3-Day Adventure Itinerary in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Day 1: Estes Park & Bear Lake

Estes Park, Colorado on April 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee to start your day in Estes Park, known for its cozy atmosphere and local favorites.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Bear Lake Trail

Explore the scenic Bear Lake Trail, a 0.6-mile loop around Bear Lake that offers stunning mountain views and is accessible year-round.
Free with park entrance, 1h

11:00am

Alberta Falls Hike

Take a moderate 1.6-mile round trip hike to Alberta Falls, a beautiful cascading waterfall and perfect for a nature photo stop.
Free with park entrance, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Savor hearty American cuisine and local craft beers in a mountain lodge setting, a short drive from the park entrance.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Estes Park Downtown Stroll

Explore the charming streets of Estes Park with its shops, galleries, and artisan boutiques, perfect for souvenirs and relaxing in town.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Dinner at Bird & Jim

Enjoy New American cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients in an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.
USD40, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Trail Ridge Road & Alpine Center

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado on April 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kind Coffee

Start early with specialty coffee and light breakfast options from a popular Estes Park coffee shop to fuel your day.
USD12, 30m

8:00am

Drive Trail Ridge Road

Drive the spectacular Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, offering breathtaking alpine views and wildlife spotting opportunities. The road opens seasonally but should be accessible in late April with some sections possibly still closed due to snow.
USD30 park entrance fee per vehicle, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Alpine Visitor Center

Have lunch at the highest visitor center in the National Park system, offering sandwiches and snacks with panoramic views above the treeline.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Short Hike to Tundra Communities Trail

Take an easy 1-mile round trip hike to explore unique alpine tundra ecosystems just outside the visitor center.
Free with park entrance, 1h

3:00pm

Return Drive and Wildlife Watching

Drive back via Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road and look out for elk, deer, and marmots along the way.
Included in park fee, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mama Rose’s

Relax with comforting Italian dishes and wood-fired pizzas in Estes Park after a full day of exploration.
USD30, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Wild Basin & Lily Lake

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

Grab a quick, fresh breakfast from this local favorite to prepare for your final day of hiking and sightseeing.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Wild Basin Trailhead Hike

Enjoy a hike in the lesser-visited Wild Basin area, with options for moderate hikes to places like Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls. The lower loop takes about 2-3 hours depending on stops.
Free with park entrance, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic at Wild Basin

Pack or pick up sandwiches in Estes Park and enjoy a picnic amidst beautiful forest and streams near the trailhead.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Lily Lake Loop

Take an easy, scenic 0.8-mile loop around Lily Lake, perfect for photography and spotting wildlife such as ducks, beavers, and deer.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Estes Park Museum or relax in Town

Learn about the park’s natural and human history or unwind in a local cafe before departure.
USD8 for museum, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Bird & Jim or Home Cooking

For a memorable final meal, revisit Bird & Jim’s innovative menu or enjoy a casual dinner to reflect on your Rocky Mountain adventure.
USD40, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability