When I recently had to present at a conference in Denver for work, I realized I had an excellent opportunity to visit one of the most popular national parks in the United States: Rocky Mountain National Park. I called up a few of my close friends from my college days at UCLA and they agreed to meet me for a national park adventure! Our adventure in the Rockies was just as I had hoped – full of outdoor activities, good food, and time with friends. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know to plan your own adventure in the Rockies:
How to Get to the Rockies:
The best way to get to Rocky Mountain National park for your adventure in the Rockies is to rent a car in Denver, ideally at the airport. There is little transportation to the park; moreover, you will need a car to get from your hotel to the national park.
Where to Stay in the Rockies
The Estes Park Resort: The Estes Park Resort is a stunning property close to the national park and on Lake Estes. In fact, it is the only hotel that is actually located on the lake. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel has its own restaurant so you don’t have to worry about where to get dinner after a long day of hiking.
What to Do
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park: A visit to the park will obviously be the highlight of your trip! The national park is huge, so I would recommend reviewing hike options with the outfitters at the resort in advance to decide which hike or hikes you want to do. Also, remember to reserve a ticket to enter the park in advance as well; if you wait until the day of it will likely be sold out. If for some reason you do forget, general entry is allowed after 3 pm. In addition, to enjoy the many hikes at the park, be sure to take a long drive through the winding roads of the park, there are so many stunning vistas you will want to stop 100 times for pictures! From alpine lakes to mountains to forests it is truly spectacular. In addition to the views, you could also get lucky enough to see some of the wildlife, which includes bighorn sheep, elks, and mountain lions. We saw a pair of moose swimming in a small lake and it was spectacular.
Visit Roosevelt National Forest: Adjacent to the national park is this gorgeous national forest that you should consider visiting. We hiked the Lily Mountain Trail, which was arduous but well worth it considering the views. Estes Park has lots of small cafes and shops where you can get sandwiches packed for a picnic at the top of the mountain.
Visit Estes Lake: If you are staying at Estes Park Resort a visit to the lake is essential. Wake up early, go for a run, bike ride, walk around the lake, or visit the marina and rent a kayak. The lake is so breathtaking with the mountains all around you won’t want to leave!
Where to Eat
Dunraven: Estes Park Resort has a restaurant with a great breakfast, including hearty fare like avocado toast, eggs benedict, and French toast with dulce de leche. They serve dinner as well. Grab a seat on their outdoor deck which overlooks Lake Estes and enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine before dinner!
The Barrel Beer: Colorado is well-known for its craft beers and the Barrel Beer is a great place in downtown Estes where you can sample some. We tried their beers and ciders and loved them all; they also have a food truck on site where you can get burgers and cheese fries.
The Rockies: The Verdict
An adventure in the Rockies is exactly what you need if you are looking for fresh air, beautiful views, and outdoor activities!
