7-Day Nature Road Trip Itinerary in Estes Park, Colorado

Day 1: Arrival in Denver

Denver, Colorado

9:00AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Start your adventure with a delicious pancake flight at this popular breakfast spot.
Head southwest for a 10-minute walk.
USD 15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Denver Botanic Gardens

Explore the stunning flora while soaking in the sun at this urban oasis.
Drive 15 minutes to the gardens.
USD 15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Brown Palace

Indulge in a delightful lunch at the historic Brown Palace Hotel.
Just a 10-minute drive from the gardens.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Depart for Estes Park

Head out towards Estes Park to fully embrace nature's beauty.
Take US-36 W for 1 hour.
USD 0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Check-In at Fall River Lodge

Settle in and enjoy the surrounding nature at your cozy lodge.
Drive 10 minutes to the lodge.
USD 200, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Stanley Hotel's Cascades Restaurant

Dine at the iconic Stanley Hotel while savoring Colorado cuisine.
A quick 5-minute drive.
USD 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Haus

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast of fluffy pancakes before heading into the park.
Drive 10 minutes to the restaurant.
USD 12, 1 hour

8:30AM

Take Trail Ridge Road

Experience breathtaking views while driving along one of the highest paved roads in North America.
Start your journey from your lodge.
USD 30 (park entry), 2 hours

10:30AM

Hike the Milner Pass Trail

Engage with nature on this scenic trail featuring stunning alpine lakes.
Park at Milner Pass trailhead.
USD 0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Alpine Visitor Center

Enjoy a quick meal and recharge at this mountain-view visitor center.
Drive 15 minutes back down the road.
USD 20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Sprague Lake

Stroll around the serene Sprague Lake, ideal for photography and relaxation.
Drive 30 minutes back towards Estes Park.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Lodge

Head back to your lodge and unwind after an adventurous day.
A quick 15-minute drive.
USD 0, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Grubsteak Restaurant

Savor some local elk burgers and steaks at this casual dining spot.
Voila! A short 10-minute drive.
USD 25, 1 hour
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Day 3: Bear Lake Exploration

Estes Park, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Lodge

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast provided by your lodge before a day of exploration.
At your lodge.
USD 0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bear Lake Trail Hike

Embark on a scenic hike around the iconic Bear Lake offering spectacular views.
Drive 20 minutes to the Bear Lake parking area.
USD 0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Hike to Nymph Lake

Continue your adventure through the forest to Nymph Lake, known for its beauty.
Follow the trail from Bear Lake.
USD 0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bear Lake Parking Lot Picnic Area

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
At Bear Lake.
USD 10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Alberta Falls

Hike to Alberta Falls, a stunning waterfall that’s a perfect spot for pictures.
Walk from Bear Lake for about 30 minutes.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Lodge

Take a leisurely stroll back to the parking area and head back to your lodge.
Walk back to the start for 30 minutes and then drive 20 minutes.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Poppy's Pizza & Grill

Enjoy delicious pizza with a cozy atmosphere while reflecting on your full day.
Just a quick 10-minute drive.
USD 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Estes Park Adventures

Estes Park, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Other Side Restaurant

Indulge in a hearty breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients.
A 7-minute drive will do.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Estes Park Aerial Tramway

Take a thrilling ride to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
Just 10 minutes from breakfast.
USD 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Downtown Estes Park

Stroll through charming shops and galleries located in the heart of Estes Park.
A quick walk from the tram.
USD 0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Smokin' Dave's BBQ

Relish in some famous Colorado barbecue for a mouth-watering experience.
Easy to drive 5 minutes.
USD 20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Estes Park Museum

Discover the local history of Estes Park through engaging exhibits.
A quick drive of about 5 minutes.
USD 5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Walk Along the Riverwalk

Enjoy a picturesque stroll along the trail by the Big Thompson River.
A short walking distance from the museum.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Wild Rose Restaurant

End your day with elegant dining while enjoying the serene ambiance.
10 minute drive will get you there.
USD 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Exploring St. Mary's Glacier

Idaho Springs, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Lodge

Fuel up with breakfast before setting out on your adventure to St. Mary’s Glacier.
At your lodge.
USD 0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to St. Mary's Glacier

Take a scenic drive through the mountains to the breathtaking glacier.
Drive about 1 hour via I-70 W.
USD 0, 1 hour

9:30AM

St. Mary’s Glacier Hike

Enjoy a fun hike leading to stunning views of St. Mary's Glacier.
Begin the hike from the parking area for a total of 1 mile round-trip.
USD 0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cozy Cottage Restaurant

Savor homemade comfort food at this cozy diner style restaurant.
A 20-minute drive back downtown Idaho Springs.
USD 15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Idaho Springs

Explore this historic mining town with its quaint shops and hot springs.
A short drive from lunch.
USD 0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Estes Park

Drive back to Estes Park to unwind after your day of exploration.
Take I-70 E back to Estes, about 1 hour.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Antero's BBQ

Enjoy an evening of smoky barbecue flavors and good company.
Drive a quick 10-minute distance.
USD 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Challenging Longs Peak

Longs Peak, Colorado

5:00AM

Early Breakfast at Your Lodge

Have a hearty early breakfast that will fuel your ascent up Longs Peak.
At your lodge.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00AM

Start Longs Peak Hike

Begin your trek to the summit of Longs Peak, via the Keyhole Route.
Drive 30 minutes to the Longs Peak trailhead.
USD 0, 8 hours

2:00PM

Summit Longs Peak

After a challenging hike, celebrate your success at the peak and take in the stunning panoramic views.
Same hike back to the trailhead.
USD 0, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Lodge

Unwind and reflect on your adventurous day at your lodge.
Drive 30 minutes back to your lodge.
USD 0, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Estes Park Brewery

Enjoy local craft beers and hearty pub food to reward yourself.
Drive 10 minutes to the brewery.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Denver

Denver, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Lodge

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge while enjoying the final moments in Estes Park.
At your lodge.
USD 0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Depart for Denver

Begin your beautiful drive back to Denver.
Head straight down US-36 E.
USD 0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Denver's Red Rocks Park

Take the scenic stop at the iconic Red Rocks Park for stunning views.
Drive approximately 30 minutes from Denver.
USD 0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fort Restaurant

Dine in a stunning restaurant with a Wild West atmosphere and delicious dishes.
A short 10-minute drive from Red Rocks.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Downtown Denver

Wander downtown Denver, visiting galleries, shops, and cafes.
Drive just a few minutes into the heart of the city.
USD 0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Drop-off rental car

Return your rental car before your flight.
At the local rental branch.
USD 0, 30 minutes
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