Ultimate Colorado Adventure: Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder & Estes Park Itinerary

Day 1: Denver Urban Exploration

Denver, USA on June 17, 2025

9:00am

Arrival and Car Rental

Land in Denver, pick up your rental car at Denver International Airport for the flexibility to explore Colorado.
Included in rental, 1h

10:00am

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Enjoy hearty and delicious biscuit sandwiches that start your trip with a true Denver vibe. Opens 7:00am.
USD15, 1h

11:15am

Denver Museum of Nature & Science - Planetarium Show

Catch an immersive planetarium show to learn about the cosmos and enhance your appreciation of the natural world. Open 9:00am-5:00pm, shows at 11:30am and 2:00pm.
USD20, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shotgun Willie's

Relish South American / Latin American flavors at this lively spot. Opens at 11:00am.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore RiNo Arts District

Stroll the vibrant streets of the RiNo Art District, known for its colorful murals, galleries, and craft breweries.
Free, 2h

4:45pm

Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Drive to the iconic Red Rocks to explore the geology and stunning views; perfect near sunset, facility open all day.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Fort Restaurant

Experience frontier style dining with Colorado specialties near Morrison, close to Red Rocks. Open 5:00pm-9:00pm.
USD40, 1.5h

8:30pm

Drive to Colorado Springs

Check into hotel in Colorado Springs for two nights; easily accessible for next day's activities.
USD150 (hotel), 1h
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Day 2: Colorado Springs Wonders

Colorado Springs, USA on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Urban Egg

Fuel up with fresh, creative breakfast dishes. Opens at 7:00am.
USD20, 1h

8:45am

Garden of the Gods

Explore the stunning red rock formations and enjoy hiking or a guided tour. Park open 24/7, visitor center 8:00am-5:00pm.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch in Manitou Springs

Dine at The Loop for fresh, locally sourced creative cuisine in this charming town. Opens at 11:00am.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Manitou Springs & Mineral Springs

Walk around Manitou Springs, sample the famous mineral springs, and browse local shops.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Drive to Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Visit these colorful, unusual geologic formations for a moderate hike and photography opportunity. Open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in Colorado Springs - Shuga’s

Enjoy an eclectic menu featuring Mediterranean and American dishes in a cozy setting. Open till 9:00pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 3: Estes Park & RMNP

Estes Park, USA on June 19, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Quick breakfast to enjoy the day ahead at Rocky Mountain National Park.
USD15, 0.5h

7:00am

Drive to Estes Park

Scenic 2-hour drive north to Estes Park, gateway to RMNP.
Fuel cost approx. USD30, 2h

9:15am

Bear Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

Enjoy a moderate 1.5-mile hike with stunning mountain and lake views. Park open 24/7, bear lake trail best done in the morning to avoid crowds.
USD30 (park entrance per vehicle), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Taphouse

Refuel with authentic BBQ in Estes Park’s vibrant town center. Open from 11:00am.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Outdoor Activity - Off-roading or Jeep Tour

Book a guided off-road Jeep tour around Estes Park or RMNP foothills for adventure and landscape viewing.
USD100 per person, 3h

5:00pm

Drive back toward Denver area

Head back toward Boulder area for closer proximity to your departure city. Approx 1.5 hour drive.
Fuel approx USD20, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner near Boulder - Flagstaff House

Fine dining with sweeping views of Boulder and the foothills; reservation recommended. Open 5:00pm-9:00pm.
USD50, 1.5h

8:15pm

Stay overnight in Boulder

Comfortable lodging in Boulder for easy access to next day’s activities.
USD180 hotel approx, Overnight
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Day 4: Boulder Highlights & Departure

Boulder and Denver, USA on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Buff Restaurant

Casual and popular spot in Boulder for a classic hearty breakfast. Opens 7:00am.
USD20, 1h

8:45am

Morning hike of Boulder Flatirons

Enjoy one of Boulder’s iconic outdoor experiences with trails offering spectacular views and moderate hikes.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Pearl Street Mall

Explore this vibrant pedestrian shopping area with boutiques, street performers, cafes, and art galleries.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Locale

Delicious artisan pizzas with fresh ingredients in a casual Boulder setting. Open 11:00am-10:00pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Mount Blue Sky Summit

Head back toward Denver and drive up Mt. Blue Sky for panoramic mountain views; road accessible seasonally, usually open mid-May to October.
Toll USD10 approx, 3h including drive and time at summit

5:30pm

Return to Denver City

Spend your last evening relaxing or exploring any missed spots in downtown Denver.
Fuel approx USD10, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner experience in Denver's Larimer Square, open 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
USD45, 1.5h

8:30pm

Evening walk in Downtown Denver or relax

Take a gentle walk around Larimer Square and Union Station area for nighttime ambiance or return to your hotel to rest before late flight.
Free, 1.5h
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Day 5: Departure Day

Denver, USA on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel or airport

Simple breakfast depending on location to accommodate your late night departure schedule.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Leisure or last local shopping

Use the morning for any last-minute shopping or relaxing at hotel.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Return rental car and prepare for airport

Drive rental car back to Denver International Airport, allowing enough time for check-in and security for your 1:00am flight departure.
Included in rental, 1h
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