Colorado National Parks 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Depart Green Bay

Begin your epic road trip from Green Bay, Wisconsin, heading west towards Colorado.

This will be a long driving day.

Lunch Break in Omaha

Stop for a quick lunch and stretch your legs in Omaha, Nebraska, roughly halfway through your first day's drive.

Plenty of fast-casual options available off I-80.

Arrive & Camp in Kearney, NE

Arrive in Kearney, Nebraska, and set up your campsite for the night.

This location breaks up the drive to Colorado well.

A popular state recreation area with standard camping facilities including restrooms and water. Reservations recommended, especially for a Friday night.

Dinner & Relax

Enjoy a camp dinner or grab a meal in Kearney.

Relax after a long day of driving.

Depart Kearney, NE

Pack up camp and continue your drive towards Estes Park, Colorado, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Arrive Estes Park & Camp Setup

Arrive in Estes Park and head to your pre-booked campground.

Set up your site, ensuring you have everything ready for your National Park exploration.

Campgrounds like Moraine Park Campground (RMNP, requires reservations well in advance), or private campgrounds in Estes Park are good options for standard camping.

Explore Estes Park Town

Take a leisurely stroll through downtown Estes Park, browse the shops, enjoy the riverwalk, and soak in the mountain town atmosphere.

Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding peaks and perhaps spot some elk.

Rocky Mountain National Park Pass

Purchase your Rocky Mountain National Park entrance pass or a 'America the Beautiful' annual pass.

You'll need it for park entry and timed entry reservations (if applicable).

A 7-day pass is USD 30 for vehicles. The 'America the Beautiful' pass (USD 80) is recommended as you'll visit four national parks.

Dinner in Estes Park

Enjoy dinner at one of Estes Park's local restaurants, or return to your campsite for a relaxed meal.

Rocky Mountain National Park Exploration

Spend a full day exploring the stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Drive the iconic Trail Ridge Road (weather permitting) for incredible alpine views.

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in North America, offering spectacular vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities. Check road status as it may open later in early June depending on snowpack. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g143048-d102046-Reviews-Rocky_Mountain_National_Park-Rocky_Mountain_National_Park_Colorado.html?m=66827

Bear Lake Road Corridor Hike

Explore the popular Bear Lake Road corridor.

Enjoy a scenic hike to Emerald Lake, Nymph Lake, or Alberta Falls. These trails offer diverse scenery and are excellent for all skill levels.

Timed entry permits are often required for the Bear Lake Road corridor during peak season. Research and book in advance if needed. Utilize the free park shuttle system to access trailheads and avoid parking issues.

Picnic Lunch in RMNP

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Pack essentials as services are limited inside the park.

Evening Wildlife Viewing

Drive through Moraine Park or Horseshoe Park for prime elk and deer viewing opportunities, especially around dusk.

Camp Dinner & Stargazing

Return to your campsite for dinner.

With clear mountain skies, enjoy some stargazing.

Remember to keep food stored securely to deter wildlife.

RMNP Morning Activity

Enjoy one last morning activity in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Consider a shorter hike, visiting a different section of the park, or going horseback riding near the park entrance.

The National Park Gateway Stables offers horseback riding: Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60945-d635447-Reviews-National_Park_Gateway_Stables-Estes_Park_Colorado.html?m=66827

Drive to Great Sand Dunes Area

Begin your scenic drive south towards Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

The journey takes you through diverse Colorado landscapes.

Lunch En Route

Stop for a quick lunch in a town along your route, such as Colorado Springs or Pueblo.

Arrive & Camp near Great Sand Dunes

Arrive in the vicinity of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Set up camp at Piñon Flats Campground (inside the park) or a nearby alternative like San Luis State Park.

Piñon Flats Campground is very popular and requires reservations well in advance. San Luis State Park offers an alternative with similar amenities.

Explore Great Sand Dunes

Spend the morning exploring the unique landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Hike up the towering dunes for panoramic views.

The sand can get very hot in the afternoon, so an early start is recommended. Bring plenty of water. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60841-d9800243-Reviews-Great_Sand_Dunes_National_Park_and_Preserve-Mosca_Colorado.html?m=66827

Sand Sledding/Boarding

Rent a sandboard or sand sled from a local outfitter (e.

g., in Mosca or Alamosa) and try riding down the dunes for a thrilling and unique experience.

Boards can be rented outside the park. Check rental shop hours. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes that can handle sand.

Relax at Medano Creek

If Medano Creek is flowing (typically late spring/early summer), relax by the water at the base of the dunes. It's a refreshing spot after hiking the hot sand.

The creek flow varies annually depending on snowmelt. It's a great spot to cool off.

Camp Dinner & Stargazing

Return to your campsite for dinner.

Great Sand Dunes is a designated International Dark Sky Park, offering incredible stargazing opportunities.

Drive to Black Canyon

Embark on a scenic drive from the Great Sand Dunes area towards Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

The route offers changing landscapes as you head west.

South Rim Visitor Center

Stop at the South Rim Visitor Center to get maps, information, and learn about the geology and ecology of the Black Canyon.

Ranger programs may be available.

Chasm View Overlook

Experience your first breathtaking views into the deep, narrow gorge of the Black Canyon.

The sheer drops are truly impressive.

Be cautious near the edge and stay on marked paths. The canyon is exceptionally deep here.

Sunset Point Trail & Overlook

Take a leisurely walk on the relatively flat Sunset Point Trail (1 mile round trip) offering multiple viewpoints and excellent photographic opportunities of the canyon walls.

Set Up Camp

Check into the South Rim Campground within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Prepare your campsite and enjoy the evening at the canyon's edge.

Painted Wall Overlook

Visit the tallest sheer cliff in Colorado, the Painted Wall, which boasts striking streaks of pegmatite on its granite face.

A truly magnificent sight.

Cedar Point Nature Trail

Take a short, easy paved trail (0.

6 miles round trip) to an overlook for views of the Gunnison River and the Painted Wall from a different perspective.

Good opportunity for bird watching and identifying local flora.

Drive to Mesa Verde

Begin your journey south towards Mesa Verde National Park, traveling through scenic southwestern Colorado landscapes.

Check-in & Camp Setup

Arrive at Mesa Verde National Park and check into the Morefield Campground.

Set up your campsite before beginning your exploration of the park.

Morefield Campground is within the park, offering easy access to attractions. First-come, first-served or reservations, check NPS website.

Chapin Mesa Archeological Drive

Embark on the self-guided Chapin Mesa Archeological Drive to view surface sites and stunning overlooks, getting an introduction to the park's history.

Stop at the museum and overlooks like Mesa Top Loop. Many sites are accessible via short paved trails.

Cliff Palace Tour

Join a ranger-guided tour of Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, to explore its fascinating structures and learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance online or at the visitor centers. Tours involve ladders and stairs.

Balcony House Tour

Experience the adventurous Balcony House tour, involving climbing ladders and crawling through a tunnel, providing a unique perspective on a cliff dwelling.

Tickets required, purchase in advance. More physically demanding than Cliff Palace but highly rewarding.

Lunch at Far View Terrace

Enjoy a casual lunch at Far View Terrace, offering quick service meals and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Spruce Tree House (Self-Guided)

Visit Spruce Tree House, Mesa Verde's third-largest and best-preserved cliff dwelling.

It's often accessible via a paved trail for self-guided viewing (check park status for access).

Access may vary; check with the park for current conditions (e.g., if a ranger is required or if it's open for self-guided exploration).

Sunset Viewpoint

Find a scenic spot within the park, such as Mancos Valley Overlook, to watch the sunset over the dramatic landscape of Mesa Verde.

Pack Up & Depart

Break down camp, pack your vehicle, and depart from Mesa Verde National Park, heading east for the first leg of your return journey.

Long Drive Towards Green Bay

Embark on the long drive out of Colorado, heading across Kansas and into Nebraska, aiming for a stopover point like Kearney, Nebraska.

This will be a full day of driving.

Dinner in Kearney, NE

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant in Kearney after a long day of driving.

Overnight Camp in Kearney

Set up camp at a standard campground near Kearney, Nebraska, for a restful night before continuing your journey.

Final Camp Breakdown

Pack up your campsite for the last time on this trip, preparing for the final leg of your journey home.

Drive Home to Green Bay

Embark on the final long drive from Kearney, Nebraska, back to Green Bay, Wisconsin, covering the remaining distance of your incredible road trip.

Arrival in Green Bay

Arrive back in Green Bay, concluding your memorable 10-day Colorado National Parks road trip adventure.