16 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.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum. Step off the beaten path and head to Clyfford Still Museum and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The adventure continues: examine the collection at Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, take a stroll through Historic Olde Town Arvada, sample the fine beverages at Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey Tour, and indulge in some personalized pampering at Healing Waters Mind and Body Float Studio.

To find photos, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Denver day trip planning website.

Detroit to Denver is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is usually a -2 hour difference. Traveling from Detroit in December, you will find days in Denver are a bit warmer (43°F), and nights are little chillier (19°F). You'll have a few hours on the 22nd (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Glen Eyrie Castle and Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Take a break from the city and head to Helen Hunt Falls and Cheyenne Mountain State Park. When in Colorado Springs, make a side trip to see Mueller State Park in Divide, approximately Divide away. There's more to do: examine the collection at Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center and stop by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

To see more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Colorado Springs trip planner.

You can drive from Denver to Colorado Springs in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of train and flight. In December, daytime highs in Colorado Springs are 45°F, while nighttime lows are 18°F. On the 26th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading 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.

Gruet Winery and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Step off the beaten path and head to The Stables at Tamaya and Red Door Brewing Company.

To see photos, maps, ratings, and tourist information, read Albuquerque trip planner.

Fly from Colorado Springs to Albuquerque in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Colorado Springs in December, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Albuquerque, with lows around 28°F. On the 29th (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Phoenix.

Phoenix is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. Sharlot Hall Museum and Wells Fargo Museum will appeal to museum buffs. Step off the beaten path and head to Whiskey Row and Pueblo Grande Museum. Step out of Phoenix to go to Prescott and see Prescott Brewing Company, which is approximately 1h 55 min away. The adventure continues: examine the collection at Arizona Capitol Museum, take in nature's colorful creations at Desert Botanical Garden, and take some stellar pictures from Dobbins Lookout.

To see more things to do, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Phoenix trip itinerary maker website.

You can fly from Albuquerque to Phoenix in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, Phoenix is a bit warmer than Albuquerque - with highs of 68°F and lows of 46°F. On the 2nd (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.