What fun would attending a wedding in Colorado be without a scenic trip through one of the most famous national parks located right next to the venue?!

If you’re staying in the area for the week or a few additional days, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the top must-see national parks in the country with breathtaking views, local wildlife, hiking trails, and lots of fun activities for the family!

Do keep in mind, there is approximately a 7,000 ft elevation difference between the mountain range base and peak, so do pack some warm clothes as the temperature will drop anywhere from 10 to 30 degrees below the mountain base temperature as you climb in elevation. However, it’s WELL worth it! Have fun!!!

On your journey between Denver International Airport and Estes Park, CO - or if you decide to lodge half-way between - we highly recommend taking a stroll through Pearl St. Mall in Boulder, CO. Lined with hundreds of shops and some of our favorite restaurants and cafe’s, it’s a destination you don’t want to miss!

One stop we highly recommend is Boxx Car Coffee on Pearl St. The most delicious craft coffee you will find (quality verified by yours truly), where you can select exactly which coffee beans they brew your cup of joy with, to-die-for savory and sweet pastries, all snuggled next to an adjacent sandwich, cheese, and wine shop, which we’ve yet to try, but have heard only positive things about!

Pasta Jay’s is one of the most delicious Italian restaurants on Pearl St. that we also fell in love with! A traditional open-air Italian atmosphere with the most “umph” cuisine you will ever feast your taste buds upon!

“Snooze, an AM Eatery,” is a local breakfast stop that we also recommend you check out. We have only been here once, but the food was phenomenal, which is clearly reflected by their consistently long morning rush wait time! Definitely plan ahead for this one!

Now go stuff your face, then walk it off!

You know you want to!

A list of additional adventures and activities to explore in Estes Park, CO!