Ultimate 5-Day Road Trip Adventure through Colorado's National Parks

Day 1: Rocky Mountain Retreat

Estes Park, Colorado

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Donut Haus

Start your day with a delightful assortment of fresh donuts and coffee at The Donut Haus located in Estes Park.
Take a short drive from your accommodation in Estes Park to The Donut Haus.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Bear Lake Trail

Hike the stunning Bear Lake Trail for breathtaking views and easy access to cascading waterfalls.
Drive 15 minutes to Bear Lake parking area within Rocky Mountain National Park.
USD30 entry fee for the park, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Other Side Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty lunch with local flavors at The Other Side, which offers great views of the landscape.
Return to Estes Park, approximately 20 minutes back.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive

Take a drive on Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America, showcasing stunning vistas.
Continue driving westward on the park’s Trail Ridge Road.
Included in entry fee, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Alpine Visitor Center

Savor a mountain-style dinner at the visitor center’s café while soaking in the high-altitude scenery.
Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center along Trail Ridge Road.
USD25, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Sunset at Bear Lake

Wrap up your day with a serene sunset at Bear Lake, a perfect ending to a filled day of nature.
Drive back to Bear Lake parking area.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Dunes & Dreams

Mosca, Colorado

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Chalet Restaurant

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast featuring local favorites at The Chalet before heading to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
10-minute drive from your lodging.
USD18, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Spend the morning exploring the majestic sand dunes, hiking, or even sledding down the sandy slopes.
Drive 30 minutes to Great Sand Dunes Park.
USD20 entry fee, valid for 7 days, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Zapata Falls Restaurant

Head to a local favorite, enjoying some burritos and fresh salads while appreciating the unique scenery.
Drive 15 minutes from the park to reception area.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Hike to Zapata Falls

After lunch, hike to the stunning Zapata Falls, a beautiful waterfall nestled in the mountains.
Drive 15 minutes to the trailhead.
Free, included in previous park entry, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at San Luis Lake State Park

Catch your breath at the San Luis Lake State Park, enjoy the views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
A quick 15-minute drive from Zapata Falls.
USD8 entry fee, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Rubi Slipper

Finish your day with a delicious dinner featuring local craft brews and elevated comfort food.
The Rubi Slipper is about a 30-minute drive back to Alamosa.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Canyon & Culture

Gunnison, Colorado

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Campfire Grill

Start the day with a campfire-themed breakfast at Campfire Grill, serving hearty portions in a cozy setting.
Head into Gunnison for a 1-hour drive.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Discover the extraordinary views along the scenic drives or venture into the park for some hiking.
Drive 20 minutes to the park entrance.
USD30 entry fee, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Last Stand

Enjoy a rustic lunch featuring burgers and sandwiches highlighting local ingredients.
Drive back to Gunnison, about 30 minutes.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Gunnison Pioneer Museum

Get acquainted with the local history through intriguing exhibits and artifacts at this fascinating museum.
A brief 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Black Canyon Rim Hike

Hike one of the rim trails for awe-inspiring views of the canyon as the afternoon sun sets the rocks aglow.
Drive back into Black Canyon for a short trip from the museum.
Free, included in park entry, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Palisades Restaurant

Savor a relaxed dinner featuring Colorado cuisine at this popular local spot before resting.
Head to Palisades, about 15 minutes drive.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Heritage & Harmony

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Pinyon Tree

Enjoy an organic breakfast at The Pinyon Tree, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Drive 1 hour to Cortez, near Mesa Verde.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Mesa Verde National Park

Immerse yourself in history while hiking trails and touring ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.
Drive 15 minutes to the park’s entrance.
USD30 entry fee, 4 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Cliff Palace Café

Relish a lunch at the Cliff Palace Café located within the park with stunning views and local fare.
Located within Mesa Verde, easy access.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

Discover the rich heritage of the Ancestral Puebloans through artifacts and engaging exhibits.
Drive a short distance within the park.
USD5, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Scenic Drive through Mesa Verde

Take a leisurely drive along the scenic roads of Mesa Verde to appreciate the stunning surroundings.
Continue exploring as you travel through the park.
Included in entry fee, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Junction Restaurant

Wrap up your day with delicious Southwestern cuisine at The Junction, a perfect ending after exploring.
Travel 30 minutes back to Cortez.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Monumental Views

Grand Junction, Colorado

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Trader

Start the day with a delightful coffee and pastries at The Coffee Trader, a local favorite.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Grand Junction.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Colorado National Monument

Witness the stunning red rock formations and canyons at Colorado National Monument, perfect for hiking and scenic drives.
Drive 20 minutes to the park entrance.
USD20 entry fee, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Bicycle Cafe

Refuel with fresh seasonal dishes and a welcoming atmosphere at The Bicycle Cafe in Grand Junction.
20-minute drive back to Grand Junction.
USD18, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Scenic Rim Rock Drive

Take a scenic drive along Rim Rock Drive to experience incredible panoramic views and varied wildlife.
Return to Colorado National Monument, 20 minutes from lunch spot.
Included in entry fee, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Coyote Trail hike

Experience the beauty of the monument on the Coyote Trail, capturing unforgettable memories with each step.
Begin the trail at the parking area near the visitor center.
Free, included in park entry, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at 626 On Rood

Conclude your adventure with an exquisite dinner at 626 On Rood, known for its farm-to-table offerings.
Wrap up your journey with a final drive back to Grand Junction.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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