Four Days, Four Adventures: Glenwood Springs + Aspen

This Summer, I hit the road for a four-day loop through some of Colorado’s most stunning mountain towns, scenic byways, hidden food spots, and iconic hikes. If you’re dreaming about planning an adventure from Durango to Glenwood Springs and beyond, here’s a sample itinerary.

I took my camper van on this adventure, which you can rent on Outdoorsy, but you can obviously tailor this for hotel stays as well.

📍 Day 1: From Durango to Carbondale via Silverton & Paonia

I kicked off the trip in Durango, heading north on the breathtaking Million Dollar Highway. My first essential stop? Coffee Bear in Silverton. There’s nothing like a good cup of coffee in a historic mining town surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

From Silverton, I made my way through Paonia, an underrated gem on Colorado’s Western Slope. If you’re passing through, make time for a cider tasting at Big B’s Delicious Orchards or swing by one of Paonia’s small local wineries for a glass with a view, like Qutori Wines.

Refueled, I continued on and grabbed dinner at Propaganda Pie in Redstone. Detroit-style pizza in a tiny mountain village? Yes, please. After that, it was a short drive to Carbondale, where I stayed for the night, surrounded by the quiet charm of the Roaring Fork Valley.

🌊 Day 2: Glenwood Rafting & Aspen Wandering

The next morning started with an adrenaline boost: white-water rafting in Glenwood Springs. If you’ve never floated down the Colorado River with canyon walls towering overhead, you’re missing out.

From there, it was on to Aspen. I spent the afternoon wandering through town, starting with a visit to the John Denver Sanctuary, a peaceful riverside park filled with boulders inscribed with his lyrics. I then walked around town for some window shopping and ended my evening at Las Montañas, a Tex-Mex restaurant with a view. I stayed in Aspen (at a free campsite I found on iOverlander) because I had a very early morning hike.

🥾 Day 3: Maroon Bells & West Maroon Pass

Day 3 began with sunrise at the Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed spots in Colorado, and for good reason. The West Maroon Pass Trail, which goes from Aspen to Crested Butte, was one of the most stunning hikes I've ever done. To hike this trail from Aspen, you must purchase a permit here. Wildflowers, rugged passes, and endless alpine views made every mile worth it.

After the 20+ mile trek, I returned to Aspen for one last jaunt around town and visited the (free!) Aspen Art Museum in town before returning to Glenwood Springs to recover and refuel for the final leg of the journey.

💧 Day 4: Hanging Lake & Hot Springs Wind-Down

No trip to Glenwood is complete without a hike up to Hanging Lake. The turquoise water and delicate waterfalls feel otherworldly. Be sure to snag a permit here ahead of time!

After the hike, I rewarded my sore legs with a soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, soaking in views of the Colorado River and surrounding peaks. To cap it all off, I drove back toward Durango through Palisade, Colorado’s wine country, with a quick stop at Blue Beryl Winery for one last toast to a perfect Colorado loop.

🌄 Final Thoughts

From wine to wild rivers and alpine trails, this loop through the heart of the Rockies was the best way to savor the end of summer. If you’re looking for a road trip that packs mountain towns, hidden gems, adventure, and a splash of relaxation, this one’s for you!