Destination: Colorado

May 10, 2024

Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time to plan a road trip! Colorado offers endless options for adventure, with delicious dining options, local shopping, and scenic photo opportunities along the way.

Kick off your adventure in Boulder, a college town known for its outdoor lifestyle, lively arts and music scene, and stunning natural scenery. Kick off your morning with a hike in the iconic Flatirons or on the scenic trails of Chautauqua Park, both quickly accessed from the heart of town. After working up an appetite, visit the Pearl Street Mall, where you’ll find an array of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Avanti F & B food hall has 7 restaurants to choose from, ranging from arepas to Asian cuisine to Wagyu burgers. Snap some breathtaking views of Boulder Canyon from Flagstaff Mountain for Instagram-worthy photos.Our next stop on the summer road trip itinerary is the Mile High City! Denver offers an ideal blend of big city entertainment and outdoor adventure. Explore the neighborhoods of LoDo (Lower Downtown) and RiNo (River North Art District), for a taste of farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and unique shops. 


ChoLon is renowned for their soup dumplings, bao buns, and small plates. Whether you are a live music lover or simply enjoy the outdoors, a visit to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a must. It’s renowned for its iconic rock formations and scenic hiking trails just west of Denver. Be sure to catch a concert or summer yoga class for an unforgettable experience.

In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains on the west side of Denver, visit Evergreen and Golden, two picturesque towns with charm and character. Explore the pedestrian-friendly downtown area of Evergreen, where you can shop for unique gifts, dine al fresco at a local cafe, or paddleboard on Evergreen Lake. In Golden, visit the Geology Museum at the Colorado School of Mines or tour the Coors Brewery. Woody’s Pizza has been a locals’ favorite for over twnety years, with wood-fired pies, wings, and beer cheese soup. For outdoor enthusiasts, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers hiking and mountain biking trails and stunning views of the surrounding peaks for photos.


Head south to Colorado Springs, home to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Hike or bike through its picturesque trails while taking in stunning vistas of towering red rock formations at Garden of the Gods. Make sure to take photos along your scenic ride on the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak. Unwind with a beer at the Local Relic located inside the Carter Payne, a 120-year-old stone church, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Old Colorado City.

Crested Butte offers a relaxed mountain town vibe and has earned its nickname as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Colorful blooms offer a gorgeous backdrop for photos framed with the mountains and blue sky. It’s also a renowned destination for mountain biking. The Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park offers natural and man-made features that connect to over 800 miles of singletrack throughout the Gunnison Valley. Stroll along Elk Avenue and explore shops and restaurants including local favorites Paradise Cafe and Soupcon.



Continue your journey westward to the Vail Valley, renowned for towering peaks and outdoor recreation. Take a scenic drive over Vail Pass to the resort towns of Vail and Beaver Creek for cobblestone lined streets, gorgeous alpine views, and al fresco dining with views of the mountains. La Tour is a bistro in the heart of Vail Village with inspired French cuisine that has delighted locals and guests for over twenty years.


In Summit County, explore the charming mountain towns of Breckenridge, Frisco, and Dillon, where you can enjoy watersports on Lake Dillon, stroll along the Blue River Recreational Path, or ride the gondola to the top of Breckenridge Ski Resort for panoramic views of the Rockies. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch at Bread & Salt on Frisco’s charming Main Street, with menu items ranging from Huevos Rancheros to the Summit Vegetable Hash to Challah French Toast. The Dillon Amphitheatre also hosts concerts throughout the summer with spectacular views of the alpine lake behind the stage and surrounding peaks.


Nestled in a box canyon surrounded by towering peaks, Telluride is a charming town in the San Juan mountains. Hike through the lush forests of Bear Creek Preserve, walk the downtown streets lined with charming Victorian homes, or take a scenic ride along the San Juan Skyway. Cornerhouse Grill is located in a historic house and it’s a great spot for burgers and sandwiches with views of the mountains. If you’re in the mod for adventure, don’t miss the opportunity to go mountain biking on the world-renowned trails of the Telluride Mountain Village Bike Park. And be sure to capture the breathtaking views of Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, for some truly epic photos.

To wrap up the road trip, journey to the southwestern corner of the state to Durango, a historic mining town. Explore the quaint streets of downtown Durango, where you’ll find art galleries, boutique shops, and delicious dining options. Don’t miss a ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which offers breathtaking views of the Animas River Canyon and the surrounding peaks. For outdoor adventure, hike or mountain bike along the scenic trails of nearby San Juan National Forest, or go whitewater rafting on the Animas River for an adrenaline-pumping experience. For lunch, Derailed Pour House‘s BLT and Avocado Caprese Sandwich are standouts in this lively spot.



No matter which part of Colorado you choose to explore this summer, you’re bound to discover natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and make memories along the way.

Crested Butte is truly a gem of Colorado and offers both luxury mountain homes and land lots ready to build for your dream home, investment opportunities, or vacation destination. With a background in luxury services, Nikki Pulitzer brings an eye for design to every client experience. Contact Nikki Pulitzer, Crested Butte Realtor, and find your mountain home today.

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nikki@nikkipulitzer.com

970.209.9004