From Crested Butte to the Black Canyon then rounding off the trip with a stay in Ouray and Telluride, southwestern Colorado is an absolute must visit!
Must hike: Black Canyon of Gunnison
Ouray Perimeter Trail
We did a mix of camping and Air BNB’s to keep the cost down. Just don’t be like me and forget half your tent when you show up at the campsite just before dark – whoops!
2. Moab
Moab is only 5 hours from Denver so it’s perfect for a weekend trip that feels like a getaway to another world! From Trunk Picnics in the National Parks, to endless hiking and offroading adventures it is a really magical place.
My favorite hike is Corona Arch (much less crowded than Delicate Arch in Arches National Park) and then if you’re looking to cool down check out Mill Creek Canyon.
I don’t think I ever would have gone to the Black Hills if it weren’t for a couple of friends who wanted to meet in the middle from Minnesota – I ended up falling in love! It’s only 5 hours from Denver and has unbelievable hiking and sites to see.
My favorite hikes were a local’s favorite, Hippie Hole, down to a swimming hole! Little Devil’s Tower and Sunday Gulch were also incredible and I can’t wait to go back.
