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Rocky Mountain National Park - North Central Colorado
Pictured: Rocky Mountain National Park west entrance
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado's most well known parks. Established on January 26, 1915, the park attracts over 3 million visitors each year. Covering 265,828 acres, the park's elevation reaches up to 14,259 feet at the football field size summit of Long's Peak. Estes Park and Grand Lake are located on opposite sides of the park. A unique aspect of Rocky Mountain National Park is its wilderness areas. In 1964, the Congress of the United States passed a law known as the Wilderness Act, intended to provide an "enduring resource of wilderness" for future generations. Rocky Mountain National Park has 2,917 acres that are designated as wilderness areas. However, an additional 248,464 acres were recommended as wilderness in 1974 and have been treated as such.
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Trail Ridge Road is another unique aspect of RMNP. This road is the highest continuous paved road in the world, climbing past the tree line and traveling past Colorado tundra. The road travels 48 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake, and is generally open from late May through mid-October. The road reaches up to 12,183 feet at its highest elevation. With 60 peaks over 12,000 feet in the park, following this road can bring you to eye level with some of the highest peaks in Colorado.
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Rocky Mountain National Park offers many hiking trails. The 359 miles of trails always offers new ground to explore. Most of the trails are in the 248,464 acres of area recommended as Wilderness Area. Ranger activities include guided hiking in the summer, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country ski tours in the winter. Visit http://www.nps.gov/romo/visit/park/hike/suggested.html to see suggested hikes at various levels. Mountaineering, climbing, backcountry camping, and biking are also popular activities in the park.
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Another popular activity in the area is wildlife viewing. Inhabiting the park are nearly 60 species of mammals, more than 280 recorded bird species, 6 amphibians, including the federally endangered boreal toad, and 11 species of fish. The most well known inhabitants of the park are the elk. During autumn, the bull elk (male) produce vocalizations including piercing bugling, mewing, squealing and barking to attract cow elk (female). Elk generally gather where the meadows and tree lines meet. The free shuttle bus is a good way to travel around the park. The bus runs between trailheads and is based at the Park and Ride across from the Glacier Basin Campground. The bus runs daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and runs on weekends until the second Monday in October.
East Entrances (Estes Park) | West Entrance (Grand Lake)
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do near the East Entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park:
Anderson Realty & Management   In Estes Park with charming cabins, modern vacation homes and condos on the golf course. We help you find the accommodation that fits your vacation needs. Near Rocky Mountain National Park.
   
Annie's Mountain Retreat  Open all year. Ideal for couples. 4 fully furnished cabins overlook river, each has private hot tub, a great way to relax after a day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of extras included. 3 miles to Estes Park.
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Antlers Pointe on the River   Secluded & intimate with 1-bedroom cabin suites, perfect place for a weekend or week-long honeymoon with private hot tubs, gas fireplaces, king beds, & romantic gazebo. Quiet, serene, couples only.
Appenzell Inn - A Suites Resort A Swiss-inspired mountain inn offering unique studios, one and two bedroom luxury spa suites in Estes Park. The SuiteHeart Loft is ideal for romantic getaways. Indoor pool. No smoking on site.
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Aspen Winds Special Occasion & Snowshoe Packages. 1&2 bedroom suites, some spa, fireplace, private balcony or deck overlooking Fall River, near Rocky Mountain National Park, in Estes Park. Free WI-FI & phone calls.
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Barbara's Bed & Breakfast Cottages Spend time in a tranquil glen nestled on Little Prospect Mountain in Estes Park. Hot tub. Two rooms with jetted tubs, cottage. An easy walk to town. Open all year. Minutes to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Bighorn Mountain Lodge  Families enjoy our reasonable prices. Stay for just a night or use us as a home base while you explore the nooks and crannies of Estes Park and the incredible Rocky Mtn. National Park. Group facilities.
Black Canyon Inn
Mountain condos and cabin. Evening dining in casual atmosphere of a small, secluded mountain retreat. Only a half-mile from center of Estes Park, but a world away! Open all year. No smoking or pets.
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Brynwood on the River Estes Park's unique family resort. On stocked Big Thompson River. Theme cottages, vacation homes, or motel, all w/cooking facilities. Near Rocky Mountain National Park. Romance packages. Open all year.
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Bugle Pointe Condos on Fall River All of the resort condos are equipped with full kitchens, living rooms with gas fireplaces, sofa sleepers, oversized jetted Jacuzzi tubs, gas grills, TV/VCR and/or DVD & spacious private furnitured deck or patio.
Colorado Adventures Twice Named Colorado's "Company of the Year." Offering 1/2 to 10 day whitewater rafting trips on 5 Colorado rivers. Featuring Inn-to-Inn rafting, horseback riding, jeeping and downhill mountain biking.
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Colorado Chautauqua Housekeeping cottages and lodge rooms at the foot of Boulder's Flatirons, adjoining Boulder Mountain Parks with hiking and children's park. Historic dining hall established in 1898 is now open year round!
Colorado CottagesStep back in time. Restored cottages with modern amenities. Pets OK. 5 minutes to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park. WI-FI. Close to shopping. NEW hot tub. Non-smoking. Open all year.
Columbine Inn - Estes Park Small, friendly and affordable rooms and suites. One mile east of downtown Estes Park, within walking distance of Lake Estes Marina & walkway, golf, horseback riding, restaurants & shopping. Smoke Free.
Creekside Suites & Condos Lofted suites, Jacuzzi spa suites and condos with private hot tubs, your redwood deck faces the heavily wooded banks of Fall River, watch for majestic royal elk. 3 miles west of downtown Estes Park.
Deer Crest Resort The perfect mountain getaway for the discriminating traveler seeking quality lodging at affordable prices in a beautiful riverfront and mountain setting in Estes Park. A resort for non-smoking adults only.
Estes Park Center® - YMCA of the Rockies Affordable year-round lodging, meals and activities for everyone in your family or group! Horseback ride, hike, climb, skateboard, fish, swim, mini-golf, disc golf, snowshoe and ski. Off-season discounts.
 
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Estes Park Condos 3 beautiful & secluded properties all ideally located in a grove of majestic pines along a secluded stretch of the beautiful Fall River: ANTLERS POINTE, BUGLE POINTE & CREEKSIDE SUITES & CONDOS.
Evergreens On Fall River, The LUXURY RIVERFRONT CABINS & VACATION HOMES in Estes Park. Intimate 1 & 2 bedroom cabins on Fall River. Romance & special occasion packages. Gift certificates. Near Rocky Mountain National Park.
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FloAnn's Cottages Open all year. Adjoins the Roosevelt National Forest so "make your own trails and tales." Overooks Big Thompson River, 5 miles east of Estes Park.
Machin's Cottages in the Pines Inside Rocky Mountain National Park, a secluded and beautiful location! Machin's near Estes Park offers deluxe, immaculately clean cottages surrounded by scenic views, wildlife & clean mountain air.
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McGregor Mountain Lodge Rustic ambiance, contemporary comforts. Borders Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy wildlife watching & cozy log fireplaces for your romantic getaway or family vacation. 4 miles west of Estes Park.
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Misty Mountain Lodge Our guests frequently comment: It's so beautiful here -- we're surrounded by trees, the river, spectacular mountain backdrop, and it feels like we're really out in the wilderness. But -- Estes Park is RIGHT HERE.
Olympus Lodge  Warm hospitality in a charming family environment. Ideal for weddings and family reunions. Enjoy fabulous mountain views from your room porch. In Estes Park, near Rocky Mountain National Park.
Pinebrook Vacation Rentals Cozy rustic cabins to luxurious mountain homes covering Riverside/Raymond, Allenspark, Meeker Park and Estes Park, all bordering Rocky Mountain National Park. Most allow you to bring your dog!
Rams Horn Village Resort Combine the beauty and grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park with first-class resort comfort and convenience. Fully landscaped lawns, plush & comfortable. Playground, BBQ grills & picnic tables. WI-FI.
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Range Property Management Vacation Rentals Enjoy an upscale vacation home, condo or cabin that best meets your wishes for a special vacation in & around Estes Park. Sit back, relax, give us the pleasure of helping you enjoy where nature abounds.
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Rustic River Cabins Clean, cozy cabins nestled in the pine trees on the banks of the Big Thompson River. Family & Pet friendly, fireplaces, grills, dish TV, kitchens. 10 minutes to Rocky Mountain National Park, 1 mile to Estes.
Skyline Cottages Nestled on the Big Thompson River with a magnificent view of Long's Peak. Cozy cabins near Rocky Mountain National Park and YMCA. Private spas. Come stay where the river meets the mountains!
Solitude Cabins Solitude: A feeling you get in this spectacular mountain environment. Steps to Lake Estes, minutes to Rocky Mountain National Park, nature at your doorstep. Enjoy year-round harmony in Estes Park.
Streamside on Fall River Luxurious cabinsuites on Fall River, 17 wooded acres, private decks, fireplaces, some jetted tubs. Swimspa, hot tubs. Romance packages. Between Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
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Valhalla Resort - Open All Year  15 tree-studded acres by Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park. Comfortable, well-furnished cabins and vacation homes. LoveScapes®, deli tray, flowers, champagne and other surprises available.
Wildwood Inn Luxurious, spacious and upscale with a full service spa in the Estes Park. Enjoy Tempur-Pedic beds & private deck hot tubs with spectacular views and wildlife. Central fireside hot tub for private-time use.
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Windcliff Properties, Inc. A private community of tastefully appointed, vacation homes nestled on 240 wooded acres with views of the Rocky Mountains near Estes. Some homes have a hot tub, Jacuzzi tub, pool table or ping pong table.
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do near the West Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park:
Alpine Resort Properties Over 50 lodging properties to choose from - slopeside to streamside. One call for your Winter Park and Fraser Valley lodging and recreation needs. For a family vacation, wedding, ski/golf package, and more!
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Black Bear Lodge In the heart of Colorado's mountains just 3 miles from the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the peace and quiet of an out-of-town location, while only minutes from Grand Lake Village.
Canyon Motel Lodging, The Rooms with comforts of home, pets OK, kitchens. Walk to hot springs (discount guest passes to 24 pools) & Colorado River. Romance packages. In Hot Sulphur Springs, near Grand Lake & Winter Park.
 
Columbine Cabins Open all year at the quiet west end of Grand Lake. Cozy cabins with kitchens offer mountain getaways. Walk to town and lakes. Hot tub. Pet friendly. BBQ Grills. Firepit. Group facilities. Grassy picnic areas.
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Daven Haven Lodge & Back-Street Steakhouse Open all year, in Grand Lake near west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Scenic and secluded setting offers 12 individual cabins, The Back Street Steakhouse & lounge plus banquet facilities.
Elk Creek Campground, RV, Tent & Camper Cabins A Family place located near Grand Lake and the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Open Spring, Summer, and Fall. Stocked trout pond. Wi-Fi. Horseshoe pit. Big Rigs & Pets Welcome!
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Endorphin Resorts' Dancing Aspen Cabin Beautiful, spacious log 3 bedroom, 1 dorm (4 bunks) cabin with a hot tub, only a few minutes from the Winter Park/Mary Jane Ski Area, but offers complete privacy. Ideal for families and small groups.
Grand Escape Cottages, Vacation Homes & Condos Open all year. 12 cottages in historic Grand Lake Village, at the end of the Boardwalk, "a stone's throw from the lake." Condos on the river and out of town vacation homes. Snowmobile from your door.
Lake View Bed & Breakfast View Shadow Mountain Lake from each spacious guest room. 2 miles to the historic village of Grand Lake and 3 miles to the west gate of Rocky Mountain National Park. No smoking or pets, please.
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Lone Eagle Lodge & Snowmobile Rentals Open all year! In the heart of the mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado; minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. Walk to the lake. Rent your snowmobile here & sled from your door to 150 miles of trails.
Mountain Lakes Lodge & North Shore Resort Bring your family and experience the quiet and splendor of Lake Granby, Arapahoe National Forest, Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Lake. ALL DOGS WELCOME. NOW OPEN ALL YEAR!
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North Shore Resort & Mountain Lakes Lodge Bring your family and experience the quiet and splendor of Lake Granby, Arapahoe National Forest, Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Lake. ALL DOGS WELCOME. NOW OPEN ALL YEAR!
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Pine Cone Cottages Open all year in historic Grand Lake Village, a short walk to the lake and a 5 minute drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Cozy, charming cottages, ideal for couples. Your romantic getaway awaits you.
Red Mountain RV Park In beautiful Kremmling, Colorado, one of the finest full service RV parks in the area. Convenient to Summit County. 100's of miles of ATV trails are accessible directly from the park. Open all year.
Shadow Mountain Guest Ranch This unique ranch, open all year, offers a BIG ranch-cooked breakfast with all cabin rentals. Summer trail rides. Be active or just plain relax. 25 minutes to either Grand Lake or Winter Park.
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Snow Mountain Ranch®, YMCA of the Rockies
Affordable year-round lodging, meals & activities for your family or group! Horseback ride, hike, bike, climb, fish, swim, mini-golf, snowshoe, sled, tube, ice skate, downhill & XC ski. Off-season discounts.
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Spirit Lake Lodge & Snowmobile Rentals Surrounded by lakes and mountains. At Rocky Mountain National Park west entrance (the quiet side). Oldest snowmobile rental outlet in Grand Lake. Snowmobile from your door. Hot tub. Pool in summer.
Western Riviera Motel & Cabins 16 lakeside motel rooms, 10 lakeside cabins, 1 lakeside 2-bedroom condo & 12 courtyard cabins in the heart of Grand Lake village at the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park a winter wonderland.
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Winding River Resort Village & On The Trail Snowmobile Rentals 160 acres near Grand Lake, borders Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapahoe National Forest. Vacation with your horse at horse/camp sites with 12'x32' pen, lodge rooms, cabins, barn available.
Also see these local area maps:
Estes Park Area
Grand Lake Area
Estes Park Hiking Trails Map
Estes Park Snowshoeing Trails Map
Grand Lake Hiking Trails Map
Rocky Mountain National Park Map (Main)
Rocky Mountain National Park Map (West entrance)
Rocky Mountain National Park Map (East entrance)
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway
Download a map of Rocky Mountain National Park
(Map provided by the U.S. National Park Service)
Directions:
Take Highway 34 West to enter at Grand Lake or Highway 36 North to enter in Estes Park
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