Day Itinerary
13 Activities
Day 3
132 mi0.7 mi
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park Before Returning to Colorado Springs
An earlier start today means more time to explore one of Colorado's crown jewels, Rocky Mountain National Park. First up is a drive along the park's famous Trail Ridge Road, which is also known as the "Highway to the Sky" as it's the highest-elevation continuous paved road in the US, surpassing 12,200 feet above sea level at its highest point. From Trail Ridge Road, a picturesque 9-mile drive leads to the park's most famous alpine lakes, Bear Lake, for a short nature hike (optional). After lunch in Estes Park, it's time to start making our way out of the mountains and back south towards Colorado Springs. For the most part, the journey south sticks to pretty country roads that hug the foothills of the Front Range and promise beautiful views of the Flatirons, as well as open prairie and pasture lands, as the sun slowly sinks behind the mountains.
1.1 mi
10 min
08:0030 min
Open from 6:30am daily, Kind Coffee caters to the outdoors enthusiasts looking to get a jump start on their day in Rocky Mountain National Park. A community fixture for decades, Kind Coffee sources organic, fair trade beans for their signature house blends, offers two types of cold brew, and turns out some creative house lattes and classic espresso beverages that will surely jump start the drive day.
The creekside cafe has plenty else on offer, including iced teas and lemonades (try the hydro-lemonade if you're feeling the effects of altitude), kombucha on tap, smoothies, hot breakfast "sammies" and burritos, açaí or oatmeal bowls, and sweet and savory brioche toasts. The cafe also sells cute merchandise, including refillable water bottles (in case you're low on back-up H2O for the day).
The creekside cafe has plenty else on offer, including iced teas and lemonades (try the hydro-lemonade if you're feeling the effects of altitude), kombucha on tap, smoothies, hot breakfast "sammies" and burritos, açaí or oatmeal bowls, and sweet and savory brioche toasts. The cafe also sells cute merchandise, including refillable water bottles (in case you're low on back-up H2O for the day).
5.3 mi
15 min
08:451 min
Your eyes might be on the Rocky Mountain National Park's Fall River Entrance/Toll Station ahead, but you don't want to miss the official Rocky Mountain National Park sign — keep an eye on the right side of the road and cruise by slowly. If you're traveling in the off season and entrance traffic is light, you certainly wouldn't be the first vehicle to pull onto the shoulder and hop out for a (very) quick photo op in front of the sign.
Keep in mind, however, that in 2021 (the most recent statistics available) Rocky Mountain National park welcomed 4.43 million visitors over 365 days. During summer and into the fall, the park's busiest seasons, you're bound to run into some road traffic along the route, as well as a car queue to get through the gates — by all means, you need to go regardless. An early arrival can help. Once inside the park, visitors fan out a bit more, and there is plenty of space for everyone, ultimately.
At the toll station, you'll need to purchase a 1-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass with a credit or debit card; the pass is also available to purchase online in advance, but it feels more "official" having the brief interaction with the park ranger.
Keep in mind, however, that in 2021 (the most recent statistics available) Rocky Mountain National park welcomed 4.43 million visitors over 365 days. During summer and into the fall, the park's busiest seasons, you're bound to run into some road traffic along the route, as well as a car queue to get through the gates — by all means, you need to go regardless. An early arrival can help. Once inside the park, visitors fan out a bit more, and there is plenty of space for everyone, ultimately.
At the toll station, you'll need to purchase a 1-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass with a credit or debit card; the pass is also available to purchase online in advance, but it feels more "official" having the brief interaction with the park ranger.
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