Pack your sense of adventure and hit the road for a high-altitude escape into Colorado’s dramatic landscapes. This short but stunning self-drive getaway weaves through alpine passes, charming mountain towns, wild rivers, and red rock canyons – all without straying far from Denver. You’ll summit peaks, soak in hot springs, walk historic streets, and bed down in boutique lodges full of Rocky Mountain character. Ideal for a long weekend or short break with serious wow-factor.
Denver
Various
£459 per person
3 Nights' Accommodation
Intermediate Size Rental Car
Local accommodation taxes
Flights (please let us know if you would like flights including at the time of enquiry)
Meals (unless shown in inclusions)
Anything not shown as included
Depart Denver and head west into the Rockies, with the option to detour through Vail for lunch or a gondola ride. Then it’s up and over Battle Mountain Pass, where you’ll descend into the hidden town of Red Cliff – a rustic gem tucked beneath a 100-ft high iron railway bridge. Settle into your mountain lodge and enjoy the alpine tranquillity.
Overnight: Red Cliff
Suggested Experiences: Vail detour, Shrine Pass views, dinner at Mango’s Mountain Grill
Wind your way through Leadville – the highest incorporated city in the USA – before following the Arkansas River to Buena Vista. This outdoor playground offers hiking, rafting, mountain biking, and world-famous hot springs. A great spot to slow down and soak it all in.
Overnight: Buena Vista
Suggested Experiences: Soaking at Mount Princeton Hot Springs, Browns Canyon rafting, Leadville Mining Museum
Head south through high country vistas and red rock canyons toward Colorado Springs. Along the way, stop in quirky Salida or the ghost town of St. Elmo. In Colorado Springs, explore Garden of the Gods, take a scenic cog railway to Pikes Peak, or visit the historic Broadmoor resort.
Overnight: Colorado Springs
Suggested Experiences: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak Railway, Manitou Springs, Broadmoor stroll
Enjoy a relaxed start before heading back to Denver. Stop at the U.S. Air Force Academy or the Royal Gorge Bridge if you’re up for a final thrill. Arrive back in the Mile High City, refreshed and recharged from your Colorado escape.
End: Denver
Suggested Stops: U.S. Air Force Academy, Castle Rock outlets, Red Rocks Amphitheatre (if you didn’t do it at the start!)
Tucked beneath a towering historic railway trestle, The Green Bridge Inn offers boutique lodging in the quiet mountain town of Red Cliff. With its timber-clad rooms, alpine views, and old-world charm, this locally owned inn delivers a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience – just minutes from Vail but a world away in atmosphere. Expect rustic elegance, a warm welcome, and adventure on your doorstep.
This charming bed and breakfast captures the spirit of Buena Vista with sweeping mountain views, home-cooked breakfasts, and laid-back hospitality. Nestled at the base of the Collegiate Peaks, Buffalo Peaks B&B offers cosy, individually decorated rooms and an easygoing base for exploring hot springs, hiking trails, and the lively downtown. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and character.
Sleep like royalty at Glen Eyrie Castle – a striking English Tudor-style mansion tucked against the red rocks of Colorado Springs. Built by the founder of the city, this historic estate combines turreted towers, formal gardens, and dramatic canyon views. A peaceful retreat just minutes from Garden of the Gods, it’s one of the region’s most unique and atmospheric stays.
✅ Drive one of Colorado’s most scenic hidden byways: Battle Mountain Pass
✅ Stay in a historic mountain inn in the off-the-radar town of Red Cliff
✅ Soak in natural hot springs beneath the peaks of the Collegiate Range
✅ Discover Leadville, the highest incorporated town in the USA
✅ Explore the quirky charm of Buena Vista and its riverside trails
✅ Take in the red rock wonders of Garden of the Gods
✅ Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to 14,115 feet for jaw-dropping views
✅ Sleep in a Tudor-style castle set in its own private canyon
✅ Enjoy short, scenic driving legs with time to explore at leisure
✅ Hand-picked boutique stays and a flexible, relaxed pace
This itinerary is fully flexible and can be customised to suit your individual needs. Simply send us your request, and we’ll be delighted to provide a personalised quote.
We gratefully acknowledge the photographers and sources whose images help bring our content to life. All photos are used with permission or sourced from licensed providers. Please contact us if you believe any credit has been omitted or if you wish to request removal of an image.
Specific credits go to:
Colorado Tourism Office
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