12-Day Woodland Park Adventure Road Trip on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Woodland Park

Woodland Park, CO on November 21, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Wild Ginger

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, trying their famous ginger pancakes.
Walking distance from your lodging
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiking at Garden of the Gods

Experience breathtaking red rock formations and scenic views while hiking the trails.
Drive 30 minutes to Garden of the Gods
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Olive Branch

Enjoy Mediterranean-style sandwiches and salads, perfect for recharging.
Drive back to Woodland Park
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Pikes Peak Railway

Take a ride up the Pikes Peak Railway, enjoy stunning views of the Rockies.
Drive to the station (30 minutes)
USD50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Hungry Bear

Savor classic American comfort food in a cozy atmosphere.
Short drive back to Woodland Park
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO on November 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Colorado Coffee Merchant

Enjoy a cup of coffee with local pastries before your adventure.
Drive 30 minutes to Colorado Springs
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking the Manitou Incline

Challenge yourself with this steep trail that offers fantastic rewards.
Short drive to the trailhead
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Steampunk Inn

Refuel with unique sandwiches in a quirky, hip location.
Drive to lunch spot in Manitou Springs
USD12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

Delight in nostalgia with vintage arcade games and fun entertainment.
Walking distance from lunch
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Mansion

Enjoy a lovely meal with varying options in a lovely setting.
Drive to dinner spot (15 minutes)
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Pikes Peak Adventure

Pikes Peak, CO on November 23, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Blue Skies Inn

Enjoy a cozy, homemade breakfast prepared by your hosts.
Walking distance from your lodging
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Pikes Peak Scenic Highway

Drive the scenic highway to take in stunning views of the mountain and valleys below.
Drive from Woodland Park
USD15 (per car), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch stop at Crystal Lake Campground

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it surrounded by nature.
Picnic at a pull-off area along the highway
USD10 for groceries, 1 hour

1:30PM

Continue Scenic Drive

Finish the stunning route to the summit of Pikes Peak, soaking up the views.
Continue driving along the highway
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Woodland Park

Head back while enjoying the views you missed on the way up.
Drive back to Woodland Park
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Park Bench

End your day with delicious burgers and beers.
Walking distance from lodging
USD18, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs, CO on November 24, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Manitou Springs Coffee

Savor a freshly brewed coffee and pastries while enjoying local art.
Drive 20 minutes to Manitou Springs
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Manitou Springs penny Arcade

Enjoy the classic arcade games and unique shops along the boardwalk.
Walking distance from breakfast
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Crystal Park Store

Search for rocks and gems in this unique store with local finds.
Short drive from the arcade
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Loop

Indulge in homemade soups and freshly baked bread in a divine setting.
Drive to lunch spot
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Seven Falls

Experience the beauty of the seven cascading waterfalls and hiking trails.
Drive 15 minutes to Seven Falls
USD18, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Trap Rock Restaurant

Taste a variety of American dishes, including some locally sourced options.
Drive back to Manitou Springs
USD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Visit Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek, CO on November 25, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Donut Mill

Start your day with some of the best donuts in Colorado.
Drive to Woodland Park
USD8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Cripple Creek

Take the scenic route with beautiful views and interesting history.
Drive towards Cripple Creek (1 hour)
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cripple Creek Heritage Center

Learn about the mining history of this charming town at the Heritage Center.
Walking distance from parking
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cripple Creek Cafe

Enjoy a homemade meal featuring classic American diner options.
Short walk from the Heritage Center
USD12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Victor Lowell Thomas Museum

See artifacts that showcase the area's mining history and culture.
Drive to the museum
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Return to Woodland Park

Drive back while reminiscing about the day’s adventures.
Drive back (1 hour)
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Park Bench

Unwind with some delicious offerings with a local twist.
Driving distance from your lodging
USD18, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Beryl's Beer Company

Woodland Park, CO on November 26, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 113

Relish a fresh breakfast with options ranging from burritos to omelets.
Walking distance from lodging
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Beryl's Beer Company

Taste a variety of local brews, with options for all palates.
Short drive from your lodging
USD5 for tasting, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore local parks

Walk through the beautiful parks in Woodland Park, enjoying the scenery.
Drive to local parks
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Bagel Shop

Enjoy bagels fresh out of the oven with various tasty spreads.
Drive to the bagel shop
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Craft Beer Tasting

Visit more local breweries for a taste of artisan beers.
Explore nearby breweries
USD10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Mountain Pizza & Taphouse

End the day with satisfying pizza and local brews.
Head back to dining area
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Wilderness Adventure

Eleven Mile Canyon, CO on November 27, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Fuel up for the day with a big breakfast, no matter what you choose.
Short drive from lodging
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking in Eleven Mile Canyon

Explore the breathtaking views along the Eleven Mile Canyon trails.
Drive to Eleven Mile Canyon (45 minutes)
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eleven Mile Canyon Campground

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it surrounded by stunning nature.
Picnic at campground
USD10 for groceries, 1 hour

2:30PM

Continue Exploring Eleven Mile Canyon

Finish hiking various scenic trails and take lots of photos.
Explore more scenic routes
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Woodland Park

Drive back to your lodging for the evening.
Drive back (45 minutes)
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Brown Dog Diner

Unwind with a delightful meal featuring American favorites.
Drive to The Brown Dog Diner
USD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Deckers Exploration

Deckers, CO on November 28, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Deckers Restaurant

Start your day with a classic breakfast in Deckers.
Drive from Woodland Park (30 minutes)
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fishing at Deckers

Try your luck fishing in the South Platte River surrounded by nature.
Walk to the river area
Free (with fishing gear), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Deckers Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with beautiful outdoor seating.
Back to the restaurant
USD12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Nature Walk and Photography

Capture the stunning landscapes through a nature walk around Deckers.
Walk along scenic paths
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Woodland Park

Drive back while recalling your day's adventures.
Travel back (30 minutes)
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Banshee's Grill

Indulge in delicious grilled options at this casual dining gem.
Drive 10 minutes from lodging
USD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Scenic Drive to Aspen

Aspen, CO on November 29, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cozy Kitchen

Enjoy an inviting breakfast with a local flavor to start your day.
Walking distance from lodging
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Departure to Aspen

Set off on a scenic drive towards the famed ski town of Aspen.
Drive to Aspen (2 hours)
Free (gas costs apply), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Aspen Village

Wander around the charming village, soaking in the winter atmosphere.
Parking area in Aspen
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ajax Tavern

Enjoy spectacular views with a classic burger alongside local brews.
Walking distance from downtown
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Maroon Bells

Discover the beauty of Maroon Bells, a stunning mountain view destination.
Drive to Maroon Bells (30 minutes)
USD10 (parking fee), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Red Onion

Dine at a local favorite offering mountain fare in a cozy setting.
Return to Aspen downtown
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: History and Nature

Leadville, CO on November 30, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Golden Burro Cafe

Savor a savory breakfast in Leadville with friendly service.
Drive from Aspen to Leadville (1.5 hours)
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Leadville Mining District

Explore this historic mining area and learn about Leadville's rich past.
Walking distance from breakfast
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at High Mountain Pies

Indulge in freshly made pizza at this popular spot.
Short walk from the mining district
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike at Turquoise Lake

Spend the afternoon in nature, hiking around the beautiful lake.
Drive to Turquoise Lake (15 minutes)
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Silver Dollar Saloon

Taste regional dishes in a historic saloon atmosphere.
Drive back to Leadville
USD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Adventures in Breckenridge

Breckenridge, CO on December 1, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Daylight Donuts

Start your day with fresh donuts and coffee to energize!
Drive from Leadville to Breckenridge (30 minutes)
USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Breckenridge Main Street

Stroll along the charming streets filled with shops and historic sites.
Parking available downtown
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Breckenridge Brewery

Try brews paired with delicious pub food in a welcoming environment.
Walking distance from Main Street
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Sledding at Carter Park

Enjoy a fun afternoon outdoors sledding down the hill.
Drive to Carter Park (5 minutes)
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Scenic gondola ride

Take a ride to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Short walk to gondola
USD20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Montanya Distillers

Finish your day enjoying exquisite cocktails and gourmet food.
Walking distance to the distillery
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Final Day in Denver

Denver, CO on December 2, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Enjoy hearty biscuits with a creative twist to start your journey.
Drive to Denver (1.5 hours)
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Denver Art Museum

Explore impressive art installations and exhibitions in this renowned museum.
Short drive from breakfast (15 minutes)
USD13, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs

Delight in gourmet hot dogs with unique toppings, a local favorite.
Short drive from the museum
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Denver's Union Station

Visit a historic landmark filled with shops and restaurants.
Drive to Union Station (10 minutes)
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Final coffee at Aviano Coffee

Savor your last cup of coffee in this cozy local café before wrapping up your trip.
Drive to Aviano Coffee (5 minutes)
USD5, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Departure

Prepare for your journey home or to your next adventure.
Head back home
N/A, N/A
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