Pick up your car in Denver and head south down the I-25 towards the elegant foothills of Colorado Springs. Your destination is the legendary Broadmoor – a Forbes Five-Star resort with manicured grounds, mountain views, and more charm than you can shake a walking stick at. Spend the afternoon however you like: zipline across Seven Falls, stroll through Old Colorado City, indulge in a spa treatment, or pop into the excellent U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum for a hit of inspiration.

Today’s drive is a long one, but trust us – it’s a stunner. You'll cut across the heart of Colorado, weaving through the San Juan Mountains on a route packed with views. Fancy a pit stop? Stretch your legs in Gunnison or take a detour to gaze into the dramatic depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Arrive in Telluride by late afternoon and take the free gondola up to Mountain Village for a taste of what’s to come. This place is pure alpine magic – part Wild West, part world-class resort.

Wake up to mountain air and big skies – today is all about soaking it in. Hike to Bridal Veil Falls for spectacular photo ops, hop on an e-bike and cruise the Valley Floor Trail, or paddleboard across the still waters of Trout Lake. For a true high-country adventure, book a 4x4 tour to explore the old mining roads and ghost towns tucked deep into the mountains. Come evening, unwind with craft cocktails and a slow, seasonal dinner – ideally under the stars. Feeling bold? You could even add a paragliding flight or a spot of fly fishing in the San Miguel River.

Leave Telluride behind this morning and enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Colorado as you wind your way northeast toward Aspen. Your route takes you through Ridgway, then over McClure Pass, with the option to detour through the quirky artists’ town of Marble or the historic hamlet of Redstone. As you descend into Aspen, the vibe shifts from wild frontier to high-end alpine chic. Check into your boutique hotel and take a stroll around town – from designer shops to art galleries, it's a town that’s as stylish as it is scenic. If you arrive early enough, enjoy a gentle hike or visit the peaceful John Denver Sanctuary before dinner.

After a relaxed breakfast, hit the road for your final leg back to Denver. In summer, take the spectacular Independence Pass, a narrow but unforgettable high-altitude road that crests at over 12,000 feet – not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely stunning. In cooler months or if you'd prefer a smoother route, head north to Glenwood Springs and follow the I-70 back through Vail and into the city. Either way, you’ll be treated to sweeping mountain views and the perfect final dose of Colorado’s epic scenery. Arrive back in Denver feeling like you’ve had a true escape – with stories (and photos) to match.