Rocky Mountain in One Day

Begin your adventure with a hearty breakfast at the Bighorn Restaurant in Estes Park. While you're enjoying your short stack with apple-cinnamon-raisin topping, you can put in an order for a packed lunch.

Drive west on U.S. 34 into the park, and stop at the Fall River Visitor Center to watch the orientation film and pick up a park map. Also inquire about road conditions on Trail Ridge Road, which you should plan to drive either in the morning or afternoon, depending on the weather. If possible, save the drive for the afternoon, and use the morning to get out on the trails before any afternoon lightning threatens your safety.

For a beautiful and invigorating hike, follow the route that takes you from the trailhead at Bear Lake to Nymph Lake (an easy 0.5-mi hike), then onto Dream Lake (an additional 0.6 mi with a steeper ascent), and finally to Emerald Lake (an additional 0.7 mi of moderate to challenging terrain). You can stop at several places along the way. The trek down is much easier, and quicker, than the climb up. If you prefer a shorter, simpler, yet still scenic walk, consider the Bear Lake Nature Trail, a 0.6-mi loop that is partially wheelchair and stroller accessible.

You'll need the better part of your afternoon to drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road. If you're heading to Grand Lake and destinations west, take Trail Ridge Road west, over the Continental Divide; otherwise, after you reach the top, take it back east and end your day with a ranger-led talk or evening campfire program.