Drive Colorado in a Mercedes Sprinter Van: Hit the Road. Sleep Under the Stars. Discover Hidden Gems.
Rent a fully-equipped Mercedes Sprinter camper van from Colorado Adventure Vans and embark on an unforgettable road trip around Colorado and beyond. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, our adventure vans offer the perfect combination of comfort and mobility.
Bobby / MARCH 23, 2025
Suggested Road Trip routes from Golden, CO
Indian Peaks Wilderness & Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway (3 Days)
Alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and high-country hiking near Nederland and Brainard Lake.Collegiate Peaks & Buena Vista Hot Springs (3-4 Days)
Iconic 14ers, scenic drives, and natural hot springs in the heart of the Rockies.Great Sand Dunes & Crested Butte Wildflower Loop (4-5 Days)
Towering dunes, hidden waterfalls, and some of Colorado’s most stunning alpine meadows.
⬇ Scroll down to learn more about each trip.
CAV Custom Build: Tink
Inspired by a lifestyle that creates space to balance work with nature—this van features a unique layout, clean lines, and a modern aesthetic.
Indian Peaks Wilderness & Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway (3 Days)
Day 1: Golden to Brainard Lake & Indian Peaks Wilderness
Drive from Golden to Brainard Lake Recreation Area (~1.5 hours).
Hike to Lake Isabelle or Blue Lake for stunning alpine scenery.
Explore the peaceful Mitchell Lake area for a shorter, scenic walk.
Camp at Pawnee Campground (reservations recommended) or find dispersed camping nearby.
Day 2: Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway & Nederland
Take the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway, one of Colorado’s most beautiful drives.
Stop in Nederland for coffee, a bite to eat, and a stroll around Barker Reservoir.
Visit Boulder Waterfall or hike to Lost Lake for more alpine scenery.
Consider staying in a cozy mountain cabin or camping near Rollinsville.
Day 3: Golden Gate Canyon & Return to Golden
Take a morning hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park—options include Windy Peak Trail or Panorama Point.
Return to Golden via Highway 119, stopping at scenic overlooks along the way.
Perfect for: Mountain scenery lovers, hikers, and those looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm not far from the Denver Metro.
⬇ Scroll down to see other routes
Collegiate Peaks & Buena Vista Hot Springs (3-4 Days)
Day 1: Golden to Buena Vista & Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Drive from Golden to Buena Vista (~2.5 hours via US-285).
Stop at Twin Lakes for a scenic picnic or paddleboarding session.
Check into a campground, van site, or cabin near Buena Vista.
Spend the evening soaking at Mount Princeton Hot Springs, enjoying the creekside geothermal pools.
Day 2: Hiking in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Choose a scenic alpine hike:
🏔 Ptarmigan Lake (6.5 miles round trip, moderate, stunning lake views)
🌲 Missouri Lakes & Fancy Pass Loop (8.5 miles, moderate-hard, wildflowers & waterfalls)
⛰ Huron Peak (6.5 miles, hard, one of Colorado’s most beautiful 14ers)
Return to Buena Vista for dinner or a drink at a local brewery.
Day 3: Arkansas River Adventure & Cottonwood Hot Springs
Spend the morning rafting or kayaking on the Arkansas River (class III-IV rapids).
Take a more relaxed approach with fly fishing or a scenic riverside walk.
Wind down with an afternoon soak at Cottonwood Hot Springs, a quieter alternative to Mount Princeton.
Option to camp one more night or start heading back.
Optional Day 4: Scenic Return via Independence Pass
Extend the trip with a drive over Independence Pass (if open) to Aspen.
Stop at Grottos Trail for ice caves and waterfalls.
Return to Golden via I-70, stopping at scenic overlooks along the way.
Perfect for: Hikers, hot spring lovers, and those wanting a balance of adventure and relaxation.
CAV Dad Hat
Rep your favorite team on the trail, at the ski lot, through the grocery store, your kid’s ball game, wherever you need head coverage. This hat is made of distressed canvas, with a sewn patch on the front. Find color and logo options to suit your personal taste through the button below.
Great Sand Dunes & Crested Butte Wildflower Loop (4-5 Days)
Day 1: Golden to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Drive from Golden to Great Sand Dunes National Park (~4 hours).
Hike the dunes at sunset for cooler temps and incredible views.
Camp at Piñon Flats Campground or find dispersed camping nearby.
Day 2: Zapata Falls & High Desert Exploration
Start the morning with a short hike to Zapata Falls, a hidden waterfall tucked in a rocky alcove.
Explore Medano Creek (seasonal) or sandboard down the dunes.
In the afternoon, drive through the San Luis Valley, stopping at quirky roadside attractions like the UFO Watchtower.
Overnight in Gunnison or dispersed camp along the way.
Day 3: Crested Butte & Gothic Road
Drive to Crested Butte, known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado (~3 hours).
Explore Gothic Road, one of the most scenic backcountry drives in the state.
Hike Rustler’s Gulch or Scarp Ridge for peak wildflower season (mid-July).
Camp near Kebler Pass or stay in town.
Day 4: Paradise Divide & Alpine Lakes
Hike to Emerald Lake or Judd Falls for an easy scenic trail.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring Crested Butte’s shops, cafés, and local breweries.
Optional Day 5: Return via Kebler Pass & Paonia
Drive Kebler Pass, one of the most beautiful aspen-lined roads in Colorado.
Stop in Paonia for fresh fruit and farm-to-table dining.
Return to Golden via McClure Pass & I-70, taking in one last round of stunning scenery.
Perfect for: Photographers, nature lovers, and those looking for a mix of high desert, alpine meadows, and dramatic peaks.
Why Choose Colorado Adventure Vans?
Fully equipped with comfortable sleeping space, kitchenette, and space to store your outdoor gear.
Flexible rental periods for short getaways or longer trips.
Convenient pickup in Golden, CO at the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Book your adventure van today and discover the beauty of Colorado like never before.
Book Now at outdoorsy.com.
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Colorado Adventure Vans is an Upfitter based in Golden, Colorado.
Building out vans since 2017, we take great care with every build in our shop. Our focus is quality, not volume, aiming our attention to detail to ensure your adventure rig is ready for anything the road throws at you.