An Outdoor Lover’s Paradise
Massive peaks. Lush forests. Sparkling lakes. Roaring rivers.
Colorado is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Whether you’re into skiing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, or fishing, the Rocky Mountain State is packed to the brim with recreational opportunities.
Even less adventurous types are bound to fall for Colorado’s charming mountain towns and unrivaled beauty.
With so much to offer, it can be hard to determine exactly how to spend your time in this wondrous state.
That’s why I’ve put together this week-long Rocky Mountain itinerary that aims to give you a taste of everything that makes Colorado my absolute favorite place in the world.
Epic hikes. Spectacular drives. Picturesque mountain towns.
This itinerary has it all.
Assuming your boss has given you the green light, let’s head to Denver where you’ll start off this unforgettable week!
Day One: Arrive in Denver
Conveniently nestled up against the foothills of the Rockies, Denver makes an ideal starting point for any Colorado adventure.
The Mile High City’s vibrant culture, world-class amenities, and impressive culinary and craft beer scenes offer plenty of urban excitement, while its proximity to all things nature gives visitors ample opportunities to mix in some outdoor adventure.
Kick off your trip with a day game at Coors Field, or spend a few hours admiring the exhibits at the internationally-recognized Denver Art Museum.
Partake in some upscale dining and shopping in the historic Larimer Square district, or bar and brewery hop in the bustling RiNo neighborhood (River North Arts District).
If you’re ready for some time in the great outdoors, head to one of the city’s always-active green spaces like Washington Park or Sloan’s Lake.
For some last-minute gear, swing by the massive REI located at the scenic confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. When you’re done, enjoy a pint at nearby Denver Beer Co.’s dog-friendly patio.
For an impeccable end to the day, check out Avanti Food and Beverage’s buzzing indoor/outdoor space, then spring for dessert at Little Man’s Ice Cream down the street.
Day Two: Boulder and Estes Park
After spending a lovely day in the Mile High City, it’s time for some real adventure.
Before hitting the road, fuel up with some grub from Bacon House Social, or my personal favorite, Denver Biscuit Company.
Then, it’s off to Boulder!
An Afternoon in Boulder
With several open spaces and numerous trails located less than two miles from downtown, Boulder is a city defined by the nature that surrounds it.
Perhaps the most popular outdoor area is Chautauqua Park, which features a wide range of trails that range from very easy to strenuous.
Enjoy a stroll through the meadows or a more challenging climb that will quickly wisp you into the foothills.
My top two picks are the Royal Arch Trail (4 miles) and the First and Second Flatirons Loop (2.7 miles), but you’ll discover plenty of beauty on any route you choose.
If you’d prefer a scenic drive and waterfall sighting, take the fifteen-minute drive that follows Boulder Creek up to Boulder Falls. The short walk from the parking lot to the falls makes it an ideal activity for the whole family.
After expending some energy, spend a few hours exploring the pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall, and grab a bite at one of downtown’s many eateries (shout-out T/ACO!).
Once you’ve wrapped up your mid-afternoon lunch, it’s time to make your ascent into the mountains!
Your First Glimpse at Rocky Mountain National Park
Follow Highway 36 for thirty-six miles, and you’ll reach Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Though you may be inclined to start exploring this charming mountain town right away, I’d suggest heading straight to Rocky Mountain National Park to take advantage of the remaining daylight.
The nation’s fourth most-visited National Park has everything you could ask for in an outdoor destination- pristine alpine lakes, roaring waterfalls, towering mountain peaks, and stunning wildlife.
On your first evening, the Bear Lake Corridor will serve as a perfect introduction to all of these incredible features.
It’s important to note that any visit during peak season (May-October) will require a park entry reservation, so be sure to secure that long before you arrive.
Once you’ve entered the park, head down Bear Lake Road, a scenic 10-mile stretch that features dozens of trail options to choose from.
At the road’s end, you’ll find the Emerald Lake trailhead. Take the hike up and make a short detour on the way back down (3.6 miles RT), and you’ll have witnessed four alpine lakes in all their beauty.
If there’s still daylight, re-trace your drive toward the entrance and stop at Moraine Park, one of the best sunset and elk watching areas in the park!
Day Three: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
A full day at Rocky Mountain National Park offers endless opportunities for adventure.
Assuming you haven’t got your fill of alpine lakes just yet (Is that even possible?), take the hike up to Mills Lake via the Glacier Gorge Trail (5.2 miles RT).
The lake is one of the most tranquil areas in the park, and as a bonus, you’ll have a chance to admire stunning Alberta Falls on the way up.
If you prefer more elevated views of the park, you can also consider a hike up Deer Mountain (6 miles RT). The incline up is steady, but the 360-degree views at the 10,000-foot summit will leave you speechless!
After devouring your packed lunch or circling back to enjoy one of Estes Park’s many eateries, it’s time for a drive up America’s highest continuously paved road!
The 48-mile road, open from May to October, is the park’s only east-west connector, and the drive up is nothing short of spectacular. At the road’s highest point, you’ll find yourself well beyond the trees at 12,183 feet above sea level.
If you aim to complete the entire drive, plan for at least two hours each way, with wildlife-induced traffic jams and pull-offs factored in.
I recommend at least completing the first half, which will still allow you to reach the highest stretch of road, where you can enjoy stunning vistas from pull-offs like Forest Canyon Overlook.
Time things right and you can marvel at another Rocky Mountain sunset from one of Trail Ridge Road’s overlooks. Or, drive back down and head to Sheep Lake, another prime sunset spot, where Bighorn Sheep and Moose like to hang out!
Day Four: Make the Scenic Drive to Summit County
On day four, it’s time to head to your next destination, Summit County.
You’ve got a two-and-a-half-hour drive ahead of you, but it’s full of scenery and worthwhile stops.
The first portion of the route, from Estes Park to Central City, is known as the Peak to Peak Highway, and it’s full of breathtaking views and points of interest.
Just a few miles into the drive, Lily Lake offers a great photo-op with Rocky Mountain National Park’s tallest mountain, Long’s Peak, looming in the distance.
Further down, you’ll encounter Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock, a beautiful stone landmark surrounded by nature.
Near the journey’s halfway point, you’ll reach the funky town of Nederland, which makes for a great pit stop. Consider swinging by Knotted Root Brewing Company for a beer or New Moon Bakery and Cafe for a coffee and baked treat.
Once you’ve made it through the casino town of Central City, you’ll finish off the scenic drive by heading west on highway 70 and through the iconic Eisenhower Tunnel until you arrive in Summit County, one of the Rockies’ premier destinations.
Summit County is home to popular recreational towns such as Breckenridge, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco.
Given each town’s proximity to the others, you’ll have easy access to them all regardless of where you lodge.
An Afternoon on the Water
Assuming a mid-afternoon arrival, you’ve got plenty of daylight left for an outdoor activity or two.
Since hiking has dominated the last few days, consider taking a kayak or paddleboard out on the Dillon Reservoir. The massive body of water covers 3,200 acres and is a focal point for summer activities.
If the chance of getting wet is too much to bear, you have other options to enjoy the reservoir’s glistening water and surroundings.
Rent a bike in Dillon or Frisco and take the well-paved 20-mile loop around the water. Be sure to look for Sapphire Point Overlook, a lookout that perfectly frames the reservoir, forest, and mountains.
For a more low-key afternoon, enjoy the water from the Frisco Bay Marina, which features beach access and food and beverage services nearby.
Finish the day by exploring Frisco’s Main Street, or chow down at one of Dillon’s quality restaurants, then marvel at a waterfront sunset at Marina Park.
Day Five: Spend the Day in Breckenridge
Day five means it’s time to lace up your boots and get back on the trail!
Summit County has some of the most extraordinary hiking trails in the entire state.
If you’ve acclimated to the altitude and feel prepped enough from previous hikes, this may be the time to conquer that 14er on your bucket list!
Located just outside Breckenridge, Quandary Peak (6.6 miles RT) is an ideal 14er for first-timers.
That’s not to say it’s easy.
When I lived in Colorado, I took a few visitors up here after giving them fair warning about its difficulty. The overall success of the group’s climb was a mixed bag, but everyone in the group agreed it’s not a hike for the faint of heart.
If you are able to complete the 3,300 foot-climb though, I think you’ll agree there’s no feeling quite like it. The inner triumph coupled with the out-of-this-world views is something you’ll remember forever.
Maybe that all sounds like a bit too much for you. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of other options!
The trek up to Mohawk Lakes (7.9 miles RT) is also bucket-list-worthy. While the trail still requires some climbing, I’d deem it doable for anyone in decent shape. Along the way, you’ll be greeted with babbling brooks, rushing falls, and three striking alpine lakes.
For a shorter and more family-friendly option, check out Hoosier Pass Loop (2.8 miles RT), which will still reward you with magnificent top-down views from 12,000 feet up.
After conquering your hike of choice, spend the rest of the day in the idyllic town of Breckenridge.
This town is extremely special to me (my wife and I celebrated our 1st and 5th anniversary here), and no trip to Colorado would be complete without an evening spent roaming its streets.
Meander along the Riverwalk, grab a pint at Broken Compass Brewery, and stop into at least a handful of the dozens of shops.
Finish the night with delicious street-style tacos at Sancho Tacos, or graze on gourmet pizza in a mining cabin at Tin Plate.
Day Six: Mount Evans Then Back to Denver
On day six, you’ll make your way back toward Denver, but not before taking an epic detour along the way.
But first things first, grab some breakfast at the always-scrumptious Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe in Frisco.
Once you’ve given your pants’ waistband all it can handle, hop on Highway 70 and head east until you reach Idaho Springs.
From there, you’ll get on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America! The byway is 28 miles long and climbs a whopping 7,000 feet.
The beginning of the drive casually winds through the scenic Arapaho National Forest, but when you reach sparkling Echo Lake, the real climb begins.
This junction is also where the road is gated off when snow poses a risk to driving conditions. Typically the road opens by Memorial Day, but heavy snow can alter those plans, so check conditions before you go.
Assuming you have the good fortune of an open gate, you’ll soon find yourself well above the trees. There will be plenty of switchbacks to navigate, some more harrowing than others, but if you take things slow, you’ll have nothing to worry about.
At just under 13,000 feet, you’ll reach Summit Lake. While you’re out grabbing photos, take the short path to the Chicago Lakes Lookout. The views are sensational!
Once you’re back in the car, it’s time to zig-zag your way to the top of the mountain. Keep an eye out for the locals (mountain goats and bighorn sheep), who can be found everywhere, including the middle of the road.
At the top, you can make the hundred-foot climb to the summit. (Even if you didn’t conquer Quandary, you technically just bagged a 14er!)
On a clear day, you can spot Longs Peak to the north and Pikes Peak to the south. The endless views are nothing short of extraordinary.
If the seasonal conditions don’t allow you to complete the drive up Mount Evans, consider a hike up Chief Mountain instead.
The trail, which sits just a few miles from Echo Lake, is open year-round, and the 11,700-foot summit will still give you plenty of the panoramic mountain views you’re after.
Once you’ve arrived back in Denver, finish the day with dinner and drinks at one of McGregor Square’s hip restaurants, or explore the eclectic mixture of taverns, restaurants, and ethnic eats on South Broadway.
Day Seven: Day Trip to Golden or Colorado Springs
Consider the final day of your trip a flex day on the Front Range.
If you’re not up for more driving, explore a few of the Mile High City’s happening neighborhoods. The Highlands, Capitol Hill, Berkeley, and Union Station are a few favorites of mine.
For a nearby day trip, consider heading out to the quaint town of Golden.
The historic mining town has a walkable downtown area, the Coors Brewery, and tons of nature access like Golden Gate State Park (a must during the fall).
One final option to ponder is a trip to Colorado Springs (my beloved former home!).
The Cog Railway, which has been ushering visitors to the top of Pikes Peak since 1891, is an incredible experience that will leave you and your travel comrades in awe.
The conductors are funny and informative, and the views at the top are nothing short of extraordinary.
When you’ve made it back down from the Front Range’s highest summit, head over to Garden of the Gods to admire the towering red rock formations that draw millions of visitors from all over the world,
If you’ve still got time, check out the exceptionally well-done Olympic and Paralympic Museum, then finish the day with dinner at Dos Santos or one of the vendors at trendy food hall COATI.
Wrapping Up a Memorable Week in the Rockies
As tempting as it would be to extend your stay in the Rockies, your leg muscles could probably use some recovery time, and I’m sure your stomach wouldn’t mind a break from all the craft beer.
But look at all that you’ve done. You stood atop 14,000-foot mountains, wandered the streets of picturesque mountain towns, and found yourself up close and personal with incredible wildlife.
Colorado has a knack for giving its visitors “pinch yourself” moments.
Hopefully, this Ultimate Week-Long Rocky Mountain Road Trip gave you plenty of them.
There’s a reason it’s my favorite place on the planet.
And after this trip, perhaps it will be yours too!
Seven Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive in Denver
- Get some fresh air at Sloan’s Lake
- Have a beer at Denver Beer Co.
- Explore and dine in Larimer Square or the River North Arts District
Day 2
- Grab some morning grub in Denver, then head to Boulder
- Take a hike at Chautauqua Park
- Check out Pearl Street Mall
- Continue on to Estes Park
- Take a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Finish the day with dinner in Estes Park
Day 3
- Take an early morning hike (or two) in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Enjoy a picnic in the park or lunch in Estes Park
- Make the drive up Trail Ridge Road
- Marvel at a sunset from Sheep Lake
- End the day with another dinner and some shopping in Estes Park
Day 4
- Depart for Summit County
- Stop at Lily Lake, Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock, and the town of Nederland
- Bike around or kayak Dillon Reservoir
- Dine at one of Dillon’s restaurants, then take in the sunset at Marina Park
Day 5
- Complete an epic hike
- Spend the rest of the day brewery hopping, shopping, and dining in Breckenridge
Day 6
- Depart for Denver and take a detour to the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
- Drive the byway to the top and summit the mountain
- Finish the drive to Denver
- Wrap up the day with dinner at McGregor Square or on South Broadway
Day 7
- Take a day-trip to Golden
- Get outside at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Take the Coors Brewery
- Indulge at one of downtown Golden’s restaurants
OR
- Make the drive to Colorado Springs
- Ride the Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak
- Take a short hike at Garden of the Gods
- Grab dinner in downtown Colorado Springs