Epic Colorado Adventure: Nature, National Parks, and Extreme Sports

Day 1: Explore Denver

Denver, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Kick off your adventure with a hearty breakfast featuring a variety of pancake options and creative egg dishes.
Head north to the Rocky Mountain National Park after breakfast.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park

Enjoy the scenic drive up to this stunning national park, where breathtaking views await.
Follow US-36 W and CO-7 N to enter the park.
Fuel USD10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trail Ridge Cafe

Fuel up with casual lunch options while soaking in panoramic views of the mountains.
Located within Rocky Mountain National Park.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Extreme Hiking at Longs Peak

Challenge yourself with an adrenaline-pumping hike to Longs Peak, a 14,259-foot mountain.
Start at Longs Peak Trailhead.
USD30 (park entry fee), 6 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Fort

Savor Colorado-style cuisine at this unique restaurant featuring historic Western-inspired decor.
Drive back to Denver.
USD40, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Rocky Mountain Adventure

Estes Park, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Egg of Estes

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back into the park.
Short drive from your accommodation.
USD12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Wildlife Viewing & Scenic Drive

Spend the morning marveling at the diverse wildlife, stopping at the many viewing pull-offs.
Drive through the park's scenic loop roads.
Included in park entry fee, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Estes Park Brewery

Indulge in local brews and delicious pub fare to fuel your afternoon adventures.
Located in Estes Park downtown.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Rock Climbing at Olympic National Park

Join a guided rock climbing experience and get your adrenaline pumping in a wild environment.
Head to the climbing school in the park.
USD140, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Stanley Hotel

Dine at the historic Stanley Hotel, famous for its stunning architecture and ghost stories.
Short drive from Rocky Mountain National Park.
USD50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventure in Breckenridge

Breckenridge, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at Daylight Donuts

Grab a quick and delicious donut paired with local coffee for energy.
Depart from Estes Park to Breckenridge.
USD8, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Mountain Biking

Hit the trails for some exhilarating mountain biking at Breckenridge's diverse terrain.
Rent a bike at a local shop.
USD60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Blue Moose

Refuel with fresh sandwiches and salads in a cozy atmosphere.
Located in downtown Breckenridge.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hiking to Mohawk Lake

Embark on a breathtaking hike to Mohawk Lake, where you'll be greeted by stunning views.
Follow the trail from the trailhead at the end of Spruce Creek Road.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Modis

Enjoy a modern dining experience with mountain-inspired dishes sourced from local ingredients.
Returning from the hike, Modis is conveniently in Breckenridge.
USD40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Soak and Relax in Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Daily Bread

Start your day with fresh-baked goodies and locally roasted coffee.
Set off towards Glenwood Springs.
USD12, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Glenwood Springs

Relish the scenic drive, taking in the valleys and mountains as you go.
Follow I-70 W to Glenwood Springs.
Fuel USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Glenwood Canyon Bike Ride

Explore the famous Glenwood Canyon on a bike, offering spectacular views of the Colorado River.
Rent a bike at a local shop.
USD40, 2 hours

11:00AM

Soak in Glenwood Hot Springs

Relax in the therapeutic mineral waters of the world's largest hot springs pool.
Just a short walk from the bike rental location.
USD40, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Hanging Lake Rest Area

Grab a quick bite before heading to one of Colorado's most iconic hikes.
Short drive to the Hanging Lake area.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike to Hanging Lake

Experience a challenging hike that leads you to a stunning turquoise lake adorned by waterfalls.
Follow the well-marked trail from the parking lot.
Free (but parking may be USD10), 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Smoke Modern BBQ

Savor a smoky meal with a variety of barbecue options that are sure to replenish your energy.
Drive back to Glenwood Springs for dinner.
USD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Explore Aspen and Surroundings

Aspen, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at Pine Creek Cookhouse

Enjoy a mountain breakfast with fresh local ingredients in a stunning setting.
Drive to Aspen via the Independence Pass for stunning views.
USD25, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Aspen

Travel along scenic Independence Pass, enjoying the views along the winding road.
Continue on CO-82 E.
Fuel USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

White Water Rafting on the Roaring Fork River

Experience thrilling rapids and the beauty of Colorado from the water with a guided rafting experience.
Meet at the designated rafting base in Aspen.
USD80, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aspen Brewery

Wind down with appetizers and local brews post-rafting.
Head to the brewery after the rafting tour.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike the Maroon Bells

Take on one of America’s most photographed locations with challenging trails and stunning vistas.
Drive to the Maroon Bells trailhead.
Free (parking may be USD10), 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Element 47

Indulge in an upscale dining experience with a focus on local flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Return to Aspen after hiking.
USD70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Adventure in Creede

Creede, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Company

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries.
Depart from Aspen to Creede.
USD10, 1.5 hours

8:30AM

Drive to Creede

Take the scenic route through the mountains, soaking in the picturesque scenery.
Follow CO-82 W and US-285 S.
Fuel USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Caving in the Creede Area

Experience an unforgettable adventure underground exploring the incredible caves around Creede.
Book tour from local caving company.
USD70, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Last Chance Mine

Enjoy a light lunch featuring hearty sandwiches in a rustic setting.
Located near caving area.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Fishing in Willow Creek

Join a guided fishing trip to catch local trout while enjoying the pristine nature around.
Meet at the designated fishing point.
USD100, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Foothills Restaurant

Relish in delightful comfort food options to end a thrilling day.
Return to Creede for dinner.
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Wild Goose Meeting House

A hearty breakfast with craft coffee to set you up for the adventure ahead.
Travel from Creede to Colorado Springs.
USD15, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Drive to Pikes Peak

Enjoy the scenic drive up the Pikes Peak highway, opening up spectacular views.
Follow US-24 E.
Fuel USD10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hike the Barr Trail to Pikes Peak

Embark on a challenging hike up to the summit of Pikes Peak, famed for its views and difficulty.
Start at the Barr Trailhead.
Free, 6 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Blue Star

Savor a delicious dinner with modern twists on traditional dishes.
Return to Colorado Springs.
USD50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Denver

Denver, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cherry Cricket

Enjoy breakfast at a classic Burger joint known for its delightful egg meals.
Depart from Colorado Springs back to Denver.
USD15, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Denver Botanic Gardens

Spend tranquil time wandering through this serene garden filled with native Colorado flora.
A short drive in Denver.
USD15, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Sam's No. 3

Delicious diner-style meals that are a perfect end to your adventure.
Located in downtown Denver.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Red Rocks Park

Take a scenic hike in this iconic park known for its stunning rock formations and concert venue.
Drive to Red Rocks Park.
Free, 3 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Buckhorn Exchange

Celebrate the conclusion of your epic road trip with a unique steakhouse experience filled with Western history.
Return to Denver.
USD60, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability