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Right on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park offers travelers a small mountain town experience as they explore the stunning landscape. Estes park is perfect for a short getaway as it even offers many accommodations and activities to its visitors. Travelers should absolutely take advantage of the endless opportunities to hike through fields of wildflowers, hike majestic peaks, encounter wildlife, and so much more with a trip to Estes Park.
Attracting visitors from all around the world and not too far off from Denver, Estes Park offers an accessible bastion of nature within arm's reach of the city. Travelers should take advantage of this proximity to Denver for a brief but fun road trip from Denver to Estes Park.
Day 1 - Arrive At Denver International Airport
Once travelers arrive in Denver, the first thing they should take care of is picking up their rental car and checking in to their hotel. Once travelers have settled in, they should get out and enjoy the city. Denver has much to offer travelers paying it a visit.
- Car Rental - Kayak
AC Hotel Denver Downtown
AC Hotel does far more than just provide its guests with a convenient location in Denver’s downtown. Their hotel exceeded expectations providing stunning views from their rooms, great service, and fantastic staff. The Valets are professional, and travelers will be sure to be satisfied with a drink made-up for them at the AC’s bar.
- Address - 750 15th St, Denver, CO 80202-4223
- Contact - 1 (844) 631-0595
- Customer Rating - 4.5 out of 5
- Per Night - $449 (summer estimate)
- Book Now
Day 2 - A Day In Denver
Denver is a big city full of the sophistication of city life, dropped into one of the world's most naturally stunning locations. It is not a secret that Denver is a hub for the outdoorsy who seek its closeness to major ski slopes and other outdoor activities. It is also a major sports city and has some of the top museums that can be found in the US. Travelers will be able to find plenty to do during their day in Denver.
- Must-Visit - Denver Union Station, Denver Botanic Gardens, and Denver Museum of Nature & Science
54thirty Rooftop
Travelers looking for great drinks and some American favorites should check out 54thirty Rooftop. It is a recommended venue for both dates and for those looking for a good time. Their bartenders are skilled, and travelers should absolutely try a cocktail.
- Address - 1475 California Street 20th Floor, Denver, CO 80202
- Contact - +1 720-996-1558
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - Spicy Mezcal Margarita
- Menu
Day 3 and 4 - Explore Estes Park
Travelers will find that driving into a d through Estes Park is quite simple, but once in the park, there are some other modes of transportation travelers can take advantage of. There are free shuttles around the park, which helps as sometimes travelers won't have their car handy when they exit trailheads. There are also guided tours travelers can sign up for. These tours will handle transportation for their guests while providing a bit of an education.
- Estes Park Visitor Center - 500 Big Thompson Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517
- Must-do - Activities and Events
- The Quickest Route
- The Scenic Route
Hiking Estes Park
Estes Park is well known for its trails that are serviceable by bikers, hikers, and cross-country skiers. There are many trails to choose from here, but here is a look at three of the top trails in the park.
- Emerald Lake Trail (Moderate) - 5.1 km (3.2 miles), out-and-back, Trail Map
- TSky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail (Hard) - 15.1 km (9.4 miles), out-and-back, Trail Map
- Gem Lake Trail (Moderate) - 5 km (3.1 miles), out-and-back, Trail Map
Estes Park lodging
As travelers are suggested to spend a couple of nights at Estes Park, they should take some time to explore their lodging options. Travelers will have a variety of choices when it comes to where they want to stay while in Estes Park. They have cozy cabins, cottages, spacious condos, and even vacation homes. Travelers will also have access to a variety of amenities during their stay at the park. This is a way for travelers to enjoy the nature of Estes Park without having to camp in it. However, for travelers who love camping. There are also campsites available in the park.
Day 5 - Back To The Airport
Travelers should attempt to take as much advantage of this day to get a bit more out of the park, but they need to be careful not to miss their flight. Once travelers have finished up at the park, they should head back to Denver International Airport to mark the official end of this quick road trip from Denver to Estes Park.