Short Early October Itinerary

Question

My husband and I are flying in and out of Denver from the east coast the first week of October. Staying in Colorado for 5 nights, and spending last 2 nights in Estes Park to visit RMNP. We thought we'd spend the first night in Vail as that is @ 2.5 hour drive from the airport. We are in our 70s, and except for my husband's minor back problem, we're in good shape. We're primarily interested in scenery, wildlife and some fairly easy hikes. So looking for suggestions as to where to spend 3 days before we head to Estes Park. Scenic drives would be great, and would like a raft trip one of the days. Should Glenwood Springs be one of our destinations?

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Answer

For a short 5-night Colorado trip in early October with a focus on scenery, wildlife, and easy hiking, a plan that balances driving and relaxation works best. Starting in Vail is ideal, as it breaks up the drive from Denver and puts you immediately into the mountains.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for your first 3 days before heading to Estes Park:

Day 1 – Arrival and Vail: After arriving at Denver Airport, drive to Vail (approx. 2.5 hours). Spend the afternoon strolling the village, enjoying the alpine scenery, and maybe taking the Eagle Bahn Gondola for panoramic views and a short, easy hike at the top. Dinner in one of Vail’s restaurants with mountain views.
Day 2 – Scenic Drive & Rafting: Head west toward Glenwood Springs (approx. 1.5–2 hours from Vail). On the way, consider taking part of the I-70 scenic corridor, including stops at scenic overlooks like Hanging Lake (note that this is a moderately steep hike, but there is a shuttle system to limit walking if needed). Glenwood Springs is a good option for a rafting trip – several companies offer half-day guided trips on the Colorado River suitable for older adults. After rafting, relax in the hot springs pools or stroll the downtown area. Overnight in Glenwood Springs or nearby.
Day 3 – Return Toward Estes Park: Take the scenic route east through the Rockies. Options include driving via the Sawatch Range or Independence Pass (check if open in early October, as some high passes close for the season). You could stop in Leadville for a short walk and a coffee break. Another possibility is a gentle hike in the Mount Evans or Guanella Pass area. Overnight in a town along the route or drive straight to Estes Park for your 2-night stay.

Additional suggestions and considerations:

Scenic drives: I-70 through the mountains is spectacular, or consider the Peak to Peak Highway from Estes Park south toward Black Hawk and Central City for golden aspen colors.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings or late afternoons are best in the Rockies. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.
Easy hikes: In addition to gondola-top walks, consider Booth Falls Trail near Vail or Hanging Lake (if your husband is comfortable with moderate walking). In Estes Park, Bear Lake and Sprague Lake trails in RMNP are very easy.
Rafting: Glenwood Springs offers calm stretches on the Colorado River, suitable for those looking for adventure without strenuous effort.

In summary, Vail and Glenwood Springs make excellent early trip stops. They provide a mix of scenery, relaxation, easy hiking, and optional adventure like rafting. Then transitioning to Estes Park allows you to enjoy RMNP with minimal driving stress at the end of your trip.

Short Early October Itinerary

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