
My 50 State Adventures

Colorado National Parks
Colorado's Magnificence can't be truly experienced without seeing all four of it's National Parks.
While working through planning my travel to 50 states, it became evident that I missed out on some pretty amazing places. While I technically did visit the state, and it is checked off as complete, there are several areas I need to see when we can work them in to our plans.
One of the states is Colorado. I have visited and had wonderful experiences. I went to the quaint mountain town of Steamboat Springs, drove the windy switchback roads of the Rocky Mountains, took the gondola across the Royal Gorge, saw Redrock Ampitheater. I explored Denver, saw moose and long horned sheep. And realized there is still much more in the glorious state.
Our trip back will hit the 4 National Parks in Colorado.

We will fly into Denver, and make a loop around the state, flying out of Denver back to Minnesota when our week is complete. We won't actually stay in Denver, but it made the most sense based on drive times to and from destinations.
Day 1: Arrive in Denver, drive to Colorado Springs (1.5 hours driving)
Garden of the Gods
Pike's Peak
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Day 2: Great Sand Dunes National Park (2.5 hours driving)
Canyon City Skyling drive on way to park
Sand sledding
Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park (3.5 hours driving)
Cliff Palace/Balcony House Loop Road
Step House
Day 4: Drive to Montrose (3 hours driving)
Drive through San Juans
Telluride
Bridal Falls
Day 5: Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park
Drive Canyon Rim Roads
Enjoy short trails and overlooks
Day 6: Drive to Aspen (3 hour drive)
Maroon Bells
Silver Queen Gondola
Day 7: Drive to Estes Park (6 hours)
Visit Rocky Mountain town
Day 8: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Center
Trail Ridge Rd
Alpine Ridge Trail
Bear Lake
Alberta Falls
Sprague Lake
Upper Beaver Meadows
Alluvial Fan
Storm Pass



