Colorado Route: 5 Natural Landmarks from Alpine Peaks to
Explore Colorado's most iconic natural landmarks on this interactive map route. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes, Garden of the Gods, Maroon Bells, and Royal Gorge Bridge to experience the state's diverse landscapes from alpine peaks to desert formations.
- Distance
- 752.8 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- End
- Royal Gorge Bridge
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Rocky Mountain National Park — Majestic alpine peaks and pristine wilderness.
- Great Sand Dunes — Otherworldly sand dunes landscape.
- Garden of the Gods — Iconic red rock formations and natural amphitheater.
- Maroon Bells — Stunning twin peaks reflected in alpine lake.
- Royal Gorge Bridge — Historic engineering marvel spanning deep canyon.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Crested Butte in summer to see vibrant wildflower fields, especially around Mount Crested Butte, making it one of the best places in the country for nature lovers and photographers.
- Timing
- Visit Kebler Pass in fall when aspen leaves turn brilliant shades of gold for the best foliage photography. It's home to the largest aspen forest in North America.
- Save money
- Garden of the Gods is entirely free to visit. It's a 1,367 acre public park with hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.
- Where to stay
- Stay in Frisco as a base—it's just minutes away from ski resorts like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone, and offers a quieter alternative to larger mountain towns.
- Tip
- Visit the Breckenridge Welcome Center to learn about the town's mining history. Breckenridge has over 200 Victorian era buildings and is home to the highest chairlift in North America.
- Tip
- Rocky Mountain National Park spans 265,000 acres with over 350 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in North America.
- Timing
- Visit Denver in 30 minutes to access the Rocky Mountains from the city. Denver's downtown has museums, galleries, and the Denver Art Museum.
- Tip
- Hike Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon—a turquoise lake perched high above the canyon floor accessible by a challenging but rewarding hike.
- Transport
- Drive the Million Dollar Highway (US Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray) for jaw-dropping views. The road climbs over 11,000 ft at Red Mountain Pass with steep curves and hairpin turns.
- Tip
- Visit Telluride's Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events in the film industry attracting filmmakers and celebrities annually.
- Tip
- Take the Telluride Gondola to connect the town to Mountain Village with spectacular views of surrounding peaks.
- Tip
- Ride the Vail Gondola for breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. Vail Village has cobblestone streets with upscale shops and fine dining restaurants.
Video on this route
Wonders of Colorado | The Most Amazing Places in Colorado | Travel Video 4K