Estes and Breck

Question

Hi all! I will be traveling to Colorado this summer and I would love some input on timing our destinations. Our plan is to fly into Denver on a Friday and stay overnight. Then head to Estes Park and Breckenridge for the remainder of our weeklong trip. Initially, I was thinking Estes Park for two nights to get acclimated to the elevation (we are coming from South Florida!) but this would put us in Estes on Saturday-Monday and I know weekends at RMNPare quite busy. Does anyone think it would be better to head to Breck first (Saturday to maybe Wednesday) and then do Estes Park Thursday and Friday to avoid some crowds? I know Breck gets busy in summer too and we would also possibly have higher risk of altitude sickness 🤷‍♀️ Thanks for any input!!

Answer

Given that you’re coming from South Florida, starting your Colorado trip with some acclimation time is wise. Elevation sickness is a real concern, especially in mountain towns like Estes Park and Breckenridge, which sit around 7,500–9,600 feet. Planning your first night in Denver is a good idea, as it allows a gentle adjustment at 5,280 feet before heading higher.

Here are a few considerations for timing Estes Park vs. Breckenridge:

Estes Park first: Spending Saturday to Monday in Estes Park will give you a gentler introduction to higher elevation and allow you to enjoy RMNP without overexertion. Weekends in RMNP can be busy, especially at trailheads, but weekday mornings are usually manageable if you plan early starts.
Breckenridge first: Heading straight to Breck Saturday-Wednesday exposes you to higher elevation immediately. Breck itself gets busy in summer, and hiking or strenuous activities early may be more challenging if your body hasn’t adjusted to the altitude. However, this schedule could let you enjoy Estes Park later in the week when RMNP might be slightly less crowded midweek.

Other points to consider:

Altitude acclimation: Even with 2–3 nights in Estes Park, make sure to drink plenty of water, avoid heavy exercise the first day, and plan moderate hikes. This is especially important for South Florida visitors unaccustomed to thinner air.
Crowds: RMNP weekends are definitely busier, but arriving at trailheads early (before 9am) can mitigate the impact. Breckenridge will have weekend crowds too, especially at Main Street and popular outdoor activities, but hiking trails are less congested if you avoid peak hours.
Flexibility: Consider splitting Breck and Estes stays to mix acclimation and crowds. For example, Estes Park Saturday-Monday, Breck Monday-Thursday, giving you a gradual rise in elevation while balancing weekend traffic.

Overall, starting in Estes Park is likely safer for your acclimation and allows RMNP hiking without overdoing it. Breckenridge can then follow, and by midweek you’ll be more adjusted for outdoor activities. Early mornings in both locations will give you the best experience with fewer crowds.

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