11 days in Colorado Itinerary

Originally a frontier mining town, Durango is known today for its scenic setting, outdoor activities, and the 1880s steam-powered railway that takes visitors through sections of the mountains where roads don't reach.

You've now added Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum to your itinerary. Kick off your visit on the 7th (Thu): kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks. Keep things going the next day: take in the exciting artwork at Scenic Aperture Gallery and then get interesting insight from Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum.

To find more things to do, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Durango trip itinerary planning site .

Nashville to Durango is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and shuttle; or drive. Traveling from Nashville to Durango, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Nashville in May, plan for slightly colder days and much colder nights in Durango: temperatures range from 68°F by day to 35°F at night. You'll have a few hours on the 9th (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling to Ouray.

Ouray is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Ouray County, Colorado, United States. On the 9th (Sat), stroll through Bear Creek Falls, then contemplate the long history of Yankee Girl Mine, and then take in the dramatic natural features at Yankee Boy Basin.

To find photos, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Ouray online sightseeing planner .

You can drive from Durango to Ouray in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. Traveling from Durango in May, you will find days in Ouray are little chillier (55°F), and nights are about the same (36°F). Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Salida.

The City of Salida is a Statutory City that is the county seat and most populous city of Chaffee County, Colorado, United States. To find more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Salida online trip itinerary maker .

You can do a combination of bus and car from Ouray to Salida in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Ouray in May: highs in Salida hover around 66°F, while lows dip to 39°F. On the 11th (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Colorado Springs.

Manitou Springs' main street was once a trail that led directly to the base of Pike's Peak.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Mon): explore the activities along Manitou Springs Incline, then get in on the family fun at North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop, and then get your game on at Arcade Amusements, Inc. On the next day, find something for the whole family at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park and then go deep underground at Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine.

For reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read Manitou Springs driving holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Salida to Manitou Springs takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Manitou Springs can reach 64°F, while at night they dip to 38°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Breckenridge.

Founded in 1859 as part of the Gold Rush in the Rockies, Breckenridge boasts a main street lined with colorful wooden storefronts housing cafes and shops, giving the effect of a thriving western town from the 19th century.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Wed): get all the equipment you need at Blue River Sports and then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Broken Compass Brewery & Tap House. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 14th (Thu): hit the slopes at Vail Mountain Resort, take in the pleasant sights at Vail Pass Path, and then don't miss a visit to Main Street.

To see traveler tips and other tourist information, refer to the Breckenridge tour planning app .

You can drive from Manitou Springs to Breckenridge in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and shuttle; or take a bus. Expect colder weather when traveling from Manitou Springs in May: highs in Breckenridge hover around 44°F, while lows dip to 31°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Fri) to allow time for the car ride to Estes Park.

More than just a convenient resting place for travelers on their way to the national park encompassing the Front Range of the Rockies, Estes Park is a popular place to visit in its own right.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Fri): appreciate the views at Many Parks Curve Overlook and then take in the exciting artwork at Images of Rocky Mountain National Park. On the 16th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see Off-Road Tours and then take a memorable drive along Trail Ridge Road.

To see other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read Estes Park road trip planning website .

You can drive from Breckenridge to Estes Park in 3 hours. Another option is to take a bus. While traveling from Breckenridge, expect much warmer days and a bit warmer nights in Estes Park, ranging from highs of 70°F to lows of 43°F. You'll set off for home on the 17th (Sun).