One of my favorite places is Colorado. We visit every chance we get and love exploring new areas each time. In this Colorado travel guide you’ll find plenty to see and do in Denver, Colorado Springs, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek, and Boulder. These are among some of the best places to visit in Colorado and I can’t wait to add even more to that list. Let me guide you on where to eat and what to do in Colorado.
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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History Colorado Center
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the west, specifically Colorado then the History Colorado Center is the place to start. There are five floors of exhibits detailing the history of this beautiful land and the people who have called it home. I love the way everything is setup to put you in that particular moment of the past. It makes you feel like you’re in school, going to the general store to send a telegram and buy some eggs, or working in a mine.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The beauty of nature surrounds you at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Everywhere you look there are flowers blooming, water flowing, and artistry at its best. There’s so much to see here that a nature/plant enthusiast such as myself could spend all day exploring. I love that they have a children’s garden and an art exhibit. There are also two cafes so you have options for a delicious lunch. This is a lovely place to spend two hours or a whole day.
Boulder
Chautauqua Park
This lovely park takes you up to the magnificent Flatirons, an iconic spectacle of the Boulder foothills. Parking is limited closest to the trailhead but there’s a free shuttle that you can take a short drive down the road, just look for the signs. We took Chautauqua trail to Flatirons loop. This trail is rated moderate and there is a short cut trail that you can shorten your hike if needed. The initial ascent is steep and it doesn’t really let up until you start coming back down. Bring lots of water and wear hiking shoes preferably with ankle supports as the trail does become very rocky and uneven in places. Along this trail you get beautiful views of the city of Boulder, the Rockies, and of course the flatirons. It’s amazing to see these beautiful formations up close. I had my toddler with me and he was a trooper walking up the trail until it got too unstable for him to continue safely. Doing the trail with forty pounds on my back was not the easiest so we didn’t ascend to the top of the flatirons, maybe next time. It was still a great hike and I would absolutely do it again. Check out where we ate after our hike in the Eats + Treats section.
Colorado Springs
One of the best places to visit in Colorado is Colorado Springs. When it comes to where to eat and what to do in Colorado then this is my go to location. In my Colorado travel guide I’ll take you to the best restaurants and the most exciting activities to do in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.
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. Riding a train is probably at the top of most peoples lists when visiting Colorado, and it doesn’t get much better than this.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado, 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. All the trails are well marked and maintained so it’s no stress hiking. 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.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post
The Trading Post is a great place to stop for some lunch. Grab some ice cream, fudge, and a souvenir while you pan for gold at this very popular stop. They have a plethora of souvenirs, Native American made items, and there’s plenty of room to rest before heading back out on the trails.
Balance Rock
As one of the most popular stops in Garden of the Gods you can imagine it is worth it. You can drive by or park and step out of your car to see it. There’s no real hiking here, you do have to walk up to the rock if you want to touch it. This is a quick stop but keep in mind that parking can be tricky and getting the perfect picture without several other people in it can be difficult.
Siamese Twins
This is one of my favorite hikes because it’s short and has a beautiful rock formation. If you get at just the right angle you can spot Pikes Peak through the hole that the Siamese Twins make. This is a loop trail that also connects to cabin canyon trail which is another loop with lovely rock formations.
Cabin Canyon Trail
This is a moderate loop trail that you can see several rock formations and you get a view of the Siamese Twins. It’s a moderate trail that adds a little extra fun to this already lovely trail.
Central Garden Trail
I would say this is the main trail that everyone visits since you walk around and right up to the largest rock formations in the Garden of the Gods park. There’s nothing that can capture the magnificence of these huge rocks jutting out of the ground. look for all the birds that call these rocks home. With a climbing permit you can join the birds at the top of the rock. Look for rock formations such as “kissing camels” and the “pregnant woman.” This trail is ADA accessible so everyone can enjoy. Pull out the strollers here or let the little ones explore. You can make this trail as long or short as you want.
Tips for Hiking in Garden of the Gods
There are parking areas throughout the park but sometimes it can be hard to find a spot close to your desired trails. The park has a shuttle that will transport you from the visitors center over to the trails. You can also do a jeep tour where they will make stops and point things out for a more relaxed informative experience. There are also picnic areas and restrooms throughout the park.
Pikes Peak National Park
Americas mountain, Pikes Peak sits at 14,110 feet in elevation. The panoramic views at the top are worth the journey to get there. There are four ways to make the ascent to the top; drive, ride the shuttle, take the cog, or hike it. We chose the shuttle option and I’m so glad that we did. It was $35 per person to ride along and the driver showed us things that we otherwise would not have seen. We stopped to see some big horn sheep grazing, the largest silver and gold mine in the United States, and of course the three main points of interest. Other than the gorgeous panoramic views at the top of Pikes Peak there are three other points of interest along the way.
Once you enter the park you will pass Crystal Reservoir, a man made reservoir that supplies Colorado Springs with drinking water. You can fish, paddle board, or kayak here but there’s no swimming allowed. There’s a lovely hiking trail that takes you around the reservoir and connects to other trails. Glenn Cove is around the halfway point to the summit. They have a gift shop, panning for gold area, and a little cafe that I highly recommend you stop here for lunch. There are picnic tables outside and a few tables inside. Grab a cup of coffee or some delicious chili to warm you up after being on top of a mountain. The last stop before reaching the summit is Devils Playground. It was so named because of the way lightning would bounce around from rock to rock when it storms. You can hike to the summit from here which is about 5.3 miles with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft.
When you reach the summit of Pikes Peak there is a small exhibit that details the history of Pikes Peak, a gift shop, and a cafe that serves ready made foods such as pizza, burgers, chicken sandwiches, pretzels, and the famous donuts. The donuts that are made here are special because of the altitude. You should eat them while there because I have heard if you try to take them down the mountain they will get hard and/or crumble. We had the pleasure of seeing several marmots while enjoying the view so be on the lookout for wildlife. We visited in July, it was slightly chilly at the summit the day we were there but it did snow two days after we left so be prepared for weather to be different at the top versus the bottom of the mountain.
Pikes Peak National Park Tips and Tricks:
There are hardly any guard rails since there’s nowhere to put them on the vertical drop at the edge of the road. Not to mention that most people don’t make it through the brake check on the way back down. The brake check is at the Glenn Cove Inn, the rangers there will check the temperature of everyone’s brakes to ensure they will not fail the rest of the way down. The person in front of us had a brake temp of 560 degrees and we could smell it all the way down. In order to prevent your brakes overheating you should use your gears to help assist you instead of solely relying on the brakes.
Drink water! Drink water! Drink water! At Pikes Peak elevation you’re only breathing in sixty percent of the oxygen that you normally get at lower altitudes. Be sure to stay hydrated and know the signs of altitude sickness. Some of those signs are headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. This happens when you ascend to high elevations too quickly so take your time, drinking water helps combat these symptoms, and consult with a doctor if you have any health concerns. It is not advisable to take small children up to this altitude since they can get sick quicker and wouldn’t be able to let you know.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Walk through the cliff dwellings of the Puebloen people to see the lifestyle they lived. You will see their methods for storing corn, cooking bread, religious practices, and their ingenuity to keep safe. Using these rocky cliff sides as their home is a beautiful display of these peoples culture. There are two museums inside the visitors center that give more details and show many items such as pottery, shoes, and a cradleboard. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a wonderful way to experience that lifestyle.
Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
What better way to spend an hour than a train ride? The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is a fun family friendly train ride through old mining areas of Cripple Creek. This open car train ride gives 360 degree views of the beautiful landscape. It’s a great way for families and small children to get to enjoy a train ride and for anyone interested in the mining history of Colorado. The train ride stops at Echo Canyon where the conductor will blow the horn so you can hear it echo (it can be heard ten miles away). You also get a good view of the largest gold and silver mine in the US. Tickets are first come first serve so get there at least fifteen minutes before your desired departure time.
Rocky Mountain National Park
How to Get 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.
Rocky Mountain National Park Pass
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:
- 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.
- 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.
Rocky Mountain National Park Tips and Tricks
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 Hidden Valley 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. This trail gives you quintessential beauty of Colorado. This is the best place to visit in Colorado.
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. These are the best empanadas in Colorado or otherwise, an absolute must try.
Delectable Egg
Delectable Egg is a wonderful place to grab some breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The portions are large and the food is fantastic. I had the peanut butter crunch French toast which is three very large slices of brioche, grilled and covered in peanut butter then topped with corn flakes. I highly recommend going to Delectable Egg for breakfast it will be one of the best you have in Colorado.
La Loma
La Loma is a lovely restaurant in downtown Denver. The food is incredible and the staff is amazing. I would recommend going here for any occasion, celebrations, dates, lunch with friends or just to have a good meal. The flautas were great and the guacamole was very creamy with some chunks just the way we like it. La Loma is toddler and Mama approved. Of all the places to eat in Denver, Colorado this is one of my favorites.
Stout Street Social
Right across the road from the iconic Big Blue Bear of Denver is Stout Street Social. They have a large menu with some amazing food items and an extensive beer list. We had the trout with the polenta cakes and loved all the flavors.
Dozens
This cute little restaurant is great! We visited Dozens for breakfast and had a delicious berry smoothie to go with all the breakfast fixings. I love the mural and the stained glass that give this restaurant a fun artistic look. We were cozy in a nook by the front window as we started our day.
Boulder
The Sink
A staple in the Boulder community for over one hundred years is The Sink. The graffiti style walls are iconic so if you feel the urge to make your mark do it on the low ceiling. There are caricatures depicting so many significant things about the area, it was fun to just look around it was like reading a comic book on the walls. I loved the slideshow that gave some fun facts about the restaurant such as Robert Redford used to work there as a janitor when he was attending university. President Obama visited The Sink and they named a pizza after him (POTUS Pie). It was definitely an experience worth the hype.
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!
503W
503W is the name and location of one of the best restaurants in Old Colorado City. They serve Asian American fusion dishes that are packed with flavor. We loved everything we had here, even the sweet potato fries were incredible! The plating made it feel like we were in a five star Michelin restaurant. The portions were perfect and I will be thinking about how good it all was for a long time.
Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe
The Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe was a great place to start our day of hiking at the Garden of the Gods Park. The portion sizes here are very generous, even the child sized meal was quite large. Everything tasted wonderful and we loved being out on the veranda enjoying the weather.
Streetcar 520
The building of Streetcar 520 was used to store and maintain the street cars that once graced Tejon Street. Now it is a restaurant serving exceptional dishes that are meant to bring people together. We split the seared tenderloin and they were kind enough to portion it out for us.
Manitou Springs
Rocky Mountain Beignets
In downtown Manitou Springs there’s a small cafe serving Beignets and coffee. Rocky Mountain Beignets is a family owned business with one specialty, beignets. You can get 3 large ones, or a cup of small ones and add toppings to them. We added the caramel sauce and oh my, it felt like being at the fair but better than funnel cake. It was a great treat to have while strolling down the sidewalk looking at all the shops in this cute town.
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 the future. This list includes just a few of the best places to visit in Colorado. I hope you find this Colorado travel guide useful for your next adventures so you know where to eat and what to do in Colorado. 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.
