6-Day Rocky Mountain Adventure: From Denver to Breckenridge and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and Hiking

Estes Park, USA

12:30PM

Arrive at Denver International Airport

Pick up your rental car at the airport and start the drive towards Estes Park, a scenic 1.5-hour journey into the Rocky Mountains.
Follow I-70 W and US-36 W for approximately 80 miles to Estes Park.
CURRENCY$50 (approx. car rental cost for a day), 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Check-in at Columbine Inn

Settle in at the Columbine Inn to recharge before your adventure.
Columbine Inn, 1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517. Phone: (970) 586-3051.
CURRENCY$150 (average room rate per night), 30 minutes

2:30PM

Lunch at Subway

Enjoy a fresh vegetarian sandwich at Subway before your hike.
Subway, 2250 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. Phone: (970) 586-1959. Distance: 1 mile from Columbine Inn, 5-minute drive.
CURRENCY$10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Bear Lake Trailhead

Drive to Bear Lake parking area for stunning hikes and nature.
Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517. Distance: 14 miles from Subway, 35-minute drive.
CURRENCY$30 (entrance fee for Rocky Mountain National Park), 35 minutes

4:15PM

Hike to Emerald Lake

Start from Bear Lake for a 3.6-mile round trip hike to Emerald Lake.
Hiking trail from Bear Lake; 0.5 miles to Nymph Lake and another mile to Emerald Lake.
CURRENCY$0 (free to hike with park entry), 2 hours

6:15PM

Sunset at Bear Lake Lookout

Capture the picturesque sunset at Bear Lake Lookout.
Additional 15-minute walk from the Bear Lake parking lot.
CURRENCY$0, 45 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Taco Bell

Savor a vegetarian meal at Taco Bell after a great day.
Taco Bell, 835 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. Phone: (970) 586-1263. Distance: 4.2 miles from Bear Lake, approximately 10-minute drive.
CURRENCY$15, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Columbine Inn

Wrap up your day at the hotel.
Return to Columbine Inn. Distance: 4.6 miles from Taco Bell, about 10-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 10 minutes
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Day 2: Mountain Adventures

Estes Park, USA

8:00AM

Drive Old Fall River Road

Start your day with a scenic drive along Old Fall River Road, showcasing the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Old Fall River Road (access via Bear Lake Rd). Distance: 30-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0 (included in park entrance fee), 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike Twin Sisters

Experience a moderately challenging 7-mile round trip hike with stunning views.
Twin Sisters Trailhead, located near the road. Distance: 4 miles from Old Fall River Road access, 10-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 3 hours

12:00PM

Packed Lunch from Subway

Refuel with a pre-packed vegetarian lunch overlooking the trails.
Enjoy at the Twin Sisters Trailhead or picnic area.
CURRENCY$15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike to Alberta Falls

Take in the beautiful views during a 1.6-mile trek to Alberta Falls.
Head back to Bear Lake Road and follow signs to the trailhead. Distance: 4 miles from Twin Sisters, 10-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0 (free with park entry), 1 hour

2:00PM

Ute Trail

Explore this interpretive hiking trail that is about 4 miles round trip.
Start from Bear Lake Trailhead. Distance: 2 miles from Alberta Falls trailhead, 5-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Hike Alpine Ridge Trail

Finish your hiking adventure with a 0.6-mile ascent to the summit of Alpine Ridge.
Access from the Alpine visitor center. Distance: 5 miles from Ute Trail, approximately a 15-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Columbine Inn

Relax and unwind at the inn after an adventurous day.
Return to Columbine Inn. Distance: 30 minutes from Alpine Ridge, about 40-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 30 minutes

8:30PM

Dinner at Domino's Pizza

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian pizza from Domino's to end your day.
Domino's, 1404 S Saint Vrain Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. Phone: (970) 586-8999. Distance: 3 miles from the inn, approximately a 10-minute drive.
CURRENCY$20, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: From Breckenridge to Grand Lake

Breckenridge, USA

8:00AM

Drive Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake

Experience breathtaking views along the Trail Ridge Road leading to Grand Lake.
Follow Bear Lake Rd to Rocky Mountain National Park and then Trail Ridge Rd. Distance: 50 miles from Breckenridge, approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
CURRENCY$0 (included in park entry fee), 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Adams Waterfall Trail

Hike the 3.5-mile round trip to the scenic Adams Waterfall.
Follow trails around Grand Lake area. Distance: 10 miles from Trail Ridge, approximately 20 minutes.
CURRENCY$0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch from Subway

Enjoy a packed vegetarian lunch as you prepare to head back to Breckenridge.
Find a scenic spot along the way. Distance: Back to Breckenridge (about 10 miles from Grand Lake), approximately 30-minute drive.
CURRENCY$15, 1 hour

12:30PM

Drive to Breckenridge

Complete your drive back to Breckenridge with beautiful scenery around.
Us-40 to CO-9 S. Distance: 30 minutes from lunch spot.
CURRENCY$0, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Check-in at Hotel in Breckenridge

Check in at local hotel in Breckenridge to recharge.
Various hotels available based on budget. Distance: In-town, 10 minutes from the last lunch spot.
CURRENCY$150 (average hotel cost per night), 30 minutes

1:30PM

Reiling Dredge Trail

Explore the historical gold dredge at Reiling Dredge, taking a leisurely 1.5-mile hike.
The trail starts at the Breckenridge Sawmill Museum. Distance: 2 miles from the hotel, about 5-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Minnie Mine Loop

Follow a 3.6-mile loop to historical mining remnants.
Access from nearby trailheads. Distance: 1.5 miles from Reiling Dredge, about 5-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sallie Barber Mine Trail

Hike the 2.5-mile trail to check out the historical site and beautiful mountain views.
Access from nearby parking areas. Distance: 1 mile from Minnie Mine Loop trailhead, approximately a 5-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Riverwalk Center for Sunset

Relax at the Riverwalk Center while sipping in the sunset views.
Located in downtown Breckenridge. Distance: 1 mile from Sallie Barber Mine, approximately a 5-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Taco Bell

Indulge in vegetarian options from Taco Bell for a comforting dinner.
Taco Bell, 1020 N Park Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424. Phone: (970) 453-2660. Distance: 0.5 miles from Riverwalk Center, approximately a 2-minute drive.
CURRENCY$15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Breckenridge Trails and Views

Breckenridge, USA

8:00AM

Illinois Creek Trail

Begin the day hiking Illinois Creek, an easy 3.5-mile round trip through stunning forests.
Illinois Creek Trailhead. Distance: 3 miles from hotel, approximately 10-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Aspen Valley Trail

Continue to Aspen Valley for a moderate 2.5-mile hike through aspen groves.
Aspen Valley Trailhead. Distance: 5 miles from Illinois Creek Trailhead, about 15-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Sawmill Reservoir via Snowflake Trail

Take a peaceful 1.2-mile hike around Sawmill Reservoir.
Access from Snowflake Chairlift area. Distance: 3 miles from Aspen Valley, around 10-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Domino's Pizza

Refuel with a flavorful vegetarian pizza from Domino's.
Domino's, 1404 S Saint Vrain Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. Phone: (970) 586-8999. Distance: 6 miles from Sawmill Reservoir, about 15-minute drive.
CURRENCY$20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Peak 8 Scenic Views

Stroll around Peak 8 for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding range.
Peak 8 base area. Distance: 5 miles from Domino's, approximately 10-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Drive to Boreas Pass Sunset Point

End the day at Boreas Pass for gorgeous sunset views.
Boreas Pass Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424. Distance: 10 miles from Peak 8, about 30-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Evening Dinner at Taco Bell

Enjoy a final dinner in Breckenridge with vegetarian options from Taco Bell.
Taco Bell, 1020 N Park Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424. Phone: (970) 453-2660. Distance: 10 miles from Boreas Pass, approximately 30-minute drive.
CURRENCY$15, 2 hours
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Day 5: Great Sand Dunes Exploration

Great Sand Dunes, USA

8:00AM

Journey to Great Sand Dunes

Drive early to the spectacular Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Follow US-285 S to the Great Sand Dunes entrance. Distance: 120 miles from Breckenridge, approximately a 2.5-hour drive.
CURRENCY$0 (included in park entry fee), 3 hours

11:00AM

Check-In at Hotel

Check in at a nearby hotel and refresh before exploring the dunes.
Hotels and rentals are available in the nearby area. Distance: 10 minutes from the park.
CURRENCY$150 (hotel cost), 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Subway

Savor a vegetarian lunch at Subway before hitting the dunes.
Subway, 2545 Craft Rd, Alamosa, CO 81101. Phone: (719) 587-0631. Distance: 30 minutes from hotel.
CURRENCY$15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike to Sand Dunes

Explore the iconic Great Sand Dunes, marveling at their majestic beauty.
Parking available directly at the park entrance. Distance: 10 minutes from Subway.
CURRENCY$0 (included in park entry fee), 3 hours

4:00PM

Night Star Gazing

Stay until dusk to experience ideal star-gazing opportunities.
Safe parking available at Dunes camping area. Distance: 10 minutes from the dunes.
CURRENCY$0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Choose from several local restaurants serving delicious vegetarian meals.
Options vary; distances will depend on the chosen restaurant.
CURRENCY$25, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Return to Denver

Denver, USA

10:00AM

Drive to Denver

Return to Denver International Airport to conclude your trip.
Via CO-150 N and then CO-285 N. Distance: 130 miles from Great Sand Dunes, approximately a 3-hour drive.
CURRENCY$0 (included in park entry fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Taco Bell

Stop for lunch at Taco Bell on your way back, enjoying vegetarian options.
Taco Bell, 1020 N Park Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424. Phone: (970) 453-2660. Distance: 1 mile from the route.
CURRENCY$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return Rental Car

Return your rental car on arrival at the airport.
At Denver International Airport. Distance: 10 miles from Taco Bell, approximately 15-minute drive.
CURRENCY$0, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Departure Flight

Check into your flight with wonderful memories of your Colorado adventure.
At Denver International Airport.
CURRENCY$0, 1 hour
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