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4 Days

Real Simple: The Perfect Rocky Mountain Glamping Itinerary

We partnered with Real Simple magazine to help you find your ideal sophisticated Rocky Mountain adventure. If you picture truly getting away from it all and getting a dose of nature, the image isn’t always easy-going. Traditional camping is rewarding but taxing (pitching a tent in the rain?!), and at times it can be alluring to think about roughing it while still coming back to some semblance of comfortable digs at the end of the day.

Enter: glamping, where you can surround yourself with nature and have all your needs tended to as well. Colorado is chock full of top-notch glamping destinations, so we’ve curated some of the best ones with an itinerary that weaves through the Rocky Mountains and helps you experience the state’s natural beauty and unparalleled hospitality, all in one package.

Day 1

breakfast

Snooze: an A.M Eatery

Rise and shine in Denver with a bountiful brunch at Snooze: an A.M Eatery from its enormous menu that spans much of the breakfast spectrum, from pineapple…

activity

Jaunt Over to Larimer Square

Peruse Denver’s oldest block (essentially where the city was founded), while shopping and sipping on local coffee.

Insider's Tip

Mercantile's Menu

You won’t be disappointed by the Heirloom Tomato Salad, made with Colorado very own Palisade Peaches.

lunch

Mercantile dining & provision

Offering Chef Alex Seidel's signature take on elevated comfort food, the restaurant follows in the footsteps of the award-winning Fruition Restaurant,…

activity

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

All that fuel should give you the energy to tackle the trails of Golden Gate Canyon State Park, where lush alpine woods provide ample opportunity to…

Insider's Tip

Head North

Head up to Greeley to chow down on thin-crust pizza at Bulldog Pub & Grub and sample a local beer at WeldWerks Brewing Co. to wind down the day.

dinner

Bulldog Pub & Grub

Bulldog Pub & Grub is a beloved sandwich shop and family restaurant with its own family-friendly arcade area. Belly up the bar for a Colorado craft…

activity

WeldWerks Brewing Company

WeldWerks Brewing Company is an award-winning, locally owned and operated craft brewery in historic downtown Greeley. We execute our unique and original…

Insider's Tip

Head to Estes Park

Make the 1.5-hour drive to Estes Park for your lodgings.

lodging

The Evergreens on Fall River

Lodging at The Evergreens on Fall River places you in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, only 3 minutes away from the Rocky Mountain National Park and…

Day 2

breakfast

Claire's On the Park

Feast on one of their legendary breakfasts (green chili huevos rancheros, anyone?) while taking in the views from their scenic patio. Claire's is set…

activity

Estes Park Memorial Observatory

Dedicated to fostering a love of astronomy, the observatory has a schedule of events and books private viewings. Your host fascinates you with stories…

lunch

Scratch Deli and Bakery

Once you’ve completed your fabric masterpiece, build a sandwich masterpiece at Scratch Deli and Bakery — but don’t eat it yet! You’re saving it for…

activity

Green Jeep Tours

 Our experienced tour guides, not only have great knowledge and abilities, they also are entertaining and friendly. Perfect for families that want to…

dinner

Bird & Jim

At Bird and Jim, we are defining Colorado cuisine with our ever-evolving seasonal and ingredient-driven menus sourced from the Front Range of Colorado…

activity

Take Trail Ridge Road Through the Park

Go through the park and make your way to your next stop: the town of Wolcott, where the glamping wonderland of Collective Retreats Vail is ready to…

lodging

Collective Retreats Vail

This spot has some of the most luxurious tents this side of the Mississippi — think king-size beds and chandeliers, as well as bath amenities.

Day 3

breakfast

Breakfast in Camp

On day three, the folks at Collective Retreats Vail come through AGAIN with a delicious à la carte breakfast, including options ranging from homemade…

activity

Camp Activities & Lunch

Collective Retreats will organize a horseback ride through the surrounding countryside (for both beginners and experienced riders), where you’ll see…

dinner

8 Mile Bar & Grill

Grab a burger on the patio and lounge by the fire pit at 8 Mile Bar & Grill and sip on a wide selection of Colorado crafted beers on tap as you…

Insider's Tip

On to the Next

Once you’ve checked out of Collective Retreats as a more relaxed and limber version of yourself, cruise on down to Cañon City to check in at your final lodging paradise, Royal Gorge Cabins.

activity

Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is a must-see for anyone visiting Cañon City. Touted as one of America's most scenic drives, its steep, cliff-side climb makes you feel…

lodging

Royal Gorge Cabins

Royal Gorge Cabins offers 9 luxury cabin rentals in 1- and 2-bedroom sizes, as well as glamping tent rentals. Located 1 hour from Colorado Springs and…

Day 4

breakfast

The Bean Pedaler

Craft coffee, manual brews, espresso bar, signature drinks, real fruit and green tea smoothies, Italian Sodas, house made pastries, bicycles, good music,…

activity

Winery at Holy Cross Abbey

And hey, you’re on vacation, so why not attend a wine tasting at The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey before your return trip? After all, you were kinda roughing…

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