Scenic Colorado Road Trip: Lincoln to Mesa Verde and Rocky Mountains in 8 Days

Day 1: Travel and Explore Denver

Denver, CO on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Depart Lincoln for Denver

Start your road trip bright and early from Lincoln, Nebraska heading west to Denver, Colorado. The drive takes around 8 hours, so plan for breaks.
USD0, 8h0m

4:30pm

Denver Aquarium

Visit the Downtown Aquarium which opens until 7:00pm. Explore marine life and interactive exhibits perfect for all ages.
USD24.95, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner with craft beer options in a lively Denver setting open until 10pm.
USD30, 1h
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Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park, CO on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sassafras American Eatery

Try classic breakfasts featuring locally sourced ingredients; opens at 7:00am.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Rocky Mountain National Park

Hiking and scenic drives through one of Colorado's most beautiful national parks. The park is open 24/7 but visitor centers open at 9:00am. Explore trails and mountain views.
USD30 (per vehicle), 6h

3:00pm

Shadow Mountain Lake North Slope Recreation Area

Relax by the lake with fishing and picnic opportunities, perfect for a scenic afternoon visit.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Enjoy rustic atmosphere and hearty mountain fare in Estes Park, open till 9pm.
USD25, 1h
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Day 3: Pikes Peak Drive & Summit

Colorado Springs, CO on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Urban Steam Coffee Bar & Bistro

Start your day with excellent coffee and fresh breakfast sandwiches, opens at 7:00am.
USD12, 1h

8:30am

Pikes Peak Highway Drive

Drive the scenic 19-mile road to the summit of Pikes Peak, open daily from 5:00am to 9:00pm. Take in panoramic Rocky Mountain views.
USD16 per vehicle, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Summit House

Enjoy lunch with breathtaking mountain views atop Pikes Peak; seasonal hours 9:00am to 5:00pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore downtown Colorado Springs

Visit local shops or relax in parks before heading to next destination.
USD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Shuga's

Try eclectic global dishes in a casual atmosphere in Colorado Springs, open till 9:30pm.
USD28, 1h
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Day 4: Million Dollar Highway & Ouray

Ouray, CO on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Pagosa Baking Co.

Savor fresh pastries and coffee near the route, opens at 7:00am.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive Million Dollar Highway (US-550)

Experience one of America’s most scenic drives from Montrose to Ouray with towering cliffs and sharp switchbacks, taking about 2 hours without stops.
USD0, 2h

10:30am

Ouray Hot Springs Pool

Relax in natural hot springs pools open daily from 7:00am to 9:00pm, perfect after the drive.
USD13, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mattie’s Pancake House

Enjoy hearty and traditional breakfast all day and lunch in Ouray, open until 3:00pm.
USD18, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Ouray including Box Canyon Falls Park

Walk scenic trails to waterfalls and admire Vogel Falls; park open from dawn to dusk and free admission.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Outlaw Restaurant

Casual dining offering American dishes with views of surrounding mountains, open until 9pm.
USD30, 1h
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Day 5: Telluride and Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park and Telluride, CO on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Palm Theatre Coffee

Grab coffee and light breakfast in Telluride, opens at 7:00am.
USD10, 45m

8:30am

Explore Telluride

Stroll the charming mountain town with shops and local art; day is flexible to include gondola rides if open from 8:30am to 6pm.
USD0, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Mesa Verde National Park

1.5-hour drive south to Mesa Verde, renowned for its Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.
USD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Far View Terrace Restaurant

Enjoy casual dining inside Mesa Verde with scenic views, open from 11am to 3pm.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Mesa Verde National Park tours

Take ranger-led or self-guided tours of the cliff dwellings including Cliff Palace; visitor center open 8am-6pm.
USD30 (per vehicle), 3h

5:00pm

Drive to Cortez, CO for overnight

Short 15-minute drive to Cortez for dinner and lodging.
USD0, 15m

6:30pm

Dinner at Denim Blues

Enjoy southwestern and American dishes in Cortez’s relaxed atmosphere, open until 9pm.
USD28, 1h
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Day 6: Lake City & Maxwell Falls

Lake City, CO on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Main Street Coffee Co.

Light breakfast options before heading into the mountains, opens at 7:00am.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Lake City

Enjoy scenic driving of about 1.5 hours from Cortez to Lake City.
USD0, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Maxwell Falls

Hike to the beautiful Maxwell Falls near Lake City; trail usually accessible year-round with parking nearby.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Quincys Steak & Spirits

Popular lunch spot featuring hearty lunch options, open from 11:30am to 3pm.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Lake City and surrounding scenic drives

Visit local shops and enjoy mountain views; great opportunity to relax.
USD0, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Lake City Brewery

Try locally brewed beers paired with casual pub fare, open until 9pm.
USD25, 1h
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Day 7: Rifle Falls & Twin Lakes

Rifle & Twin Lakes, CO on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café in Lake City

Enjoy a quick breakfast before setting off, options include pastries and coffee, opens at 7:00am.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Rifle Falls State Park

About 2.5-hour scenic drive east to Rifle Falls State Park famous for its triple waterfalls.
USD0, 2h30m

10:30am

Hike and explore Rifle Falls State Park

Walk the easy loop trails to the falls and explore caves. Park open dawn to dusk with free entrance.
USD0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rabbit Bush Brewing in Rifle

Casual dining with house-brewed beers, open noon to 9pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Twin Lakes

One hour drive to Twin Lakes, a quaint mountain community offering lake views and hiking opportunities.
USD0, 1h

3:00pm

Relax by Twin Lakes and short hikes

Enjoy the alpine scenery and easy lakeside walks with stunning mountain backdrops.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Woodland Bar & Grill

Local favorite in Twin Lakes serving classic American dishes, open until 8pm.
USD25, 1h
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Day 8: Return Home

Drive back to Lincoln, NE on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Twin Lakes

Grab a quick breakfast or coffee before departure, many spots open by 7:00am.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive back to Lincoln, NE

Begin the drive home from Twin Lakes back to Lincoln, approximately 10 hours. Plan rest stops as needed.
USD0, 10h
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