During our recent trip to Colorado, we set up base in Denver and arranged a few day trips. The day trip which took precedence in our schedule was a visit to the Rocky Mountains National Park via the Peak to Peak Highway. As we drove away from urban Denver, we were welcomed by snow-capped mountains, rapid creeks, and never ending pine trees. My husband moved from The Netherlands a year and a half ago, and he had longed for a trip on the Peak to Peak Highway for years. On a sunny late spring day, we were able to make the drive happen.
Our journey began in Blackhawk, a surreal town which makes you feel as if you are part of a Wild Wild West movie with its western architecture. The town was lined with casinos, large exuberant resorts, and tiny storefronts with shiny lights where you can try your luck as well. We had breakfast sandwiches at a quiet café and began our drive up route 119 to Estes Park. For more information about the route, head to the Colorado Office of Transportation website.
The drive is sensory overload for those who love nature. We were tempted to stop several times to take photos as the views almost look as if they come from a painting. We had to remind ourselves that a) we were just on a day trip, and b) the views will be more epic once we get to the Rocky Mountains. That being said, there was one interesting stop: Nederland, Colorado. My Dutch husband was fascinated with this and of course, we had to see what the town was all about. We stocked up on snacks for our hike at B & F Mountain Market and soon discovered that there was not much to see aside from the mountain views and random eclectic mementos.
We then continued our trip to Estes Park. When you enter the park, note there is a $20 fee for vehicles (more information here http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm). Note: as a military member we get a free National Park pass. If you fall under this category, show your ID card to the ranger, and he or she will provide you with a free year pass to all US National Parks. The ranger also provided us with a detailed map of trails and points of interest.
As we were just there for a day trip, we drove up to Trail Ridge Road. 10 miles in, we discovered that part of the road was still closed due to weather conditions. Although it was late May and sunny, there was still plenty of snow on the ground. While the road was closed to drivers, visitors were still allowed to walk and explore. Tip: wear layers and trail shoes as there can be snow on the trails. The weather goes from warm to cold quickly, so I recommend bringing a backpack in order to carry cold weather gear like gloves, a hat, and an extra warming layer.
Since we were there just for the day, we decided to take a short hike near Bear Lake. Tip: ask the ranger for a trail map upon arrival. The hike was 4 miles round-trip. It was quite eventful as we experienced rain, hail, and sunshine all in that short hike. We took in the stunning views of Bear Lake and the fury of the Alberta Falls. Simply stunning to walk on the snow covered trails and listen to the sounds of rustling leaves, tiny waterfalls, and guest appearances by squirrels. There was something exquisitely peaceful about the experience. Nature has to be the most affordable luxury we have. As we left the park, we were taken by the elk roaming freely in their natural habitat. Every scene was more beautiful than the other.
After the hike, we decided to head back to Denver as it was getting late. We chose a different route back, heading north. We stopped in a quaint town called Lyons. We loved the small town vibe of the city and its main street lined with unique shops. At Lyons Fork Restaurant, we indulged in a delicious thick burger and local craft beer to recharge before heading back into the city. The food was great, but what we enjoyed the most was the friendly service.
As travelers, sometimes we’re so focused on the destination that we forget about the journey. The Peak to Peak Highway is an experience in itself. The lack of cellular reception made it inevitable to step away from our devices and into great conversations and gorgeous views. Although a day is not enough to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, it was still a perfect day trip experience from Denver. Have you driven on the Peak to Peak Highway? What was your favorite part of the experience? Share in our comments!
