rocky mountain national park
This is one of the most visited national parks in the country, and with stunning drives, sweeping vistas, and diverse wildlife, it’s easy to see why.
Highlights
Take a guided fly-fishing tour with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy.
Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway and then hike to the top of Mount Prospect.
Walk around Bear Lake at sunset and view the mountains reflected in the waters.
BEST TIME TO GO
Summer is the most popular time to visit, but plenty of people come in the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
CAMPGROUNDS
Moraine Park Campground
Estes Park, CO 80517. nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm; 970-586-1206. $20. Shuttle buses, amphitheater, ranger-led programs, hiking trails, food storage lockers.
If you’re comfortable camping without hookups and have an RV that’s shorter than 40 feet (12m), this is a great option inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The mountain views from most sites are stunning, and you can access terrific hiking right from the campground.
Moraine Park Discovery Center and Museum is within walking distance and worth a visit. Shuttle service to Estes Park and Bear Lake also is available from the campground.
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Elk in the park. |
The Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuously paved road in America and reaches over 12,000 feet (3,600m).
Spruce Lake RV Resort
1050 Mary’s Lake Road, Estes Park, CO 80517. sprucelakerv.com; info@sprucelakerv.com; 970-586-5342. April 15 to October 7. $50 to $70. Heated pool, spa, playground.
This campground, located along the banks of the Big Thompson River, has an excellent location only 1 mile (1.6km) from Rocky Mountain National Park and 1½ miles (2.4km) from Estes Park. You can walk to local restaurants or take the shuttle into town. There’s also a well-stocked pond with large trout, and good fly-fishing is just steps away from your campsite on the river.
Most sites are out in the open without shade, but the views of the mountains are fantastic. Elk are known to graze both inside and outside of the park, so have your camera ready. The pool and hot tub are good enough for a campground in the mountains, and the playground is very nice.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort of Estes
5495 US 36, Estes Park, CO 80517. jellystoneofestes.com; info@jellystoneofestes.com; 970-658-2536. May 10 to September 30. $52 to $80. Heated pool, mini-golf.
If you’re traveling with young children and plan on spending downtime at the campground, stay here. Your kids will love the laser tag, mini-golf, heated pool, and dances with the characters. The owners and staff earn high marks for excellent customer service and seem heavily invested in the guest experience.
The views of the mountains are beautiful here, but the campground has steep roads and some sites are hard to access. Ask for one that’s easy to get to and away from the highway noise.
Jellystone of Estes is a bit farther away from the national park, but your kids will be having so much fun, you won’t mind the extra drive.
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Pine, spruce, and fir abound. |
About 30 miles (48km) of the Continental Divide runs through Rocky Mountain National Park, and the hike is a challenging one.
RESTAURANTS
Meadow Mountain Cafe
441 CO Bus. 7, Allenspark, CO 80510. 303-747-2541. 7:30 A.M. to 2 P.M. $7 to $15. Bakery and deli fare.
This is the place to fill up with a hearty breakfast before hiking in the park, or to break for lunch if you’re driving on the peak-to-peak road. Be prepared to enjoy the scenery while you wait for your food.
The coffee and pancakes are delicious. If you prefer savory morning dishes, the huevos rancheros is served with perfectly cooked eggs and a spicy green chile sauce. Try the burgers for lunch.
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numerous hiking trails. |
The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, a designated national landmark, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural group in the 1960s.
Grand Lake Lodge
15500 US Highway 34, Grand Lake, CO 80447. grandlakelodge.com; 970-627-3967. 8 A.M. to 9 P.M. $15 to $30. American.
Many national park visitors want to savor at least one meal at a restaurant with panoramic views. You might find better-reviewed cuisine in the Rocky Mountain region, but you certainly won’t find better scenery.
Lunch might be your best bet, offering casual sandwiches, soups, and salads beside a beautiful lake framed by mountains. The Colorado lamb burger or the buffalo burger are great options if you want a twist on a standard menu offering. Or try a lunch portion of the buffalo meatloaf, a favorite for return visitors.
Dinner is a bit pricier, and the $14 burgers might alarm some guests. The steaks are very good though—well aged and properly prepared. A full cocktail menu also is available.
Notchtop Bakery and Café
459 E. Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517. thenotchtop.com; 970-586-0272. 7 A.M. to 3 P.M. $5 to $15. Baked goods, sandwiches.
Vegetarians and vegans, rejoice! You can find plenty of yummy options on the menu here. Gluten-free? That’s no problem, either.
Dishes like fresh trout and eggs bring travelers in the door. Good, free Wi-Fi gets them to stay a while. The staff doesn’t mind. The service is friendly, and they’re happy to keep the coffee and pastries flowing.
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Gorgeous, cloudy views. |
ATTRACTIONS
Colorado Mountain School
341 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517. coloradomountainschool.com; info@totalclimbing.com; 800-836-4008. 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. $90 to $195.
Colorado is popular with outfitters, but this one has an established track record for safety and professionalism.
Never climbed before? Take the beginner’s half-day climbing tour. Want something more technical? Try the full-day rock-climbing course that covers the basics. Guided excursions are offered for every experience level.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy
48 Alpine Circle, Estes Park, CO 80517. rmconservancy.org; 970-586-0108. Check schedule of events for hours and pricing.
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy is a nonprofit organization operating within the park that offers tours and classes for visitors of all ages and interests.
If you prefer to enjoy the scenery while someone else drives, reserve a spot on the Grand Lake Safari or Trail Ridge Road Bus. You’ll be taken to all the best sites on the tour and learn about the history, geology, and wildlife of the Rocky Mountains.
Or sign up for a daylong photography class that will allow you to expand your wildlife photography skills in the field with experts. For a truly unforgettable experience, schedule a private fly-fishing session in the subalpine meadows.
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive
Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517. nps.gov/romo; 970-586-1206. Late May to mid-October. 7-day vehicle pass $20.
The Trail Ridge Road runs 48 miles (77km) across the national park between Estes to the east and Grand Lake to the west, with 11 miles (17km) above the tree line for uninterrupted views of the magnificent mountains.
Like everything in this park, you’ll enjoy the road more if you ride it early in the morning or later in the afternoon. In the middle of the day, parking lots for scenic lookouts get jammed with visitors. Don’t miss the Alpine Visitor Center or Milner Pass.
You gain 4,000 feet (1,220m) of elevation in a matter of minutes on this road, so if you experience altitude sickness, you might want to wait a day or two into your visit before driving this highway.
ITINERARIES
If you have 1 week …
Drive the Trail Ridge Road from Estes to Grand Lake, making a stop at the Alpine Visitor Center. Visit Bear Lake at sunrise or sunset. Sign up for a class at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Take a rock climbing course.
If you have 2 weeks …
All the above, plus hike the Emerald Lake Trail and Hallett Peak Trail. Drive the Old Fall River Road. Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. Visit the Snowy Peaks Winery. Go whitewater rafting. See the Alluvial Fan. Take a dip in the chilly waters of Grand Lake.
If you have 3 weeks …
All the above, plus hike the Lily Lake Trail and walk around Sprague Lake. Take a guided horseback riding tour with Moraine Park Stables or Sombrero Ranch. Learn about regional geology, and complete a junior ranger course at the Moraine Park Discovery Center. Visit the Holzwarth Historic Site.