Colorado & Rocky Mountain Parks
A curated multi-park road trip featuring 6 stops across the region.
Unscheduled
Sunrise on the dunes
Cool, firm sand and dramatic long shadows across the dune field.
Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to crest a dune in time for first light.
Sunrise at Gunnison Point
First light reveals the canyon's depth and color.
Bring a warm layer; mornings are cold at the rim even in summer.
Bear Lake Trailhead (early start)
Start with Bear Lake and connect to Nymph/Dream/Emerald for classic alpine views.
Parking fills by 7:00 AM in peak season. Carry layers and rain protection.
South Rim Road scenic drive
Hit the main overlooks before the drive back to Denver.
Plan for short walks at each overlook; guardrails are low and drop-offs are steep.
Cliff Palace or Balcony House ranger tour
Guided tour into the park's most famous cliff dwellings.
Expect ladders and uneven stone steps. Bring water and arrive 30 minutes early.
Denver International Airport - arrival and car pickup
Land at DEN, grab your rental, and stock up for the mountain drive.
Pick up groceries in Denver or at a large market in Boulder before heading to Estes Park.
Alberta Falls
Short, popular waterfall hike with granite canyon views.
Trail is rocky and can be slick; trekking poles help.
Trail Ridge Road scenic drive
Drive the highest continuous paved road in North America with tundra overlooks.
Check weather; snow and high winds can close the road even in summer.
Estes Park check-in + provisions
Check into lodging and grab snacks for early starts.
Confirm your RMNP timed-entry reservation (summer). Bear Lake corridor often requires a separate permit.
Great Sand Dunes arrival + Medano Creek
Arrive in time for softer sand and seasonal creek flow.
Go barefoot or wear sand gaiters. Creek typically peaks late May to June.
Mesa Verde - Cliff Palace tour check-in
Pick up tickets and check tour times for Cliff Palace or Balcony House.
Tours require timed tickets; reserve in advance during peak season.
Black Canyon South Rim overlooks
Short walks to some of the deepest canyon vistas in the country.
Check for afternoon thunderstorms; the rim can be exposed.
Denver International Airport - departure
Return the rental car and fly home.
Allow 3+ hours for the drive from the Black Canyon to Denver.
Mesa Top Loop Road
Self-guided loop with short walks to cliff dwellings and overlooks.
Afternoon light is best for the west-facing ruins.
High Dunes sunset climb
Climb the tallest dunes for golden-hour views of the Sangre de Cristo range.
Carry more water than you think; heat reflects off the sand.
Sprague Lake sunset
Easy, flat loop with reflections of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain.
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best reflections and parking.
Sunset at Gunnison Point
Classic rim viewpoint with easy access and big light.
Arrive 30 minutes early for a front-row spot on the overlook wall.
Moraine Park wildlife dusk
Open valley with a high chance of elk and moose sightings.
Bring binoculars and keep a safe distance; elk are most active at dusk.
Durango dinner
Refuel in Durango before an early start.
Aim for an early dinner; Mesa Verde mornings are best before tours sell out.