37 days in United States Itinerary

Aptly nicknamed the "Mile-High City," Denver sits at an altitude of 1,600 m (5,280 ft) above sea level, located right where the Great Plains give way to the Rocky Mountains.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Sat): admire the natural beauty at Hudson Gardens - Free, see the interesting displays at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, then identify plant and animal life at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, then admire the masterpieces at Denver Art Museum, and finally sample the tasty concoctions at Denver Beer Company. Here are some ideas for day two: pick up some local products at The Source, cast your line with a fishing tour, then take in nature's colorful creations at Denver Botanic Gardens, then browse the exhibits of Butterfly Pavilion, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at Healing Waters Mind and Body Float Studio.

For maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Denver itinerary planner.

The Route module can give you travel options from your home to Denver. In December in Denver, expect temperatures between 43°F during the day and 19°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to travel to Denver.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Mon): glide through natural beauty at Devil's Thumb Ranch Cross Country Skiing, stroll through Coca-Cola Tubing Hill, then don't miss a visit to Fraser Tubing Hill, then hit the slopes at Maison de Ski, and finally see a show at Hudson Gardens - Free. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 13th (Tue): relax and rejuvenate at Healing Waters Mind and Body Float Studio, identify plant and animal life at Butterfly Pavilion, then take in the exciting artwork at Denver Botanic Gardens, then examine the collection at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, and finally explore the world behind art at Denver Art Museum.

To find maps, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Denver day trip planning site.

On the 14th (Wed), you're off to Boulder.

Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a busy college town known for its progressive values and natural resource conservation.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Wed): hike along Sugarloaf Mountain, tour the pleasant surroundings at Mud Lake Trail, then identify plant and animal life at Caribou Ranch Open Space, then trek along Hessie Trailhead, and finally take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Indian Peaks Wilderness. On the 15th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, tour the pleasant surroundings at Royal Arch, then learn about winemaking at BookCliff Vineyards, then sample the fine beverages at Redstone Meadery, and finally indulge your thirst for a good beer at Boulder Beer Company.

To find where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Boulder online day trip planner.

Boulder is just a short distance from Denver. In December, plan for daily highs up to 44°F, and evening lows to 22°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) to allow time to fly to Steamboat Springs.

An internationally known ski resort, Steamboat Springs sits in the shadow of Mount Werner in north central Colorado.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Fri): stroll through Mount Werner, take a leisurely stroll along Rotary Park Boardwalk, tour the pleasant surroundings at Yampa River Core Trail, then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and finally fly down the slopes at Howelsen Hill Ski Area. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for gifts at Erin Gallagher Jewelry, see what you can catch with a fishing tour, fly down the slopes at Steamboat Ski Resort, then fly down the slopes at Steamboat Powdercats, then take an in-depth tour of Tread of Pioneers Museum, and finally take in the natural beauty of Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

To see reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Steamboat Springs trip builder.

Getting from Boulder to Steamboat Springs by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Boulder in December, things will get a bit cooler in Steamboat Springs: highs are around 29°F and lows about 9°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can fly to Yellowstone National Park.

An exceptionally diverse landscape and varied wildlife have made Yellowstone National Park one of America's most popular parks.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sun): take in the natural beauty of Sapphire Pool, then take in the natural beauty of Fountain Paint Pot, then take in the natural beauty of Midway Geyser Basin, and finally take in the dramatic natural features at Biscuit Basin. Keep things going the next day: explore the striking landscape at Beryl Spring and then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas.

To find out how to plan a trip to Yellowstone National Park, use our trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Steamboat Springs to Yellowstone National Park by flight takes about 6 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Steamboat Springs in December, things will get little chillier in Yellowstone National Park: highs are around 23°F and lows about 3°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) early enough to catch the flight to Whitefish.

Whitefish is a city in Flathead County, Montana, United States. Kick off your visit on the 20th (Tue): cast your line with a fishing tour, tour along fresh powder with Great Northern Powder Guides, and then explore the landscape on two wheels at The Whitefish Trail. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Wed): relax and rejuvenate at The Wave, stroll through Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, learn about winemaking at Mission Mountain Winery, then take in the exciting artwork at Sunti World Art Gallery, then gain some tasty knowledge on Big Sky Brews Cruise, and finally sample the fine beverages at Spotted Bear Spirits.

For where to stay, maps, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Whitefish online itinerary planner.

You can fly from Yellowstone National Park to Whitefish in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of car, bus, and train. In December, Whitefish is somewhat warmer than Yellowstone National Park - with highs of 29°F and lows of 16°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to West Glacier.

West Glacier is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in eastern Flathead County, Montana, United States. Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Thu): tour the pleasant surroundings at Apgar Lookout Trail, play a few rounds at Glacier View Golf Club, then tour the pleasant surroundings at John's Lake Loop, and finally brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Glacier Distilling Company. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take some stellar pictures from Jackson Glacier Overlook, stroll through Swiftcurrent Pass Hike, then cruise along The Loop, then explore the activities along McDonald Creek, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Garden Wall.

For traveler tips, photos, maps, and tourist information, read West Glacier route tool.

You can drive from Whitefish to West Glacier in an hour. Another option is to take a train. Expect a daytime high around 29°F in December, and nighttime lows around 16°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) early enough to fly to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park presents an ideal setting for recreation in the mountain range for which the park is named.

On the 24th (Sat), hike along Tundra Communities Trail, hit the slopes at Hidden Valley Sledding and Tubing Hill, cruise along Old Fall River Road, then take in the dramatic scenery at Chasm Falls, and finally stroll around Horseshoe Park. Here are some ideas for day two: appreciate the views at Many Parks Curve Overlook, take in the awesome beauty at Deer Mountain, then take in the awesome beauty at Hallett Peak, then stroll through Mt Ida Trail, and finally grab your bike and head to Coyote Valley Trail.

For more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Rocky Mountain National Park day trip planning website.

Getting from West Glacier to Rocky Mountain National Park by flight takes about 4 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from West Glacier in December, expect nights in Rocky Mountain National Park to be about the same, around 17°F, while days are a bit warmer, around 46°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) to allow time to fly to Mesa Verde National Park.

Whereas most national parks are primarily devoted to showcasing unique and special landscapes, Mesa Verde National Park focuses on ancient human habitation.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Mon): trek along Farming Terraces, hike along Spruce Canyon Trail, tour the pleasant surroundings at Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, then delve into the distant past at Balcony House, and finally explore the ancient world of Cliff Palace. Keep things going the next day: appreciate the extensive heritage of Far View Sites, hike along Point Lookout Trail, hike along Knife Edge Trail, then hike along Nordenskiold #16 Trail, then cruise along Ruins Road, and finally delve into the distant past at Spruce Tree House.

To see reviews, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read our Mesa Verde National Park journey site.

Fly from Rocky Mountain National Park to Mesa Verde National Park in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus, car, and taxi. In December, daytime highs in Mesa Verde National Park are 44°F, while nighttime lows are 15°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) early enough to drive to Telluride.

The town of Telluride is the county seat and most populous town of San Miguel County in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Colorado. On the 28th (Wed), get out on two wheels at Ophir Pass Trail, then stroll through Telluride Ski Resort, then get a dose of the wild on Dave's Mountain Tours, and finally take a stroll through Town Park. Keep things going the next day: go deep underground at Yankee Girl Mine, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, look for all kinds of wild species at Valley Floor, admire the sheer force of Bear Creek Falls, then tee off at Telluride Ski & Golf Club, and finally fly down the slopes at Ski Butlers Telluride.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Telluride trip builder website.

Getting from Mesa Verde National Park to Telluride by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of shuttle and taxi. Traveling from Mesa Verde National Park in December, you will find days in Telluride are a bit cooler (36°F), and nights are about the same (18°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.

The Gunnison River has been hard at work over the past two million years, carving out the sheer cliffs and towering spires that today make up Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Fri): surround yourself with nature on Morrow Point Boat Ride, then trek along Rim Rock Trail, then learn about winemaking at Leroux Creek Inn & Vineyards, and finally tee off at Devil's Thumb Golf Club. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the awesome beauty at Gunnison Point and then explore the striking landscape of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

To find ratings, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Telluride to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park in 2 hours. December in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park sees daily highs of 39°F and lows of 16°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) so you can travel to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.

On the 1st (Sun), explore the fascinating landscape at High Dune Trail and then trek along Mosca Pass Trail.

For maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve attractions planner.

Explore your travel options from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve with the Route module. Traveling from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park in January, expect Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve to be little chillier, temps between 33°F and -3°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) early enough to go by car to Denver.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Mon): don't miss a visit to Historic Olde Town Arvada, learn about winemaking at Balistreri Vineyards, see the interesting displays at Forney Museum of Transportation, then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and finally test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms. Here are some ideas for day two: stop by Mountain Lux Candles, see Off-Road Tours, stroll through Mount Falcon Castle Trail, then take in the dramatic natural features at Roxborough State Park, and finally awaken your taste buds at some of the top wineries in the area.

To find reviews, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Denver trip itinerary planning site.

You can drive from Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve to Denver in 4 hours. When traveling from Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in January, plan for a bit warmer days in Denver, with highs around 44°F, while nights are much warmer with lows around 21°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) early enough 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.

On the 4th (Wed), ski along the peaceful trails at Keystone Nordic Center, ski along the peaceful trails at Gold Run Nordic Center, glide through natural beauty at Sally Barber Mine Trail, then fly down the slopes at Blue River Sports, and finally test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms. Here are some ideas for day two: get a dose of the wild on Alpine Adventures Dogsledding, learn the secrets of beer at Vail Valley Food Tours, then fly down the slopes at Vail Mountain Resort, then indulge in some personalized pampering at Radiant Mountain Massage, and finally make a trip to The O2 Lounge.

For more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Breckenridge journey planner.

You can drive from Denver to Breckenridge in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of train and shuttle. Traveling from Denver in January, expect Breckenridge to be slightly colder, temps between 25°F and 14°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Thu) so you can drive to Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs occupies a scenic location at the junction of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River, halfway between Vail and Aspen along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Fri): glide through natural beauty at Beaver Creek Nordic Center, then fly down the slopes at Beaver Creek Ski Area, then cast your line with Hookers, and finally Head underground at Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. Keep things going the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at Grizzly Creek Trail, take in the exciting artwork at Cooper Corner Gallery, take in the natural beauty of Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs, then admire the verdant scenery at Roaring Fork Valley, and finally sample the fine beverages at Marble Distilling Co. & The Distillery Inn.

To see ratings, photos, and other tourist information, use the Glenwood Springs attractions app.

You can drive from Breckenridge to Glenwood Springs in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 27°F, and evening lows to 17°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can fly to Durango.

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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Purgatory Resort and Silverton Mountain. Get outdoors at Durango Dog Ranch and Molas Pass. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Durango: Wines of the San Juan (in Blanco) and Sky Ute Casino (in Ignacio). And it doesn't end there: fly down the slopes at The Snowbike Experience, cast your line with a fishing tour, witness a stunning natural landmark at Durango Hot Springs, and make a trip to Historic Downtown Durango.

For where to stay, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Durango trip planner.

Fly from Glenwood Springs to Durango in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Glenwood Springs in January, you will find days in Durango are a bit warmer (38°F), and nights are a bit cooler (10°F). Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Tue) to allow time for the flight to Aspen.

Known as a ski resort town, Aspen's history goes back to its roots as a silver-mining village tucked away in an isolated valley of the Rocky Mountains.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Wed): see what you can catch with a fishing tour, then fly down the slopes at Aspen Snowmass, and then sample the fine beverages at Woody Creek Distillery. Here are some ideas for day two: tour the pleasant surroundings at Aspen Highlands and then stay fit while traveling at Aspen Club & Spa.

To see photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Aspen driving holiday tool.

Fly from Durango to Aspen in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January in Aspen, expect temperatures between 34°F during the day and 8°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can go by car 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. Step off the beaten path and head to Monarch Mountain and Monarch Dog Sled Rides. Take a break from the city and head to Monarch Pass and Neversink. Change things up with these side-trips from Salida: Gunnison (Ice Fish Colorado & Open Your Eyes Photography Workshops & Gallery) and Buena Vista (Vicksburg & Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa). And it doesn't end there: learn about winemaking at Vino Salida Wine Cellars, look for all kinds of wild species at Chalk Cliff Fish Hatchery, indulge your thirst for a good beer at Elevation Beer Company, and stroll around Riverside Park.

To see ratings, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Salida travel planner.

Drive from Aspen to Salida in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Aspen in January; daily highs in Salida reach 42°F and lows reach 19°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) to allow time to drive back home.