Colorado has no shortage of amazing restaurants to inspire warm feelings. You might opt for the latest offering from a local celebrity chef, such as Alex Seidel, of Fruition and Mercantile in Denver, who was voted one of Food and Wine’s best new chefs in 2010; or Jennifer Jasinski of Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, who impressed judges in season 5 of "Top Chef Masters" and also won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2013. Or, you might choose a destination restaurant like Ragnar’s in Steamboat Springs, where getting there is half the fun — guests can arrive only via skis, snowboards or snowshoes.
The suites have private balconies with a sunken living room. If you want to splurge, the most luxurious suite, the Centennial Suite, has a full kitchen, living area, dining area, private balcony, separate bedroom and an oversized Jacuzzi tub. Choose from five restaurants and lounges. The Swan offers fine dining in an elegant bistro setting, while the Garden Terrace is more casual. The Pub is the place to go to watch televised sporting events and the Golf Grille is conveniently located at the golf course. Take the complimentary shuttle to the Park Meadows Retail Resort for a day of shopping, or drive to Downtown Denver, 20 minutes away. Fly to Denver International Airport which a 30-minute drive away. Weekday rates start at $99 per night.
Baker Pass crosses the Continental Divide through the Never Summer Mountains and into the Michigan River drainage to the west of Mount Nimbus[36]—a drainage that feeds streams and rivers that drain into the Gulf of Mexico.[28] Other mountain passes are La Poudre Pass and Thunder Pass, which was once used by stage coaches and is a route to Michigan Lakes. Little Yellowstone has geological features similar to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The Green Mountain trail once was a wagon road used to haul hay from Big Meadows. Flattop Mountain, which can be accessed from the eastern and western sides of the park, is near Green Mountain. Shadow Mountain Lookout—a wildfire observation tower—is on the National Register of Historic Places.[36] Paradise Park Natural Area is an essentially hidden and protected wild area with no maintained trails penetrating it.[39]
Estes Park cabins, homes, rooms, and suites bordering Rocky Mountain National Park! Enjoy wood-burning fireplaces and fully-equipped kitchens with a hot tub on-site. Free Wi-Fi, dog friendly lodging (w/ conditions). Spectacular views and great wildlife watching! Easy access to hiking, snowshoeing, back-country skiing! The perfect place for your mountain getaway! McGregor Mountain Lodge Details
Alta Lakes is a pristine and secluded wilderness setting situated 30 minutes outside the charming mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. The Observatory is nestled underneath the 13,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains – it is one of only a few homes in the United States at 11,000+ feet! The backcountry cabin with charming rugged details serves as the perfect romantic mountain getaway for couples.
Update on Jan. 14, 2019: A Rocky Mountain National Park spokesman said Monday the park began using recreation fees to temporarily pay about 10 percent of furloughed workers to clean up the park. They’ve been plowing roads, cleaning restrooms and collecting trash since Saturday. Other staff, such as law enforcement rangers, continue to work without pay during the shutdown. The park is expected to reopen to vehicle traffic on Tuesday, said Kyle Patterson, a Park spokesman who is on furlough.
Above tree line, at approximately 11,000 ft (3,400 m), trees disappear and the vast alpine tundra takes over.[69] Over one third of the park resides above the tree line, an area which limits plant growth due to the cold climate and strong winds. The few plants that can survive under such extreme conditions are mostly perennials. Many alpine plants are dwarfed at high elevations, though their occasional blossoms may be full-sized.[73]
At Brynwood on the River we are notorious for our cozy and relaxing cabins nestled on the charming Big Thompson River. But did you know we also offer delightful motel rooms and spacious vacation homes? Whether you are enjoying a weekend getaway or a family vacation, Brynwood on the River will make it special. Book online today! Brynwood on the River Details
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Fall River Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoEnter into Rocky Mountain National Park for the day of adventureStop At: Alluvial Fan, Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoWalk down the trail and take in the fresh air withness the power of destruction along your walk to a waterfall and alluvial fan. See boulders the size of cars deposited onto the valley floorDuration: 35 minutesStop At: Horseshoe Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoEnjoy a picnic lunch nestled into a picturesque mountain valley next to a streamDuration: 40 minutesStop At: Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoTravel 11 miles into the Alpine along this scenic drive on the highest paved road in North America stopping to take photos and walk down the overlooks and enjoy the majestic views and wildlife sightings.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Alpine Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoVisit the Ranger Station and Gift shop or enjoy a walk up to the highest point on Trail Ridge Road taking in the 360 degree breathtaking mountain viewsDuration: 40 minutesStop At: Many Parks Curve Overlook, Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoSee the many sides of the park on this short walk with views of Long's Peak and the mountain valleysDuration: 20 minutesPass By: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoExit the park through Beaver Meadows looking for wildlife along the way.Stop At: Downtown Estes Park, Estes Park, ColoradoStroll down Elkhorn Avenue grab a drink or ice-cream and pop into the local shops or visit the historic Stanley Hotel while in this quaint mountain town.Duration: 45 minutes
Take your love to new heights by ringing in your celebration at a unique tree house cabin rental near Pagosa Springs. From the private hot tub to feeling like you are above the trees with epic views of Pagosa Springs, this rental cannot be beaten. Guests would be right to take a vacation to this site in the winter so they can take advantage of skiing Wolf Creek Pass. Snuggle up with your partner from the comfort of a luxurious accommodation for your honeymoon.
The Experience: Super close to Manitou Springs, you'll find another town called Colorado Springs, which is also in the Pikes Peak region. While you're there, you have to see the park known as the Garden of the Gods. As its title implies, it's pretty otherworldly. With incredible, oddly shaped sandstone rock formations, you'll want to spend all day here. You should also pay a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge, an insanely high, dramatic bridge between the canyons. Then head to the upscale resort Broadmoor.
Cushion plants have long taproots that extend deep into the rocky soil. Their diminutive size, like clumps of moss, limits the effect of harsh winds. Many flowering plants of the tundra have dense hairs on stems and leaves to provide wind protection or red-colored pigments capable of converting the sun's light rays into heat. Some plants take two or more years to form flower buds, which survive the winter below the surface and then open and produce fruit with seeds in the few weeks of summer. Grasses and sedges are common where tundra soil is well-developed.[73]
Hot Tubs, Woodstoves, Secluded, Outdoor Fireplace for campfire, WiFi. Charming, pet friendly, private vacation cabins off Hwy 7 in Allenspark and Raymond, conveniently located between Lyons and Estes Park. Choose directly on the Middle St Vrain River OR on spacious, wooded acreage bordered by the famous crystal clear Willow Creek. Year round-Great Value! Hideout Cabins Details
From 9,000 ft (2,700 m) to 11,000 ft (3,400 m),[72] the montane forests give way to subalpine forests.[69] Forests of fir and Engelmann spruce cover the mountainsides in subalpine areas. Trees grow straight and tall in the lower subalpine forests, but become shorter and more deformed the nearer they are to the tree line.[72] At the tree line, seedlings may germinate on the lee side of rocks and grow only as high as the rock provides wind protection, with any further growth being more horizontal than vertical. The low growth of dense trees is called krummholz, which may become well-established and live for several hundred to a thousand years old.[72]
The park may be accessed through Estes Park or via the western entrance at Grand Lake. Trail Ridge Road, also known as U.S. Route 34, connects the eastern and western sides of the park.[91] The park has a total of five visitor centers. The Alpine Visitor Center is located in the tundra environment along Trail Ridge Road, while Beaver Meadows and Fall River are both near Estes Park, with Kawuneeche in the Grand Lake area, and the Moraine Park Discovery Center near the Beaver Meadows entrance and visitor center.[9]
With majestic mountains, tundra wildflowers, abundant wildlife, Trail Ridge Road (the highest paved road in the US), and over 350 miles of trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is spectacular! From flat easy hikes around a mountain lake to challenging multiday backpack trips and climbs, Rocky Mountain National Park offers trails for hikers of every level - let us help you plan your adventure! Find the best ways to take in the majesty and serenity of the park. It's YOUR Rocky - explore it!
True love deserves nothing but the best. Have a romantic getaway at the Broadmoor, where you will experience world-class service and be pampered like royalty! Located not far from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the hotel provides only the best for its guests. To start the day, you can have a swim in one of its three swimming pools. Then, have breakfast in one of the 18 dining sites in the hotel. There are plenty of activities for you to spend the rest of the day, such as golfing, getting a spa treatment, and playing tennis.
With breathtaking mountain scenery everywhere you look, even the journey to your Estes Park cabin rental will be enjoyable. The main airport in the area is Denver International Airport, which lies about 75 miles southeast of Estes Park. At the airport, you have access to nearly a dozen different car rental companies and will be able to find the perfect vehicle for your drive to Estes Park. Several highways take you to the town, including U.S. Routes 34 and 36 and State Highway 7.
That was not my intention. We planned a trip from Florida to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for one of my freelance writing projects, and originally scheduled a day in Denver (at 5,280 feet in elevation) to acclimate. Frontier Airlines had a different idea. I heard alternatively that our plane had a mechanical issue, that weather in the Midwest grounded the flight, and that the crew went on strike. Regardless, the airline cancelled our original flight.
If you want to get away from it all and let nature and quiet luxury heal and rejuvenate you, head for the Golden Leaf Inn, a small boutique Bed and Breakfast located on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park just minutes from the charming Rocky Mountains town of Estes Park. A beautiful 1922 Arts and Crafts building houses five delightful rooms with all the modern luxuries you could imagine.
CURRENT TRAIL CONDITIONS Trails are generally snowpacked and drifted. In general, traction devices and poles are advised. The further from the trailhead, or the less popular the trail, the more snowshoes are needed. If it is windy or there is new snow, tracks can disappear and you could lose your way unless you have good route-finding skills and proper equipment
To reach Rocky Mountain National Park, many travelers fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and either rent a car and drive the 80-some miles northwest to Estes Park or take the Estes Park Shuttle, which runs frequent routes from the airport to Estes Park for $45 one-way and $85 round-trip. There is no public transportation available between the airport and the park.
A spectacular scenic drive stretches from the old mining town of Silverton, to the town of Ouray, along what is called the Million Dollar Highway. This is a 46-kilometer two-lane highway that hugs the mountainside in places and looks out over jaw-dropping cliffs and across valleys to inspiring mountain peaks. It is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in Colorado. If you have time, you can extend this into a longer route and drive the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The Skyway is a full-day trip that you will want to do in good weather, but can be done in winter or summer.
Easily accessible from Estes Park is Rocky Mountain National Park, which boasts over 100 mountain peaks that tower over 11,000 feet above the ground. In this gorgeous park, you will find over 300 hiking trails as well as paths to traverse by car or on horseback. Exploring the park will also bring you into close contact with a variety of wildlife, from striped chipmunks to large elk.
Tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, this carefully restored 19th-century ghost town and natural spa is surprisingly well appointed. The rugged, old-timey building exteriors hide high-end features such as cathedral ceilings, air conditioning, and gas fireplaces. Dolores has four parks and a peaceful bike trail that takes peddlers along the tumultuous Dolores River. You can enjoy hands-on exhibits and a nature hike at the Anasazi Heritage Center, or explore an exact replica of the original narrow-gauge rail car, the Galloping Goose. Share a romantic meal with tasty cocktails at Sophia’s Bistro.
Breckenridge CO Romantic Vacation Rental Condos, Villas & Cabins - check out some of the best deals in romantic Breckenridge CO lodging. Rates start as low as $69/night, and you can choose from locations in downtown Breckenridge or ski in/ski out slope side accommodation. Suites are roomy and many offer amenities like wireless internet, satellite TV, fireplace and even jetted tubs.
The history of Rocky Mountain National Park began when Paleo-Indians traveled along what is now Trail Ridge Road to hunt and forage for food.[11][12] Ute and Arapaho people subsequently hunted and camped in the area.[13][14] In 1820, the Long Expedition, led by Stephen H. Long for whom Longs Peak was named, approached the Rockies via the Platte River.[15][16] Settlers began arriving in the mid-1800s,[17] displacing the Native Americans who mostly left the area voluntarily by 1860,[18] while others were removed to reservations by 1878.[14]
Nestled just one mile from the south entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and two miles from downtown Estes Park, Rockmount Cottages is a 20 cabin resort covering 15 acres of wilderness. On the grounds, you’ll have access to a half mile of the Big Thompson River available for fishing and riverside picnics. To fit the lodge lifestyle, each cabin is constructed of knotty pine and most include cozy, stone fireplaces as well as furnished kitchens, a 40-inch flatscreen and DirecTV, wireless internet, and outdoor charcoal grills and picnic areas.
Every summer, Aspen gets taken over by classic music lovers during the renowned Aspen Music Festival and School with more than 300 concerts. Learn about Aspen from Dean Weiler during one of his popular Aspen Walking Tours and pay respect to John Denver at the John Denver Sanctuary you will pass by while hiking the picturesque Rio Grande Trail. Next read: best Aspen restaurants.
Built in 1866, the historic Dove Inn is a quiet, private bed and breakfast a block from Golden's Main Street that provides an ideal getaway for both business and leisure travelers. The inn offers a choice of luxurious guest rooms to suit every taste from historical accommodations overlooking the inn’s beautiful gardens to luxury rooms for the discerning traveler to multi-purpose rooms for larger families and group travelers.
With its reputation for attracting celebrities and well-heeled travelers, Aspen is one of the world’s most famous ski resorts and one of the best places to visit in Colorado. There’s good reason for the all the hype. Four resorts offer great skiing for every level of skier, from the gentle slopes of Buttermilk Mountain to the ungroomed terrain on Aspen Mountain. During warm weather, visitors can fish for trout from the Roaring Fork River or take shuttles to the nearby 14,000-foot (4,300 meter) peaks of the Maroon Bells to enjoy leisurely hikes around Colorado’s most photographed mountains.
When it’s your turn for some pampering, escape to Smith Fork Ranch in Crawford within the secluded Gunnison National Forest, where romance and relaxation are as big of a priority as adventure. Indulge in sumptuous open-air massages, luxe cabins and candlelight dinners featuring farm-to-table cuisine from the ranch’s organic homestead. During adult weeks in September and October, activities range from archery to fly-fishing, if you’re not too busy taking it easy.
There are 14 individually decorated guestrooms, each furnished with rustic décor and modern amenities. Floor-to-ceiling natural stone fireplaces create a cozy ambiance, and handcrafted beds and lush linens beckon you to try them. Relax in the comfort of your room or enjoy a pampering in-house massage before heading out into town to enjoy an exceptional dining experience at one of the many local restaurants.
Enjoy LUXURY mountain cabins at our resort with outstanding VALUE. "A Home Away from Home Getaway." 1, 2, and 3-bdrm condos available with fully applianced kitchens, living room fireplaces & private decks overlooking Fall River. Private hot tubs & spa suites are also available. Located only 1 mi. to RMNP, 3 mi. to Downtown. FREE: Stocked river fishing, Wi-Fi, local calls, movies, games, indoor & outdoor activities. Estes Park Condos Details
The Experience: If Aspen isn't quite your mountain town scene, head to Vail instead. It's equally as idyllic (it was modeled after European mountain resorts), pedestrian-friendly, and lovely, but the town itself is more of a square in a village with a small collection of boutiques and restaurants for visitors. Ride up and down the gondolas for mountain views in every direction and ski the unique back bowls. It's also closer to Denver, making it easier to get to and, therefore, a little more crowded during peak seasons. 
Spring Break is here and Rocky is getting visitors from all over the country. Maybe that's why these Sandhill Cranes decided to stop by out in Moraine Park! They are probably Grus canadensis tabida, or "Greater Sandhills," and part of the Rocky Mountain population. These birds winter in New Mexico and then move on up into NW Colo, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana (but not Nebraska). Good thing they had a nice protected place to stop and take a break! (The cranes at Kearney Nebraska are Grus canadensis canadensis - "Lesser Sandhills") kb/ks
“Everybody comes into our store looking for things to do, asking where do we go? We’ve had to be creative as a store because the last thing we want is to give people disappointing news,” Zehr said. The shop is offering more accessible options for backcountry skiing, like trails still in the park that can be reached from Colorado 7. But he said places that are typical destinations for his backcountry-ski renters, such as Hidden Valley, are “closed to 95 percent of the population because you have to be willing to hike out there.”
CURRENT TRAIL CONDITIONS Trails are generally snowpacked and drifted. In general, traction devices and poles are advised. The further from the trailhead, or the less popular the trail, the more snowshoes are needed. If it is windy or there is new snow, tracks can disappear and you could lose your way unless you have good route-finding skills and proper equipment
The St. Regis Resort offers castle-like grandeur and a staff that will treat you like royalty. It also has a menu of romantic vacation packages that are perfect for honeymooners, and all can be customized just for you and your new spouse. You can choose things like in-room dining, spa gift certificates for its decadent Remede Spa, as well as having flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine delivered and waiting in your room upon your arrival. The property sits at the base of Aspen Mountain, just steps away to many of Aspen’s top restaurants and shops. The resort has its own eatery onsite too, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as hosting live music at night.
My mind calm, the knitting absorbed any excess energy and left my senses free to absorb the stunning surroundings. Feeling no need to move, I watched the silhouettes of fish moving upstream, hummingbirds zip over my head, and a northern harrier cruise over the grassland, looking for prey. Months later, I can imagine every detail of that spot on the bank anytime I close my eyes.
Castle Mountain Lodge got its start in the late 1950s and became the first new cottage to be built and rented annually. Soon after the first building was built, five more cottages were constructed. Today, the dog-friendly lodgings feature one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom options and include access to the public hot tub, rooms with private, indoor hot tubs and rooms with private, outdoor hot tubs. Get all the details and make your reservation online here.
The park is home to some 2,000 to 3,000 elk in summer, and between 800 and 1,000 elk spend the winter within its boundaries. Because of lack of predation, the National Park Service culls around 50 elk each winter. Overgrazing by elk has become a major problem in the park's riparian areas, so much so that the NPS fences them out of many critical wetland habitats to let willows and aspens grow. The program seems to be working, as the deciduous wetland plants thrive within the fencing. Many people think the elk herd is too large, but are reluctant to reintroduce predators because of its proximity to large human populations and ranches.[76]
At Brynwood on the River we are notorious for our cozy and relaxing cabins nestled on the charming Big Thompson River. But did you know we also offer delightful motel rooms and spacious vacation homes? Whether you are enjoying a weekend getaway or a family vacation, Brynwood on the River will make it special. Book online today! Brynwood on the River Details
If you love the great outdoors but also want luxurious comfort on your vacation, let the Cabins at Rams Horn Village Resort be basecamp for your Rocky Mountain Getaway. Our western-styled Cabins are the definition of Rocky Mountain comfort w/ all the modern conveniences. Each cabin is its own private retreat from everyday cares, allowing families & friends to come & play together, & build lifelong memories. Rams Horn Village Resort Details
In winter you can try cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails and after an energetic day out there is nothing better than a soak in one of the natural thermal springs. You can visit the Buena Vista Heritage Museum or go on a Ghost Town adventure, visit several working art studios and galleries, or quench your thirst at a local brewery. Things to Do in Buena Vista
Imagine taking a trip on a train with your partner, very Old World romantic, isn’t it? The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers several options for guests who are looking for romantic getaways. The railroad runs between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. There are several trips available for you to choose including a full-day trip, a half-day trip, a sunset trip, and galloping goose #5. The sunset trip is probably the most romantic option of all. Depending on the route you choose, the fare starts from 95.75 USD.
Known as a world-class ski destination, Aspen is beautiful year around and offers activities and attractions for all ages. Skiers can challenge their skills on the magnificent steeps, slopes and glades of Aspen Mountain or Ajax, on rugged Aspen Highlands or enormous Snowmass. Take a 14 minute ride with the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Ajax Mountain for the spectacular views of the mountain peaks, the city below and tall evergreens all around you. There are bluegrass concerts on Sundays.
Nestled below Colorado's radiant mountaintops is beautiful Lazy R Cottages in Estes Park. Just one mile from Rocky Mountain National Park, we offer one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins perfect for romantic escapes and family vacations. Our cabins have kitchens or kitchenettes, fireplaces, decks with mountain views, and some with personal hot tubs … perfect for relaxing after a day enjoying Estes Park and the National Park. Dog-friendly units available ($15 per dog/per night). Free Wi-Fi. View more about our Estes Park cabins.
