Colorado Mountain Towns & Hot Springs
Depart from Denver to explore Estes Park, Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge.
Skip the typical national park checklist and instead take a leisurely summer or autumn tour of Colorado's premier ski towns: drive over Trail Ridge Road, soak in the hot springs of Steamboat and Glenwood, admire the Maroon Bells, and cross Independence Pass to Vail and Breckenridge. This route features shorter driving distances and comfortable accommodations, allowing you to adjust your hiking plans based on your energy levels. The entire route is at high altitude, making it ideal for couples or friends, especially during the autumn aspen season.
Trail Ridge Road and Independence Pass are closed in winter. Be alert for early snowfall starting in early October.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Boulder to Estes Park
丹佛（博爾德肖托誇公園與熨斗山、博爾德珍珠街步行街） → 埃斯蒂斯帕克與落基山國家公園（斯坦利酒店）
Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive via Boulder to Estes Park (approx. 130 km, 2 hours).
住宿：埃斯蒂斯帕克鎮中心
第 2 天 · Hiking Alpine Lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park
埃斯蒂斯帕克與落基山國家公園（熊湖、阿爾伯塔瀑布、夢湖與翡翠湖、摩瑞恩公園）
Drive about 30 minutes from town into the park. Hike the short trails along Bear Lake Road, or utilize the park's shuttle bus system.
Timed-entry permits are required for daytime park entry during summer and fall, with stricter rules for the Bear Lake Road corridor.
住宿：埃斯蒂斯帕克鎮中心
第 3 天 · Trail Ridge Road to Steamboat Springs
埃斯蒂斯帕克與落基山國家公園（山脊公路、高山遊客中心、格蘭德湖小鎮與亞當斯瀑布） → 斯廷博特斯普林斯（兔耳山口）
Drive over Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake, then continue over Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat Springs (approx. 3.5 hours).
住宿：老城林肯大道
第 4 天 · Waterfalls, Rivers & Natural Hot Springs
斯廷博特斯普林斯（魚溪瀑布、雅帕河核心步道與漂流、草莓公園溫泉）
Enjoy short drives and walks around town. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is located about a 30-minute drive north of town.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs becomes clothing-optional after dark. Families with children should plan to visit during the day.
住宿：老城林肯大道
第 5 天 · South to Glenwood Springs for a Soak
格倫伍德斯普林斯（懸湖、格倫伍德峽谷與峽谷單車道、格倫伍德溫泉池）
Drive south along CO-131 to connect with I-70 West, driving through Glenwood Canyon (approx. 2.5 hours).
Hanging Lake requires a timed-entry permit year-round. There is currently no shuttle service, so you must drive directly to the trailhead parking lot.
住宿：市中心與溫泉區
第 6 天 · Maroon Bells & Aspen
Drive along CO-82 to Aspen (approx. 1.25 hours), then take the shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands up to the Maroon Bells.
Reservations are required for both the shuttle bus and parking. In 2026, the shuttle bus operates until October 18.
住宿：阿斯彭老城
第 7 天 · Independence Pass to Vail Village
阿斯彭（獨立山口） → 韋爾（赫爾營—大陸分水嶺國家紀念地、韋爾村、貝蒂·福特高山花園）
Drive over Independence Pass, pass through Leadville, and follow US-24 to Vail (approx. 170 km, 3 hours).
Independence Pass is closed in winter and is strictly off-limits to vehicles over 35 feet in length.
住宿：韋爾村
第 8 天 · Breckenridge & Return to Denver
佈雷肯裡奇（佈雷肯裡奇主街歷史區、巨魔艾薩克、藍寶石角觀景台）
Drive to Breckenridge (approx. 1 hour). In the afternoon, take I-70 to Denver International Airport (approx. 2.5 hours).
Eastbound I-70 is highly prone to heavy traffic on weekend afternoons. Be sure to allow plenty of extra time to reach the airport.