Capture the magic of the Rockies with this summer road trip itinerary!
- Day 1: Denver and Golden
Originating in Denver, we begin our mountain adventure in Golden, CO, with an outdoor dinner at The Golden Mill or Old Capitol Grill and Smokehouse – raise a glass of Coors Light, freshly brewed in-house! Stroll the streets of the adorable town of Golden, then continue to the Denver Marriott West, where guests can gather around the fire pit and stargaze.
- Day 2: Idaho Springs and Estes Park
Grab some breakfast at the Blue Sky Cafe and Juice Bar before lacing up your boots for a glacier hike under clear blue skies in Idaho Springs. Afterward, soothe your muscles in the natural hot springs. Or you could learn the art of fly fishing on Clear Creek, casting your line under the warm summer sun. For an early dinner, enjoy the Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub; then enjoy the drive to Estes Park, one of the most beautiful locations in the Rocky Mountains. Find your cozy haven at the Holiday Inn Estes Park. The wood-paneled walls and crackling fire pit offer a touch of rustic charm, perfect for cool summer evenings spent swapping stories of your adventures.
- Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park and Steamboat Springs
Fuel up with a breakfast buffet at the hotel, then meet your tour guides for a wildlife tour in the Rocky Mountain National Park. In the evening, you may be lucky enough to catch the Rooftop Rodeo, which features events such as saddle bronc riding, bull riding, mutton bustin’, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing! After that feast for your eyes, head to Steamboat Springs and enjoy live music at Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill. Stay at the luxurious Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas for a touch of comfort after a day of exploring.
- Day 4: Vail
It’s time for a day of relaxation and savor the view! After grabbing a yummy bite to eat at Creekside Cafe & Grill (made with fresh farm-to-table ingredients), you’ll be treated to a scenic journey through the majestic Rocky Mountains to Vail, CO. Along the way, soak in breathtaking vistas of towering peaks, rolling hills, and pristine alpine lakes. Settle in for two nights at Sonnenalp, a spa hotel that blends comfort with stunning mountain vistas. Once you arrive, you can tee off for a relaxing round of golf or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment. Continue treating yourself at Vintage, a French brasserie-style restaurant offering a blend of classic and inspired dishes, complemented by a curated wine selection.
- Day 5: Whitewater Rafting
Start your day off with a European-style breakfast served on the beautiful glass-enclosed Ludwig’s terrace overlooking the creek at the Sonnenalp. Today, you can try your hand at whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. Whether you’re seeking a scenic float or an adrenaline enthusiast craving exhilarating rapids, the diverse options near Silverthorne promise unforgettable experiences! End your day with some tacos and margaritas at El Segundo, a seven-minute walk from the hotel, then relax at the Sonnenalp on a patio near the gardens or soak in one of the hot tubs while you gaze at the stars overhead.
- Day 6: Ziplining and Colorado Springs
Pick up a spinach and feta croissant or a muffin to go from the hotel’s Treff Cafe, then you’re on your way to Manitou Springs. Here you can embrace the warm summer air with a heart-pounding zipline adventure. Follow that with a guided tour through the otherworldly rock formations of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. End the evening on a high note with a concert under the star-studded summer sky at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Sinking into your bed at The Lodge at Flying Horse will feel blissful!
- Day 7: Hot Air Balloon and Denver
In the early morning, take a flight in a hot air balloon ride over Colorado Springs for an unforgettable farewell to the majestic Rockies, then enjoy a bountiful brunch at Lake Terrace Dining Room at the Broadmoor before heading back to Denver.
