We are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in September, and we're wondering where to stay. We are in our early 30's, with no kids, and we're not into shopping or expensive restaurants. We hope to hike each day, but if it's raining we'd like to have alternatives. We're wondering if Estes Park is nice, or perhaps Fort Collins or Loveland. Is Boulder too far away? We'd like some cultural things to do, a moderately priced motel, diner-type food. Thanks.

I can highly recommend Valhalla resort, which is a set of about 10 cabins a few miles outside of Estes Park. Not rustic, not fancy, but very comfortable. The best thing about them is that you don't have to go back into Estes park to get into the Rocky Mt. park, which saves time and traffic. Their phone is 303-586-3284. We stayed there about four years ago, and as I remember, the owners struck me as kind of fussy and bombarded us with rules, suggestions, tips. But I'm really glad I didn't let that first impression turn us away, because it was a hassle free very comfortable vacation. They have a pool and laundromat on premises, too,which is very nice. You can rent them by the day, too,and they have a range of sizes and numbers of bedrooms,etc.

The most beautiful hike I did in Estes Park was to Chasm Lake. It's about 4 miles each way up to a glacial lake under Long's Peak. Go early (be at trailhead by 7 or 8) to get down before afternoon storms, and you will really enjoy it. Probably a moderate to slightly strenuous hike, but worth every step.

We were there in late August/early Sept and stayed at a highway motel in Estes Park (Comfort Inn or some such). The rate was low, the traffic wasn't bad, and we did have nearby groceries and restaurants. The wildlife doesn't observe the park boundaries and even wandered out our way. I enjoyed the old downtown shops on a rainy afternoon, just parked a block off the main drag and avoided the crowd.
The park was VERY crowded on the weekend with trails crowded by midmorning and like a sidewalk in the afternoon.
Still, it was beautiful (even snowed up top).

Our very favorite place to stay is the YMCA conference center at Estes Park - it is nearly impossible to get into in summer but probably isn't that bad in Sept. We've stayed at places on Fall River Road, west of Estes Park. Drive the unpaved road from Fall River up to the Visitors Center on Trail Ridge Road. Bear Lake is very popular and lots of trails go on from there. I think Estes Park is your best bet, especially that time of year. I don't know what kind of crowds come for the leaves, but obviously, the families would be back in school. The YMCA is cheap, very rustic, but incredible views and lots of places to roam. We stayed in cabins both times, although there is a hotel, too. I'm envious - I teach school so I can't go when the leaves are changing - after retirement, I guess.

If you are looking for a hotel to stay at, Estes Park is very nice. The town is mainly "tourist oriented". There are several hotels and motels. If you are thinking about staying in Fort Collins, Lovelend, or Boulder; be prepared for either a 1 hour, 45 minute, or 1 hour-15 minute drive, respectively, to get to the Park. Campgrounds are available inside the park. However, be there early (ready to take someone's site whenever they leave).