Scenic Colorado Adventure: Cheyenne Mountain to Rocky Mountain National Park and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, CO on July 6, 2025

9:00am

Cheyenne Mountain State Park Visitor Center

Start your trip by visiting the visitor center to gather maps and learn about the park's diverse wildlife and trails. It's perfect for planning scenic hikes and bike rides.
USD0, 1h0m

10:30am

E-bike Ride on Garden of the Gods Road

Enjoy a flat and scenic 4-mile ride with outstanding views of the Garden of the Gods rock formations, perfect for your e-biking interests.
USD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Famous Steak House & Saloon

Relax over hearty Western cuisine in a charming atmosphere just minutes away from the park.
USD30 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bear Creek Nature Trail Hike

An easy 2-mile flat hike known for excellent birding opportunities and scenic creek views inside the park.
USD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Patty Jewett Grill

Enjoy locally-sourced dishes with a great selection of Colorado wines to wind down your first day.
USD40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Birding & Kayaking

Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, CO on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Start your morning with quality coffee and breakfast classics in a cozy cafe close to your campsite.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

8:45am

Birdwatching at Fountain Creek

Spend the early morning birding along Fountain Creek Trail where waterfowl and woodland birds are plentiful.
USD0, 2h0m

11:00am

Flatwater Kayaking at Monument Lake

Enjoy peaceful kayaking on calm waters surrounded by mountain views; rental available onsite.
USD35 per kayak, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Monument Café

Popular spot for homemade pies and hearty sandwiches—a great fueling stop after paddling.
USD25 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relaxing Afternoon Biking

Take a leisurely e-bike ride around nearby scenic city bike paths or enjoy the park’s paved trails.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

Experience an eclectic menu in a unique underground setting which offers a lovely ambiance for dinner.
USD45 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Scenic Drive & Light Hiking

Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, CO on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the Lodge at Cheyenne Mountain

Savor a full breakfast buffet with mountain views to start the day right.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Seven Falls

A 10-minute drive to Seven Falls; enjoy stunning waterfall views with an easy walk and optional tram ride.
USD18 per person, 2h0m

11:30am

Hiking at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Explore beautiful red rock formations with easy trails perfect for comfortable hiking and birding.
USD0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Colorado Mountain Brewery

Enjoy fresh craft beers and casual pub fare in downtown Colorado Springs.
USD25 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

An accessible hilltop zoo with a focus on mountain animals and great views of the city, ideal for a laidback afternoon.
USD25 per person, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Four by Brother Luck

Savor innovative New American cuisine with bold flavors crafted by a local chef.
USD50 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park

Travel Day: Cheyenne Mountain to Stillwater Campground, Estes Park, CO on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mountain Shadows Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in a cozy local spot before departure.
USD18 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Stillwater Campground

Approximately 2.5 hour scenic drive northwest to Estes Park, stopping for photos and refreshments.
USD0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Settle into Stillwater Campground

Unpack and explore the campground surroundings, preparing for your Rocky Mountain adventure ahead.
USD0, 1h0m

2:00pm

Short Hike – Bear Lake Nature Trail

A gentle 0.6-mile loop with spectacular lake and mountain views, excellent for all mobility levels.
USD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Dinner at Bird & Jim

Relish elevated Rocky Mountain fare with a creative focus on local ingredients in Estes Park.
USD45 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Rocky Mountain National Park Exploration

Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at the Egg of Estes

A popular breakfast spot serving classic American dishes with fresh ingredients.
USD18 per person, 1h0m

8:00am

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive

Drive this iconic highway from Estes Park to Grand Lake; stop at overlooks for unbeatable panoramic views and wildlife watching.
USD0, 6h0m

2:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Many Parks Curve

Relax with your prepared picnic amid scenic vistas along the Trail Ridge Road pullouts.
USD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Camp and Rest

Freshen up and relax after your long day of sightseeing.
USD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Tap House

Enjoy authentic smoked meats and craft beers in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
USD35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hiking & Birding Day

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kind Coffee

Grab artisan coffee and light breakfast items with a great local vibe.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

8:00am

Hike to Alberta Falls

A moderate 1.6-mile round trip hike with beautiful waterfalls and excellent birding opportunities.
USD0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Deer Mountain Deli

Casual deli with fresh sandwiches and salads perfect to refuel for the afternoon.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Sprague Lake Loop Trail

An easy 0.8-mile loop with chances to see waterfowl and scenic mountain reflections.
USD0, 1h0m

3:00pm

E-biking around Estes Park

Explore nearby bike paths and town highlights on your e-bikes for a relaxed afternoon ride.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Enjoy hearty mountain tavern fare with live music in a lively environment.
USD40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Relax & Local Culture

Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park, CO on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Café

Fresh baked goods and excellent coffee to start your day with local flavors.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Estes Park Museum

Learn about the rich natural and cultural history of the area in a compact and accessible museum.
USD5 per person, 1h0m

11:00am

Afternoon Kayaking at Lake Estes

Rent kayaks and paddle in calm waters with stunning mountain views, ideal for birdwatching too.
USD30 per kayak, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mama Rose’s Restaurant

Classic Italian dishes served in a cozy setting, great for a peaceful midday meal.
USD25 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and Pack for Travel

Enjoy your afternoon at camp with leisure time to prepare for your next destination.
USD0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Stanley Hotel’s Cascades Restaurant

Dine with elegance inside this historic hotel, enjoying upscale cuisine and an iconic ambiance.
USD60 per person, 1h30m
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