Denver Campervan & Motorhome Hire

Day 1: Collect your RV from Cruise America's Denver depot in Frederick, about 34 miles (55 km) north of Denver International Airport, where pick-ups usually run from 1pm to 4pm. Stock up on groceries nearby, then drive about an hour to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Book two nights near town, and drink plenty of water as you adjust to the altitude.

Day 2: Explore the Bear Lake Road corridor with a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservation from Recreation.gov, needed from late May to mid-October. Leave the RV at the Park & Ride and take the park shuttle to Bear Lake, then walk the lakeside loops to Nymph and Dream lakes. Look for elk grazing in Moraine Park on the drive back to town.

Day 3: Drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, which climbs to 12,183 feet (3,713 m) on its 48 miles (77 km) across the park. Enter before 9am or book a Timed Entry reservation, and stop at the Alpine Visitor Center and the tundra viewpoints. Descend through the Kawuneeche Valley to Grand Lake and book two nights.

Day 4: Look for moose in the Kawuneeche Valley early in the morning, then walk to Adams Falls on the East Inlet Trail before the 9am timed-entry window starts. Spend the afternoon on Grand Lake, paddling or strolling the boardwalks of the old wooden town. Refuel in Granby before tomorrow's drive west.

Day 5: Head south to Granby and west on US 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat Springs, about 95 miles (153 km) and just over two hours. Use low gears on the long descent into the Yampa Valley. Book two nights at a campground near town, then walk the Yampa River Core Trail into the old town centre.

Day 6: Drive the short road from town to Fish Creek Falls and walk down to the lower viewpoint, arriving early as RV parking is limited. In the afternoon, soak in the pools at Old Town Hot Springs in the centre of Steamboat, or float the Yampa River on a warm summer day. Refill water and empty the tanks before moving on.

Day 7: Follow CO 131 south through ranch country to I-70, then west through Glenwood Canyon, where the interstate hugs the Colorado River, to Glenwood Springs. The drive is about 114 miles (184 km) and two and a half hours. Book two nights near town and check CDOT's COtrip site for any canyon closures before you set off.

Day 8: Soak in the large hot springs pool at Glenwood Hot Springs, then ride the gondola up to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for cave tours and views over the valley. Hire a bike and ride the paved path through Glenwood Canyon, or browse the shops in town. Stock up on groceries for the mountain leg ahead.

Day 9: Drive about an hour up the Roaring Fork Valley on CO 82 to Aspen, 42 miles (68 km) away. Book two nights at a White River National Forest campground near town well ahead, as camping close to Aspen is limited. Wander the historic centre and its galleries, and ride the gondola up Aspen Mountain in summer.

Day 10: Visiting Maroon Bells needs a reservation from visitmaroonbells.com, whether you ride the shuttle or drive, so leave the RV in town and take the shuttle. Walk the easy trail around Maroon Lake beneath the twin peaks. Head back west tomorrow, as Independence Pass east of Aspen is narrow and closed to vehicles over 35 feet.

Day 11: Drive down the valley to Carbondale and over McClure Pass on CO 133 to Montrose, about 139 miles (223 km) and three and a half hours. Book two nights in Montrose, as only 25 non-electric sites at the park's South Rim Campground have reopened after the 2025 South Rim Fire. Stock up on supplies in town.

Day 12: Drive 17 miles (28 km) to the South Rim and follow the rim road past overlooks such as Gunnison Point, Chasm View and the Painted Wall, where the cliffs plunge to the river far below. Skip the steep East Portal Road, closed to vehicles over 22 feet, which rules out the Standard and Large RVs. Carry your own water.

Day 13: Drive about 45 minutes south on US 550 to Ouray, a Victorian mining town ringed by peaks, 36 miles (58 km) away. Soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and walk to Box Canyon Falls. Stay nearby, and leave the Million Dollar Highway south of town, steep and narrow with few guardrails, to confident drivers.

Day 14: Backtrack to Ridgway and take CO 62 over the Dallas Divide to Telluride, about 50 miles (80 km), with big views of the San Juan Mountains. Ride the free gondola from town to Mountain Village and look up at Bridal Veil Falls at the end of the box canyon. Book a campground in the area ahead, as sites are limited.

Day 15: Take CO 145 over Lizard Head Pass and down the Dolores River valley to Mesa Verde National Park, about 85 miles (137 km) and around two and a half hours. Book two nights at Morefield Campground inside the park, and reserve ranger-guided cliff dwelling tours on Recreation.gov well ahead. Pick up maps at the visitor centre near the entrance.

Day 16: Drive the winding road to Chapin Mesa to see Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree House from the overlooks, and walk the Mesa Top Loop. Wetherill Mesa Road is closed to vehicles over 25 feet or 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg), which rules out most hire motorhomes. Leave exposed overlooks when afternoon storms bring lightning.

Day 17: Drive about 36 miles (57 km) east to Durango, a lively railroad town on the Animas River. Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a full-day return trip into the San Juan Mountains, or stroll Main Avenue and the riverside trail. Camp near town and refuel for tomorrow's longer drive.

Day 18: Head east on US 160 through Pagosa Springs and over Wolf Creek Pass, using low gears on the long descent. Cross the San Luis Valley to Great Sand Dunes National Park, about 169 miles (272 km) and four hours in all. Book Piñon Flats Campground, open from April to October, on Recreation.gov.

Day 19: Climb the tallest dunes in North America early, before the sand heats up, and in late spring paddle in Medano Creek at the foot of the dunes. After lunch, drive about 173 miles (279 km), roughly three and a half hours, to Colorado Springs, and camp at Cheyenne Mountain State Park with a state park vehicle pass.

Day 20: Walk among the red rock towers of Garden of the Gods, then ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the 14,115 foot (4,302 m) summit, a 3.5 hour return trip. Late in the afternoon, drive about two hours north to St. Vrain State Park in Firestone, a few minutes from the depot, for your last night.

Day 21: Empty the tanks, refuel and drive about 4 miles (7 km) to Cruise America in Frederick, returning between 9am and 11am to avoid a late fee. The depot is closed on Sundays, so plan your return for another day. Allow about 40 minutes by taxi or rideshare to Denver International Airport.

Day 1: Collect your RV from Cruise America in Frederick, north of Denver, after checking one-way availability to Salt Lake City for your dates, as one-ways need an advance reservation. Pick-ups usually run from 1pm to 4pm, so stock up on groceries and drive about an hour, 42 miles (67 km), to Estes Park. Book two nights near the park entrances.

Day 2: Use a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservation from Recreation.gov to explore the Bear Lake corridor, taking the park shuttle from the Park & Ride to Bear Lake at 9,475 feet (2,888 m). Walk the short lakeside loops, and look for elk in Moraine Park in the evening. Drink plenty of water and take the climbs slowly.

Day 3: Cross Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States at 12,183 feet (3,713 m), stopping at the Alpine Visitor Center and the tundra walks near the top. Enter before 9am or book a Timed Entry reservation. Descend to Grand Lake on the west side for the night, watching for moose in the Kawuneeche Valley.

Day 4: Head south via Granby and Kremmling to Silverthorne, then west on I-70 over Vail Pass and through Glenwood Canyon, about 159 miles (256 km) and three and a half hours on paved roads. Arrive in Glenwood Springs in time for a soak in the big hot springs pool, and book two nights nearby. Check COtrip for I-70 closures first.

Day 5: Ride the gondola up to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for cave tours and canyon views, or hire a bike and ride the paved path through Glenwood Canyon. Return to the hot springs pool in the evening, then refill water and empty the tanks ready for the drive west.

Day 6: Drive about 87 miles (140 km) west on I-70, stopping at the orchards and wineries of Palisade, then climb Rim Rock Drive through Colorado National Monument, with its sheer red canyons and three tunnels. Book a night near Fruita or Grand Junction, close to the Utah border.

Day 7: Cross into Utah on I-70 and turn onto Utah 128, the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway, which follows the river through red rock canyons to Moab, about 106 miles (171 km) and two and a half hours. Book four nights near Moab, or at Devils Garden Campground in Arches if you reserved months ahead.

Day 8: Arches did not need timed-entry reservations in 2026, but check nps.gov before you go, as cars can be turned away when the park is congested. Arrive early for the Windows and Double Arch, then drive the scenic road to Devils Garden for the walk to Landscape Arch. Carry plenty of water in summer.

Day 9: Walk to Delicate Arch, about 3 miles (4.8 km) return, at sunrise or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat, as Moab averages 37°C in July. Spend the middle of the day in town, on a jet boat or rafting trip on the Colorado River, or resting in the shade at camp.

Day 10: Drive about 33 miles (52 km) to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, stopping at Mesa Arch and Grand View Point for huge views over the canyons. On the way back, visit Dead Horse Point State Park, a Utah state park with its own entry fee, for its famous overlook of a bend in the Colorado River.

Day 11: Head north and west via Green River to Goblin Valley State Park, about 101 miles (162 km), to wander among its hoodoos. Continue about 80 miles through Hanksville to Torrey, on the edge of Capitol Reef National Park. Fruita Campground is reservation only and full months ahead, so book early or stay at an RV park in Torrey.

Day 12: Drive the paved Scenic Drive south from Fruita past cliffs, canyons and historic orchards, where you may pick fruit in season. Walk to Hickman Bridge, a natural arch about 2 miles (3 km) return, and buy a fruit pie at the Gifford Homestead. Refill water and empty the tanks before the long drive north.

Day 13: Drive about 4 hours north to the Salt Lake City area, roughly 207 miles (333 km), via Richfield and I-15. Spend the afternoon at Temple Square or the Great Salt Lake shore, and book a night at an RV park in the city. Empty the tanks and refuel this evening, ready for a morning return.

Day 14: Drive to Cruise America's Salt Lake City depot at 4125 South State Street in Millcreek and return the RV between 9am and 11am. The depot is closed on Sundays, so plan your return for another day. From there, it is about 12 miles (19 km) by taxi or rideshare to Salt Lake City International Airport.

Day 1: Collect your RV from Cruise America in Frederick, where pick-ups usually run from 1pm to 4pm, and drive about an hour, 42 miles (67 km), to Estes Park. Stock up on groceries in town and book two nights at a campground near the park's eastern entrances. Take it easy on your first evening as you adjust to the altitude.

Day 2: Use a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservation to explore the Bear Lake corridor, taking the park shuttle from the Park & Ride to Bear Lake. Walk past Nymph and Dream lakes to Emerald Lake, about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) return, then look for elk in Moraine Park. Back in town, stroll the riverside paths of Estes Park.

Day 3: Drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbing to 12,183 feet (3,713 m) above the tree line. Enter before 9am or book a Timed Entry reservation, and stop at the Alpine Visitor Center and the tundra viewpoints. Descend to Grand Lake on the west side of the park for the night.

Day 4: Head south through Granby and Winter Park and over Berthoud Pass to I-70 and Georgetown, about 71 miles (114 km), using low gears on the descents. Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad through the old silver mining valley, or relax in the hot springs at Idaho Springs. Book a night at a campground near Idaho Springs or Golden.

Day 5: Drive about 35 miles (56 km) to Red Rocks Park and walk around the famous amphitheatre and its trails. Continue south about 77 miles on I-25 to Colorado Springs, about an hour and a half, and book a night at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, with views over the city.

Day 6: Walk among the red rock spires of Garden of the Gods, then ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the 14,115 foot (4,302 m) summit of Pikes Peak, a 3.5 hour return trip. Late in the afternoon, drive about two hours north to St. Vrain State Park in Firestone, a few minutes from the depot.

Day 7: Empty the tanks and refuel, then return the RV to Cruise America in Frederick between 9am and 11am. The depot is closed on Sundays, so avoid a Sunday return. With time before your flight, visit Union Station in downtown Denver, or head to the airport, about 34 miles (55 km) and 40 minutes away.