{"id":8003,"date":"2022-06-15T16:40:05","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T20:40:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/?p=8003"},"modified":"2022-06-15T16:40:08","modified_gmt":"2022-06-15T20:40:08","slug":"escapes-plan-an-adventure-in-the-rockies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/2022\/06\/escapes-plan-an-adventure-in-the-rockies.html","title":{"rendered":"Escapes: Plan an Adventure in the Rockies!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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 \u2013 full of outdoor activities, good food, and time with friends. Here\u2019s a breakdown of everything you need to know to plan your own adventure in the Rockies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>: 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit Estes Lake:<\/strong> 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\u2019t want to leave!
The Estes Park Resort<\/a>: 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\u2019t have to worry about where to get dinner after a long day of hiking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Do <\/strong>
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Visit Roosevelt National Forest:<\/strong> 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.
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere to Eat <\/strong>
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