Weekend Getaway: Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park in VanGoat.

Rocky Mountain National Park is the crown jewel of Colorado — and it's barely 90 minutes from Denver. Pair it with VanGoat and you've got yourself the perfect weekend escape. Here's our go-to itinerary.

Day 1: Friday — Pick Up & Head North

3:00 PM — Pick up VanGoat in Denver. We'll walk you through everything in about 20 minutes.

4:30 PM — Head north on I-25, then west on US-36 toward Estes Park. The Front Range views start immediately.

6:00 PM — Arrive in Estes Park. Grab dinner at Smokin' Dave's BBQ or The Rock Inn. Stock up on groceries at Safeway if you haven't already.

7:30 PM — Head to your campsite. Moraine Park Campground inside RMNP is our top pick — reserve early, it books out months ahead.

Evening — Set up camp, break out the Ignik firepit, and enjoy the stars.

Day 2: Saturday — Trail Ridge Road & Alpine Hiking

7:00 AM — Wake up to elk grazing 50 feet from your van. Make coffee in VanGoat's kitchen.

9:00 AM — Drive Trail Ridge Road. Highest continuous paved road in North America, topping out over 12,000 feet. VanGoat handles it beautifully. Stop at every overlook.

11:00 AM — Hike Alpine Ridge Trail at the top. Short (0.6 miles) but at 12,000 feet, you'll feel it. 360-degree views are staggering.

1:00 PM — Lunch at the van. This is where VanGoat's kitchen shines.

3:00 PM — Hike Emerald Lake Trail (3.6 miles round trip). You'll pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on the way — three stunning alpine lakes for the price of one hike.

6:00 PM — Back at camp. Fire up the camp stove and let the firepit do its thing.

Day 3: Sunday — One More Adventure, Then Home

8:00 AM — Breakfast at camp. Take your time.

9:30 AM — Quick hike to Sprague Lake (easy, 0.9-mile loop).

11:00 AM — Break camp and head south.

1:00 PM — Return VanGoat in Denver, already planning your next trip.

Pro Tips

• RMNP requires timed entry reservations in summer. Book at recreation.gov early.

• Denver is 5,280 feet. RMNP goes above 12,000. Hydrate like crazy.

• Fill up on gas in Estes Park — no stations inside the park.

• Trail Ridge Road is typically open late May through mid-October.