These are the must-see stops on a Colorado road trip — including national parks, hiking trails, a red rock amphitheater, and more!

Colorado has always been a place known for flawless views and landscapes which makes it a great state to road trip through. The long winding roads, the national parks and monuments, there really is no end to the list.

There is so much more to Colorado than what you can see on a once-a-year ski vacation. Consider a road trip to see all that it truly has to offer. Because there are so many things to do and see, here is a list of absolute must-sees to plan around when devising your trip!

Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Denver

Known as the “Mile High City”, Denver is the capital of Colorado so there is no question there is a lot to see! Situated at 5280 feet above sea level, the city offs beautiful sights, as well as many other unique restaurants and experiences.

While visiting Denver, I highly recommend making a stop in Boulder, Colorado, a 30-minute drive from Denver. Boulder has become a popular destination over the years as it’s the perfect combination of urban and outdoors.

Read more: Detailed Road Trip Packing List (Must-Have Essentials!)

Red Rock Amphitheatre

The Red Rock Amphitheatre is an open-air theater build into an incredible rock structure. It is worth seeing even if you’re not going for the live music. If there is a show in town, it may be worth it to check that out as well as it is considered one of the most beautiful music venues in the entire country.

The amphitheater is created naturally around the rocks and you are greeted with views of downtown Denver as well as the surrounding hills and trails. If you’re not interested in the music, that’s okay! There are hiking trails surrounding the theater that make it worth the trip.

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Union Station

Union Station can be referred to as “Denver’s Living Room”. It is a 100-year-old landmark in the heart of Downtown Denver that holds the city’s top restaurants, bars and shopping. If you’re not so much into all the outdoor adventures that Colorado has to offer, Union Station is a vibrant and trendy area to show you the trendier side of the Centennial State.

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Colorado Springs

Though the springs can be an amazing picturesque moment, be sure to include Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods in your visit to Colorado Springs.

The real gem of Pikes Peak are the views from the 14,000-foot summit, which makes it a popular destination for travelers. Because of its allure, is recommended to make a reservation for your trip to ensure easy parking and a hassle-free experience.

Pikes Peak actually inspired the song “America the Beautiful”, and if that does not speak to the sheer grace to be witnessed there — nothing else will.

Just a short drive from Pikes Peak you will find Garden of the Gods.

Garden of the Gods Park is a National Natural Landmark full of immense red sandstone rock formations, endless hiking trails, and incomparable scenery. This park was voted the best city park in the country as well as the second best in the world!

Read more: How to Take Amazing Travel Photos as a Solo Traveler

Glenwood Springs

Did you know that the largest mineral hot spring in the world is located in Colorado? Glenwood Springs offers uninterrupted views, underground caves, hiking trails and the ability to relax and enjoy the hot, natural spring water.

Nature lovers must make a stop at Maroon Bells, about an hour’s drive from Glenwood Springs. With five trails to choose from — from easy to moderate — there’s hiking options for all types of travelers.

Telluride

This former mining town is full of picturesque waterfalls, hot springs, cliff walls and even a gondola that can allow you to get an even better view of the spectacular stop. There are many natural wonders that will leave you in awe.

During the winter months this is a notably big ski community. The Telluride Ski Resort is open year-round to travelers who are interested in exploring this Gold Rush territory more!

Be sure to stop at Bridal Veil Falls — at 365 ft, it is noted as the highest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. Though it breathtaking to view in the warmer months, in the winter it can be an exciting challenge to ice climbers!

Read more: Telluride, Colorado Travel Guide + Packing Tips

Colorado National Monument

Set on over 20,000 acres of incomparable views, the Colorado National Monument is full of nothing less than stunning red rock! Within the last few years, the monument has grown in popularity and is visited by over 400,000 people annually.

Serpents trail, Red Canyon Overlook, Fallen Rock Overlook, Highland View Overlook, UTE Canyon, and Grand View are just a few of the iconic trails to go down while visiting this stunning monument.

Read more: Must-Know Tips For Taking A Road Trip In The USA

Great Sand Dunes National Park

If the sand is more of your scene, be sure to stop at Great Sand Dunes National Park. It is known for 30 square miles of towering sand dunes including the tallest sand dune in North America. The best part about this park is that it is open day and night so you can stop by at your leisure!

Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park

A hidden gem to add to your list is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This is one of the least visited parks in Colorado so it is a great escape from the crowds at the other parks. The Black Canyon is deep, steep and incredibly dark. There are trails around the northern and southern rims of the park that give you plenty to see.

Read more: The Ultimate Packing List for Campers

Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the most iconic parks in Colorado has to be the Rocky Mountain National Park. This park has tranquil mountain views, forests, glistening lakes and alpine tundra.

With plenty to see and do, this is a highlight to add to your trip’s itinerary. It covers a total area of 265,461 acres, including 300 miles of hiking trails and wildlife so spending more than one day here would be ideal in order to take in all that it truly has to offer.

Read more: Must-See Stops On A Central Oregon Road Trip (+ Where To Stay!)

Beautiful Drives

Many times, we focus on the destination, not the journey. The great part of a road trip is that you have so much time to enjoy what is around you. Sometimes driving down the road can be more beautiful than your final stop. There are so many ways you can drive through this serene state.

However; there are two road ways to be sure to factor into your drive.

• Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is considered one of the most beautiful drives in America. It is a 48-mile span of highway throughout the Rocky Mountain National Park. Due to the area’s large amount of snowfall, the road is typically open from the end of May through October.

• Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile road that tends to be known as a sort of “rite of passage” to roadtrippers through Colorado. You will go through Durango, Silverton and Ouray and climb 3 large mountains. Unlike Trail Ridge Road, the Million Dollar Highway is open year-round, though inclement weather has been known to make the drive tripterous.

With these striking views comes some risk. This roadway has no guardrails even with its dramatic drops and tight turns. It requires your complete attention, though it is so stunning I’m sure that won’t be a problem.

Read more: CA Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide (And Where To Stay!)

Colorado Packing Essentials

Winter Gear: If you decide to road trip through Colorado during winter, you’ll want to take advantage of the ski culture. Be sure to bring a pair of snow pants, ski goggles, a beanie, snow boots, and a pair of heavy-duty mittens.

Summer Gear: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a wide-brimmed hat will have you all set for your summer in Colorado. Additionally, remember to bring a light sweater or jacket as nights can get chilly.

Hiking Equipment: If you plan on spending time on the trails, a moisture-wicking top, hiking poles, hiking shoes, and hiking socks are absolutely essential.

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Carrying out major home renovations can boost the value of your property, but it’s sensible to buy renovation insurance to ensure you are protected against the risks involved and don’t end up paying the price if something goes wrong. Here’s what you need to know.

What is renovation insurance?

Renovation insurance is a type of insurance policy that is specifically designed to cover all the additional risks associated with home renovations. It will provide protection against damage to structures being built, and provide cover against injury for those carrying out the renovations.

image credit: Future PLC

How does it differ from a standard insurance policy?

A standard home insurance policy won’t usually cover you for these additional risks or it will have specified limits in place. This means it won’t be appropriate if you’re planning extensive home renovations such as a loft conversion or any structural alterations.

What should a renovation insurance policy cover?

The cover provided will vary depending on the policy, but typically you should be covered for:

• Damage to the new building and existing structure as a result of fire or flooding
• Theft of building materials, tools and equipment kept at the property
• Theft or damage of your personal possessions
• Damage to neighbouring properties caused by your renovations
• Protection for your property if it’s left unoccupied
• Public liability cover in the event someone is injured at your property while renovations are completed
• Employers’ liability cover to protect you against claims made by anyone working on the site in the event of injury or death
• Damage caused by subsidence, heave or landslip during the works

Do I have to take out renovation insurance?

Before starting any type of home renovation work, it is important to make sure you have adequate insurance in place to protect you if someone gets injured or your home is damaged during the renovations.

For fairly minor home improvements, such as the installation of a new kitchen, it’s worth contacting your current insurer to double check whether your standard home insurance policy already provides sufficient cover. It’s best practice to inform your insurer of any work being carried out on your home anyway.

But for more substantial home renovations you will need to take out a separate renovation insurance policy; an insurance for building works.

‘You’re not legally obliged to have renovation insurance, but if your home insurance policy is restricted during your project, you may have an exclusion that applies when damage is caused by the works, or your existing policy may actually be invalidated by structural works,’ says Brooke Crisp from Renovation Plan.

‘In this case, you will be relying on your contractor’s public liability policy to cover any potential loss. This could cause problems as it would only provide cover in the event of the contractor being negligent. The contractor would also not be providing cover for any existing structure which is there at the moment (i.e. your existing home itself).’

How much does renovation insurance cost?

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

The cost of renovation insurance will depend on a range of factors, including the expected length of the project, the estimated costs, the scope of the work being carried out, as well as the rebuild cost of the current property.

‘When purchasing renovation insurance, it is important to engage with your insurer as early as possible, providing them with as much detail as you can,’ says James Vaughan, development underwriter at specialist insurer Hiscox.

‘Some insurers have a preference of 30 days’ advanced notice of the project starting. Due to the complexity of building works, insurance quotes can often take longer to produce compared to a standard home insurance policy.’

How to compare renovation insurance

When comparing renovation insurance quotes, it’s important not to simply pick the cheapest one you find. Instead, make sure you check exactly what’s included in the policy and whether there are any exclusions.

‘Customers should be clear about what is going to be involved in the renovation such as timeframes, materials used and whether the home can be occupied whilst all the works are being completed,’ says Sarah Smith, head of home underwriting at LV= General Insurance. ‘

‘They should also understand any special terms, limits and conditions that will apply whilst the renovation is underway. This will allow the customer to check the cover meets their needs before purchasing.’

Where can I buy renovation insurance?

You can buy renovation insurance from a specialist insurer or broker online, such as:

• Hiscox
• Home Protect
• A Plan
• Renovation Plan

Do I need to change policies when the project is complete?

Some renovation insurance policies will provide continuous cover once the work is complete. But if not, you will need to revert to a standard buildings and home contents insurance policy, checking that you have the correct level of cover.

‘Renovations could add value to a property as well as the value of household contents,’ says Vaughan. ‘It is important to update the policy to ensure that the right insurance cover is in place.’

The post Renovation insurance – when do you need it? appeared first on Ideal Home.