Epic One-Day Road Trip in Rocky Mountain National Park

Day 1: Adventure Awaits

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Egg of Estes

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Egg of Estes, where you can savor their famous egg dishes and fluffy pancakes to fuel your adventure.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel in Estes Park to The Egg of Estes.
USD15, 1 hour

8:15AM

Entering Rocky Mountain National Park

Enter the park through the Beaver Meadows Entrance, and prepare to be amazed by the towering mountains and lush forests that greet you.
The park entrance is a short drive from The Egg of Estes.
USD30 (vehicle entry), 15 minutes

8:30AM

Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road

Embark on a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, appreciating breathtaking vistas and stopping at various overlooks like Many Parks Curve and Rainbow Curve.
Continue along Trail Ridge Road, stopping at the viewpoints.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Hike at Bear Lake Trailhead

Enjoy a delightful 1-hour hike around the beautiful Bear Lake, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and easy access to other trails.
Drive 20 minutes from the last viewpoint to Bear Lake Trailhead.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Alberta Falls

Take a short hike (0.6 miles one way) to visit the picturesque Alberta Falls, where you can enjoy the sound of cascading water amidst breathtaking scenery.
Hike from Bear Lake Trailhead to Alberta Falls for a scenic experience.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Stanley Hotel

Head back to Estes Park and enjoy lunch at The Stanley Hotel’s Cascade Restaurant, offering locally sourced dishes in a historic setting.
Drive back to Estes Park, about 20 minutes from Bear Lake Trailhead.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Moraine Park Discovery Center

Stop by the Moraine Park Discovery Center, where you can learn about the park's wildlife and ecosystems through interactive exhibits.
Drive 15 minutes from The Stanley Hotel to Moraine Park.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Wildlife Viewing at Moraine Park

Spend some time in Moraine Park to spot elk and other wildlife, often seen in the early evening hours in this serene landscape.
Stay in the Moraine Park area for wildlife viewing.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive Back on Trail Ridge Road

Take a leisurely drive back along Trail Ridge Road, soaking in the last views of the magnificent mountain landscape as the sun begins to set.
Retrace your route on Trail Ridge Road.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Poppy's Pizza & Grill

End your adventurous day with a delicious pizza dinner at Poppy's Pizza & Grill, where you can relax and enjoy a casual atmosphere after a day filled with exploration.
Drive back to Estes Park, about 10 minutes from the park exit.
USD20, 1 hour

7:30PM

Evening Stroll at Lake Estes

Take a peaceful evening stroll around Lake Estes, reflecting on the day's adventures while enjoying the sunset over the water.
The lake is a quick drive or a short walk from Poppy's Pizza & Grill.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability