I was thrilled to get the opportunity to travel out west and Colorado did not disappoint. My husband had a work related trip to the area so I decided to tag along and loved every second of it. We had the opportunity to visit both Denver and Colorado Springs and these are some of the things we enjoyed in each city.

Denver

I wandered around Denver alone for a few days and thought it was very easy to navigate. I could get to most of the attractions by walking from our hotel. One thing I did not anticipate was that the weather in Denver can be a little tricky. During our stay, I went to the zoo wearing a sundress on a beautifully warm day. The next day there was a literal blizzard, so be sure to pack for anything. 16th Street can be a little touristy with chain restaurants and stores in abundance but if you meander around you can easily find the local attractions.

Denver Mint

I toured the Denver Mint, which is a free activity. I had never been to a mint so I found it to be very educational and interesting. You get a behind the scenes look at how something you use every day is made. They also have exhibits that show what other countries, cultures, and historical types of currency look like. The tour was about forty-five minutes and well worth the time. We even received an unstamped penny as a souvenir.

Molly Brown House Museum

Molly Brown is a legendary part of Denver’s history. You may recognize the name from the Titanic movie, but this is the real Molly Brown and her story. Her name was actually Margaret Brown; not Molly, or Maggie, it was Margaret. Margaret Brown is not someone you will hear about in history class but she played a vital role in her community. Coming from immigrant parents that didn’t have much, she didn’t receive a full education, yet she became one of the most respected women in Denver. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is inspired by women in history. You will look at Denver in a whole new light after this tour and see Margaret Brown’s stamp on this city at every turn.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

If you’re into nature and music then this is the place for you. Red Rocks Amphitheater is host to a number of popular musical groups and is widely recognized for its beauty. Any “seat” in this theater will be amazing. Unfortunately there were no concerts when I visited but I would definitely plan on going to one if it’s available. Just walking around the area was one of the highlights of this trip. The trail around the theater is very moderate. Other than the stairs up and down the theater this was an easy walk with breathtaking views. As I previously mentioned there was a random blizzard I did not expect which was the day before we visited the Red Rocks area. This snow storm messed with our plans a little but didn’t stop us from having fun.

Comedy Works

This basement comedy club is a great way to spend a night full of laughter. Enjoy a few drinks and laugh the night away to some great comedians. You are required to buy at least two drinks and to lock your phone away before entering. This was new to me but I loved that my phone wouldn’t be a distraction to me and that others wouldn’t be interrupting the show with their phones. This cozy little club was a fun night and you never really know who might pop into a comedy club to do a quick set.

Stanley Marketplace

Stanley Marketplace is a great place to grab a bite to eat and do some shopping. They have everything from gifts, boutique clothing, books, games, and more. Grab a fabulous empanada or churros from Maria Empanada and browse around the two floors of shops. If you have kids or a furry friend then pop out to the playground and pet areas conveniently located right outside the Happy Cow Ice Cream shop. Parking is free for the first three hours which is plenty of time to explore here.

Denver Aquarium

Denver Aquarium was one of the best aquarium experiences I have ever had, and that’s saying a lot! The atmosphere immediately puts you in nature, and all the glass was clean. Several tanks were low enough that I just strolled my baby right up to them and he could see without having to get him out of his stroller. There were several fish that I had never seen before, like upside-down jellyfish. I liked the variety of animals that could be seen and how they were presented. The aquarium also has a restaurant and theater to extend your stay and enhance the experience.

Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo is one of the top zoos I have visited. There’s a large variety of animals that are all easy to see in their spacious enclosures. They offer several opportunities for you to hear more about the animals from their keepers, and even see them participate in training exercises. Parking is free at the zoo, and the zoo is pretty flat, so it’s easy to walk around all day.

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Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has a lot to offer a traveler. We only had one day to get there, do what we wanted to do, and get back to Denver, but if you have more time it is well worth it. When on a tight schedule, it is important to have a plan so you can have the experiences you want. We had two main activities in mind: we bought tickets for a train ride and wore something comfy to hike in.

Royal Gorge Railway

Take a train ride through some beautifully serene countryside and learn about the landscape around you on this unique experience. You glide along a river that is full of history. You might even see some wildlife like the bighorn sheep we saw grazing along the rocky hillside. The train offers dining options, and while this is convenient don’t expect it to be five star quality. I loved going out on the open air car where a crew member gave vivid details about the history of all there was to see. You also get a much better view while standing outside. If you prefer the indoors you will want to ride on the left side of the train in order to see the river or anything other than rock walls. Get a view of the smallest town in the United States, don’t blink or you’ll miss it, literally. This railroad has a rich history of silver mining, war, and travel that should be preserved and remembered. There are other activities in the area such as a hike to a bridge that you will learn about on the train so if you’d like a walk after your ride take comfortable shoes.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is one of the most beautiful places to visit and well worth the time. If you’re just passing through the area I highly recommend making this stop. Even if you just drive through it you won’t be disappointed. We arrived a little later in the day and didn’t have a lot of time but we did walk around on some of the trails to take in the amazing views. All the trails are well marked and maintained so it made for a great evening stroll as the sun set on this magnificent piece of natural artwork. There were very few parking spaces at some of the designated pull offs so be prepared to not be able to park where you want, especially during the busy season. We saw a group of deer very close to the road as we were leaving; it was nice to see them with not a care in the world that we were feet away as they munched on their evening snack.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Getting in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park ranks among the most visited in the National Park System, attracting over 4.5 million visitors annually. As popular as the Rocky Mountain National Park is, there are bound to be a few hoops to jump through in order to enter. Although it can seem inconvenient, I appreciate that this limits the number of people allowed in certain areas at any given time so it’s more enjoyable with lesser crowding. For now, I will be talking primarily about the east side of the park and entering through the Estes Park entrance.

The first thing you will need is a valid entrance pass. This is required year round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit the National Park Service website for more information and to purchase your entrance pass for the day(s) you plan to visit the park.

To visit Rocky Mountain National Park during its peak season (late May to mid-October) and peak hours (typically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.), visitors are also required to secure a timed entry permit through the recreation.gov website. This permit is separate from the park entrance fee and must be reserved ahead of time as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak season.

Navigating Rocky Mountain National Park’s timed entry system can seem complex, but understanding the process will help you plan your visit more smoothly. The type of permit you need depends on when you plan to visit and which areas you want to access. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access: This permit allows entry to the entire park, including the popular Bear Lake area. During peak season, a permit is required to enter between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. Keep in mind the time of sunset so that you won’t be hiking in the dark. Trust me it’s worth seeing in the day light, and there’s always a line to get in after 6pm. If you arrive before 5 a.m., you can access this area without a permit, making it ideal for early risers looking to beat the crowds.
   
2. Rest of the Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor): This permit grants entry to all park areas except Bear Lake Road. It has more flexible timing, as permits are typically only required between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Arriving before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. usually means you don’t need a permit. However, if you leave the park or try to enter for the first time during this restricted window, a permit is necessary, and they can sell out quickly.

Permits are available in hourly windows, and visitors must enter the park within their reserved time but can stay as long as desired once inside. It’s essential to check the park’s official site for specific dates when the timed entry system is in effect, as these periods can vary seasonally. Booking opens one month in advance, with a limited number of permits released the day before, so it’s wise to plan and reserve early to avoid disappointment. Take everything you will need if you plan on staying the entire day as there are no restaurants inside the park. Check out the Eats + Treats section below to find where you can get a bagged picnic lunch to bring with you into the park.

There are restrooms at most trail heads but they are typically pit toilet or portable toilet type restrooms, where it’s just a whole in the ground with a toilet over it. They do not have running water but hand sanitizer is provided. There is a nice, typical restroom with actual running water and flushing toilets at the ???? trail head and picnic area.

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

Bear Lake (easy, 0.8 mi)

The Bear Lake area of Rocky Mountain National Park is extremely popular. It is by far the most popular area of the park. You may need to park in the overflow lot and ride the bus to the trailhead (this adds about 15 minutes). Bear Lake is popular for good reason though; it is absolutely beautiful! You walk around a lake on a loop trail where you get views of aspens, and a mountain top in the background. This is an easy relatively flat trail.

Alberta Falls (medium, 1.2mi)

The Bear Lake area is also home to the trailhead for the scenic Alberta Falls, one of the park’s most popular hikes. This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail is a moderate hike, featuring a mostly downhill route to the falls and then an uphill climb on the return. The payoff is well worth the effort, as you’ll be greeted by a cascading Alberta Falls offering a perfect spot to rest and take in the natural beauty of the park.

Along the trail, you’ll pass by aspen trees, which turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall, adding a vibrant splash of color to your hike. This route is ideal for those seeking a relatively short yet rewarding experience filled with picturesque views and a touch of challenge.

Nymph Lake/ Dream Lake (2.2 mi)/ Emerald Lake (difficult, 2.8 mi)

Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald lake are all along the same trail. Although one of the more challenging hikes to see all three lakes, it was definitely the most rewarding. First is Nymph Lake where you will see ducks playing among the lily pads. Dream Lake is next, and by far my favorite with a mountain view and crystal clear waters. We could easily spot salmon and other fish swimming around the fresh mountain water. Emerald Lake was at the top of this mountain hike and I can definitely see where it gets its name. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a weasel scurrying through the brush while we caught our breath and rested at Emerald Lake. The hike up to Emerald Lake is difficult as it is all up a mountain side with several stair steps along the way. Going back down was a piece of cake compared to going to the top.

Sprague Lake (easy)

The easiest and one of the prettiest trails we did was Sprague Lake. This is in the Bear Lake area as well with its own parking lot and trail head. This trail was not as populated as Bear Lake so we actually had a more peaceful walk here. You get 360 degree views that will take your breath away. This was one of my favorite trails.

Alluvial Falls (easy, 0.4 mi)

Alluvial Falls is a great option for an easy hike that is not located in the Bear Lake Corridor section of the park. Alluvial Falls gets its name from the beautiful natural feature created by the unique fanning effect of cascading water over rocks, spreading out like a delicate veil. For the most convenient access, park at the second parking lot, which offers a shorter and easier walk. From there, a smooth, paved path leads directly to the viewing area, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The gentle approach provides ample opportunity to appreciate the surrounding scenery, with views of the rushing water framed by rugged rock formations and the forested backdrop. This spot is perfect for a peaceful stroll or a quick visit to experience one of the park’s lesser-known yet captivating sights.

Beaver Meadows (easy, length can vary based on trail choice)

If you’re looking for an easy jaunt through the woods and relatively flat meadow, Beaver Meadows is the trail for you. Here you can get 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. You may even catch a glimpse of the diverse wildlife as the deer and elk like hanging around this area especially in the evenings.

Hidden Valley (easy)

This is a great little trail with several picnic tables scattered around, there are even some along the trail. Picnic trail is also where you can go sledding once snow has started to cover the area. I loved this trail because of the picnic areas and that it has one of the few bathrooms with running water and flushing toilets.

Tundra Communities Trailhead (moderate)

The drive up to the tundra is filled with incredible views. Take advantage of the pull offs as you ascend to 2 miles above sea level. Nothing can grow over 6 inches in the tundra due to the extreme weather that occurs there. There’s so much to see from such a high vantage point. A pika (small mouse like creature) made an appearance as we ascended to the top. It’s an uphill walk at a high elevation so I really appreciated the strategically placed plaques with fun facts to read so I could have an excuse to catch my breath. You will definitely notice the higher altitude when attempting this hike. This area will be closed due to weather in the winter months.

Eats + Treats

Denver

The Jelly Cafe

We had the opportunity to try a variety of delicious meals and snacks while visiting Denver and Colorado Springs. In Denver, The Jelly Café stood out the most mainly because they had a breakfast hot brown called the “Molly” hot “Brown” in honor of Molly Brown. This cute little café is also just a few short minutes walk down the road from the Molly Brown house museum, making it super convenient before or after a tour there. It’s a cozy little cafe with teacups of all sorts hanging from the ceiling. The staff were friendly and provided quick service.

Sam’s Diner #3

The best diner experience we had was at Sam’s Diner #3. They have a vast menu so there’s something for everyone! This old school vibe diner is serving up some of the best food which is why I visited Sam’s Diner #3 twice while visiting the area. They’ve been in business since 1927 and it’s easy to see why; they’re supplying the best diner-style food with equally fantastic service. 

Syrup

Syrup is a lovely restaurant in downtown Denver. I had to get the pancakes so I could try a few of the syrup flavors for myself. The pancakes are light and the syrup options are fun to try out.

Maria Empanada

Maria Empanada was created by a passion for cooking, and preservation of family traditions and flavors. You can see the love that goes into making each empanada perfect. The flavors fill your nose before they ever touch your lips. You must visit Maria Empanada for a delicious meal. Try the frescas, I had the strawberry dragonfruit it was the perfect pairing with my Sierra and Diego empanadas.

Colorado Springs

Front Range BBQ

In Colorado Springs we had limited time for exploring food options, but after walking around the Garden of the Gods we were famished so we looked for some local joints and found Front Range BBQ. Adorned with nature decor and the heavenly scent of BBQ cooking, we knew we were in the right place. The menu item that caught our eye was called The Sloppy Pig; a monstrous sandwich filled with so much yummy goodness that you have to dislocate your jaw just to get it in your mouth. Naturally this was my husband’s food choice for the evening. I got the pulled pork like a lady as my husband scarfed down his sandwich which lived up to its sloppy name. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs on this one but it was well worth it! 

Estes Park

Coffee on the Rocks

This cute little coffee shop is dreamy. Coffee on the Rocks has indoor seating but why would you do that when you can eat outside between a duck pond, and a creek that’s constantly rolling.

You Need Pie

If you’re in need of dessert then You Need Pie! With over 30 pie options at any given time you can order a whole pie or just a slice a la mode. This was the best strawberry rhubarb pie I have ever had. You don’t even have to go to Colorado to enjoy it, they ship nationwide.

Claire’s Restaurant

Claire’s Restaurant offers an elevated experience with excellent dishes that won’t break the bank. This lovely little restaurant was the perfect end to a full day of hiking. This could be a romantic spot to bring your sweetheart after having a lovely day in the serenity of nature.

The Egg of Estes

The Egg of Estes is a great spot to grab some breakfast or lunch. Their blueberry pancakes are great. If you enjoy great dinner food then this is the perfect spot to get a quick and delicious bite to eat.

Mountain Home Cafe

Mountain Home Cafe has a variety of healthy options as well as treats for those with a sweet tooth. They cater to a wide variety of health restrictions as well making them a great options for those with special dietary needs.

Notchtop Breakfast

With so many options you’ll have a hard time choosing what to get from Notchtop Breakfast. I had a wonderful omelette that fueled me up for a full day of hiking up mountains. They’re one of the few places that will bag a sandwich lunch for you to take into the park for a picnic. We did this for two days since there are no restaurants inside the park and you cannot leave and come back into the park without a timed entry pass or waiting for the free entry period.

Ed’s Cantina and Grill

Ed’s Cantina and Grill is vivacious and delicious. Get the plantains to start and a barbacoa bowl or Cuban sandwich to fill you up. Everything looked and smelled so great it was hard to choose.

End of the Road

Colorado is a great place to visit and I can’t wait to go back. After just one short visit, Rocky Mountain National Park has become one of my favorite places to visit and we will definitely be exploring more in future. If you are looking for a similar vacation in another state check out our trip to Arizona or the Grand Canyon. Subscribe to our page and follow us on social media to get the latest on trips like this and so much more.