Estes Park – Gateway to the Rockies
Visit the charming mountain town of Estes Park, home to the historic Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining. Enjoy free time to shop, grab a coffee, or take in the stunning mountain views. If Trail Ridge Road is open, this stop will be 30 minutes. However, if Trail Ridge Road is closed, Estes Park will become our 60-minute lunch stop, providing more time to explore and enjoy a meal in town. ⏳ Time: 30 minutes (60 minutes if Trail Ridge Road is closed)
🎟 Admission: Free
Bear Lake – A Scenic Alpine Wonderland (Seasonal)
If Trail Ridge Road is closed, we will take a leisurely stroll around Bear Lake, one of the park’s most stunning alpine lakes, surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests. ⏳ Time: 45 minutes
🎟 Admission: Included
Moraine Park – Wildlife Viewing & Open Meadows
This expansive valley is one of the best spots in the park to see elk, deer, and other wildlife. The surrounding meadows and mountain backdrops create a picture-perfect setting. ⏳ Time: 15 minutes
🎟 Admission: Included
Many Parks Curve – A Stunning Overlook
One of the most famous scenic stops inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Many Parks Curve offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. This is a must-see stop for breathtaking photography and an appreciation of the park’s vast beauty. ⏳ Time: 15 minutes
🎟 Admission: Included
Trail Ridge Road – The Highway to the Sky (Seasonal)
If conditions allow, we’ll take you up Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains from over 12,000 feet in elevation. If Trail Ridge Road is open, we do not make a stop at Bear Lake. ⏳ Time: 30 minutes
🎟 Admission: Included
Rainbow Curve – Seasonal Overlook
If Trail Ridge Road is open, we will stop at Rainbow Curve, a breathtaking viewpoint offering expansive views of the park’s rugged peaks and valleys. A must-see for panoramic photography enthusiasts. ⏳ Time: 15 minutes
🎟 Admission: Included
Alpine Visitor Center – Seasonal Stop
Located at 11,796 feet, the Alpine Visitor Center is the highest visitor center in the national park system. If Trail Ridge Road is open, this becomes our one-hour lunch stop, where you'll have the opportunity to grab lunch from the visitor center café while experiencing stunning alpine tundra landscapes and educational exhibits about the park’s ecosystem. ⏳ Time: 60 minutes
🎟 Admission: Included
Stanley Hotel – Historic Landmark & Final Stop
Our last stop is at the Stanley Hotel, an iconic destination known for its stunning architecture and its connection to The Shining. This 20-minute stop serves as our final bathroom break and a chance to take photos of the historic landmark. Enjoy a quick exploration of the hotel's grand exterior and scenic surroundings before we make our return to Denver.
⏳ Time: 20 minutes (Final stop & last bathroom break)
🎟 Admission: Free