Christmas in Colorado

Day 1: Denver Arrival & Exploration

December 21

• 2:00 PM: Arrive at Denver International Airport and pick up your rental car.

• 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Grab a late lunch at Snooze, an AM Eatery, or a similar nearby option.

• 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Visit Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre for a short scenic walk or enjoy sunset views.

• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Explore the Denver Christmas Market for holiday vibes, food, and shopping.

• 9:30 PM: Drive to your Airbnb and settle in for the night.

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Adventures

December 22

• 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Drive to RMNP Beaver Meadows Entrance (~2 hours, icy road buffer included).

• 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Hike Bear Lake Loop (0.6 miles, easy) or snowshoe Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes (3.6 miles, moderate).

• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Drive through Moraine Park for wildlife spotting (elk, deer, and coyotes).

• 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Drive to Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa (~1.5 hours).

• 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Relax in the hot springs.

• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Drive back to your Denver Airbnb (~2 hours).

Day 3: Snowmobiling & Winter Hiking

December 23

• 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Drive to a snowmobiling operator of your choice (options below).

• 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Guided snowmobiling adventure (2 hours, plus prep time).

• 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Drive to Grizzly Creek Trail (~30 minutes).

• 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Hike Grizzly Creek Trail (~2.5 hours, moderate).

• 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Drive back to Denver (~2 hours) and drop off the rental car if not needed further.

Day 4: Royal Gorge Bridge Adventure & Garden of the Gods

December 24

• 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Drive to Royal Gorge Bridge (~2 hours).

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge and enjoy the gondola ride.

• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch in Cañon City.

• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Drive to Garden of the Gods (~1.5–2 hours).

• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Explore Garden of the Gods and hike the Perkins Central Garden Trail (1.5 miles, easy).

• 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Drive back to Denver (~1.5 hours) and relax for the evening.

Day 5: Denver Exploration & Blossoms of Light

December 25

• 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or coffee in Denver.

• 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Stroll through Larimer Square for boutique shopping and festive vibes.

• 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens for the Blossoms of Light exhibit (if daytime entry is available).

• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Early dinner near the airport.

• 7:30 PM: Return the rental car and check in for your flight.

Packing List

Clothing

1. Waterproof and insulated jacket.

2. Waterproof and insulated pants (for hiking and outdoor activities).

3. Moisture-wicking thermal base layers (top and bottom).

4. Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket).

5. Wool or synthetic cold-weather socks (bring extras).

6. Waterproof winter boots with good traction.

7. Gloves (insulated and waterproof).

8. Hat (warm and windproof).

9. Neck gaiter or scarf for wind protection.

Extras

• Sunscreen (yes, even in winter).

• Lip balm with SPF.

• Camera or smartphone with a waterproof case.

• First aid kit (optional).

Snowmobiling Operators Near Denver

1. Denver Snowmobiling Tours & Rentals

   • Location: Breckenridge, CO

   • Distance from Denver: ~80 miles

   • Driving Time: ~1.75 hours

   • Website: Denver Snowmobiling Tours

2. Grand Adventures

   • Location: Winter Park, CO

   • Distance from Denver: ~67 miles

   • Driving Time: ~1.5 hours

   • Website: Grand Adventures

3. White Mountain Snowmobile Tours

   • Location: Leadville, CO

   • Distance from Denver: ~100 miles

   • Driving Time: ~2 hours

   • Website: White Mountain Snowmobile Tours

4. High Country Tours

   • Location: Silverthorne, CO

   • Distance from Denver: ~70 miles

   • Driving Time: ~1.5 hours

   • Website: High Country Tours

5. Colorado Snowmobile Tours

   • Location: Summit County, CO

   • Distance from Denver: ~75 miles

   • Driving Time: ~1.5–1.75 hours

   • Website: Colorado Snowmobile Tours

6. Nova Guides

   • Location: Red Cliff, CO

   • Distance from Denver: ~120 miles

   • Driving Time: ~2 hours

   • Website: Nova Guides

7. Good Times Adventures

   • Location: Breckenridge, CO

   • Distance from Denver: ~80 miles

   • Driving Time: ~1.75 hours

   • Website: Good Times Adventures

8. Mile High Snowmobile Tours

   • Location: Denver, CO

   • Distance from Denver: N/A (local to Denver)

   • Driving Time: Minimal (depends on departure point)

   • Website: Mile High Snowmobile Tours

9. Thunderstruck Adventures

   • Location: Steamboat Springs, CO

   • Distance from Denver: ~157 miles

   • Driving Time: ~3 hours

   • Website: Thunderstruck Adventures

10. Snowmobile Adventures

    • Location: Pagosa Springs, CO

    • Distance from Denver: ~290 miles

    • Driving Time: ~5 hours

    • Website: Snowmobile Adventures