Estes park Mid-April
 

Hello, can someone please recommend a place to stay and things to do in mid-APR in RMNP. We are doing two nights around Estes, then 1 night TBD (maybe Glendale, or even Estes, who knows), then final night in Denver. To us, privacy is important, as is a mountain view. We're not much into hotels and prefer cabins. We would like to be around wildlide, along with a warm, hospitable host (manager) that could advise us regarding where to hike. I know Trail Ridge is closed because of construction, besides weather. I have narrowed down the choices to Woodlands on Fall River, Estes Park Condos, Boulder Brook, Rams Horn Village Reosrt, or Streamside Cabins. To us, a hottub would be nice, but we don't plan on spending our days watching TV.. the park is most important, I believe. Suggestions for an itinerary are appreciated as well. I know we'll likely drive to Loveland just for the views. Perhaps making a reservation before we leave would be a bad idea--other than the Oxford in Denver, which is already reserved for us..

Drive to Loveland for the views? That's heading east to the flatlands and I25. Hope you have nice weather; it could be fabulous spring, or snow.

I'm sorry I can't respond in a helpful way because I don't know the area at all. But I've been planning a similar trip for August and had narrowed my choices to pretty much what yours are. Solitude cabins are included in my list also, so I'm wondering if you looked at those and rejected them. We were very interested in Boulder Brook, but then I realized we'd probably be bothered by the sound of the river at night. It's a sound we love in the day, but we're light sleepers and I suspect it'd not be a plus for us at night.
Good luck with your search!

Woodlands and Boulder Brook are right next to each other and very similar, although Woodlands is a better value (going up there in early May myself!) There is somewhat of a mountain view and it's only a five-minute drive to the park entrance, five minutes to downtown. Instead of making a drive to Loveland for views, return to Denver via Hwy 34 through Loveland to drive through the Big Thompson Canyon, especially if you drove to Estes via Hwy 36 through Boulder.

It might be OK to show up without reservations in Estes if you're there mid-week

(I keep hitting post before I'm ready!)

but find out if your first choices have vacancies, at least. Be prepared for winter weather, but you may be lucky and get sunny and warm. Hiking trails will be snowy in most places - there's been a lot of snow up there in the last few weeks. You might want to try snowshoeing - very easy and cheap to rent shoes in town. The popular snowshoeing area is around Bear Lake with easy trails to enjoy. Here's a great website on trails in the park: http://www.thespiritoftherockies.net...ikingRMNP.html

The Oxford is a nice place and I think you'll enjoy Denver. I think 2 nights in Estes, 2 in Denver would be right.

Trail Ridge Road is closed for the winter. It will reopen this summer and there will be delays (not a closure) due to road construction.

Most places in Estes Park would have some info on hiking. There's a guy at McGregor Mountain Lodge (Michael Hodges) that does a lot of hiking/climbing in the park. If you stay there I'm sure he would have good suggestions.

I don't know why you'd drive to Loveland for the views when you have them right there in Estes Park. Some of the lower elevation trails will be good for hiking mid-April.

thank you, one and all. Keep the replies and thoughts coming, please. Solitude Cabins.. look nice, very high in price (for us).
I am beginning to worry about the weather. I am not naive, but figured winter would be a non-touristy time to go to Estes. If we can even see a few places in the park without sliding around, it will be worth it.
Vacancies.. oddly, the innkeepers are recommending we "wing it," without reservations. Everyplace, besides Boulder Brook is quite wide open regarding availability. I figured we could see the places firsthand, then book them, and if they are unavailable, so be it. There will be at least one place with rooms open. I wanted to drive a bit just to see other views besides Estes. I got outstanding airfare ($210 for 2), so I thought it would be worth gambling with the weather.
Please keep the replies and thoughts coming. Solitude Cabins LOOK great, but they are a bit high. I would pay that price for Estes Condos, who have numerous available units, to have a hottub (private tub).

A friend recommended we drive to Loveland for the views. Also, the river would lull us to sleep. So, has anyone actually stayed @ Woodlands, Boulder Brook? I called Wildwood Inn and was stunned by the attitude from the lady on the phone.. very abrupt. Anyway, Boulder Brook and Woodlands's staff on the phone were nothing but wonderful, so I think we'll end up at either location. McGregor looked nice also. I am really wondering if I should postpone the airfare a few weeks, which I can do. I don't want to be risking our lives driving in Estes Park.. I have been to CO before and know it snows until June at high elevations. To me, tradeoff of few tourists makes it worth it.

The roads in Rocky Mt. are very drivable, don't worry about "risking" your life. Still not sure about "views" in Loveland; views back to the mountains, which you will see driving there in the first place?

blah: Have you checked Trip Advisor forums? My memory is that there are at least a couple of detailed reports from folks who've stayed at Woodlands and Boulder Brook. By the way, it looked to me that Solitude cabins cost abt the same as Boulder Brook, esp. since one can rent a cottage at a one bedroom rate and just close off the second floor. But if it weren't for the creek noise, I think we'd prefer BB to Solitude. Anyway-- take a look at Trip Advisor; I think you'll find what you're looking for in the help way there.

If a Brit can post her 2 cents worth...

In CO, RMNP in April/May 2004, my travelling companion and I couldn't believe our luck when we hit upon Rams Horn Lodge Resort, Estes. These are cabins/houses to die for. If I had a house in the UK such as the one we stayed in, I would camp there for the rest of my life. Clean, well-equipped, big comfy beds and nice toiletries as extras, balconies with wonderful views as we watched deer and other wildlife wander freely (just the job for a glass of...after a day's hike). The pool was warm, if we had wanted a jacuzzi, it was there. $85 per night, but that WAS 2004, but because we were there at end of season, they had dozens of 'specials'. Later we realised that fewer than 50% of accommodations were occupied.

One of the town's police officers even pulled over when I was parked on the roadside and asked me what the problem was. My driving specs had lost a lens and I couldn't go anywhere. I was most courteously treated (after having checked my passport! well, why not?) and driven to an optician who promptly fixed the specs for $5 then called a taxi for me to return to my car.

I can't complain about this place. The location and convenience for hiking and exploring was wonderful. Wish I were back there now!

Good luck all.

MaryJo

Thank you. Yes, I have checked tripadvisor.com, but don't place much faith in it.. I recall some reviews for a B&B in Arkansas that was a dump. the owner was "rigging" the reviews, asking guests to positively review on tripadvisor.. not ALL reviews are that way. Ram's Horn is definitely a possibility, as is Boulder Brook, Solitude, and Woodlands. Or Estes Park Condos or McGregor Mountain Lodge. I perhaps am getting too caught up in where we're staying vs the park itself. We'll definitely be having lunch at the Stanley Hotel. I also want to thank Tek for the URL regarding trails, conditions, and closures of roads. Very great site.

Keep the suggestions coming, please. Ram's Horn has a deal: $229 for 2 nights in a Peak design (individual cabin). The place looks HUGE.. it's definitely a possibility. Comically, everyplace is wide-open regarding availability because we are in fact going mid-week. It's amazing how open availability is. Boulder Brook has a deal going which makes them reasonable. Thus far, Woodlands seems to offer the largest bang for the Euro, buck, or whatever you have. I am amazed they are so reasonable for what they offer. And Betsy, on the phone, was absolutely, astoundingly wonderful. Tripadvisor is good, but sometimes, I do not trust their reviews. I also know of a few other reviews in which owners post about their own cabins, from CA. Anyway, this does not at all negate all reviews. I am cautious regarding that site, though.

Here's what I was told: drive to Denver through Loveland Pass on hwy 34, which is what the gentleman or madam above suggested. So, it's not that we're going to Loveland, it's that we're driving a "scenic route." We won't have time for CO Springs, a shame, but this trip, I've a feeling, is preparing us for another 18-day trip that we'll take some summer/fall in 2009 or later. I firmly believe my wife is going to go nuts over CO. I have been there maybe 20 times, but to Estes Park for 45 minutes (had to run back to none other than Lucent in Englewood).

Loveland is nowhere near Loveland pass! No wonder a few folks were confused. Loveland Pass is NOT on the way to Estes, either, it's a loop on I70 to avoid Eisenhower tunnel. You cannot even go that route back to Denver unless you go over Trail Ridge Road (a very long, albeit scenic detour), and that is closed. Loveland (the city) is due east of RMNP on Hwy 34; Loveland Pass is something entirely different.

<<return to Denver via Hwy 34 through Loveland to drive through the Big Thompson Canyon, especially if you drove to Estes via Hwy 36 through Boulder.>>

I agree...but FYI Loveland Pass is NOT on that route. Loveland Pass is about 60 miles west of Denver off I-70 and is a high mountain pass. Grab a map and you'll be able to see the difference.

thanks again for the advice. I welcome anyone's suggestions regarding dining, driving, hiking, and lodging.

The Stanley in Estes has a nice dining room with a fountain-fake waterfall view that has good food(cannot comprehend why the main dining hall has been closed to dining; the views were awesome). It is a nice place to visit no matter what, and the views are rewarding. In RMNP, go as far up Trail Ridge as you can; the views are beautiful even if you can't go to the top and beyond. Bear Lake is a very nice little hike (basically a walk around the lake), and it's a nice sprintime hike if you go up from that trailhead to Nymph Lake (depending on mud). I've only stayed at Rams Horn on your list, but the space was good.
When you enter the park, ask the rangers at the welcome centers (both are open; I prefer going past the Stanley to the new center) for the best and latest info on animals, hikes, etc. They are there to help, and I always trust their guidance.

I stayed in a beautiful private home with a spectacular view at Windcliff in October. This is a community of private homes across the road from the YMCA of the Rockies. The houses are high on a cliff with outstanding views and have good off season rental rates.

http://windcliff.com/aboutWindcliff.html

Lets get our geography straight. Loveland Pass at 12,000+ is one of the highest passes in the state -- well above timber line and will have lots of snow in April. Loveland Pass is on the continential divide and is us by old US Hwy 6 due west of Denver about 60 miles. I-70 via the Eisenhower Tunnel goes under the continential divide. To get to the pass exist at the Loveland Basin ski area and follow the road up and over. The views are great. On the west the road passes Arapahoe Basin and the Keystone ski areas before rejoining I-70 at Dillon/Silverthorn.

The town of Loveland is about 30 north of Denver on I-25 and nearly due east of Estes Park. Loveland is where a lot of valentines are reposted everyyear.

Hiking other than in very low areas will be problem because of snow. Most of these areas picked up another six inches or so today (Easter).

Trail Ridge road is always closed until Memorial Day and sometimes later. But Memorial Day is always the target for opening. This year, major portions of TR is being rebuilt so the delays will be more extensive than in past years resurfacing.

I hadn't known you could rent at Ram's Horn--thought they were all time shares.

The drive from Loveland to Estes on Hwy 34 is through the Big Thompson Canyon and is where you may see Big Horn Sheep.

For cabins check www.vrbo.com and www.estesparkrealestate.com or ponderosainc.com. Usually before peak season (which is mid to end of June until mid-August) there will only be a 2 or 3 night minimum.

Sue

I talked to a friend that lives in the estes area. Bear Lake has some snow, but will melt soon on roads. Snowshoes will be necessary for bear lake and above. However, there are miles and miles of trails, she claims, that will be fine, and the driving will be safe. I am now more comfortable that I have talked to her. Thanks for the tips, again. Windcliff is beyond our budget, averaging $145 nightly+tax. I will look forward to more comments. And also, I will post about wherever I stay, just an fyi for others that are considering the area. Our friend has never stayed anywhere but in her home.. but says her rule is if the place has been in business for 10 or more years, it must be at least "OK" because numerous places have opened and failed. Anyway, thanks to everyone again. It's a gamble going there this time of year. It was between this place and Eureka Springs, AR, a favorite of ours (yes, we're boring as far as people are concerned!).

see ESTESWILDWOODINN dom com

I hope that this is helpful - -we have stayed here more than once -- clean, quiet;

in room large jacuzzi, fireplace; kitchen and BBQ; cable tv + free videos for the room; and balcony with views.

Just minutes from RMNP and a food store.

Thanks. I have to tell you, and I am not being negative.. the lady on the phone from Wildwood Inn was REALLY rude and abrupt.. All I did was ask about reservations and availability. I don't get the impression that's the type of place we'd like to patronize. I won't go into details, but the conversation from my side was very short.. I listened to the lady go on a small tirade about availability, how she never guarantees specfic cabins for less than 5 night stays, and how it must be kept clean if we do come there. Then she hung up. Very strange, bizarre. I won't go there unless they can guarantee me a certain type of room... ie hottub on deck. Very bizarre, erratic behavior for someone to be taking phone calls for your place, in my opinion. I get the impression that place is a "my way or the highway type of deal.. " and I respect that (I just won't stay there if the people are rude over the phone--a general rule I've come to learn over the years).

Re: Solitude Cabins.. I have been told by someone that these cabins are across the street from a school. Just an fyi. During summer likely not an issue, but during the day it would be. This is the only negative that I have heard about the place. I suppose everyplace has both negatives and positives.

When all else fails, call the park. There is zero snow on the roads right now. The area is completely fine, up through Bear Lake. This could change, but the pavement, so the RNMP ranger says, is too warm for snow to stick. I am really glad we're going and avoiding the crowds.

I'll add to the Loveland confusion....I suspect the recommendation was for a drive from Estes to Loveland via the Big Thompson Canyon. Whenever I've taken vistors on that road, they are amazed at the river, canyon and the narrows. It's scenic but in a close-to-river way and a nice drive.

What we may do is go to Casa Bonita for 3 days and just eat.. we'll see.

Casa Bonita is a joke, right?

You also referred to Glendale in your original post. Is that a typo? Do you mean Glenwood Springs, or Glendale, a suburb in Denver? I don't know why you'd head to Glendale from RMNP.

Are you reserved at the Oxford Hotel in Denver, for your first or last night?

I'm confused about this part of your plan.
:)>-

Oxford is last night.. I have to check. Glenwood springs is what I meant.. Casa Bonita.. yes, just a joke that I would make people laugh. It's beautiful weather there right now!!

Thanks.
I doubt if Glenwood Springs makes sense for a night. Maybe better to stay three nights in RMNP, one night in Denver. Or four nights in RMNP.

Casa Bonita-- good joke. The food is sooooo bad. Does it still exist?
:)>-

Stayed @ Rams horn village resort. Zero charm, gorgeous place, 2 minutes from the park entrance. Rate was almost as cheap as Woodlands on fall River. Casa bonita? Unsure.. saw it on South Park last year or so. Did not stay @ Oxford. The park was simply too enchanting to leave. We spent nearly all our time in the park. Rams Horn highly recommended. Clean, nice, good location. Scoped out 2 other places, but liked Rams Horn location. Best restaurant: Top Notch Cafe.

one other thing. The tradeoff was well worth it. We hiked Sprague and Bear Lakes.. and had them to ourselves. We saw two other people the entire time up that way within the park. Other than TUE morning, the snow did not impede us. The town was a ghost town, as was the park. Saw loads of wildlife. After seeing Cascade Cottages, we'll return sometime to them.. they look awful, but their location is spectacular. Amazing views, amazing hiking, amazing place.

You said Rams Head has zero charm, but also said it's a gorgeous place. What do you mean?
:)>-

Sorry-- I meant Rams Horn. Your clarification of your impression will be helpful to others planning to visit RMNP. Thanks.
:)>-

The people at Rams Horn were a bit rude. And it's not at all secluded, but is quiet. and immaculately clean. It's also off the main roads, so it's tucked away a bit. However, there's a campground/RV park right behind the place. It seems like a new apartment comlex, but it is pristinely clean, loaded with everything from dishwasher to huge spaces. it's so new that is not at all "rustic" like other places in Estes.. it's like staying in a new house in the middle of the mountains, crammed side-by-side along with other identical units.. with assigned parking spots. That said, it's likely one of the nicest places to stay in Estes. And it's 2 minutes from a park entrance. We could not have asked for more, but I think we'd have liked to camp within the park or stay at Cascade Cottages instead. Who needs amenities (we thought) when you have the RMNP at your backdoor. Glacier Lodge looked fun, as did Windcliff (clifftop houses). Anyway, the only negative about Rams Horn was that is has zero atmosphere.. I think we'd have preferred more mountain-type cabins.. but alas, we're too picky. It was clean and affordable. $229 for 2 nights.. then we stayed elsewhere after the 2 nights, not worth mentioning. We literally lived in the park, which is what we're into. Spent 6A-7P daily in the park, only leaving for lunches. We likely hiked about 30-50 miles total.

We think we saw a black bear. either that, or a giant black beaver. It was quite secretive. For anyone going to the park area, I do in fact recommend Rams Horn village. DVDs, movies, hairdyers, dishwasher, dishes, silverware, fridge, ceramic tile kitchen and bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room, gas fireplace that pumps out LOADS of heat, upstairs separate from downstairs via doors, skylights in upstairs bathroom, shampoo, towels, soaps, lotion, glasses in kitchen, microwave, tea, coffee, tea kettle, coffee maker, immaculately clean (cannot state enough how clean this place was), new Eureka commercial vaccuum cleaner in kitchen closet (you could vaccum yourself if you made a mess), blinds on all windows, porch, side porch, shared gas grills (Woodlands has gas grills per cabin, though), sofa, chairs in living room, guide for dining recommendations, hiking, directions, phone numbers, free local and toll=free calls, cordless phone upstairs (did not work), desk phone in living room, dedicated phone numbers (exts) in each cabin, front door is a French door with built-in blinds, furniture from LL Bean/Bass Pro Shop/Eddie Bauer (expensive), horrible, saggy mattresses (we thought), one of the cleanest/newest places at which we've ever stayed. Far nicer than most people's homes. But not as nice as an Aspen ski lodge.
TopNotch cafe was the best food in the area. Went there for coffee, etc. Outstanding sandwiches, cake, lattes. Stanley Hotel is a must-see, but it's a huge embarrassment that there are houses all around the hotel.. a subdivision exists literally next-door, above, and on both sides of the hotel.. how tacky is that. a historical landmark surrounded by vinyl-sided houses. Rude gift shop.. nice lobby, did not feel welcomed there at all by the staff, not even for dining. Stuck to the park. Hiked Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Alberta Falls, Flattop (almost slid down this one!), Chasm Falls, Upper Beaver Meadows, Mills (I think; we got here accidentally, by going off the trail for about 3 hours). Amazing hiking, once in a while we simply sat and listened.. said nothing, just took it all in from the pine smells, to wind, to distant wildlife (crows, hawks, geese, owls, elk--we could smell elk before we could see them!).

Thanks for all the detail! It will be helpful, I'm sure, for other travelers to RMNP. So glad you enjoyed hiking in the park and it's quiet beauty away from the crowds.
:)>-

Great detailed report, blah! So glad you loved the park, and you certainly saw some of the best parts! Make sure to come back sometime when Trail Ridge Road is open - that will blow you away!

I'm curious if you encountered snow on the trails you hiked. I'm going up there just for one day/night in two weeks with an out-of-town visitor just to show them the best part of Colorado, and he definitely wants to get out on a trail. I was thinking of going to Alberta Falls/The Loch (on the way to Mills Lake) Did you slosh through slush en route?

Yes, Alberta Falls, Bear Lake, and beyond all were covered with LOADS of snow. I would get snowshoes, ski poles and anything else you will need. I just wore normal shoes, but had large walking sticks (rented them) for getting through snow. We slipped quite a bit, and some areas were rather dangerous.. but nonetheless we did Bear Lake and above without snowshoes.

I have been quite a few places in my lifetime (Europe, Canada, etc).. and RMNP is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Just thought I'd share that thought!!