7-Day Scenic and Adventure Tour of Colorado's Best

Day 1: City Exploration

Denver, Colorado on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Start your trip with delicious and creative breakfast dishes, known for their pancakes and eggs benedict, open from 6:30am to 2:30pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Denver Art Museum

Explore American Indian art and contemporary collections. The museum opens at 10:00am, so spend time outdoors nearby first.
USD13, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Union Station

Enjoy diverse dining options and soak in the lively atmosphere of this historic train station.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Denver Botanic Gardens

Visit this stunning garden showcasing native and international plants, open from 9:00am to 8:00pm.
USD15, 2h

4:00pm

Walk through Larimer Square

Stroll the historic block with shops, cafes, and beautiful lighting.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision

Enjoy farm-to-table American cuisine with a cozy ambiance.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 2: Boulder Nature

Boulder, Colorado on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Buff Restaurant

Known for generous portions and hearty breakfast options, open from 7:00am to 2:00pm.
USD18, 1h

9:00am

Chautauqua Park and Trailhead

Hike to the Flatirons rock formations offering breathtaking views, open all day with no entry fee.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

Casual restaurant known for craft beers and pub food, open from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
USD22, 1h

2:00pm

Pearl Street Mall

Explore shops, street performers, and cafes in this pedestrian mall.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Boulder Farmers Market (Friday only)

Browse local produce, artisan goods, and snacks (open until 6:00pm).
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Frasca Food and Wine

End the day with an upscale Northern Italian meal and excellent wine pairings.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 3: Mountain Adventure

Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Café

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee before heading into the park, open 7:00am to 2:00pm.
USD12, 1h

8:00am

Rocky Mountain National Park – Trail Ridge Road

Drive or bike the scenic Trail Ridge Road, open typically from late May to October, offering stunning alpine views.
USD30 per vehicle, 4h

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Pack or buy a picnic to enjoy at designated picnic areas surrounded by nature.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Wildlife and Hiking Trails

Explore Bear Lake or Alberta Falls trails for an easy afternoon hike.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Estes Park for Dinner

Dine at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern offering hearty American fare, open until 9:00pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 4: Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Casual coffee and breakfast spot known for great espresso and breakfast sandwiches, open 7:00am to 3:00pm.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Garden of the Gods

Explore the iconic red rock formations, walking trails, and visitor center with interpretive exhibits, open from 5:00am to 10:00pm.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Adam's Mountain Café

Known for fresh, healthy food with vegetarian options, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Pikes Peak Scenic Drive

Drive up America's Mountain via the toll road, which opens at 6:00am to 8:00pm, for spectacular views.
USD15 per vehicle, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

A fun spot downtown with creative American dishes, open until 10:00pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 5: Sand Dunes Exploration

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local diner en route

Grab a quick breakfast on the way to the dunes for an early start.
USD10, 1h

9:00am

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Explore the tallest sand dunes in North America with hiking and sledding; park hours are 24/7 for hiking.
USD20 per vehicle, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic at the Park

Enjoy a picnic with views of the dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Medano Creek

Experience wading or tubing in Medano Creek if water levels permit (typical spring run-off).
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Drive to Alamosa for dinner

Have dinner at Main Street Pizzeria, known for wood-fired pizzas, open till 9:00pm.
USD20, 1h
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Day 6: History and Culture

Durango and Mesa Verde, Colorado on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Carver Brewing Co.

Casual spot offering hearty breakfasts and craft beers, open from 7:00am.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Mesa Verde National Park

Tour ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and museums; park opens at 8:00am.
USD30 per vehicle, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Metate Room

Upscale dining near park entrance with Southwestern cuisine, open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
USD40, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Durango Downtown

Walk along historic streets with shops and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Station.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ken & Sue's

Popular BBQ spot with a local vibe, open until 9:00pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 7: Aspen and Departure

Aspen and Return to Denver, Colorado on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Paradise Bakery & Café

Start with fresh pastries and coffee in Aspen, open 7:00am to 3:00pm.
USD12, 1h

9:00am

Maroon Bells Scenic Area

Visit Colorado’s most photographed mountains with hiking trails; shuttle bus required from Aspen (check seasonal schedules).
USD15 for shuttle, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wild Fig

Mediterranean-inspired dishes for a relaxed meal before departure, open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Drive back to Denver

Return to Denver (approximately 3.5-4 hours drive) for departure or evening stay.
USD0, 4h

7:00pm

Optional Dinner in Denver

If staying in Denver, try Rioja for delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, open until 10:00pm.
USD50, 1.5h
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