Rocky Mountain National Park
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.
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
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/planyourvisit/hikes.htm to see suggested hikes at various levels. Mountaineering, climbing, backcountry camping, and biking are also popular activities in the park.
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 Entrance (Estes Park) | West Entrance (Grand Lake)
Places to Stay & Fun things to Do - East
Open all year. Ideal for couples. 5 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.
Cozy log cabin nestled in the foothills on acreage bordering the North St. Vrain River one mile from Lyons. The home of Planet Bluegrass & Festivals - Bluegrass, Folk & Celtic. Sorry no pets or smoking.
Enchanting and secluded, 5-Bedroom, Log Cabin is on a wooded Acre in Allenspark. Near Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Free WI-FI. Immerse Yourself in The Rockies! Summer & Winter Fun!
Near Rocky Mountain National Park, in Estes Park with Special Occasion & Snowshoe Packages. Suites (1 & 2 bedrooms), some spas, and fireplaces. Private balcony or deck overlook Fall River. Free WI-FI.
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.
Cottages & lodges at foot of Boulder's Flatirons, adjoins Boulder Mountain Parks with hiking & children's park. A living Historic District. 2 cottages are certified by EPA with energy star status. 1898 dining hall.
Step back in time. Restored cottages with modern amenities. Pets OK. Romance Packages. NEW hot tub & deck. Non-smoking. Open all year. 5 minutes to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park. WI-FI.
Small, friendly and affordable rooms and suites, 1 mile east of downtown Estes Park. Smoke Free! Walk to Lake Estes Marina & walkway, golf, horseback riding, restaurants & shopping. Dogs accepted.
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.
ANTLERS POINTE, BUGLE POINTE & CREEKSIDE are 3 secluded properties in a pine grove, along a secluded stretch of Fall River. Eldora Mountain Resort is an easy 1 hour drive, away from I-70 traffic.
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.
Cozy log cabin is nestled next to the secluded town of Raymond, population 60, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and 30 minutes to Boulder and Estes Park.
Our guests frequently comment: It's so beautiful here -- surrounded by trees, the river, spectacular mountain backdrop, and it feels like you're really out in nature. But -- Estes Park is RIGHT HERE.
Combine the beauty and grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park with our first-class resort for comfort and convenience. Fully landscaped lawns with playground, BBQ grills & picnic tables. Free WI-FI.
Enjoy an upscale vacation home, condo or cabin that best meets your wishes for a special vacation in and around Estes Park. Sit back, relax, give us the pleasure of helping you enjoy where nature abounds.
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.
East Entrance (Estes Park) | West Entrance (Grand Lake)
Places to Stay & Fun things to Do - West
Over 50 lodging properties to choose from - slopeside to streamside. One call for your Winter Park and SolVista Basin lodging & recreation needs. For a family vacation, wedding, ski/golf package, and more!
In Hot Sulphur Springs, near Grand Lake & Winter Park. Rooms with comforts of home, kitchens, pets OK. Walk to hot springs (24 pools) & The Colorado River with gold medal fishing. Romance packages.
Cozy cabins with kitchens for family mountain fun. Open all year at the quiet west end of Grand Lake. Walk to town and the lakes. Hot tub. Pet friendly. BBQ Grills. Firepit. Group facilities. Grassy picnic areas.
Open all year -- A stone's throw from the lake! 12 cottages in historic Grand Lake Village, at the end of the Boardwalk. Condos on the river! Rural vacation homes away from town. Snowmobile from your door.
Every Saturday in July & first 2 in August. In Fraser at County Road 73. EVENTS: Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Pole Bending, Saddle Bronco Riding, Team Roping, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling & Bull Riding.
Open all year! Walk to the lake. In the heart of the mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado; minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. Rent your snowmobile here & sled from your door to 150 miles of trails.
Surrounded by lakes & mountains. Oldest snowmobile rental outlet in Grand Lake. Snowmobile from your door. At Rocky Mountain National Park on the quiet side. Hot tub. Swim, fish or boat at Grand Lake.
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.
More Activities & Information
Estes Park - includes Drake
Grand Lake - includes Granby & Sol Vista
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area • Great Sand Dunes National Park • Hovenweep National Monument • Mesa Verde National Park • Pawnee National Grassland • Pikes Peak • Rocky Mountain National Park • The United States Air Force Academy
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