Denver - Rocky Mountain National Park
Departing from Denver, our first stop will be the renowned resort town of Estes Park, where we’ll take in the stunning lake and mountain views. Next, we’ll head to Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its towering peaks and scenic high-altitude roads. After exploring the park, we’ll continue to the vibrant university town of Boulder. There, we’ll visit the University of Colorado Boulder, explore the NCAR Mesa Laboratory, and enjoy a leisurely walk along the lively Pearl Street Mall. We’ll then return to Denver to end the day.
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Itinerary:
Denver → Black Hawk → Peak To Peak Scenic Byway → Lake Estes → Rocky Mountain National Park (Bear Lake and sheep Lake, including tickets, Peak Visitor Center) → Denver
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Lake Estes
Located on the edge of Estes Park, Colorado, Lake Estes is a 185-acre (75-hectare) reservoir formed by the Olympus Dam. Sitting at an elevation of 7,522 feet, the lake features about 4 miles of scenic shoreline within Larimer County.
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Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, stretches across the Continental Divide and features a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and alpine tundra. The park is famous for scenic drives like Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road, which wind through aspen groves and along rushing rivers. For adventurous hikers, the Keyhole Route offers a challenging climb over steep rock faces to the summit of Longs Peak, the park’s highest peak. Meanwhile, the Bear Lake Trail provides a more accessible route with stunning views of surrounding mountain scenery.
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Black Hawk
Black Hawk is a small town located next to Central City in Clear Creek Canyon, just west of Denver. Covering less than two square miles and home to fewer than 100 residents, this former mining and milling town attracts visitors with its rich history, scenic surroundings, and vibrant entertainment options.
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Peak To Peak Scenic Byway
Less than an hour from Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins, this 55-mile scenic route offers unparalleled views of the Continental Divide and the surrounding forested landscapes. Along the way, travelers can enjoy a variety of popular attractions, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and Eldora Ski Resort. The area blends outdoor recreation with natural preservation. Gravel side roads branch off the main highway, leading to alpine lakes, hiking trailheads, campgrounds, the east portal of the Moffat Tunnel, and historic ghost towns like Hesse and Apex. Established in 1918, this is Colorado’s oldest designated scenic byway.
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