Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain N.P., CO

The park’s crown jewel: The dazzling corridor of aspens along Bear Lake Road (via U.S. 36, west of Beaver Meadows Entrance Station) is just a prelude. Beneath Hallett Peak sits Bear Lake ($20/vehicle; nps.gov/romo), an aqua-blue gem framed with aspens that glow in the crisp 9,475-foot air. Meander the 0.5-mile lakeshore trail to gaze at ever-changing panoramas worthy of an IMAX trailer.

Don’t Miss: Estes Park Brewery’s Colby-jack chili burgers and house-brewed pumpkin ale (470 Prospect Village Dr.; epbrewery.com).