I do this loop all the time and I’ll second the recommendation. It’s a dirt road that starts just west of sheep lake. Despite being dirt, it’s accessible for nearly any vehicle with regular ground clearance. I’m not sure I’d want to do it in a Mini or a Scion xB but my minivan is just fine on it.
We’re headed there in mid-July, the whole family (19 - 21 people or so), and we’ll definitely be doing the whole RMNP stuff. I love the way there are pull-offs every 20 feet or so so you can get gorgeous pics all the way up and down. 
Just remember the altitude difference. It can knock you right to your knees when walking or hiking.
And drinking, a couple of beers can cause a real fast drunk for the first couple of days. Be careful.