4-Day Scenic Colorado Circuit: Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder

Day 1: Denver Exploration

Denver, Colorado, USA on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast at Snooze, offering creative pancakes and omelets in a lively setting. It opens at 6:30 am, perfect for an early start.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Denver Art Museum

Explore the Denver Art Museum, known for its Native American art and contemporary exhibitions. Opens at 10:00 am, consider a morning stroll nearby until opening.
USD13, 2h

10:00am

Union Station and Larimer Square

Visit historic Union Station for coffee and enjoy boutique shopping and the charming atmosphere of Larimer Square nearby.
Free, coffee approx. USD4, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen

Taste Colorado-inspired dishes and craft beers at Euclid Hall in the heart of downtown Denver, open from 11:00 am.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Denver Botanic Gardens

Discover a variety of plants and themed gardens at the Denver Botanic Gardens, open until 8:00 pm.
USD15, 2h

4:00pm

Drive to Estes Park

Start your 1.5-hour drive to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, to prepare for the next day.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Enjoy rustic mountain fare and live music at this popular Estes Park tavern.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Rocky Mountain Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

Fuel up with fresh pastries and coffee before your day in the park; opens at 7:00 am.
USD12, 1h

8:00am

Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking

Spend your day hiking scenic trails like Bear Lake or Alberta Falls. The park is open 24/7 but visitor centers are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
USD30 per vehicle entrance fee, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch Picnic in the Park

Enjoy a packed lunch near Bear Lake or other scenic spots to maximize your time in nature.
USD0 (self-packed), 1h

3:00pm

Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road

Drive the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. for breathtaking vistas; slower pace and stops for photo ops.
Included in park fee, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Estes Park and Dinner at Bird & Jim

Dine on modern Colorado cuisine with locally sourced ingredients; opens until 9:00 pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Boulder and Surrounds

Boulder, Colorado, USA on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Buff Restaurant

Enjoy a classic Boulder breakfast known for pancakes and huevos rancheros. Opens at 7:00 am.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Hiking Chautauqua Park

Explore iconic Flatirons trails with stunning mountain views, perfect for all skill levels. Park accessible all day.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

Refuel with casual pub fare and house-brewed beers, a Boulder staple.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Pearl Street Mall

Stroll this vibrant pedestrian street to shop, see street performers, and enjoy the ambiance.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Drive back to Denver

Return to Denver for your last evening, a 45-minute drive.
USD0, 45m

5:00pm

Dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision

Savor refined farm-to-table dishes in a stylish setting at Union Station neighborhood, open until 10:00 pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Denver Departure

Denver, Colorado, USA on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Jelly Cafe

Enjoy indulgent breakfast options like stuffed French toast before your departure; opens at 7:00 am.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Explore fascinating exhibits before you leave Denver; opens at 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
USD20, 2h

11:00am

Lunch at City O' City

Enjoy vegetarian-friendly, globally inspired dishes in a funky atmosphere; open until 3:00 pm.
USD20, 1h

12:30pm

Relax at City Park

Spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the last moments amid nature before departure.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Head to Airport / Departure

Drive to Denver International Airport or continue to next destination by 5:00 pm.
USD0, Varies
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