5 road trips across the United States

Day Two: Hit the mountains by bike. A premier mountain biking destination, Crested Butte offers rides for all levels. Newbies can rent a bike from Alpineer and ride the Lower Loop, an easy trail with views of Crested Butte.

Day Three: Delve into the foothills and valleys. Explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and its spectacular wilderness setting. From the visitor center, you can take the Warner Point Nature Trail, a relatively flat 1.5-mile loop. The trail is lined with shady benches where you can kick back and enjoy views of the San Juan Mountains to the south.

Day Four: Stop along the way for a uniquely creative meal. Eat at Eatery 66 in the small town of Ridgway. Chef Spencer Graves serves up a changing menu with creative dishes like Korean BBQ pork belly and truffle Parmesan fries. In the summer, live music and beanbag shooting games keep patrons entertained in the open air; and when the temperature drops, outdoor heaters keep them toasty.

5 road trips across the United States

Day Five: Visit the Falls. Wake up early in Telluride to avoid the crowds on the road to one of the most spectacular sights in the state: Bridal Veil Falls. The hike can be challenging due to the area's high altitude of 8,750 feet, but the views are worth the effort.