How to Make the Best of a 3-Day Colorado Road Trip

DAY ONE - ASPEN:

I know it's early summer but its never too early to plan for a Fall trip. Early October last year, I decided to take a last minute three day Colorado road trip. I wanted the trip to include some fun and adventurous activities along with some relaxation. I narrowed down my options to Aspen, Ouray, and Pagosa Springs and I would spend the night at each location. My first stop would be Aspen. The drive to Aspen during the Fall is glorious especially if you take the Independence Pass route (closed during the winter). I must say there were a few scary turns where my heart was racing from pure terror due to the narrowness of the road but the views were spectacular.

Accommodations:

Tyrolean Lodge

Tyrolean Lodge: Located in Downtown Aspen, great choice especially if you wish to have a kitchenette in order to cook some or all your meals (if you wish to save some money). I prefer to pick locations (if the price is right) where I can access a kitchen and cook some of my meals to save a buck or two. Your room here will have all you would need from pots and pans to plates and silverware, comes with a mini-fridge and a small top counter stove. There is a also a nearby market, about a 3-minute drive from the lodge where you can purchase your food to cook. Their room decor is slightly outdated but was clean and reasonably priced.

Things to Do:

Maroon Bells by Maroon Lake

Maroon Bells: The famous Maroon Bells, named this way due to their bell-shaped peaks, is located in the White River National Forest. It is considered one of the most photographed peaks in the United States--during the right time you can capture beautiful reflections of the peaks upon Maroon Lake. Since it is located in a National Park, there is a $10 per vehicle admission fee unless you are a National Park pass holder.

Active Duty, Guard and Reserve military personnel and their dependents can also get a free annual National Park pass which gives them access to about 2,000 National Parks and disabled veterans can receive a lifetime pass. If you meet this criteria and haven't obtained your free National Park pass you can get it right there from the Guard at the entrance (military identification will be required).

Once you park your car it's just a short (about 2 minute) walk to the shores of Maroon Lake where you can stand or sit and admire Maroon Bells from a distance. I've seen it's beauty in many photographs but seeing it in person left me speechless. All I wanted to do was just sit there for hours and take it all in. The bell shaped peaks were lightly kissed with snow and at their base surrounded by beautiful green, golden and red fall foliage. Although the lake was a bit choppy and there was no reflection of the peaks upon the lake it was still a glorious sight to see.

The road to Maroon Bells usually closes in mid-November, there is no vehicle access after that date. The road reopens mid-May. You can still visit Maroon Bells during the winter by hiking it, snowshoeing it or cross country skiing it...it's about a 12 mile trip. If you wish to make it more adventurous and adrenaline driven then another option is to access it through a snowmobile tour, you can try T-Lazy 7 Ranch.

During certain seasons there are parking and access restrictions therefore make sure to check their website when making your plans to visit. Also, not only they have several trails with different levels of difficulty, you can also fish and camp there, for more information go to https://www.stayaspensnowmass.com/activities/visit-maroon-bells.

John Denver Sanctuary

John Denver Sanctuary: Right in the middle of Downtown Aspen you will find this beautiful Sanctuary along the Roaring Fork River. It is a walkable trail down the river that contains a beautiful garden and engraved boulders containing key information about the sanctuary. If you're looking for a bit of serenity but also desire a little bit of exercise this walk will certainly satisfy both of those desires.

Consignment Store: For some great deals and hidden gems check out Aspen Thrift Shop.

Places to Eat:

Aspen Hickory House: Inexpensive and low key, seems to be a popular place for locals and you must try their brisket with macaroni and cheese dish--it was delicious.

As we all know Aspen is a popular ski destination but also bear in mind it can also be pricey during this time of the year. Aspen has also lots to offer during other seasons with year round activities, for more information check out http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/aspen.

DAY TWO - OURAY:

Lookout Stop for the town of Ouray

The next day I drove 3 1/2 hours south of Aspen to Ouray also known as the Switzerland of America. The drive there was just as beautiful as my drive to Aspen and there were also a few scary narrow roads on my way there. I decided to stop at their Visitor Center on Main Street (worth the stop) where I was assisted by Heidi who was very helpful and provided me with a map of the area that showed the streets of the town and Perimeter trail, a 5-mile loop that wraps around this tiny quaint city. She marked on the map must see sights throughout the trail such as Cascade Falls and Box Canyon Falls, she also shared the shortcuts to each location if I didn't desire to hike the entire trail.

Accommodations:

Hostel: I actually chose to stay at a hostel here. It was a great price and centrally located in the middle of the town but I found their mattress on a pallet too uncomfortable so I wouldn't pick this option again for myself. If you're looking for a cheap place to stay and don't mind a bit of discomfort and also lack of privacy then this may be a good option for you.

Things to Do:

Wiesbaden Lodging and Hot Springs

Wiesbaden Hot Springs: Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings, conveniently located only one block from my hostel (the town is small and walkable). This particular hot springs is also accessible to the public and not just their guests. The cost is just $15 (includes towel), they only provide an open shelving room to place your belongings, so you might want to leave your belongings in your car or in your hotel room. You also have access to showers and changing rooms.

Wiesbaden provides you access to a cozy underground hot springs vapor cave and a spacious outdoor hot springs pool. Be warned though, it is very hot and muggy in the cave, about 108 degrees so you may find it difficult to breath at first but it's certainly an awesome experience (the extreme heat in there might damage your smartphone, suggest you leave it out).

After 10 minutes in the cave (that's all I could handle) I was ready to hit the outdoor hot springs pool (ranges between 102 to 104 degrees). It was a crisp and clear night and I had a phenomenal view of the San Juan Mountains towering all around me. The outdoor area contains patio tables with chairs where you can eat or place your belongings and plenty of noodle floats if you wish to just lay back and float around. It's also nicely decorated with white Christmas lights wrapped around their entire wood fence that just gives you this magical and cozy feeling.

The water temperature was perfect, it felt wonderful having the water envelope my whole body and soothe my sore muscles from hiking. These are natural hot springs, not recirculated, not chemically treated and pure in nature therefore providing many healing qualities. This time of the year the hot springs are not heavily populated so if wish to have a bit more privacy and not be surrounded by massive amount of folks then the Fall might be a good time for you to visit.

Perimeter Trail: Since I wanted to make most of the one day I was to spend in Ouray, I made the decision to not hike the entire 5-mile perimeter trail loop (rated moderate-strenuous) around Ouray but to just hike to Cascade Falls (hike to it rated easy and busy). You can access the hiking entrance to Cascade Falls from 8th Avenue. If you don't wish to walk there, you can also drive there, you will find plenty of parking spaces. It was a slightly steep but short hike (about 5-minutes--depending on how slow or fast you are--I'm about average) to the bottom of the falls.

Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls: It's about a 100-foot waterfall with a slight trickle of water running down its cliffs and although it wasn't this massive flow of water gushing and splashing down into the base below it was still quite a sight to see. There is a gazebo with a bench at the base of the falls where you can sit, relax and enjoy the view.

Box Canyon Falls: You can also drive up to the entrance of Box Canyon Falls and there is also plenty of parking spaces there. Box Canyon Falls is considered Ouray's own wonder of the world, the waterfall flows down into a canyon you can access by foot. There is a set of stairs that starts at the halfway point of the canyon and you can take the stairs all the way to the bottom where you can walk out into the canyon and have an intimate close up shot of the waterfall.

There is a separate walking trail that guides you to a small walking bridge that overlooks the waterfall providing an above awestruck view below and beyond...a must do! Just be aware...if you choose to hike the entire Perimeter trail it contains some narrow paths with high drops along the hillside therefore bear that in mind if bringing children or if you are afraid of heights. Temperatures will vary along the hike due to different areas of elevation...make sure to have appropriate clothing and shoes, you will also have no cell phone reception.

Places to Eat:

Backstreet Bistro: Cozy breakfast spot with good and affordable breakfast menu options and super friendly staff.

Ouray Brewery: Fun spot for lunch or dinner, it has a rooftop terrace with phenomenal views and is reasonably priced.

There was so much of this small town I wanted to see, especially hike the entire perimeter trail loop. If you chose to visit Ouray, I suggest you stay there at least two days and no need to just stick to the Fall season, Ouray is a cute as a button town with beautiful surroundings and year round fun activities. For more information on what to do for fun or to get a history lesson on Ouray go to http://www.cityofouray.com/visitors/index.php.

DAY THREE - PAGOSA SPRINGS:

After a few days of hiking and sightseeing, I was looking forward to one day of just pure relaxation and I felt Pagosa Springs would fit that perfectly. It is a small-quaint town with a lot of personality. It's about a 5-hour drive (one-way) from Denver with glorious scenic views along the way but only a 3-hour drive from Ouray, where I had started my journey to Pagosa Springs. This was my last stop on my three day Colorado road trip and I was looking forward to a little pampering.

Accommodations:

You will find various lodging options in Pagosa Springs whether you're on a budget or would like fancier accommodations. I choose to go the Airbnb route.

Airbnb is a great option. You can reserve an entire place if you prefer privacy or have a large group of people. If you wish to save some money, then the private room option is a great alternative. I have personally done both options at various locations throughout the U.S. and overseas.

For Pagosa Springs, I choose a private room with a private bath at a home residence walking distance to downtown. Three things I rely heavily when deciding which Airbnb option to choose: the pictures posted, the reviews from previous guests and location.

Things to Do:

The Springs Resort Hot Springs by the San Juan River

The Springs Resort and Spa (Hot Springs): Enjoy their 18 hot springs pool with varying temperature degrees for just $26. Discounts provided for military and senior citizens. You have access to lockers for $2, towels for $3 and robes for $10, all optional, you can bring your own towel and/or robe.

The pools overlook the San Juan River, San Juan Mountains and downtown Pagosa Springs, so you'll have a phenomenal view while soaking up in pure pleasure. I tested every hot springs pool option. My favorite was "Clouds in My Coffee", it had the best view and was hot enough for my taste.

Places to Eat:

Pagosa Baking Company

Pagosa Baking Company: Great place for breakfast or lunch with simple tasty meal options that contain local organic ingredients. It's interior has a warm and homey feel to it, you'll feel like your in grandma's home. The staff was also very friendly and welcoming.

Riff Raff Brewing Company: This is a fun place to watch a game on TV, listen to live music on the weekend or make new friends while enjoying a tasty burger with a cold beer in hand.

All in all, there are numerous things to do in Pagosa Springs year round. For more information on activities, lodging, dining and shopping go to http://www.visitpagosasprings.com/discover-pagosa-springs/facts.

This last minute trip ended up being fun and exhilarating. I'm a planner and I normally have my trips well planned in advance along with the activities or tours I plan on doing. For this trip, the only thing I took care of in advance was lodging, I booked my rooms before hitting the road but that was about it.

Everything I did at each town was based on feedback I received from the locals or tourists that were also visiting. I left it all to chance and although that is so out of character for me, it also showed me that I do have it in me to be a bit more spontaneous and that the UNKNOWN can be just as thrilling.