12 days in Austin, Amarillo & Aspen Itinerary

Despite its laid-back college vibe, Austin is an influential center for politics, technology, film, and music.

Step out of the city life by going to Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Congress Avenue Bridge / Austin Bats. Do some cultural sightseeing at Becker Vineyards (Winery) and William Chris Vineyards. Change things up with these side-trips from Austin: Spas (in Marble Falls), Cypress Valley Canopy Tours (in Spicewood) and Pedernales Falls State Park (in Johnson City). There's much more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, explore the fascinating underground world of Inner Space Cavern, and take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Mary's Cathedral.

To find reviews, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Austin road trip planning app.

Houston to Austin is an approximately 3-hour car ride. You can also drive; or take a bus; or fly. In September, daytime highs in Austin are 93°F, while nighttime lows are 71°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Amarillo.

Known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas," Amarillo was once a series of ranches.

For maps, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Amarillo journey planner.

You can drive from Austin to Amarillo in 10 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Austin in September, expect Amarillo to be a bit cooler, temps between 84°F and 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) early enough to travel to Aspen.

Known as a ski resort town, Aspen's history goes back to its roots as a silver-mining village tucked away in an isolated valley of the Rocky Mountains.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and Rio Grande Trail. Visiting Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail and Grottos Trail will get you outdoors. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Aspen: Snowmass Creek Outfitters (in Snowmass Village), Glenwood Springs (Hanging Lake & Grizzly Creek Trail) and Marble Distilling Co. & The Distillery Inn (in Carbondale). The adventure continues: identify plant and animal life at Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, tour the pleasant surroundings at Crater Lake Trail, trek along Snowmass Village Hiking Trails, and grab your bike and head to Castle Creek Road.

To find reviews, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Aspen trip planner.

Getting from Amarillo to Aspen by car takes about 9.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive; or do a combination of bus and car. The time zone difference when traveling from Amarillo to Aspen is minus 1 hour. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Amarillo in September: high temperatures in Aspen hover around 72°F and lows are around 41°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.