I think I have read the answer to this before buy can't find it now that I need it.

I would like (but don't have to) to get lodging on Priceline in Boulder, there isn't any thing on Priceline for Estes Pk area.

Of course I can see the distance on the map, but I don't know the driving conditions. Does anyone know if it will be a trek to get to the mountain area each day from Boulder?

I appreciate any information you might have.

Figure on about an hour drive from Boulder to Estes Park.What about staying in Fort Collins?

Like it says above - it is about an hour from Boulder - through Lyons - to Estes Park. Its an hour from Fort Collins also - and personnally I think Boulder is more interesting that sprawling Fort Collins. (I can get away with that after living in Fort Collins half of my life!)

If your really want to see the mountains though - why not stay in them. The front range is just a crowded smoggy metropolis compared to the beautiful mountains - Spend at least on night in Estes or camp in the park - so you can really see Rocky Mountain National Park. Head to Buena Vista, or Glenwood Springs, Or Durango, or Breckenridge and Leadville. You won't miss much if you skip the front range altogether!

Have fun!

Hey, thanks for taking time to post. Very helpful.

I am disappointed that we can't go down to the southwest area (Durango, Mesa Verdi) but we are in Boulder for a girls fastpitch tournament and we are trying to sneak in some exploratory time.

We have spent so much $$$ already getting these kids up here for the tournament, that's why I had an eye on cheap lodging like I get through Priceline. I have looked at some cabins and motels in RMNP but most require a minimum stay.

I really wanted to stay at the Hotel Stanley of Shinning fame but that's out of budget so I thought about going for dinner or Sunday brunch.

Boulder is a great town to visit. Enjoy the Pearl Street mall. Several times we have stayed in Boulder just for the night, ridden the bike trails downtown, and then had a "Progressive Dinner." One restaurant for appetizers, everything from Greek to Russion to Mexican for an ethnic main course and then a special restaurant - French and others for dessert. You can spend a long evening on the mall just trying out all the different foods and enjoying the street entertainers. Its a great place!

Boulder is also a good central point for exporing the mountains - not only can you visit RMNP but there is a beautiful road - I think it is called the Ward Road that you can take that will wind its way over eventually to I-70 and then to Keystone, Breckenridge, Winter Park, etc. You would be surprised how often the mountain resorts have some good deals on lodging during the summer and you might luck out.

The Stanley is a nice place to stay and eat - especially if you want to eat somewhere fancy. Personally, if my time were limited in RMNP- I would drive by and admire the Stanley from the outside, pick up a sandwich at the deli at the Safeway or the Mc Donalds planted right in front of it - and head to RMNP for a short hike and a beautiful picnic - but you are the only ones who really know what you want to do. Estes Park, to me, is something you have to get through (traffic, tourist traps, etc.) to get to the prize - RMNP.

Have Fun!

Great advice. I will take a copy of your suggestions with me. We are playing this by ear since we won't know our schedule (double elimination, who knows we might have a lot of time!). I would normal look for lodging as we go but being the 4th of July, I didn't want to chance it.

Hi folks. I got a room on Priceline in Loveland for $40 @ night. I think this will work for me. If we find something in the mountains that we can't pass on, I'm not out too much. Thanks for your input.

You might try YMCA of the Rockies/Estes Park. They are just west of Estes Park, and have a variety of accomodations from dorm rooms, to little cabins with bunks to bigger cabins. Prices vary. I don't think you have to be a Y member. You might also check Comfort Inn/Suites, Sleep Inn La Quinta Inns, Microtel Inn--they have been sprouting like weeds lately everywhere.There might even be some in Estes Park. And you might try to use an Entertainment card for a discount. I've stayed at the Stanley. It's nice enough, but not really worth a premium price. Personally, I think Estes Park is a bit of drive for a tournment meeting in Boulder. You might also check the Flatiron Crossing area just south of Boulder. There are a few new hotel/motels in the area.