beeswing

We're looking at flying into Denver this summer and would like to see RMNP. I'd like to stay in Estes Park at least one night. Then we'd be heading down to I-70 and across.

We don't really want to linger in Denver. If we headed up to RMNP from Denver, can we reach Estes Park in a day and maybe stay two nights there? Or stay somewhere closer to Denver and just overnight it in Estes Park? Or two different places in the park, if that would be better?

We're not hikers, really, but I want at least some time to kick around the park. Which of these makes sense, if any? And if we stay outside of Denver the first night -- any recommendations as to whereabouts?

Thank you!

tomfuller

Which way on I-70? Kansas or western Colorado?
I've been told that rental cars are expensive from Denver.
The other option after returning your rental car would be to take the CA Zephyr west to Salt Lake City or east to Chicago if you want.

illnative

Denver to RMNP is a very easy drive (about 1-1.5 hours depending on route and how fast you drive) - so I guess it depends on what time you get in, how tired you will be, etc. We love RMNP - hope you do too!

sludick

It's only about 2-1/2 hours drive from the airport. Stay in Estes Park.

martym

Estes Park is 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Denver--so unless you're arriving very, very late, just drive to Estes after you arrive. There is really no place to stay in RMNP--but lots of places to stay in Estes Park, which is at the east entrance to the Park. I would pick a place to stay there and explore the park for the two days you want.

beeswing

Thank you! That's very helpful info. And we'd be going I-70 West through Colorado to Utah, for the poster who asked.

I've never been the the U.S. Rockies. I've always wanted to. I'm psyched!

Gretchen

Where else are you going heading west.
As many have said you can stay in Estes Park (with an easy drive) and then drive through the Park to the western entrance, and down to I70, as you described. You'll want to spend at least a little time at the Glenwood Canyon portion of the highway. DO stop and look at the exhibit of how it was built. Plus enjoy the river views.
You might want to bid on Priceline or Hotwire for your car rental and it isn't too soon to start.

livetoroam

I would make reservations now for Estes Park accomodations- they can fill up quickly in the summer. RMNP is fantastic- if you are hikers, try to hike the Ute Trail off of Trail Ridge. Driving Trail Ridge is beautiful too. There is a park shuttle that takes you up and down Bear Lake road and to all of the trailheads off of it. It is easy and convenient to use. Enjoy some amazing scenery!

Ackislander

You have a great trip ahead of you. If you don't want to drive the Glenwood Canyon route, the road to I-70 through Nederland, Central City, Black Hawk and Idaho Springs is rewarding.

Two warnings, though. You will be very high up in RMNP; there are roads above 12000 feet. You may find yourself with a headache if you are coming from sea level or arrive at the end of a long flight. Plan to take it a bit easy.

Second, as easy as it is to laugh at us Americans with our water bottles, this is an area of the country where you need them. It is very dry, and you are not aware of perspiring so you really need to work to stay hydrated, whether or not you are thirsty.

I stayed in motel that was a collection of log cabins set on the banks of a rushing stream somewhere on the park side of Estes Park, and it was terrific. The name is sadly lost, but you may come across it in your research.

spirobulldog

I prefer Estes Park, but a lot of people stay on the other side of RMNP at Grand Lake. It just depends on what type of setting you want. I would have a meal, even if it was just breakfast at the Stanley Hotel, just to see it.
What month are you doing this?

Of course drive the Trail Ridge Road, but you'll also want to drive the old Fall River Road.

Do take it easy that first day.

If you could reverse your trip and end at the Rockys, it might be better. Because in Utah you are at 4,000-7,000ft. This would give you a few days to get acclimated a bit. And then that first day in the Rockys maybe just do the drives and just a bit. The 2nd day consider doing a longer hike if desired.

Gretchen

Ack just to clarify, the Glenwood Canyon idea was for their further west trip along I70--it is near Glennwood Springs.
The road you are suggesting is getting back from RMNP.
All you say about water is right on.

Connie

Where else are you planning to visit on your drive west?

spirobulldog

I think just fly out to California or Vegas and then fly back.

spirobulldog

oops sorry wrong post

1JAR

We did this trip last year. Flew into Denver, p/u rental and drove uphill about 2 hours to Estes PArk.

We looked at alot of lodging and choose this group of Condos..we liked being on the river..be sure to ask for a unit away from the road as it gets busy first thing in am with trekers driving up. Also be sure to stop in Estes park. I think it is a Safeway store for provisions and there is Farmers Market in Boulder (Boulder has some great bakery/bread and deli too depending on which day you arrive...

http://www.estescondos.com/

Nelson

I see you say you are not hikers, but I'll recommend some easy walks.

1) Cub Lake Trail - hike towards Cub Lake as far as you feel like going. It's about as gentle a trail as you'll find in the Rockies. Go in late afternoon / evening for chance to see elk, deer, moose, other wildlife.

2) Glacier Gorge trailhead to Alberta Falls. A bit more than 1/2 mile. A bit of up and down but not bad. Pretty flowing water along the way and a nice small waterfall.

3) Bear Lake to Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. It's about a mile to Dream Lake, climbing steadily but not steeply. These are the classic postcard views of RMNP.

4) Tundra Trail on Trail Ridge Road. An easy paved trail at the Rock Cut Overlook. It's at 12,000 feet so you'll be huffing and puffing, but not many places you can walk alongside tundra in the lower 48 with this much ease.

5) Climb Longs Peak. Just kidding, just kidding.

Have a great trip!

1JAR

Some other comments...the parking lots fill up early am..if you have a handicap sticker take it as they are often the only place to park.

Also the Old Fall River River road(wide dirt road with switchbacks) has some of the best scenery and nice pullout spots to sit by a stream, see wildlife and flowers. The top is a ranger station with a large parking lot, great views of the valley. Be aware tho altitude is very high and people with heart or breathing problems need to be aware.

Sprague Lake has a nice picnic table area just before teh main parking area...the lake trail is a nice easy walk loop..last year we saw 3 Moose here.

Here is a useful map
http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps...ational%20Park

beeswing

Thanks for all the great info, especially the information on the easier hikes/walks. I'm probably up for those, and I'm sure my family is.

For the poster who asked where we're heading farther west -- we're looking at crossing Colorado to Moab, down through Arches and Canyonlands, then across to Santa Fe area and up to Denver to fly out.

We have reservations at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, a queen and roll-away, though we'd prefer a double queen there. That's my one splurge. The rest of the time we'll stay in far more moderate accommodations.

So, that's the plan so far, sketchy as it is.