Scenic Nature and Culinary Road Trip from Akron, Ohio to Taos, New Mexico

Day 1: Travel and Explore Pewaukee

Pewaukee, Wisconsin on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Sweet Spot

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and a variety of breakfast options in this cozy local bakery open from 7 AM, perfect to start your day with energy.
USD15, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive from Akron to Pewaukee

Begin your road trip westward; the drive is approximately 8.5 hours covering about 560 miles with scenic stretches through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
USD40 (gas approx.), 8h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Harbinger Coffee and Creamery

Relax at this coffee shop offering local craft brews and light dinner options, serving until 8 PM, great for unwinding after a long drive.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 2: Hiking and Food in Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls, Iowa on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Diem

Start your day with fresh coffee and breakfast bowls at this popular cafe open from 6:30 AM, known for local organic ingredients.
USD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Hike at George W. Hamilton Nature Center

Explore 139 acres of forest and prairie with well-marked trails. Open from dawn to dusk, it’s perfect for birdwatching and nature photography.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nickelodeon Cafe and Fine Wine

Enjoy a diverse menu featuring American classics and vegetarian options with a nice wine selection. Open from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays.
USD25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Cheyenne, Wyoming

Begin your 8-hour drive (~520 miles) heading west; a long stretch that crosses Iowa, Nebraska, and into Wyoming.
USD45 (gas approx.), 8h0m

11:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Cheyenne and settle into your accommodation to rest for the next day’s adventures.
USD0, Rest
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Day 3: Explore Cheyenne Outdoors

Cheyenne, Wyoming on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Perkin's Restaurant & Bakery

Enjoy a hearty breakfast including biscuits and gravy or pancakes, open from 6 AM daily.
USD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Hike at Curt Gowdy State Park

Just 30 minutes from Cheyenne, the park offers diverse hiking trails through granite rock formations and open prairies. Open all day with no entrance fee.
Free, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Rib & Chop House

Savor delicious steaks and ribs paired with local craft beers in this popular steakhouse, open until 9 PM.
USD35, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Denver and Surrounding Nature Spots

Drive about 1.5 hours (100 miles) south to Denver or neighboring outdoor spots in Colorado to begin exploration.
USD10 (gas approx.), 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Kitchen American Bistro, Denver

Offering farm-to-table contemporary American cuisine, this restaurant is excellent for fresh local flavors, open until 10 PM.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nature in Colorado

Denver and Surroundings, Colorado on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Jelly Cafe

Known for hearty portions and creative twists on classic breakfast dishes, open from 7 AM daily.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Hike at Boulder Flatirons

Famous rock formations with multiple trails ranging in difficulty, open dawn to dusk, offering stunning views of the Rockies.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery, Boulder

Casual dining with local brews and fresh pub-style food, a favorite of hikers and locals alike, open from 11 AM.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Visit this stunning natural amphitheater and hiking trails nearby. Open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM and free to explore.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Root Down, Denver

A trendy spot offering global fusion cuisine with many vegetarian and gluten-free options, open until 10 PM.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 5: More Colorado Outdoors

Colorado (Rocky Mountain National Park Area) on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lucille’s Creole Cafe, Boulder

Classic Southern inspired breakfast with a Colorado twist, open from 7:30 AM, great for fueling before a big hike.
USD22, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park

Drive approximately 1.5 hours (65 miles) north to one of Colorado’s premier national parks, known for breathtaking alpine landscapes.
USD30 per vehicle (park entrance fee), 1h30m

10:00am

Hiking and Wildlife Watching in Rocky Mountain National Park

Spend the day hiking popular trails such as Bear Lake or Alberta Falls. Park open from 5 AM to 10 PM, perfect for spotting elk and scenic views.
Included in entrance fee, 6h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Trailhead Restaurant & Tap House, Estes Park

Located near the park, this restaurant offers locally sourced meals and craft beers, serving dinner until 9 PM.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Taos, NM

Taos, New Mexico on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at HomeSlice Pizza, Denver

A casual spot serving excellent breakfast and coffee, open from 7 AM, ideal before the long drive ahead.
USD18, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Denver to Taos

About a 6-hour drive (375 miles), traveling southwest through scenic mountain and desert landscapes into northern New Mexico.
USD35 (gas approx.), 6h0m

2:30pm

Check-in and Rest in Taos

Settle into your accommodation in Taos to prepare for local exploration.
USD0, Rest

4:00pm

Visit Taos Plaza

Explore the historic town plaza with galleries, shops, and cafes. It's open all day and ideal for a relaxed walking tour.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Love Apple

Upscale restaurant focusing on locally sourced, organic New Mexican cuisine, open for dinner from 5 PM.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Taos Nature and Culture

Taos, New Mexico on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Taos Diner

Enjoy classic American diner breakfast with a mix of Southwest flavors, open from 7 AM daily.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Hiking at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Explore spectacular volcanic canyons and rugged wilderness with an extensive trail system open all day, perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
Free, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe

Taste authentic New Mexican dishes such as chile rellenos and green chile stew, open from 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Taos Pueblo

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with exciting indigenous culture and adobe architecture, open from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed Tuesdays).
USD16, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Lambert’s of Taos

Enjoy Southwest-inspired fine dining with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and local flavors, serving until 9 PM.
USD50, 2h0m
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