Things To Do
Estes Park Area
Estes Park is the gate way to Rocky Mountain National Park! If you find some extra time, we highly recommend exploring the park. There is a park entrance fee, or you can purchase an America the Beautiful pass. Dream Lake is a great place to start if you're looking for a short, but gorgeous trail. The 2 mile trek will take you to one of the most iconic locations in the park. However, be aware that RMNP has timed entry passes. You can find more information about the park and how to plan on the RMNP Website.
Denver Area
If you arrive early and want to explore Denver before heading up into the mountains, there is no shortage of activities in the Denver area. Within a 30 minute drive you can find several worthy day hikes and state parks. Some of our favorites places for a quick, but beautiful hike are Roxborough State Park, Chief Mountain, and St. Mary's Glacier. You can even drive up to the top of Mt. Evans, the highest paved road in North America.
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If you plan on exploring the city a bit more, Denver is home to 16th Street Mall, the US Mint, and many great local breweries. Golden is also a short drive away and home to the infamous Coors Brewery and Red Rocks. Stop by for a tour!
Boulder Area
Heading up to Estes Park from Denver, you will pass through Boulder, the home of the University of Colorado. Boulder is also home to some great day hikes, such as Royal Arch at Chautauqua or hiking around NCAR. Being a college town, Boulder is a colorful city and has a lively scene. Check out Pearl Street mall for some shopping and local flair!
Hot Springs
Colorado is home to many natural hot springs and resorts. Our favorites are Mt. Princeton Hot Springs in Buena Vista and Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs. There are certainly many more to explore! National Geographic suggests a manageable road trip to hit up a few (linked below), but you'll find no shortage of mineral baths in Colorado! Don't hesitate to ask us questions or for more recommendations!
Venturing Further Out?
If you are planning to venture further than Denver, Boulder, or Estes Park, don't hesitate to ask us any questions. We've spent close to a decade exploring this gorgeous state and have lots of recommendations for whatever you may be seeking!
Looking For More Recommendations?
This document has just a few more recs for things to do if you are planning on exploring Colorado!