The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Colorado

Colorado is the best state when it comes to outdoor beauty and activities. As Coloradans, it's our duty to get out there to explore and enjoy every bit of it. It's pretty amazing that we can fit so many wonderful and memorable adventures into short road trips. This road trip that we've put together for you is a great example of that! Over two short days, you'll hike, explore, climb, ride, relax, eat, and drink as you travel from Lake George to Manitou Springs. The driving portion of this adventure is just one hour, by you'll be amazed by all the things you'll do and see in such a small section of the state. If you love outdoor adventures and activities in Colorado, this nature-based road trip is for you! Read on to learn more about it and start planning the dates that you'll take it on!

From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.

This 2-day road trip starts at 11 Mile Canyon near Lake George and then visits Florissant, Divide, the top of Pikes Peak, and Manitou Springs. You'll only have to drive for one hour - yet you'll see and experience so many outdoor adventures & activities in Colorado.

Explore Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area Near Lake George

Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area is below the Eleven Mile Dam that creates Eleven Mile Reservoir, where you'll find Eleven Mile State Park. The reservoir and state park are nice enough, sure, and are worth a visit, but this canyon is far better - it's breathtaking and spectacular, and that's why we're starting this road trip here.

This canyon is managed by the US Forest Service, and there's a $9/vehicle fee for day use. Don't let that sway you - it's worth it.

The road that runs along the South Platte River here is actually about 9 miles long, rather than 11. It used to be the bed of the Colorado Midland Railroad tracks long ago. You'll go through tunnels like these along the way.

It will take you about 20 to get to the dam and about minutes to get back, if you don't stop at all.

But you'll want to stop. There are so many beautiful pull-offs along the way where you can get down to the river. You'll want to take lots of photos. If you're into fishing, you'll want to fish here, too - this is a fly fishing paradise.

You'll want to take lots of photos. You'll want to hike along the river and watch the water rush over the boulders. You'll want to relax in the shade of the trees in the canyon.

You'll see lots of wildlife here, too. This canyon is incredible and is one of the most beautiful in all of Colorado. You'll love it.

There are several campgrounds in the canyon - but they book up fast! Check them out while you're visiting so you know which ones you might like to stay in next time you come.

Take A Hike At Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

When you're done in the canyon, you'll drive just 10 minutes to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument for the next leg of your adventure.

This National Park Service site was established in 1969 to preserve and study the geology and history of this part of Colorado.

There are lots of cool things to check out here, including this petrified redwood tree stump which is thought to be about 35 million years old.

At Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, there are a number of hiking trails for you to try. We recommend the easy, 3.6 mile Hornbek Wildlife Loop. It will take you about an hour and a half to complete.

See more of the trails at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Along the way, you'll visit the Hornbek ranch, a restored and preserved ranch that Adeline Hornbek and her four children built and maintained in the 1870s after she was widowed twice. It's a perfect example of an old mountain ranch, and you can learn about the lives of the Hornbeks on your hike.

It's not called the Hornbek Wildlife Loop for nothing! In addition to the ranch and fossilized tree stumps, it's likely that you'll see some local wildlife on this hike as well.

Stay Overnight In A Cabin With A Hot Tub Near Divide

Day one was busy but fun! After all that hiking, exploring, and adventuring, you're probably ready to relax. We found the perfect spot for you to do just that. This vacation home rental cabin in Divide is just a short drive from Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, and you're going to love it.

This 1200 square foot cabin sleeps six guests in three beds in three bedrooms. You'll only be a few miles from groceries, restaurants, and gas, but you'll be on two quiet acres and you'll be able to see so many stars.

This home is comfortable and spacious and has extremely good ratings from hundreds of guests.

You'll love falling asleep in this cozy bed and waking up refreshed in the morning.

Before you go to bed, though, you'll probably want to soak a bit in this hot tub! There are also hammocks, a basketball court, horseshoes, movies, and board games here to keep you busy. Or, you could just relax on the deck and listen to the breeze blowing through the trees.

Ride The Pikes Peak Cog Railway To The Top Of Pikes Peak

Day two is filled with more fun adventures! You'll drive just 30 minutes from your vacation rental home to the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway Station in Manitou Springs. Get ready - you're going to the top!

This cog railway was built starting in 1889 and was completed in 1891. It has been taking tourists to the summit of 14,115' Pikes Peak ever since. Don't worry - it's been maintained and updated over the years!

The ride to the top is about 9 miles long, and your roundtrip journey will take about three hours. The views on the way up are impressive. You'll learn about the cog railway, Pikes Peak, Colorado history, and more on the way.

When you get to the top, you'll have the opportunity to get out and walk around, and to visit the Pikes Peak Summit Visitors Center, too.

Don't stay inside too long, though. The views from the top are why you came. They're absolutely spectacular.

Sip Wine And Relax At Swirl Restaurant And Wine Bar In Manitou Springs

Once you come down from the top of Pikes Peak, you're going to be ready to sit somewhere with your companions, have some food and drink, and reflect on the great times you had on this trip. A perfect place to do all that is on the patio at Swirl Restaurant and Wine Bar in Manitou Springs.

This locals favorite is so pleasant, welcoming, and relaxing. The decor both inside and out is great. The service is friendly. You'll love everything about this spot.

You'll especially love the patio. It's a bit of a secret - it's hidden in the back - but seek it out. This is where the locals go!

Once you're seated, have a glass of sangria.

Or perhaps you'd like a beer?

The food at Swirl Restaurant and Wine bar is great across the board. You're sure to be happy with whatever you order. Have a great meal - it's the perfect way to wrap up a perfect outdoor adventures & activities in Colorado road trip!

We hope you had so much fun on this 2-day road trip which we feel really highlights some of the best outdoor adventures and activities in Colorado! Of course, this is only the beginning - there are so many things to see and do in Colorado - and there's so much you can do in just two days. Plan this road trip and then plan another one - the great outdoors of Colorado awaits you!

If you're looking to be inspired by more Colorado road trips, check out our Colorado Road Trips page for more ideas!