3-Day Colorado Rockies Itinerary

Arrive at Denver International Airport

Take the A Line train to Union Station, about 37 minutes, or pick up a rental car now if you are heading to the mountains tomorrow.

Union Station and LoDo lunch

Grab lunch inside the restored Union Station, then walk through LoDo and Larimer Square, Denver's oldest block.

RiNo murals, food halls and breweries

Explore the River North Art District's street murals and food halls, and sample green chile and a local craft beer.

Sunset or concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Drive about 30 minutes west to Red Rocks for sunset or a show between the giant sandstone slabs. Book concert tickets well in advance.

Drive to Estes Park via Boulder

Leave early and stop at Boulder's Chautauqua Park for Flatirons views, then continue about 1 hour to Estes Park.

Enter Rocky Mountain National Park and drive Trail Ridge Road

Enter at your timed-entry slot and climb Trail Ridge Road via Many Parks Curve and Rainbow Curve. Drive early to beat afternoon storms.

Alpine Visitor Center and Tundra Communities Trail

Walk the Tundra Communities Trail near 12,000 feet, then visit the Alpine Visitor Center and look for elk on the drive back down.

Evening in Estes Park

Check in to Estes Park, walk the downtown Riverwalk and see elk in the meadows of Moraine Park or right in town in the fall.

Bear Lake to Dream and Emerald lakes

Use a Bear Lake Road permit or the park shuttle to hike from Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes, about 3.6 miles round trip.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

Drive south on the Peak to Peak Highway (CO-7, 72 and 119) past Longs Peak and Nederland to I-70, about 2 hours.

Idaho Springs and Georgetown

Lunch in Idaho Springs, then visit nearby Georgetown's Victorian main street, and ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad in season.

Back to Denver for a final dinner

Drive about 45-60 minutes back to Denver for dinner in LoHi or RiNo, or stay in Georgetown if you are continuing west.