A big loop through 3 of Colorado's 4 national parks, plus a national monument, epic state park, hot springs and alligator farm. This is the "see the whole state" trip. Every activity is optional, make the itinerary work for you and your family/budget/energy level. A National Parks pass is required for many of the parks you'll see on this trip, order your annual National Parks Pass (America the Beautiful Pass) at Recreation.gov.
Day 1 — Rocky Mountain National Park
Description: The 4th busiest National Park in the United States, this area deserves two days on the itinerary.
7:00 AM — Coffee on the Rocks for early fuel
8:00 AM — Hike to Dream Lake, an iconic Colorado trail to a gorgeous alpine lake. If you have extra energy continue onto Emerald Lake. **Timed entry reservations for "Bear Lake Corridor" and a national parks pass are required for this hike. Reserve online at recreation.gov
12:00 AM — Drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the country (if opened, it closes during winter months).
7:00 PM — Twin Owls Steakhouse for a luxurious dinner Or The Hive for the highest rated burgers in town.
Overnight — Fall River Village (Estes)
Day 2 — Second Day in Estes Park
8:00 AM - Start the day with Cinnamon's Bakery, a local secret. Call the night before to put in an order that you can pick up.
9:00 AM - Hike to Gem Lake. Your quads will burn but the views are worth the effort. **National parks pass is required, but no timed entry is required.
12:00 PM - Peruse downtown and find a cute restaurant for lunch. Then explore the cute little shops like the Taffy Shop.
3:00 PM - Get tickets for the aerial tram. See all of Estes Park from above!
6:00 PM - Dinner time at Bird and Jim (my local favorite).
8-9:00 PM - Walk Lake Estes for sunset.
Overnight - Fall River Village (Estes)
Day 3 - South to Colorado Springs
Description: Head south to red rock country. Garden of the Gods is free and otherworldly and feed giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the highest elevation zoo in the United States. You sleep somewhere grand tonight.
7:30 AM — Grab a quick breakfast in Estes Park before hitting the road.
11:00 AM — Garden of the Gods. This park is dog friendly and free. Spend the morning exploring the amazing red rock formations and swing by the visitor's center.
1:30 PM — Hop over to Manitou Springs and grab lunch in the artsy mountain town. Look out for the free spring fed water fountains, fill your water bottles!
3:30 PM — Cheyenne Mountain Zoo OR visit Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Overnight — The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs)
Day 4 — Great Sand Dunes, Hot Springs & Alligators?
Description: Head west through the San Luis Valley, the highest and largest alpine valley in the United States to visit the tallest dunes in North America. Stop by an alligator rescue farm. Followed by an evening hot springs soak.
8:00 AM — Grab breakfast in Colorado Springs.
11:00 AM - Colorado Gators Reptile Park, the only alligator rescue facility of it's kind in Colorado.
4:00 PM — Great Sand Dunes National Park, climb the dunes but be prepared for a workout. **National parks pass required
7:30 PM — Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa to soak under the stars in the valley
Overnight — Crestone (town). Crestone is small but offers a variety of great food options.
Day 5 — Montrose & Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Description: Drive west to the most underrated park in Colorado, a 2,000-foot sheer chasm most travelers miss. Rim views at sunset.
9:00 AM — Grab breakfast in Crestone and head to Montrose. Your base for the next national park, one of the least visited national parks in the United States.
1:00 PM - Arrive in Montrose and peruse downtown. Cute cafes and quaint shops line the street.
3:00 PM — Check into your accomodation.
4:00 PM - Black Canyon of the Gunnison, rim drive and overlooks. Pack a picnic dinner along and stay for sunset. **National parks pass required.
Overnight — Montrose
Day 6 — Grand Junction & Colorado National Monument
Description: Visit towering sandstone hoodoos, dramatic canyon overlooks, and one of the most scenic drives in the entire state
9:00 AM — Depart Montrose and head northwest to Grand Junction, your home base for your next adventure
11:00 PM — Arrive in Grand Junction. Head to Colorado National Monument to beat the heat. **America the Beautiful National parks pass will get you entrance here
12:00 PM - Enter Colorado National Monument. Drive the 23 mile rim road. Stop at the pull-offs, enjoy the view and take your time. Do a little hike if energy allows
Option: Cool off at one of Grand Junction's many reservoirs: Highline Lake State Park, Island Acres, James M Robb State Park
Overnight — Grand Junction
Day 7 — Head Back to Denver with Unique Pit Stops On the Way
Description: Enjoy a long scenic drive back toward the Front Range with a few unique and scenic stops along the way.
8:00 AM — Leave Grand Junction
First optional stop: swing by Palisade and stop by a winery on the river, or go to a fruit stand to get the BEST fresh peaches in Colorado
Second optional stop: Rifle Falls State Park, it's a tiny bit out of the way but well worth the stop. A lush waterfall with barely any hiking required.
Third optional stop: Glenwood Springs, grab a donut from Sweet Coloradough
Fourth optional stop: Charlie Taylor Water Wheel in Idaho Springs, stretch your legs for this short and paved hike to a water wheel with waterfall
Fifth optional stop: Swing by Plume Coffee bar for a coffee or tea to fuel for the rest of the drive back
Overnight — Denver, Golden or Boulder: to be close to the airport.
