Colorado Rockies explored

Spend today discovering the 'Mile High City', so coined because Denver stands one mile above sea level. We suggest you explore the city's art galleries or visit the Denver Botanic Gardens. With its red-brick façades, Larimer Square is Denver's most historic block, dating back to the mid-1800s. Still a commercial hub, it's lined with independent shops, cafés, and bars. It's a great place to head in the evening to enjoy the bustling atmosphere and dine in a superb selection of restaurants.

Today, you will spend four hours exploring the foothills surrounding Denver with a local guide. You pass through the Great Plains Valley and head toward the mountains that look down on the city, visiting the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This natural rock formation has hosted many music performances throughout the years. You then visit the grave of Buffalo Bill Cody himself, a legend in these parts, and take in more beautiful scenery as you make your way west. After the tour, you can visit Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team. You can still tour the stadium if there isn't a game on.

Travel to your nearest car hire depot, where your car will be ready to collect. All insurance, road maps and a sat nav are included in your hire agreement. Your first drive of the trip is a simple journey to Colorado Springs which sits at the foot of the Rockies. The remainder of the day you have free to explore. We recommend a visit to the Garden of the Gods, a public park and designated national landmark that features towering red rock formations.

Colorado Springs is best known for Pikes Peak, one of the state's many 4,300 m (14,000 ft) mountain peaks. Today, you head to the top on a 4x4 adventure. It's an ascent of 2,438 m (8,000 ft) to the summit, where you have time to take in the panoramic views. Afterwards, you drive down the north face on the scenic Pikes Peak Highway.

Head west into the Rocky Mountains today, departing Colorado Springs and making your way to Breckenridge. Breckenridge was founded during the Gold Rush, and the town retains a pioneering character, with many of the local shops still sporting their 19th-century storefronts.

You have all day to explore Breckenridge today. The town caters for many outdoor pursuits, and you can choose from a host of activities, such as hiking, cycling and zip-lining.

Head into the mountains today on Independence Pass, a road that takes you up to 3,685 m (12,095 ft). You pass some beautiful scenery as you make your way to the historic mining town of Aspen. It was founded in the late 19th century during the Colorado Silver Boom and now blends this history with modern comforts and amenities. You have the rest of the day to relax and explore.

Spend the day enjoying the great outdoors. Aspen is the start of a range of hiking trails, with options to suit all abilities. You could also opt to stay in town and enjoy the shopping or spas.

Today, you travel to the Roaring Fork River to white-water raft along Class 3 rapids, which are suitable for beginners, experiencing beautiful scenery along the way. This afternoon you can walk some of the local hiking trails or go up Aspen Mountain on a gondola ride for elevated views of the Rocky Mountains.

Journey to Rocky Mountain National Park today on your way to Estes Park, a small town nestled just outside the east entrance of the park. The route takes you along Trail Ridge Road, a scenic drive that ascends to 3,650 m (12,000 ft) and offers vistas of the surrounding mountain scenery. Along this drive, you may see grazing wildlife, including elk, moose and bighorn sheep. The road traverses the park before you arrive in Estes Park, where you will stay for the next few nights.

Estes Park sits at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park, which you can explore at your leisure today. The park has some 480 km (300 miles) of hiking trails, many of which lead directly from the main roads. While you're in Estes Park, the spooky Stanley Hotel — the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining — is a diverting local point of interest.

You can enjoy a morning exploring Rocky Mountain National Park before making the drive south to Denver. You will have one last night to enjoy Denver's restaurant scene before your flight home tomorrow.

Enjoy a last morning in Denver then make your way to the airport for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.