CRnewbies

Hi,
We are in the beginning stages of planning our next family trip. We will be heading to Colorado in July (2015) I know I know...but we like to plan early! We are flying from DC to Denver and will be spending 3 (or 4) nights in Estes Park to explore RMNP. We are a family of 6. (2 moms, 3 kids who will be 9,12,15 and an active grandma 68?) We love the outdoors, nature, beautiful scenery, national parks, short hikes or "walks in nature"; wildlife and just appreciated the wonder of the world.

We are looking for somewhere to stay that will provide a bed (not sleeper sofa) for all of us...we can share- but we don't want to make anyone have the sleeper sofa. We enjoying camping- but grandma likes her coffee machines. So we are looking for something that will give us the peaceful serenity we don't get here in DC- have an incredible view (hopefully from a private deck where we can sit and relax as the kids sleep) maybe it would even have a hot tub. We don't need TVs, DVD players or anything like that..but we would like it to be very clean and comfortable. Clean...comfortable....quiet....and a great view.....I want to see the stars! and the Mountains!!and breathe the fresh (all be it...thin) air!
Any and all suggestions and opinions are greatly appreciated!

betsbw

You should check out the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center. Very oriented to families with activities and programs offered every day. Has many room or cabin configurations that would hopefully give everyone a bed. There are no TVs, but I recall reading a post that coffee makers are included! Though some activities are geared for younger kids I think the teens will find things to do, and grandma too. It is very close to Rocky Mtn Natl Park.

www.ymcarockies.org

starrs

I agree. YMCA of the Rockies. A WIDE range of lodging choices.
An absolutely amazing place.

CRnewbies

I have heard that YMCA is not a very peaceful place though. Very active, but not the John Muir kind of appreciation for the world. Our kids don't need electronics or TVs when we go into nature. I'm worried we may be surrounded by lots of loud families we would like a peaceful appreciation of the beauty we are surrounded by. would you still reccommend the Y?

starrs

"I have heard that YMCA is not a very peaceful place though"

Do not agree. Where did you hear that?

"...we would like a peaceful appreciation of the beauty we are surrounded by. would you still reccommend the Y?"

That's why I recommended it.
Yes.

wave725

There are lots of condo-style accommodations and cabins that could accommodate 6 people. Check out Rams Horn Village Resort, Aspen Brook, Wildwood Inn, and Riverwood on Fall River. Any of these places should give you the privacy and serenity you're looking for in Estes Park. The key is to stay away from anything in the heart of town.

RMNP has lots of options for easy hiking trails for the entire family. A few of the best are short hikes are Sprague Lake (especially early in the morning will provide excellent photos), Emerald Lake - which will take you by Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, and of course Bear Lake - another one to visit early morning for spectacular photos.

http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails...easy-hikes.htm

illnative

We always rent houses/cabins when we are in Estes Park. Check out VRBO for possible options.

CRnewbies

Thanks so much, everyone!

YMCA_of_the_Rockies

Hi CRnewbies, thank you for considering YMCA of the Rockies as your family vacation destination in 2015. If you have any questions please feel free to send us an email at [email protected] with your contact information. We would love to tell you more about our unique Estes Park offerings.

mabella101

We are going to the Rockies in a few weeks. We have rented a cabin thru VRBO. My first choice was already booked, but you should check it out. It has amazing views. And booking this far ahead your sure to get the dates you want. It's no. 431370. Play around on that website a little, there are many rentals available. We are also staying on the west side of the park at Grand Lake Lodege. The views from there seem pretty spectacular as well and I've read it's the quieter side of the park.