Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 2
84 mi0.4 mi
Golden to Estes Park, via the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
If you thought yesterday's drive through the Rockies had some pretty incredible views, just wait for today's, which includes Colorado's oldest scenic byway and one of the prettiest roads through the Front Ranges. After breakfast and a slight detour to charge the EV for the day's drive, the route passes through a couple of historic mining communities, Black Hawk and Central City. Next up, stop in the eclectic mountain town of Nederland for a bit of local discovery and a lunch at a brew-and-cue type joint with a backdrop of mountain views. A leisurely drive along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway — one of Colorado's most popular fall foliage routes — leads to Estes Park, tonight's overnight and the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Overnight at the Stanley Hotel, a grand historic hotel with an infamous Hollywood cameo.
0.2 mi
5 min
08:001 hr
Open from 7 a.m. daily, the Golden Diner is a no-fuss, no-frills, All-American sort of breakfast restaurant with a menu to match. There's plenty of delicious eats along the route today, so keep it light, if you'd like. But also don't resist if the buttermilk donut holes are calling, or you're curious to try a Colorado-style breakfast burrito — scrambled eggs, potatoes, breakfast meats, and cheese — here served smothered with the diner's pork green chili. Accompanied by (more) hash browns and toast, the Mountain Man Breakfast Burrito is easily large enough for two to split.
7.5 mi
15 min
09:405 min
Departing Golden, you'll quickly start climbing into the Rockies via US Hwy 6, which, like the famous "Route 66," is an older transcontinental US highway that's invariably more interesting a road to drive than the major interstate freeways that crisscross the US today.
This particular stretch of highway more or less runs side by side to Clear Creek, a popular recreation site for hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, birding, and other outdoor activities. If you feel like it, pull off at one of the roadside turnouts for a closer look at the creek and surrounding landscapes.
This particular stretch of highway more or less runs side by side to Clear Creek, a popular recreation site for hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, birding, and other outdoor activities. If you feel like it, pull off at one of the roadside turnouts for a closer look at the creek and surrounding landscapes.
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