14 days in United States Itinerary

Aptly nicknamed the "Mile-High City," Denver sits at an altitude of 1,600 m (5,280 ft) above sea level, located right where the Great Plains give way to the Rocky Mountains.

To see photos and tourist information, read Denver travel planner.

New York City to Denver is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from New York City to Denver due to the time zone difference. In December, Denver is a bit cooler than New York City - with highs of 43°F and lows of 19°F. You will have some time to spend on the 10th (Sat) before leaving for Boulder.

Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a busy college town known for its progressive values and natural resource conservation.

Plan my day in Boulder using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Klarna Trips.

Boulder is very close to Denver. Expect a daytime high around 44°F in December, and nighttime lows around 22°F. On the 10th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park presents an ideal setting for recreation in the mountain range for which the park is named.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Sat): take in the awesome beauty at Deer Mountain and then hit the slopes at Hidden Valley Sledding and Tubing Hill.

To find more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Rocky Mountain National Park online tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park in 1.5 hours. Expect slightly colder evenings in Rocky Mountain National Park when traveling from Boulder in December, with lows around 17°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Estes Park.

More than just a convenient resting place for travelers on their way to the national park encompassing the Front Range of the Rockies, Estes Park is a popular place to visit in its own right.

On the 10th (Sat), sample the tasty concoctions at Lumpy Ridge Brewing and then view the masterpieces at Twisted Pine Fur & Leather Co.

For reviews, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Estes Park trip planner.

Estes Park is very close to Rocky Mountain National Park. December in Estes Park sees daily highs of 46°F and lows of 17°F at night. You'll have a few hours on the 11th (Sun) to wrap things up before traveling to Vail.

Originally built as a base for Vail Ski Resort, the town of Vail has blossomed into its own destination, but still has less than 6,000 permanent residents.

On the 11th (Sun), indulge in some personalized pampering at Radiant Mountain Massage, then contemplate the waterfront views at Keystone Lake, then get a new perspective on things with Silver Flask Fishing, and finally glide through natural beauty at Beaver Creek Nordic Center. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stroll around Carter Park, stroll through Blue River Sports, stop by Mountain Goat Clothing Co, explore the landscape on two wheels at Vail Recreation Path, then fly down the slopes at Vail Nordic Center, and finally sample the fine beverages at 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company.

Klarna Trips's itinerary builder makes planning a Vail trip simple and quick.

Traveling by car from Estes Park to Vail takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. When traveling from Estes Park in December, plan for colder days in Vail, with highs around 25°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 14°F. On the 13th (Tue), you're off to Gunnison.

The City of Gunnison is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Gunnison County, Colorado, United States. To see ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Gunnison vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Vail to Gunnison takes 3 hours. Traveling from Vail in December, expect little chillier with lows of 3°F in Gunnison. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Tue) to allow time for the car ride to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.

The Gunnison River has been hard at work over the past two million years, carving out the sheer cliffs and towering spires that today make up Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

For reviews, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park road trip planning site.

You can drive from Gunnison to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park in 1.5 hours. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Gunnison in December; daily highs in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park reach 39°F and lows reach 16°F. You'll set off for Arches National Park on the 13th (Tue).

Mother Nature kept reaching for red when she painted Arches National Park's 2,000 sandstone arches, resulting in one of the country's more distinctly shaped and colored landscapes.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Tue): don't miss a visit to Wolfe Ranch.

To find maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Arches National Park holiday planning app.

Traveling by car from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park to Arches National Park takes 4 hours. In December, daytime highs in Arches National Park are 38°F, while nighttime lows are 15°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Moab.

The gateway to Utah's popular canyon country, Moab sits engulfed in the middle of desert wilderness.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Wed): view the masterpieces at Tom Till Gallery.

To see ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Moab road trip planning site.

Getting from Arches National Park to Moab by car takes about an hour. In December, daytime highs in Moab are 38°F, while nighttime lows are 15°F. You will have some time to spend on the 15th (Thu) before leaving for Capitol Reef National Park.

Capitol Reef National Park takes its name from a particularly rugged and scenic section of the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic "wrinkle" stretching for 160 km (100 mi) along a dry plateau surrounded by white Navajo sandstone cliffs and domes, and red canyons, buttes, and rock bridges.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Capitol Reef National Park trip maker app.

You can drive from Moab to Capitol Reef National Park in 3 hours. Traveling from Moab in December, plan for a bit cooler nights in Capitol Reef National Park, with lows around 8°F. On the 15th (Thu), you're off to Bryce Canyon National Park.

You can find hoodoos--rock pillars formed by erosion--all around the world, but those of Bryce Canyon National Park remain the standard bearers thanks to their bright red color, tall stature, and arrangement in large amphitheaters.

To find reviews, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, read Bryce Canyon National Park day trip planning website.

Getting from Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive. In December, daytime highs in Bryce Canyon National Park are 36°F, while nighttime lows are 8°F. On the 15th (Thu), you're off to Springdale.

Located just outside Zion National Park, Springdale's 600 residents welcome thousands of visitors a year to their tiny town.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Thu): indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To see photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Springdale trip tool.

Getting from Bryce Canyon National Park to Springdale by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Bryce Canyon National Park in December; daily highs in Springdale reach 50°F and lows reach 20°F. You will leave for Zion National Park on the 17th (Sat).

Towering cliffs of red, white, and pink Navajo sandstone, stream-carved slot canyons, and big blue sky all characterize Zion National Park.

To find traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Zion National Park online travel route planner.

Explore your travel options from Springdale to Zion National Park with the Route module. In December, daytime highs in Zion National Park are 50°F, while nighttime lows are 20°F. You will leave for Pleasant View on the 17th (Sat).

Pleasant View is an unincorporated community and a U.S. Post Office located in Montezuma County, Colorado, United States. To find where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Pleasant View online trip itinerary builder.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Zion National Park to Pleasant View. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Zion National Park in December, with highs in Pleasant View at 44°F and lows at 15°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) so you can travel to Telluride.

The town of Telluride is the county seat and most populous town of San Miguel County in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Colorado. On the 17th (Sat), wander the streets of Town Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 18th (Sun): contemplate the long history of New Sheridan Hotel, look for all kinds of wild species at Valley Floor, hit the slopes at Ski Butlers Telluride, then tee off at Telluride Ski & Golf Club, and finally indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink.

For other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Telluride trip planning website.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Pleasant View to Telluride. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Pleasant View in December: highs in Telluride hover around 36°F, while lows dip to 18°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Durango.

Originally a frontier mining town, Durango is known today for its scenic setting, outdoor activities, and the 1880s steam-powered railway that takes visitors through sections of the mountains where roads don't reach.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Durango day trip site.

Getting from Telluride to Durango by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and shuttle; or drive. Traveling from Telluride in December, expect little chillier with lows of 13°F in Durango. You will leave for Bloomfield on the 19th (Mon).

Bloomfield is a city in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States. Start off your visit on the 19th (Mon): stroll around Angel Peak.

To see where to stay, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Bloomfield trip itinerary tool.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Durango to Bloomfield. Traveling from Durango in December, expect a bit warmer with lows of 20°F in Bloomfield. On the 20th (Tue), you're off to Albuquerque.

Albuquerque remains one of the state's secret jewels, as its tourist attractions are often overshadowed by the more popular holiday destination of Santa Fe.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Tue): stop by The Candy Lady.

To find maps, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Albuquerque trip planner.

Drive from Bloomfield to Albuquerque in 3 hours. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Albuquerque when traveling from Bloomfield in December, with lows around 28°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 20th (Tue) to allow time for the car ride to Alamogordo.

Alamogordo is the seat of Otero County, New Mexico, United States. On the 20th (Tue), stop by The Tunnel Stop.

For where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, use the Alamogordo trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by car from Albuquerque to Alamogordo takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car; or take a bus. Traveling from Albuquerque in December, you will find days in Alamogordo are somewhat warmer (56°F), and nights are about the same (30°F). On the 21st (Wed), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe continuously ranks among the world's top holiday destinations, attracting visitors with its unusual combination of scenic beauty, rich history, cultural diversity, and high concentration of performing arts venues, fine restaurants, and interesting attractions.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Wed): stop by Detours at La Fonda.

For ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Santa Fe online itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Alamogordo to Santa Fe takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Alamogordo in December; daily highs in Santa Fe reach 45°F and lows reach 22°F. On the 21st (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Los Alamos.

Los Alamos is a town in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, United States that is recognized as the birthplace of the first atomic bomb––the primary objective of the Manhattan Project by Los Alamos National Laboratory during World War II. The town is located on four mesas of the Pajarito Plateau, and has a population of 12,019. To see reviews, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read Los Alamos online trip maker.

Drive from Santa Fe to Los Alamos in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December in Los Alamos, expect temperatures between 41°F during the day and 26°F at night. On the 21st (Wed), you'll travel to Taos.

Many residents have shunned fast-paced city living for Taos's laid-back vibe and blend of Spanish, Native American, and Anglo cultures.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Wed): don't miss a visit to Taos County Courthouse Murals and then learn about winemaking at Black Mesa Winery.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Taos itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Los Alamos to Taos takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Los Alamos in December, Taos is little chillier at night with lows of 13°F. You'll have a few hours on the 22nd (Thu) to wrap things up before traveling to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.

For where to stay, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve trip website.

Explore your travel options from Taos to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve with the Route module. Traveling from Taos in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, with lows of 2°F. On the 22nd (Thu), you're off to Colorado Springs.

Stunning Garden of the Gods Park scenery, blue skies and the glory of Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain have attracted visitors to Colorado Springs for more than a century.

On the 22nd (Thu), brush up on your knowledge of spirits at 300 Days of Shine.

For photos, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Colorado Springs trip planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve to Colorado Springs. Traveling from Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in December, things will get somewhat warmer in Colorado Springs: highs are around 45°F and lows about 18°F. You will have some time to spend on the 23rd (Fri) before leaving for Denver.

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Fri): get a sense of history and politics at Colorado Governor's Mansion.

For other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Denver trip planner.

Drive from Colorado Springs to Denver in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of flight and train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) to allow enough time to fly back home.