Bird & Jim

American · Cascade · $$

A creekside Pikes Peak base meal that keeps the summit-drive day from becoming pure snack food.

New American · Durango · $$$

A refined downtown Durango pick inside the Strater Hotel, useful when the San Juans trip starts with a real overnight instead of a gas-and-go.

American · Durango · $$

A downtown Durango launch meal for both the Million Dollar Highway and the San Juan Skyway.

Steakhouse · Durango · $$$

A Durango steakhouse institution for travelers starting either the Million Dollar Highway or the full San Juan Skyway with a proper mountain-town dinner.

American · Estes Park · $$

A downtown Estes Park patio stop for the east side of Trail Ridge Road, easy to pair with an early or late park crossing.

Coffee & Breakfast · Estes Park · $$

A mountain breakfast launch point in Estes Park before heading up Trail Ridge Road.