When you hear “bachelorette party,” you’re probably picturing a weekend packed with glitz, glam, and wild nights in Vegas. However, I crave outdoor experiences filled with fresh mountain air, full of laughter and connection with my favorite people. So I had “one last trail before the veil” kind of party for a more adventurous and authentic celebration.
Colorado offered the ideal blend of adventure and sisterhood. Plus, this central location was a practical meeting spot for our group. Over four days, we explored the energy of Denver, the charm of Boulder, and the rugged beauty of Estes Park, hiking alpine lakes and even tackling whitewater rapids together.
This blog is a window into our girls’ mountain getaway — what we did, where we wandered, and the moments that made this adventure meaningful. So whether you’re planning a bachelorette, a birthday trip, or just need a reset with your favorite people, let this inspire you to take the trail less traveled.
Destination Insights
Colorado
Colorado’s most iconic towns along the front range of the Rocky Mountains are:
Denver, CO: Colorado’s capital is surrounded by mountains and offers a mix of modern energy and Western heritage. Downtown Denver has walkable streets lined with colorful murals, rooftop bars, coffee shops, with trendy restaurants. As a major travel hub, Denver was the perfect meeting point for our group to gather before heading into the mountains.
Boulder, CO: This cozy, laid-back mountain town with a creative twist is 40 minutes northwest of Denver. Boulder is all about outdoors, healthy living, and locally owned businesses. Framed by the stunning Flatirons rock formations, Boulder offers scenic beauty right in town. We wandered through locally owned shops and grabbed lunch along Pearl Street, soaking in the relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Estes Park, CO: This charming, small mountain town is nestled at the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and forested trails, Estes Park is a gateway to some of Colorado’s most iconic hikes, lakes, and wildlife. Early mornings were especially magical – watching the sunrise over the mountains as the trails came alive with possibility.
History
Long before Colorado became a favorite for nature-lovers, this land was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne tribes. These communities lived in deep connection with the land, moving with the seasons and leaving behind a legacy still felt in the mountains and valleys today. The arrival of European settlers in the 1800s brought the Gold Rush, which quickly transformed Colorado into a hub of mining towns and railroad routes. Today, many of the trails we hike now trace the paths of old trading routes, hunting grounds, and historic wagon roads.
Flora and Fauna
In the mountains, there are pine forests, aspen groves, and colorful wildflowers like lupine, Indian paintbrush, and alpine daisies. Keep an eye out for elk, mule deer, marmots, chipmunks, pikas, and even bighorn sheep. Bird lovers can spot Steller’s jays and red-tailed hawks.
Weather
Colorado has four distinct seasons. Summer (June–August) is ideal for hiking, with warm days and afternoon thunderstorms. Fall (September–October) brings crisp air and golden aspens. Winter (November–March) is peaceful and snowy—great for a cozy cabin stay. Spring (April–May) is quieter, with wildflowers starting to bloom and trails beginning to thaw. We visited in May and learned layers are key. Mornings were chilly so we started in puffy jackets but by midday we were in t-shirts. Depending on when you visit, pack light layers, sunscreen, and a rain jacket, just in case!
Travel Guide
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Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Flight: Less than 3 hours from SNA to DEN • Pick up a rental car. Insider Tip: Places are spread out so we opted for a rental car, especially an SUV for mountain driving. • Grab essentials: caffeine, munchies, and some greenery that makes Colorado extra chill |
| Afternoon | • Road Trip: Head to Boulder (40 minutes from Denver). • Lunch at T/aco: Delicious tacos and margaritas with a hip setting with Old West wall art. • Stroll along Pearl Street: Boulder Bookstore is a book lover’s paradise! • Road Trip: Drive to Estes Park (1 hour from Boulder). • Gear at Estes Park Mountain Shop: We opted for cramp-ons and trekking poles since the snow/ice hiking were in the forecast. • Groceries at Safeway: Veggie burgers and fries for dinner, chips and sandwiches for trail picnic, pizza for a lazy night in, and pancake mix with tea for slow mountain mornings. |
| Evening | • Hike Lake Estes Trail (3.9 miles): This paved and mostly flat trail has stunning mountain views. Insider Tip: Burr, temps dropped and wind picked up after sunset so pack layers and warm up next to the cabin fireplace. • Night at Airbnb: Mountain Village at Lake Estes for cozy vibes. Dinner was easy with grilled veggie burgers and a round of White Claws. We enjoyed star-gazing in the jacuzzi. |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at Airbnb: Pancakes and black chai tea provided fuel for an adventurous day ahead. Road Trip (30 mins): Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike to Alberta Falls (4 miles): We hiked further towards Lake Haiyaha, but turned around once we hit +3ft snow drifts and couldn’t find the trail markers. |
| Afternoon | • Picnic at Bear Lake: The snow covered views at Bear Lake were peaceful and serene winter wonderland. • Sightseeing in Rocky Mountain National Park: Beaver Meadows offered peaceful birdwatching, and we spotted a moose casually walking near Eagle Cliff Mountain. Insider Tip: Don’t forget to snap a classic group photo at the park’s sign! |
| Evening | • Takeout from Ember Restaurant and Bar: Chicken sandwich, lobster mac, and cocktails made for a delicious dinner back at the cabin. |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at Airbnb: Oatmeal and fruit for a quick start to an exciting day. • Road Trip (1 hour): Estes Park to Fort Collins. |
| Afternoon | • White Water Rafting (2.5 hours): We were the first group out this season with Mountain Whitewater with an experienced guide. While cruising Class II–IV rapids, we spotted a mountain goat along the banks and soaked in epic canyon views along Cache La Poudre River. • Lunch at Paddler’s Pub: Grabbed a beer and a few snacks from the food truck • Road Trip (1 hour): Fort Collins to Estes Park. • Crafting at Airbnb: Got our craft on by painting adventure inspired artwork. |
| Evening | • Night at Airbnb: Pizza and a movie — perfect way to chill after a full day. |
Day 4
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at Airbnb: Pancakes and black chai tea were a cozy start to a chilly morning. • Road Trip (2 hours): Estes Park to Denver. |
| Afternoon | • Lunch at Recess Beer Garden: Perfect weather to hang out on the patio and play games. The Veggie burger, fries, and drinks hit the spot! • Stroll around LoHi (Lower Highlands). Insider Tip : Parking was a bit tricky but worth it to enjoy the historic charm, unique shops, Little Man Ice Cream, and lively atmosphere. |
| Evening | • Drop off rental car. Insider Tip: Plan extra time to drop off rental and get to your gate, as you’ll likely need to take a tram between terminals. • Flight: Less than 3 hours from DEN to SNA |
Next Time Must Do’s
Would love to spend more time exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking iconic trails like Emerald Lake and Sky Pond. Visiting nearby towns like Estes Park, Grand Lake, and Granby could offer a quieter pace, with access to less crowded trailheads and peaceful lakeside scenery. Lily Mountain Trail (3.8 miles) is a shortish, steep hike that offers breathtaking views at the summit. Further west, Glenwood Hot Springs is on our list for its large thermal pools, cave adventures, and hiking in the surrounding canyons. Salida sounds like a great stop too, with riverside views, hot springs, and an artsy, walkable downtown. As for Denver, we’d love to taste more of the local food scene and take in the downtown vibes. Upstairs Circus sounds fun making something crafty while sipping cocktails!
Wilderness Wisdom
The Rocky are stunning, but these mountains come with their own set of challenges:
First, altitude is no joke. Estes Park sits at 7,500 feet, and many trails in Rocky Mountain National Park climb above 10,000 feet. We were all coming from sea level, but two of us got hit with altitude sickness (e.g., lightheadedness, headaches, and that odd loopy, out-of-sync feeling). Pro tip: A lot of hydration, some medicine like Aspirin, and a little walk in the fresh air helped us bounce back.
Second, snow is sneaky. Even in May, trails were snowy and icy. Most of us had waterproof hiking boots, except for one brave soul who showed up in gym shoes. We bought or rented layers, trekking poles, and crampons which kept us warm and upright. A surprise 3-foot snowdrift turned that hike from magical to miserable. We got creative with plastic bags, hand warmers, and spare socks just to keep feet warm and dry to finish the hike. Pro Tip: Pack for more snow than you expect. Waterproof boots are a must, but gaiters and snow pants can be game-changers when trails are deep with snow.
Trailside Ties
After days in the scenic Colorado landscapes, we turned memories into art. One reached for warm vibes, dreaming of sunshine after snowy hikes. Two of us painted mountain peaks, still fresh from the trails. Another captured the flow of the river from above, channeling the energy of our whitewater ride. The art wasn’t just about what we saw, but how we felt. Pro Tip: If you’re heading into nature, bring something to help you reflect (painting supplies, journal, playlist, etc.) whatever lets you hold onto the magic a little longer.
Photo Journal
Summary
This bachelorette mountain getaway was a little wild and a whole lot of fun. Colorado gave us a backdrop to explore, laugh, and be present with the people who matter most. From alpine hikes and whitewater thrills to cozy cabin chats and starry skies, every moment reminded us that sometimes the best memories are made when you wander off the beaten path.If you’re planning to celebrate a big milestone or simply craving quality time with your favorite people, here’s your sign: create an intentional adventure, a little wild, and totally yours. You might be surprised how much fun you’ll have and the magic you’ll find along the way.
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