5-Day Denver to Colorado Springs and Rocky Mountain National Park Adventure

Day 1: Denver City Highlights

Denver, USA on August 12, 2025

8:00am

Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Denver in the morning and check into your hotel to drop off your luggage and get ready for the day.
Varies, 1h

9:30am

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Visit this iconic open-air amphitheater surrounded by stunning red sandstone formations; great for scenic views and hiking around the park trails.
FREE, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Source

Enjoy lunch at The Source, a trendy food market in the RiNo District offering a variety of artisanal eateries and craft beers.
USD20-30, 1h

1:30pm

RiNo District Murals

Explore the vibrant street art and murals in Denver's RiNo district, known for its creative atmosphere and galleries. Perfect for a leisurely walk.
FREE, 1h30m

3:30pm

Larimer Square

Stroll through historic Larimer Square, the oldest block in Denver, filled with boutique shops, cafes, and Victorian buildings.
FREE, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Rioja

Dine at Rioja, a critically acclaimed restaurant in Larimer Square known for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with local ingredients.
USD50+, 2h
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Day 2: Boulder Visit & Rocky Mountain Stay

Boulder and Rocky Mountain Area, USA on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, Boulder

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Snooze, famous for creative pancakes and house-made preserves.
USD15-20, 1h

9:30am

Pearl Street Mall

Explore this vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, street performers, and cafes, capturing Boulder’s lively charm.
FREE, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Mediterranean Restaurant

Have a Mediterranean-inspired lunch offering fresh flavors with a Colorado twist, popular among locals.
USD20-30, 1h

1:30pm

Chautauqua Park

Relax or hike in this historic park at the base of the Flatirons, featuring scenic views and multiple walking trails.
FREE, 2h

4:00pm

Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park Area

Travel about 1.5 hours northwest to stay overnight near the Rocky Mountain National Park for easy access the next day.
Varies, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trailhead Restaurant & Pub

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring classic American favorites with a mountain lodge ambiance near the park area.
USD25-35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking

Rocky Mountain National Park, USA on August 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or local cafe

Have an early breakfast to fuel up for a day of hiking and nature exploration.
USD10-15, 1h

8:30am

Bear Lake Trail

Start your visit at Bear Lake, a popular and picturesque area with easy trails and stunning mountain scenery.
USD25 park entrance fee per vehicle, 1h30m

10:30am

Lilly Lake

Hike to Lilly Lake, a serene alpine lake offering breathtaking reflections of the surrounding peaks.
Included in park fee, 1h

12:00pm

Picnic lunch at Sprague Lake

Enjoy a relaxing picnic by Sprague Lake, a short and easy loop trail with beautiful views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
FREE (picnic supplies needed), 1h

1:30pm

Alpine Ridge Trail

Hike the Alpine Ridge for more mountainous vistas and chances to spot wildlife like moose and elk in the park.
Included in park fee, 2h

4:00pm

Rest and Sunset at Sprague Lake

Return to Sprague Lake for an early evening to catch the sunset with panoramic mountain views.
FREE, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at local lodge or restaurant near park entrance

Have dinner at a nearby lodge restaurant to relax after a full day exploring the park.
USD30-40, 1.5h
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Day 4: More Rocky Mountain Exploration

Rocky Mountain National Park, USA on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast for another active day in the mountains.
USD10-15, 1h

9:00am

Explore more hiking trails or take a scenic drive

Choose additional hikes or drives such as Bear Lake Road, or visit scenic overlooks for diverse park views.
Included in park fee, 3-4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Estes Park

Stop in Estes Park town for lunch, choosing from many local cafes and restaurants offering seasonal Colorado cuisine.
USD20-30, 1h

2:30pm

Wildlife watching and photography

Spend the afternoon observing and photographing native animals like deer, elk, and birds in their natural habitat.
FREE, 2h

5:00pm

Return to accommodation and relax

Spend the early evening relaxing and preparing for next day travel.
FREE, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at local steakhouse

Enjoy a hearty steak dinner, perfect for refueling after active days in the park.
USD40+, 1.5h
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Day 5: Colorado Springs Natural Wonders

Colorado Springs, USA on August 16, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Prepare for an early start heading south towards Colorado Springs for sightseeing.
USD10-15, 1h

9:00am

Garden of the Gods

Visit this free public park with stunning red rock formations and excellent hiking and photography opportunities.
FREE, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe

Casual dining with a variety of sandwiches and salads, perfect to refuel midway through the day.
USD15-25, 1h

1:00pm

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Take a scenic train ride through the Royal Gorge, experiencing Colorado’s dramatic landscapes from the comfort of a vintage rail car. Check train times to book in advance.
USD70-100, 3h

4:30pm

Pikes Peak Visit

Drive or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the Rockies.
Cog Railway: USD60+, Drive: free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Broadmoor’s Penrose Room

End your day with fine dining at this elegant Colorado Springs establishment known for refined mountain cuisine.
USD50+, 2h
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