Denver to Colorado Springs Road Trip with Midweek Rocky Mountain and Boulder Excursions

Day Day 1: Denver City Highlights

Denver, USA on August 12, 2025

12:00pm

Pick Up Rental Car at Denver International Airport

Arrive and collect your rental car before heading to central Denver.
Varies, 0.5h

12:30pm

Check Into The Crawford Hotel Downtown Denver

Stay in the historic Union Station area, an excellent base for city exploration.
USD250/night, 0.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Denver Central Market, RiNo District

Enjoy gourmet food selections in a lively market setting, open 11am–9pm.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

RiNo District Murals

Discover Denver's street art on a casual walk through this vibrant district.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Experience the stunning geology and atmosphere of this natural amphitheater.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Explore Larimer Square

Stroll through Denver’s historic shopping and dining area.
Free, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Rioja in Larimer Square

Dine on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting, open until 10pm.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park Adventure

Estes Park, USA on August 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a nutritious breakfast before heading to the park.
Included or USD15, 1h

8:00am

Hike Bear Lake Trail

Walk the beautiful and accessible Bear Lake loop inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
USD35 park entrance per vehicle, 1.5h

10:00am

Visit Sprague Lake

Enjoy an easy stroll and superb mountain views around this popular lake.
Included with park entry, 1h

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Sprague Lake

Relax with a packed lunch at this scenic spot.
USD15 for supplies, 1h

1:00pm

Hike Lily Lake

Discover the peaceful Lily Lake with a gentle trail ideal for nature viewing.
Included, 2h

4:00pm

Alpine Ridge Viewpoint

Take in vast vistas from Alpine Ridge before returning to Estes Park.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner in Estes Park at Smokin' Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse

Savor smoky barbecue dishes in a casual atmosphere, open until 9pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day Day 3: Rocky Mountain & Boulder Visit

Estes Park and Boulder, USA on August 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your morning Rocky Mountain hike.
Included or USD15, 1h

8:00am

Hike Glacier Gorge or Alberta Falls

Explore scenic waterfall trails inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
Park entry included, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trail Ridge Store and Café

Enjoy light fare at the park’s highest elevation café.
USD20, 1h

1:00pm

Drive to Boulder

About 1-hour scenic drive south to the lively city of Boulder.
Gas approx USD10, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Pearl Street Mall

Experience Boulder's vibrant shopping street with lively street performances.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Hike Chautauqua Park

Enjoy scenic trails and views of the Flatirons right near downtown Boulder.
Parking USD5, 2h

6:30pm

Drive to Estes Park and Dinner

Return to Estes Park about an hour’s drive and dine locally.
Gas USD10 + Dinner USD40, 2h
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Day Day 4: Colorado Springs Exploration

Colorado Springs, USA on August 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Estes Park

Start early with a nourishing breakfast.
Included or USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Colorado Springs

Drive approximately 1.5 hours south to Colorado Springs.
Gas approx USD15, 1.5h

10:30am

Check into The Mining Exchange Hotel

Stay downtown for convenient access to local sights.
USD220/night, 0.5h

11:00am

Garden of the Gods

Walk among famous red rock formations in this free-access park open dawn to dusk.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Adam’s Mountain Café

Light and fresh Californian cuisine near downtown, open 11am - 3pm.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Drive an hour west to Canon City for a scenic 3-hour train ride through Royal Gorge. Book ahead.
USD70, 4h including travel

6:30pm

Return to Colorado Springs

Drive back to your hotel to unwind.
Gas approx USD10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Margarita at Pine Creek

Enjoy southwestern dishes in a relaxed setting near your hotel, open until 8pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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