Hey friends! I wanted to share all the details of my 5 day trip to Colorado in case you’re thinking about visiting. Colorado is such a beautiful state, whether you’re into hiking, scenic drives, or just soaking in those stunning mountain views, it’s got something for everyone. Let me walk you through how I spent my days exploring, hiking, and even sledding on some epic dunes!

During this trip, I split my time between Colorado Springs and Estes Park, making it super easy to explore both southern and northern Colorado. And with a rental car, getting around was a breeze, it gave me the freedom to take in all the sights at my own pace.

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Denver

You know I had to kick things off in Denver! It’s such a cool city with a mix of modern vibes and a laid-back atmosphere. Here’s what I got up to:

• Union Station: Grabbed coffee here and just took it all in. It’s such a lovely spot to sit and people-watch.
• 16th Street Mall: Did some window shopping and grabbed a bite. It’s a great area to walk around and get a feel for the city.
• RiNo (River North Arts District): Ended the day by checking out some street art and grabbing a beer at a local brewery.

Day 2: Great Sand Dunes National Park

This was hands down one of my favorite days. I’ve never seen anything like the Great Sand Dunes, they’re massive! And let me tell you, hiking and sledding down these dunes is an absolute blast.

• Hiking the Dunes: The climb is a bit of a workout (sand makes it tricky!), but the views are so worth it.
• Sledding the Dunes: I rented a sand sled from a local shop nearby, which was honestly so fun. They also rent out sand boards if you’re feeling adventurous! Just a tip: wax the bottom of the sled for a smoother ride, it makes all the difference.

If you’re going, you can rent sleds and boards from places like Kristi Mountain Sports or Oasis Store right outside the park. They’ll hook you up for the day!

Day 3: Garden of the Gods

Day 3 was all about exploring the Garden of the Gods. You’ve probably seen pictures of those crazy red rock formations, they’re even more impressive in person.

• Walking through Garden of the Gods: I spent a good chunk of the day just walking the trails and snapping pictures of the formations. The whole park is pretty easy to walk around, and the views are stunning from all angles.
• Attempted Hike to Cameron Cone: I was feeling ambitious and decided to try hiking Cameron Cone, but when I got closer to the top, the ice made it pretty tricky. I had to turn back, but even making it part of the way up was rewarding.

Day 4: Estes Park

After all the hiking and exploring, I decided to head to Estes Park for a change of pace. If you’ve never been, it’s this charming mountain town with such a cozy vibe.

• Lily Mountain Hike: It’s a lesser-known hike, but that made it even better. It’s a moderate trail, but the views at the top are absolutely gorgeous.
• Bond Park: After the hike, I wandered around Bond Park. It’s a cute little spot with great views of the surrounding mountains, and there were a few local shops to check out too.

Day 5: Rocky Mountain National Park

No trip to Colorado is complete without visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. This was another highlight of the trip, and I got to hike the famous Emerald Lake Trail.

• Hiking Emerald Lake Trail: The hike is only about 3.5 miles roundtrip, but it packs in a lot of beauty. You pass three lakes, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and finally Emerald Lake. Each one is prettier than the last, and the snow-capped mountains make it feel magical.

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Honestly, I’m already missing the fresh mountain air! Colorado is such a fun state to explore, and each day had something different to offer. If you ever plan a trip, let me know, I’d love to help you out with some recommendations.

Happy adventuring!