If you're visiting Estes Park, make sure to head into RMNP! A few notes and our favorite stops:

Make a park reservation online:

If you want to go into the park between 9AM-3PM you need to make a reservation. It's only $2 to make the reservation and they open the night before you want to enter at 5PM (MST) so hop on RIGHT at 5 to make sure you get a spot! If you plan on going in before 9AM or after 3PM, no need to make a reservation. Here's the RMNP info link:

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/index.htm

#Gunndersons Top Spots in RMNP (click titles for links):

Trail Ridge Road: We do this drive multiple times every summer - tons of view points to pull over at and plenty of bathrooms along the way to take you above 11,000 ft! Takes about 45 minutes to get to the top, and there's an awesome visitors center with gifts, snacks and more once you get there.

Bear Lake: This requires a special reservation through the Timed Entry link above, but if you go this way you will not regret it! Bear Lake is super easy to access - you park in a lot, hop a shuttle and it's a short walk (not even a "hike" to get beautiful views of water + The Rockies.

Dream Lake: A short hike above Bear Lake, the views are insanely beautiful. The glacial lake is crystal clear and makes for one of the prettiest Instagram backdrops for your trip to CO!

Copeland/Calypso/Ouzel Falls: Want to chase some waterfalls? This low-intensity hike offers a series of waterfalls you can take a short walk to! This is through the Fall River entrance - more of a hidden gem with less people at it every day!

Lily Lake: Grab the strollers for this easy, accessible and walkable stop for families. It's a beautiful lake with side views of Longs and Meeker peaks. We often swing by here and dip our feet in the cold mountain water after a good hike!

#ProTip Pack some snacks! We do charcuterie-on-the-go snacks from home or the Safeway in Estes as we head into the mountains for the day.f

Our FAVORITE place to grab a drink and play games in Estes. 1 block off of all of the shops often with a tasty food truck, indoor option with an awesome outdoor patio.

Looking for authentic, Native American jewelry in Estes? This is one of my favorite shops with the best prices and staff! If you swing in, talk to Marsha and/or Suki and tell them you're friends with Clancy. Bonus: If you have any jewels you need restrung or a stone replaced, they will take great care your pieces!

#ProTip: The Sterling Pony right across the street comes in at a close 2nd in terms of jewelry shopping. They will negotiate pricing with you if you ask right!

We've taken a lot of our friends with kids here - just down the street from The Barrel, continue the fun at Fun City with go karts, bumper boats, giant slide, putt putt and more!

#ProTip: Stop at Coffee on the Rocks right down the road to grab a drink and feed the ducks at the pond! A kid favorite.

One of our favorite restaurants in Estes! Check out the menu beforehand to make sure it's your cup of tea, but it's a cool mountain vibe and near RMNP.

#ProTip: Call a day ahead and make a reservation.

Looking for a DELICIOUSLY quick and cheap bite in Estes? The milkshakes are insane and the burgers, fries and onion rings are seriously so good. Head to this hole-in-the-wall #Gunnderson fav, located right down the road from Fun City/Coffee on the Rocks/Bird & Jim.

Take a tour, grab a drink in the iconic bar (where Dumb & Dumber was filmed - insert the line, "Wow! We did it! We landed on the moon!"), book a massage at the spa or simply enjoy the views from the front porch. We love the Stanley!

#ProTip: We went to the Aiden Sinclair Underground Magic Show a few years back and it was actually really cool, highly recommend if you're looking for a unique date night!

Brainard Lake is about 30 minutes south of Estes Park, but an awesome alternative option to RMNP. Parking is easy and the paths are walkable with a stroller. Lots of places for a pretty picnic and gorgeous mountain views!

#ProTip: Make a reservation through the National Forest Service here to secure parking and timed entry during the busy summer season: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28182

St. Malo is one of the most beautiful photo ops we often stop at (one of Brandon's mom Barbara favorite spots in CO!). Located between Estes Park and Allenspark right on Hwy 7, the doors are usually open during normal hours and they even host a service on Saturday mornings. It is BEAUTIFUL and worth the stop!

Clancy's family has a cabin in the small town of Allenspark, just 15 minutes south of Estes on Hwy 7. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Rock Creek, and then swing by the Old Gallery to enjoy local artwork and items made my local artisans.

#ProTip: Walk in the back of the Old Gallery for a playground with a view (pictured here!)

Enjoy dinner right where we got engaged! Gold Hill is a tiny town just west of Boulder with an awesome coursed-dinner restaurant in the best rustic setting. The menu is written on a chalk board, more often than not there is live music AND you can stop at the top of the road to get a photo with the Continental Divide in the background.

#ProTip: Call ahead to make a reservation. Make sure you're comfortable with backroad mountain driving (if Gunn can adapt, so can you!).

If you're driving up from Texas or feel like a day trip to Colorado Springs (2 hrs south of Johnstown), the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is THE nicest zoo you will visit! Feed the giraffes and elephants, ride the ski lift to the top for a view, enjoy the penguins as they dance around your feet all while having frequent swamp coolers and fans throughout the zoo route. 10/10 recommend with or without kids!

If you're driving up from Texas or do a day trip to Colorado Springs (2 hrs south of Johnstown), a stop at the Garden of the Gods is a must. It's free to visit with great parking and visitors center.

#TheGunndersons highest-rated mountain drive in Colorado! If you're driving up from Texas or do a day trip to Colorado Springs (2 hrs south of Johnstown), take the time to drive up Pikes Peak and grab their famous donuts at the top.

#ProTip: Make your reservation as far ahead of time as you can. We recommend going early in the morning for beautiful sun and clouds, and to get down with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day.

#BonusProTip: You can also ride the cog railway to the top, hosted through The Broadmore hotel. We've never done it, but hear nothing but great things! Find more info on the cog railway website.

Enjoy Clancy's home town via a hop-on-hop-off brewery tour trolley. Longmont is basically the Napa Valley of craft beer! All jokes aside, this is SUCH a fun day activity for adults and a great way to eat and drink your way around my hometown. 10/10 recommend and any questions if you're teetering on doing this or not, let me know!

#ProTip: Book your tickets as far out as you can through their website. If you need a break, take a stroll around Thompson Park in old town, or grab a bite to eat at the PumpHouse or The Roost!

Old Town Loveland has so much to do - tons of great food, cute photo ops and one of our favorite date night spots, Axe to Grind.

#ProTip: Grab dinner at Henry's, Pour House or The Black Steer before or after, just a few walkable blocks away. Three of the best spots to grub in Loveland!

Some of our FoCo faves:

- Alllll of the shops. Awesome local feel with plenty to keep you busy for hours + splash pad for kids.

- Breakfast: Silver Grill Cafe

- Brunch/Lunch: Ginger and Baker

- Dinner: Rio Grand mexican (watch out for their margs!)

Pack an empty suitcase... we live super close to a Scheels! If you stay at the newly built Comfort Suites, they basically share a parking lot. Enjoy the faris wheel inside for the kids and honestly just an impressive shopping experience.