Colorado's weather and prices vary sharply by elevation and city: Denver's normal highs run from 44.0°F in December to 89.9°F in July, Aspen's January high is only 34.6°F, and lodging in Denver carries 14.75% in taxes before any 1% hotel district tax. Rocky Mountain National Park charges $30–$35 per vehicle plus $100 per nonresident aged 16 and older, and Garden of the Gods is free. We verified no driving times or flight prices.
Quick plan (our recommendation)
This is an editorial plan from official sources, not a trip we took. See the weekend itinerary for a short version.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: check fees and any timed-entry rules for your dates.
- Colorado Springs: free Garden of the Gods.
- Denver: a city base with RTD transit.
What it costs (verified figures only)
| Item | Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain National Park | $30 per vehicle (1 day) or $35 (7 days) | Plus $100 per nonresident 16 and older unless they hold a pass. Source: NPS. |
| Timed entry (2026 season) | $2 reservation | 9 a.m.–2 p.m., May 22–Oct 12, 2026. Source: NPS. |
| Garden of the Gods | Free | Source: City of Colorado Springs. |
| RTD (Denver) | 3-Hour Pass $2.75; Day Pass $5.50; Airport Day Pass $10 | Source: RTD. |
| Denver lodging | 10.75% city + 4.0% state/special district | +1% for hotels of 50+ rooms. Source: City and County of Denver. |
Getting around
Colorado's destinations are far apart and we verified only Denver-area transit; see transportation.
When to go
NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Denver show highs of 83.4–89.9°F from June to August and 44.0–45.7°F in December–February; Colorado Springs adds up to 5.7 inches of snow a month in March. Mountain towns such as Aspen are colder; see the best-time guide.
Safety and practical tips
For winter travel see National Weather Service cold-safety guidance, and use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen at altitude (American Academy of Dermatology). This guide publishes no crime or altitude-safety statistics.
What this guide does not cover
We do not rate hotels, restaurants, tours or stores, or claim first-hand visits; see the editorial policy.