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6-Day Shoestring Budget Adventure in Colorado's Rocky Mountains

Viewed by 101 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Hiking

Estes Park, USA

12:30PM

Pick Up Rental Car

Arrive at Denver International Airport and pick up your pre-booked rental car.
Drive via I-25 N
USD50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive to Columbine Inn

Enjoy a scenic drive to Columbine Inn in Estes Park, surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Follow US-36 W to Estes Park
USD0 (included in rental), 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Check-In

Check into Columbine Inn and settle into your cozy room.
ON-SITE
USD90, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Lunch at Himalayan Curry & Kebob

Enjoy a delightful vegetarian meal featuring Indian curries and rice.
Approx. 5-minute drive from the Inn
USD15, 1 hour

4:30PM

Emerald Lake Hike

Start your hike through lush forests to the stunning Emerald Lake, a 3-mile round trip trek that offers stunning views.
Drive to Bear Lake Trailhead (Parking $30)
USD30, 2 hours

6:30PM

Sunset at Bear Lake Lookout

Admire the breathtaking sunset views over Bear Lake, creating unforgettable memories.
Walk from the parking lot
USD0, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Smokin' Daves BBQ & Tap House

Enjoy delicious vegetarian BBQ options for dinner.
Driving distance of 10 minutes
USD25, 1 hour

9:00PM

End of Day 1

Return to Columbine Inn and rest for the adventures ahead.
Relax at the Inn
USD0, —
Find Hotels in Estes Park

Day 2: National Park Adventures

Rocky Mountain National Park, USA

8:00AM

Old Fall River Road Drive

Start your day with a scenic drive through the stunning Old Fall River Road.
Get on Old Fall River Road from the Inn
USD0 (included in entry fee), 1 hour

9:00AM

Twin Sisters Hike

Trek up to the summit of Twin Sisters, approximately a 7-mile round trip hike with amazing views.
Trailhead accessed from Old Fall River Road
USD0, 3 hours

12:00PM

Pack Lunch

Enjoy a packed lunch of sandwiches and fruit amidst nature.
Rest at the Twin Sisters summit
USD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Alberta Falls

Stroll to the beautiful Alberta Falls, a short 1-mile round trip from the Bear Lake Trailhead.
Drive back to Bear Lake trailhead and park
USD0, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ute Trail to Alpine Ridge

Continue your hike on Ute Trail leading to Alpine Ridge for gorgeous views of the Rockies.
Access via the Bear Lake Trailhead
USD0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Columbine Inn

Head back to your accommodations to freshen up.
Drive to the Inn
USD0, 30 minutes

8:30PM

Dinner at Columbine Inn

Enjoy another delicious vegetarian dish prepared at the inn.
Dining at the Inn
USD20, 1 hour

9:30PM

End of Day 2

Relax and enjoy the peaceful evening.
Rest at the Inn
USD0, —
Find Hotels in Rocky Mountain National Park

Day 3: Journey to Breckenridge

Breckenridge, USA

8:00AM

Drive Trail Ridge Road

Begin your journey via the scenic Trail Ridge Road towards Grand Lake.
Drive along US-34
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Adams Waterfall Trail

Enjoy a beautiful hike to the picturesque Adams Waterfall, perfect for morning photos.
Trailhead close to Grand Lake
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at local cafe

Stop for a casual lunch to refuel before heading to Breckenridge.
Local cafe options in Grand Lake
USD15, 1 hour

12:00PM

Drive to Breckenridge

Enjoy a scenic drive down from Grand Lake to Breckenridge.
Follow CO-9 S
USD0, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Check-In to Hotel

Check into your budget-friendly hotel in Breckenridge.
ON-SITE
USD120, 30 minutes

2:00PM

Reiling Dredge Trail

Explore the historic Reiling Dredge and learn about mining history on this easy, scenic hike.
Trailhead is within walking distance from hotel
USD0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Minnie Mine Loop

Hike this easy loop trail, enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Nearby trailhead
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Sallie Barber Mine Trail

Another charming hike taking you through scenic vistas and traces of mining history.
Access to the trail is close to Minnie Mine Loop
USD0, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Riverwalk Center for Sunset

Perfect finish to the day as you stroll by the river and watch the stunning sunset.
Walk from the hotel
USD0, 1 hour

8:30PM

Dinner at The Himalayan

Indulge in exquisite vegetarian Indian cuisine to end your day.
5-minute walk from hotel
USD20, 1 hour

9:30PM

End of Day 3

Relax at your hotel after another adventure-filled day.
Rest at the hotel
USD0, —
Find Hotels in Breckenridge

Day 4: Scenic Trails Day

Breckenridge, USA

8:00AM

Illinois Creek Trail

Kick off the day with an easy hike on Illinois Creek Trail, admiring the views.
Trailhead nearby
USD0, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Aspen Valley Trail

Continue your journey through aspen groves and onto the valley.
Access the trail from Illinois Creek
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Sawmill Reservoir via Snowflake Trail

A short hike taking you to Sawmill Reservoir for a peaceful quick break.
Follow sign to the reservoir from Aspen Valley Trail
USD0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Breckenridge Brewery

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at a local brewery.
Accessible in town
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Peak 8 Ride

Take the gondola to the top of Peak 8 for breathtaking views of the Rockies.
Gondola access in town
USD40 (round trip), 2 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Boreas Pass Sunset Point

Scenic drive leading to spectacular sunset views.
Drive via Boreas Pass Road
USD0, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Giampietro Pizzeria

Delight in a vegetarian pizza after a full day of hiking.
Drive back to town
USD20, 1 hour

7:00PM

End of Day 4

Return to your hotel for a restful evening.
Relax at the hotel
USD0, —
Find Hotels in Breckenridge

Day 5: Great Sand Dunes Exploration

Great Sand Dunes National Park, USA

8:00AM

Drive to Great Sand Dunes

Leave Breckenridge and head towards Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Follow CO-9 S to US-160 E
USD0, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-In to Local Hotel

Settle into your budget hotel for the night.
Find hotel on-site
USD100, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Lunch at Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian meal at the local restaurant.
Dine in nearby restaurant
USD15, 1 hour

12:00PM

Hikes to the Sand Dunes

Spend the afternoon climbing the majestic sand dunes, which both energizes and captivates.
Enter Great Sand Dunes National Park
USD25 (park entrance fee), 3 hours

3:00PM

Explore more dunes

Continue adventures by wandering the sand dunes taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Walk around the area
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Star Gazing Night

As the night falls, gaze at the vibrant stars shining above far from city lights.
Head to the dunes
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Crestone Brewing Company

Cap off a wonderful day with vegetarian dishes.
Drive to nearby restaurant
USD15, 1 hour

8:00PM

End of Day 5

Relax at your hotel after your adventures.
Return to hotel
USD0, —
Find Hotels in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Day 6: Return Journey

Denver International Airport, USA

7:00AM

Drive to Denver via Garden of the Gods

Start your drive back to Denver through the stunning Garden of the Gods for a quick visit.
Follow CO-115 N
USD0, 2 hours

9:00AM

Stop at Garden of Gods

Explore this beautiful park, taking short walks to admire the rock formations.
On-site parking available
USD0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Continue to Denver Airport

Make your way towards Denver International Airport to catch your flight.
Follow I-25 N to airport
USD0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Lunch en route

Stop for a vegetarian lunch at a local café before heading to the airport.
Stop at nearby café
USD15, 1 hour

12:00PM

Arrive at Denver International Airport

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in for your flight.
At airport
USD0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Catch Your Flight

Leave the mesmerizing Colorado mountains behind as you take off for your next adventure.
At airport
USD0, —

9:00PM

End of Day 6

Reflect on your exciting journey as you head home.
N/A
USD0, —
Find Hotels in Denver International Airport
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