Rocky Mountain National Park is home to more than 300 miles of trails. You can hike, bike, or ride horses in the warmer seasons, and snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter. You can visit one (or more) of the park’s 150 lakes (we recommend the easy 1.7-mile trail to the gorgeous trifecta of Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes), or go fly-fishing or rock climbing in the warmer months.
If you’re an experienced hiker, set your sights on Longs Peak—one of Colorado’s 54 venerable fourteeners—or aim a little bit lower for the 12,880-foot Mt. Ida.
For more excitement, set up an exhilarating off-roading tour, which can be tailored in intensity for all members of your party, or take your family to the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center for ziplining, whitewater rafting, and a challenge course.
More Things to Do.
Rocky Mountain National Park:
----Our favorite hikes: Emerald Lake.
----Scenic Drives: we know hiking isn't for everyone. If you want the same views without the sweat and backaches, check out Bear Lake Road and the famous Trail Ridge Road.
Horseback Riding in the Mountains: checkout SK Horses and Sombrero Stables to set up a horseback riding experience.
4×4 Off-Roading: It's not every day you get to go off-roading unless Dominique is driving. In Estes Park, there are off-roading trails that range from easy, flat trails, to challenging rocky terrain. For more information check out Backbone Adventure Rentals and Wildside Tours.
Where to Eat:
-----Brunch: Notchtop Bakery & Cafe
-----Farm to Table: Bird & Jim
-----Dom's Favorite, Mexican food: Ed's Cantina
-----Fancy Dinner: Twin Owls Steakhouse (Chad took Dom hereafter he proposed).
Coffee:
---Chad is a big coffee drinker. His favorite local spot is Kind Coffee. Summit Coffee is also fantastic and locally-owned.
Bars and Nightlife: Spend time (after the wedding) doing karaoke at local favorite Lonigans or tossing a few back while learning about the history of The Wheel Bar which opened in 1945. You can also taste the brews at Estes Park Brewery, Rockcut Brewery, or try more than 20 types of Colorado wines at Snowy Peaks Winery and tasting room (call for hours in the offseason).
The Estes Park Visitor’s Bureau offers an excellent guide to dining, drinks, and nightlife options: https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/nightlife/.
Denver is the capital of Colorado and the most populous city in the state. Nicknamed the "Mile High City", Denver is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. We recommend our guests fly into the Denver airport (DIA). After you fly in, or before you fly out, check out the following sights and bites in Denver.
Things to do.
- Definity visit Downtown Denver. Denver is the fourth most walkable downtown in the nation. Start with taking the 16th Street Mall's free shuttle bus. This area is home to some of the most popular places to visit in Denver, like Union Station and the LoDo Historic District. You can easily spend a full day sightseeing at these Downtown Denver attractions.
Popular Spots.
- LODO HISTORIC DISTRICT. Denver's happening historic district is filled with turn-of-the-century warehouses, now home to 90 brewpubs, sports bars, restaurants and rooftop cafes. While you're in Lower Downtown (LoDo), stop by Rockmount Ranch Wear for a snap-button Western shirt at the store where they were invented; browse from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Tattered Cover Bookstore; listen to jazz at El Chapultepec, one of Esquire Magazine's 50 best bars; or sip a handcrafted beer at the Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver's first brewpub opened by former Denver Mayor and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.
- DENVER UNION STATION. Denver Union Station has undergone a massive restoration that transformed the landmark into a transportation, dining, shopping and entertainment hub and hotel. The historic, Beaux Arts 1914 train terminal is now a foodie destination, with a dozen restaurants and bars, from farm-to-table favorite Mercantile to the Terminal Bar, situated in the station's old ticket windows. A handful of local retailers includes a branch of the popular Tattered Cover Book Store. Union Station is also fulfilling its original role as a major ground transportation hub, serving as an AMTRAK, light rail and shuttle bus station with direct rail service to Denver International Airport.
- Denver Art Museum.
- Chad's top pick is catching a Colorado Rockies baseball game at Coors Field. www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark.
- THE BLUE BEAR AT THE COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER
The Colorado Convention Center is home to “I See What You Mean,” AKA the giant Blue Bear that peers into the Center’s interior. Created by Colorado-based artist Lawrence Argent, the curious blue bear stands 40 feet tall – you can walk under it and get a great photo.
-Larimer Square is a trendy block of Victorian buildings is home to chic shopping, dance clubs, a comedy club, outdoor cafes and a dozen of Denver's best restaurants. For 40 years in downtown Denver, it's hip to be at the "Square."
- CHERRY CREEK. The tree-shaded Cherry Creek neighborhood is just two miles from downtown and easily accessible by bike on the Cherry Creek Bike Path. More than 500 department stores, boutiques, galleries, spas, and one-of-a-kind shops grace this browsing paradise – the largest concentration of stores between St. Louis and San Francisco. Cherry Creek Shopping Center is an ultra-upscale mall with Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Tiffany's, while across 1st Ave., Cherry Creek North offers tree-lined streets with cafes, spas and galleries amidst fountains and public art.
- COORS BREWERY TOUR. "Taste the Rockies!" Coors Brewery, the world's largest brewing site still uses the same Rocky Mountain spring water that Adolph Coors discovered in 1873. Self-guided tours show every step in the brewing process and end with free samples for those over 21.
------ In addition to being home to Coors, Colorado is home to hundreds of breweries. He is a list of some of the top ones. The Groom's favorite is the Denver Beer Company. If you are interested, here are some brewery tours in Denver: www.denver.org/things-to-do/denver-attractions/denver-brewery-tours/.Where to Eat
- Dom's favorite, Mexican food: Machete Tequila + Tacos (this is a Kim favorite too)
-Chad's favorite breakfast spot: Snooze Eatery.
---- Denver's magazine, 5280, ranks the 25 best restaurants to visit here.
For our guests who would like to extend their visit to Colorado (and we cannot blame them), here are some great mountain towns to visit.
Steamboat Springs
Distance from Denver: 155 miles
As its name infers, Steamboat Springs is indeed home to a collection of natural mineral pools. If you can only choose one, go for Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a rustic oasis of bubbling water and cute cabins. The most rewarding way to experience them is by hiking the Hot Springs Trail, a gentle, three-mile walk from Mad Creek Trailhead (look for FS trail #1169). For more information, https://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do.
Vail
Distance from Denver: 97 miles
“Winters are good, but summers are why we live here,” is every local’s one-liner at this resort best known for skiing. For getting out in the fresh air, head to East Vail for the most scenic and robust hikes. Booth Falls is one of the shorter and more accessible trails, with views of the crystal waters flowing between the dark crags of the Gore Mountains. Grab a latte from Yeti’s Grind. The Village becomes a sea of tents and bodies every Sunday for the Vail Farmers Market & Art Show. To keep things even casual-er, grab beers at Vail Brewing Co. and strike some pins at Bol (it’s also an unsung foodie favorite, with a solid menu of seasonal pizzas, burgers and creative cocktails). For more information, https://www.visitvailvalley.com/vail/.
Breckenridge
Distance from Denver: 80 miles
Well-known for its ski runs and back bowls, the ski town of Breckenridge is a classic choice when visiting Colorado. Founded in 1859, this mountain community began as a mining town and has since grown into one of the country’s most favorite destinations for outdoor recreation. From epic powder days in the winter to long hikes in the summer, Breckenridge is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. But this town is more than just about skiing and hiking; it is also home to one of the largest historic districts within Colorado, which includes the town’s Main Street. Breckenridge’s charming historic Main Street offers visitors plenty of opportunities for window shopping, art ogling, and food sampling at one of the many fine restaurants in town. For more information, https://gobreck.com/.
Aspen
Distance from Denver: 198 miles
Surrounded by the Elk Mountains and nestled in the heart of the White River National Forest, Aspen is a hotbed for outdoor activities. Known for its world-class skiing, legendary apres-ski scene, and fine-dining experience, Aspen also sprinkles in a bit of charm with its unique historic downtown. And while the ski hills of Aspen are the town’s main attraction, the town’s summer programming such as the Aspen Film Festival and its legendary concert series, offer plenty of reasons to stay through till next winter. For more information, https://www.aspenchamber.org/.
Evergreen
Distance from Denver: 29 miles
The town boasts a vast trail network, a pristine lake, and a thriving arts scene (catch the Evergreen Fine Arts Festival from August 26 to 27). The best part? It’s all just 45 minutes from Denver. Take a day trip to Evergreen and find out more information about this town here, https://downtownevergreen.com/visit-evergreen/.
Black Hawk & Central City
Distance from Denver: 38 miles
Black Hawk is one of the top casino gaming destinations in Colorado. Countless restaurants, hotel rooms, over a dozen casinos to explore just minutes from Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Visit Black Hawk today and see why we are one of Colorado’s top destination cities. For the first-timers, check out this great guide and this website for more information, https://visitblackhawk.org/.