re: Estes Park and Colorado Springs

ESTES- Trail Ridge Road is a great drive in RMNP. This is my #1 recommendation.

Start early and stop by the Beavers visitors center then continue on. The drive can be a bit intimidating for some but it’s a great way to see the park. You don’t have to drive the entire road. Stopping at the visitors center at the highest point and turning around is enough. It will take the better part of the day once you stop for the many lookout points. Bring a picnic lunch if that’s your thing.

I can recommend many hikes in Estes depending on physical abilities.

Horse back riding is available.

Rafting is available in either location and I can recommend outfits for either.

Reserve a half day for shopping in downtown Estes. Lots of custom made items. The wife always wants to stop at the glass blowing store for a souvenir.

COLORADO SPRINGS - I didn’t care much for CS but Garden of the Gods is there and free. We did it on bikes which I don’t recommend. That was brutal. Unless you find e-bikes. We did the hot air balloon ride which was fun. It was our first time.