levelpar

We will be visiting Denver this summer, then going to Rapid City. In Denver area, we want to stay in hotel or inn at less that 5000 ft elevation. Any suggestions for good accomodations for 2-3 nights in nice town with lower elevation between Denver and Rapid City which would be convenient for 1 day visit to Rocky Mtn. NP? (we don?t want a commercial hotel or motel) Any must do activities/sights along the way to Rapid City? We like scenery, white water rafting, moderate hiking, stargazing, interesting local sights, but mainly outdoors. Thanks!

Rosemary1

Hi Levelpar, you mention while in the Denver area you'd like to stay somewhere under 5000 elevation. My friend, the Mile-High city is just that, 5,280 feet above sea level.

If the elevation is a concern as it is for many visiting this area, I would suggest staying closer to Rapid City. Or check other elevations in the state of Colorado east, south and north of Denver. Obviously, heading west will bring you directly into the Rockies.

I'm sorry I don't know the access of a website on elevations, but if you do a google search I'm sure you'll find what you need.

I hope you can make it and have a safe and happy time in our Beautiful state!

Gretchen

I think you might get a map and look. The place convenient for a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is DENVER--or Boulder--or Estes Park itself, the gateway to the Park. Then from there, take off east for Rapid City. But you will be hard pressed to be below 5000 ft. in the Denver-RMNP area. Why is this of concern? Unless your respiratory system is severely compromised (and you say you like all these outdoor activities) the altitude in Denver is quite manageable. Just be SURE to drink a LOT of water ALL the time.

Photodog

Don't know when you are going to be in the Rapid City area but if it is anywhere near Aug 9-15 be prepared for the motorcycle invasion in Sturgis. Don't even think of about getting reservations if you don't already have them. We were in the area a week after the rally and the only thing we could find was a Super8 at a $100 a night near Mt. Rushmore.
Some places in the Rapid City area you might want to visit are Spearfish Canyon. Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument or if you find yourself always in the middle of things go north of Belle Fourche to the geographical center of the US.

levelpar

Thanks, all. We just don't feel well after a few days above 5000' We looked at a map, and wonder if you know of a particularly nice hotel/inn somewhere north east of Denver? It looks like that area is under 5000' and we could still get to RMNP for a day. Thanks for the motorcycle/Sturges tip, we checked our reservations and fortunately will miss it! We've never been in the area before so any tips are very welcome.

rkkwan

Staying at a place at 4,999 feet, but outside of Denver will not make a significant difference, but will add a lot to your travel time. I doubt you'll be better off that way.

Just take it easy, don't hurry, don't rush. But stay in Denver if you want to visit Denver.

Tess

If you want a day trip to RMNP I'm afraid you won't get a lot lower in elevation than 5000 ft. without a lot of extra driving. You could stay in Ft. Collins (maybe 3500-4000 ft.?) but there isn't much there for you in terms of what you're looking for. It's just a nice town close to the mountains. I'd stay in Denver--really, I think you'll be fine.