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

Viewed by 151 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Denver

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
Find Hotels in Estes Park

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
Find Hotels in Estes Park

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
Find Hotels in Estes Park

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
Find Hotels in Idaho Springs

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
Find Hotels in Longs Peak

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
Find Hotels in Denver
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