3-Day Colorado Rocky Mountains Adventure: Vail, Maroon Bells, and Aspen

Day 1: Explore Vail Village

Vail, Colorado, USA on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Westside Bakery & Café

Start your day at Westside Bakery & Café with a fresh pastry and local coffee in a cozy setting within Vail Village.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk Around Vail Village

Stroll through the charming alpine-style village, enjoy boutique shopping, and take in the mountain atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Explore North America's highest botanical garden, featuring alpine plants and stunning views, open 8am to 6pm in June.
USD10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sweet Basil

Enjoy an upscale American lunch at Sweet Basil, known for creative dishes made with local ingredients.
USD35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Vail Mountain Gondola Ride

Take the gondola up Vail Mountain for panoramic views and light hiking trails at the top. Open 9am to 6pm.
USD45, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at your hotel or stroll around

Unwind from the day’s activities or explore more shops and local art galleries in Vail Village.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mountain Standard

Dine at Mountain Standard, enjoying a rustic and lively atmosphere with wood-fired American dishes.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Maroon Bells & Aspen

Maroon Bells and Aspen, Colorado, USA on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at The Little Nell

Fuel up with a gourmet breakfast at The Little Nell, Aspen's only five-star, five-diamond hotel restaurant, before heading out.
USD25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Maroon Bells

Drive from Aspen to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area (about 10 minutes), a stunning and iconic mountain landscape in Colorado.
Fuel costs approximately USD10, 0h15m

9:00am

Explore Maroon Bells

Hike around Maroon Bells Scenic Area, famous for its twin peaks, alpine lakes, and breathtaking nature trails. Popular trails include Maroon Lake Scenic Loop and Crater Lake hike.
Free (vehicle permit required, approx USD10), 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse

Enjoy a rustic, elevated lunch experience at Pine Creek Cookhouse near Aspen, offering stunning views paired with seasonal Colorado cuisine.
USD40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Afternoon in Aspen Town

Walk through downtown Aspen, visiting local shops, art galleries, and the Aspen Art Museum (open 10am to 5pm).
Museum USD12, 2h0m

4:30pm

Aspen Mountain Gondola Ride

Ride the Silver Queen Gondola at Aspen Mountain for spectacular views. Operating hours 9am to 5pm in summer.
USD40, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Element 47

Experience fine dining at Element 47 inside The Little Nell, focusing on local flavors with a refined atmosphere.
USD70, 1h30m
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Day 3: Aspen & Return

Aspen, Colorado, USA on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Victoria’s Espresso and Wine Bar

Start your day with excellent coffee and a light breakfast at this popular Aspen spot.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

John Denver Sanctuary Visit

Visit the serene John Denver Sanctuary, a peaceful garden dedicated to the famous singer-songwriter, perfect for a morning walk.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Maroon Bells Scenic Drive (return route)

Leisurely drive back toward Vail or your next destination with scenic stops or photo opportunities along the way.
Fuel costs approx USD10, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a local diner en route

Stop at a convenient local diner or café for a casual lunch during your return trip.
USD20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Arrival back in Vail or onward travel

Complete your journey back to Vail or prepare for your onward travel plans with a relaxing evening.
Free, Rest of day
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