons.

Explore the ancient cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, drive across high mountain passes and follow the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.

See where the Old West meets the 21st Century in the ‘Mile High City’ of Denver.

This USA holiday can be tailored to suit your exact requirements, so just let us know your ideal trip.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect USA holiday.

Inclusions

  • International flights from UK
  • Accommodation with breakfast
  • Self-Drive - Car rental from airport to airport
  • ATOL Protection
  • Travel Trust Protection

Accommodation

  • 1 night Colorado Springs
  • 1 night Montrose
  • 2 nights Durango
  • 1 night Cortez
  • 1 night Grand Junction
  • 1 night Steamboat Springs
  • 2 nights Estes Park
  • 2 nights Denver

Day 1: UK - Denver

Fly from the UK to Denver where you will pick up your rental car on arrival.

Drive to Colorado Springs.

Overnight Colorado Springs.

Day 2: Montrose

Drive to Montrose.

Drive into the mountains and cross the Continental Divide at Monarch Pass. Spend a night in Montrose, gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Overnight Montrose.

Day 3: Durango

Self Drive to Durango.

Head south along the scenic US Route 550 to the old mining and railroad city of Durango, stopping in the pretty hot spring town of Ouray on the way.

Overnight Durango.

Day 4: Durango

Enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight Durango.

Day 5: Cortez

Self Drive to Cortez.

As you continue on to Cortez, the landscapes change from mountains to desert. Use the city as a base to see the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park.

Overnight Cortez.

Day 6: Grand Junction

Self Drive to Grand Junction.

Turn back north and cross into Utah. Stop in Moab and visit Arches National Park before driving back to Colorado along Route 128 which hugs the Colorado River.

Overnight Grand Junction.

Day 7: Steamboat Springs

Self Drive to Steamboat Springs.

Return to the mountains and visit Glenwood Springs. Soak in the area’s hot springs or follow the hiking trail to Hanging Lake. Later, continue on to Steamboat Springs.

Overnight Steamboat Springs.

Day 8: Estez Park

Self Drive to Estes Park.

Swap one mountain town for another as you travel to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Overnight Estes Park.

Day 9: Estez Park

Enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight Estes Park.

Day 10: Denver

Self Drive to Denver.

Return to the Denver and make the most of the many cultural offerings and first-rate restaurant and bar scene.

Overnight Denver.

Day 11: Denver

Enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight Denver.

Day 12: Denver – UK 

Drive to Denver International Airport and drop your rental car off for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 13: Arrive UK 

Arrive back in the UK.

Colorado Springs

At the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, at an elevation of almost 2000 metres, lies the city of Colorado Springs.

Founded in 1871, Colorado’s second-largest city has evolved from a quaint, Victorian resort town into a modern, sophisticated city, but this development has not eliminated its small-town charm.

Here, museums feature themes including fine art, aviation, mining, ghost towns and outlaws of the West.

One of the main attractions in the area is the Pike National Forest with the glacier-carved Pikes Peak, hiking trails and the world's highest cog railway - which leads to the summit.

Visitors can also look forward to seeing the red-sandstone formations at Garden of the Gods park and zip-lining on the canyon wall over dramatic waterfalls.

Montrose

Montrose, located within the wondrous state of Colorado, is a municipality and the county seat of Montrose County.

This wonderfully scenic destination is home to scenic drives, exhilarating hikes, delightful eateries, iconic art galleries, and interesting antique stores.

History enthusiasts’ can enjoy the fascinating Montrose Country Historical Museum, Museum of the Mountain West and Ute Indian Museum; while art lovers’ can admire the awe-inspiring sculptures on display throughout Downtown Montrose.

This classic Colorado city is nestled within easy reach of a remarkably vast selection of adventurous scenic attractions including the magical San Juan Mountain, the expansive Uncompahgre Plateau; magical Grand Mesa; and the striking Black Canyon National Park.

From birding, hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, and kayaking - the outdoor adventure of Montrose are endless.

Durango

Set near the New Mexico border in southwestern Colorado, the small city of Durango features a variety of outdoor and cultural attractions.

From Old West experiences to ancient ruins, and arts and culture to adventure sports, Durango has something to offer all travellers.

On the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, visitors can travel a winding route through breathtaking canyons aboard a steam train that has been in operation since 1882.

The history of the area’s native Puebloan people is preserved at Mesa Verde National Park, where visitors can learn all about this fascinating Native American heritage.

Not-to-be-missed is the Durango Arts Centre and the Diamond Belle Saloon in downtown Durango, revered as one of the most famous original ragtime piano bars in the Wild West.

Visitors can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities including mountain biking, hiking, white-water rafting, kayaking, skiing and snowboarding.

Cortez

Cortez, Colorado, is located close to the ‘Four Corners’ juncture where the state’s borders meet those of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.

The city is set almost 2000 (metres) above sea level and is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks that are capped with snow in the winter months.

A stroll through the city centre will take you past several giant street art murals, as well as the Cortez Cultural Centre and Museum, housed in a building dating to 1909.

On Saturday mornings from June to October, the farmers market offers a glimpse into authentic local life. Much of the rocky wilderness around Cortez is protected by national parklands that encompass some outstanding archaeological treasures.

These include the Hovenweep National Monument and the Mesa Verde National Park, which together take in over 10 000 ancient Pueblo Indian sites.

Grand Junction

Located at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Gunnison River in Mesa County, Colorado, Grand Junction is a busy commercial and transportation hub.

This scenic city, also known as “River City”, is set amid the beautiful red rock canyons of the Colorado National Monument.

Visitors can look forward to exploring the area’s many wonderful wineries, breweries and fruit orchards or taking a leisurely drive along spectacularly scenic Rim Rock Drive.

Grand Junction is also known for its dinosaur excavation sites, exhibits, fossils and hands-on paleontological activities.

At the Museum of Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey, visitors can see dinosaur skeletons and amateur paleontologists can join single- and multi-day excavations.

Other popular activities include river rafting, hiking, golf and wine tasting.

Steamboat Springs

Located in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs is a city known for its ski resorts, geothermal hot springs and Wild West culture.

Surrounded by the towering Rocky Mountains, the area boasts two excellent ski resorts, the Steamboat Ski Resort and Howelsen Hill, home to nearly 90 Winter Olympians and the oldest ski area in Colorado.

At the Glenwood Hot Springs’ therapy pool, visitors can relax in warm waters with 15 different minerals, and then take a full spa day the the Spa of the Rockies.

The scenery here offers more to explore: lush glades feature winding roads perfect for motorcycle touring, and the Pearl Lake State Park provides a fantastic fishing, canoeing and picnicking spot. Don’t miss the opportunity to try on a few cowboy outfits and buy a hat as a souvenir.

Estes Park

Estes Park is cradled at the base of the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, with Estes Lake at its core.

With such a setting and a wide network of superb trekking routes, it is not surprising that Estes Park is a magnet for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

For waterfalls and a good workout, head up the Fern Lake trail, or take a gentle meander along one of the many family-friendly trails.

Fitter and more adventurous travellers may enjoy the challenge of ascending the celebrated Longs Peak, while for something less strenuous, the Estes Park Ariel Tramway will whisk you to the peak of Prospect Mountain to enjoy spectacular 360 views.

To relax after a day out enjoy live music, craft beers and great ambience at the town’s lively local pubs.

Denver

Aside from being a hub for visitors wishing to get up close and personal with the ski slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the capital of Colorado is a destination city in its own right.

Highlight activities include: visits to Denver Botanic Gardens, the Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo, Forney Transportation Museum, Coors Baseball Field, and a trip along the scenic byway to Mount Evans.

There are a number of extreme-tour companies and rental agencies for the brave hearted, but for something more mellow, join a beer tasting or Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey Tour, or visit the picturesque Balistreri Vineyards.