One Week in Colorado: Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, Mount Sherman, Quandary Peak, Breckenridge, Red Rocks, and Denver
I visited Colorado from Saturday, August 22, 2026, to Sunday, August 30, 2026. During the trip, I hiked the Manitou Incline, explored Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs, summited Mount Sherman and Quandary Peak, relaxed in Breckenridge, hiked the Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks, and spent time exploring Denver.
I spent two nights in Manitou Springs, four nights in Breckenridge, and two nights in Denver. I used a rental car through the Red Rocks portion of the trip, then relied on public transportation, walking, and rideshares once I reached Denver.
Colorado - Day 1: Chicago to Manitou Springs, CO
Chicago to Denver. Denver to Manitou Springs. Wander around Manitou Springs
Colorado - Day 2: Manitou Incline and Colorado Springs
Manitou Incline and Colorado Springs
Colorado - Day 6: Breckenridge
Breckenridge sightseeing, BreckConnect Gondola, Peak 8, and Blue River Bistro
Colorado - Day 7: Breckenridge to Red Rocks to Denver
Breckenridge to Red Rocks to hike the Trading Post Trail, then Denver for Larimer Square, the Celestia Experience, Wild Corgi Pub, and The Lockwood Kitchen & Bar at Sonesta Downtown
Colorado - Day 8: Denver
Meow Wolf, Lunch at Chef Zorba’s, Denver Botanic Gardens, 54thirty Rooftop Bar in Downtown Denver, Uncle and Avanti in LoHi
Colorado - Day 9: Denver to Chicago
RiNo in Denver in the morning. Denver to back to Chicago