bizcor, Author at Rocky Mountain Resorts

The Continental Divide is a large mountain range scaling from South America all the way up to the top of North America. Throughout its 3000 miles of mountains and water basins, it expands through Colorado. You will be able to see the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park, and here are the best ways to explore it!

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Loop

If you’re dreaming of exploring the Continental Divide, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is the best way to take in its breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

To get started on your Continental Divide adventure, you will want to start out at Green Mountain Trailhead. The trail is roughly 28 miles throughout the park and loops through Tonahutu Creek Trail and North Inlet Trail. Both trails cross through each other on Flattop Mountain, a body of land in the actual divide.

Some of the most beautiful sights are among this loop. You’ll find picturesque views of the mountain lakes and streams lined with peaks in the background. Wildlife can be seen while exploring this land such as pika, moose, and elk.

Tips for Hiking the Continental Divide

While there are different level hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is for more experienced backpackers and hikers. If you’re looking to explore the entire 28 miles, it will take roughly two days to trek through. Prepare to set up camp if you want to take on the entire journey!

For just a day trip, make sure to pack all necessities such as plenty of water, snacks, and comfortable hiking shoes and attire. The trail gains up to 2,000ft in elevation, so be cautious if you are prone to elevation sickness. It’s also likely for a thunderstorm to breeze by throughout the day, so bring proper rain gear and watch out for lightning.

Hiking through the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park is an epic journey that will give you some of the best views in the park! Summer is the best time to hike the area, so get ready to take on an unforgettable experience!

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

Complete your Rocky Mountain experience with your home away from home at Rocky Mountain Resorts. Located just minutes from downtown Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, we offer a variety of accommodations, from cabins and cottages to larger vacation homes. Be sure to find your perfect mountain getaway by using our search feature where you can select the type of lodging, dates, and the specific amenities you want.

When you visit Estes Park, seeing Elk grazing on some grass is a common sight. While watching them roam around the city is always fun, it’s quite a sight watching them in their natural habitat in the Rocky Mountains. Here are some useful tips for viewing elk in Rocky Mountain National Park!

When visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, the best time to view elk is usually around dawn or dusk. If you’re able to spot one, it’s best to be as quiet as possible and not make any sudden movement! Make sure to drive your car engine off if you’re driving by and see one as well. Any sudden sounds or movement can spook them and run away. Keep your distance while you admire them, the safest distance between you and the elk is 75ft. If you’re having trouble finding them, be patient! Don’t use any calls to lure them near you, they’ll eventually roam by.

Now that you have pointers to viewing the Rocky Mountains’ fuzzy residents, here are the best places to spot them in the park:

Moraine Park

Hiking through Moraine Park is one of the best spots to find elk. It’s a large meadow area and one of the main hubs for elk to snack on some tasty grass! If you’re exploring the area by car, there are also plenty of spots to pull over and view them too.

Horseshoe Park

Horseshoe Park is a fairly flat area, making it perfect to view the wildlife. Elk are known to frequent this area and you’ll typically have ample views given that it’s an open valley.

Upper Beaver Meadows

This is another flat hiking area that starts with walking through a forested area and opens into meadowlands. Upper Beaver Meadows doesn’t have a large number of elk in the area, but you still can spot small herds walking about.

Kawuneeche Valley

If you’re looking for a scenic drive while searching for elk, Kawuneeche Valley is perfect for you! It’s an area surrounded by vibrant green nature and great to find elk and even moose traveling with their herds.

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

Located in the town of Estes Park and just minutes from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain Resorts is the ideal choice for lodging in the area. We offer a variety of accommodations ranging from cozy cabins and cottages to large and spacious vacation homes. Guests enjoy the nightlife of downtown Estes Park and are less than a 10-minute drive to RMNP. You truly have the best of both worlds when you stay with us!

Summer is upon us! Warmer weather is within reach, school is almost, and are all signs to plan for the perfect summer getaway. If you are planning on exploring all that Colorado has to offer, we are eager for you to learn more about these summer cabin rentals in Estes Park.

Mountain Pine Cabin

The Mountain Pine Cabin is tucked away within the lush pine trees and provides ample sights of the Rocky Mountains. The cabin contains 3 Bedrooms and 1 Bathroom and is also dog friendly, so don’t hesitate on letting your canine companion tag along! The cabin has a spacious deck area, perfect for a relaxing day surrounded by serene nature in the personal hot tub. A full kitchen and outdoor gas grill are provided if you’re dreaming of a summer barbecue during your stay too.

Rocky Mountain Retreat 1B

This cabin may seem smaller but can still host up to six guests! This rental has 1 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom but has a Queen sleeper sofa and a Queen-Sized futon in the living room. Scenic views are right outside with a hot tub waiting for you on the deck. As you enjoy the sunny summer weather, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the greenery lining the mountains. This unit is part of a two-unit building (the units are not adjoining) and can also be rented.

Rocky Mountain Retreat

For a more luxurious summer getaway, we recommend a stay at one of our Rocky Mountain Retreats. Both are ideal for larger groups or even lodging guests for a family reunion. Retreat B provides 3 Bedrooms with a King-Size bed, two Queen-Sized beds, and 2 Queen futons. The cabin also has two bathrooms, making it a more accommodating stay for your group!

Stonehaven Home

Our Stonehaven Home is a stone two-story cabin with 3 Bedrooms and 1 ¾ Bathroom. It’s a perfect retreat if you’re planning on a summer trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, given its proximity. If you’re worried about leaving your furry friends behind, this cabin hosts up to two dogs! There’s a private patio as well, making it a more unique retreat for the summer.

Staying With Us

Rocky Mountain Resorts offers a wide variety of rentals to suit any Rocky Mountain summer getaway, even accommodations perfect for families. We feature several spacious home and cabin rentals ideal for large family retreats, reunions, and gatherings, all within minutes of downtown and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park is filled with endless activities such as hiking, fishing, scenic drives, and wildlife watching. With so much to do, you may be overwhelmed with what to plan for yourself and your family. It’s also very important to set out on a nature-filled adventure that will keep your kids excited and eager to explore the mountains. If it’s their first or tenth venture to the park, new and immersive experiences are still ready to be had. Read on to learn the perfect one-day itinerary for a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park with kids!

Hiking

Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for its miles of hiking trails. The trails cater to the more intensive hikers to the visitors wanting to take a relaxing scenic stroll. For those traveling with toddlers or kids, the park has a variety of trails that will keep your family wanting to venture on.

Dream Lake is a tame hour-long hike with a minimal elevation change. The hike trails up to a beautiful view of the lake with wildflowers blooming all around it. Take a rest on the resting rocks near the water and take in the sights!

Alberta Falls Trails is the perfect trail if your family has their sights set on a waterfall. The hike lasts roughly 45 minutes, a good amount of time for the kids to not get too fatigued!

East Meadow Trail is a longer trail but is worth the hike once you arrive at the scenic open views of East Inlet Creek. You’ll most likely be able to catch a glimpse of moose, elk, and deer in the meadow.

Rocky Mountain Junior Ranger Program

RMNP hosts Rocky’s Junior Ranger Program, a great educational experience for kids of all ages. Children can learn all about the importance of park preservation and facts about the surrounding wildlife and nature. Head over to the Junior Ranger Headquarters and pick up a free activity booklet during your visit!

Horseback Rides

If you’re traveling with older kids, horseback rides through the Rockies are a great way to explore! Many horseback outfitters offer rides from two hours to even an all-day excursion. Plan the perfect horseback ride with the family and discover a unique Rocky Mountain experience.

Guided Tours

If visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is exploring unknown territory for your family, it may be best to take a guided tour. Knowledgeable tour guides can take you through unique and tucked-away spots that you may look over if visiting solo. If you’re looking for a tour focused on wildlife, good photo spots, or even hiking, it’s all waiting for your family!

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

When visiting Colorado, you have access to a plethora of scenic drives without the Rocky Mountains. However, one drive stands out strongly against the others. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a highway stretching out over 55 miles beginning in Estes Parks and ends in Black Hawk. Established in 1918, this historic road provides the best view of the Front Range within the Rockies and serves as an unforgettable drive within the Colorado scenery.

The Drive

If you’re traveling north, you’ll be starting the drive through the scenic byway on Interstate 70 in Black Hawk, CO. Central City is the neighboring town, and both host Casino destinations if you’re wanting to take a gamble. Continuing the drive, you’ll see the sights of Sheridan Hill, Cold Springs, and Fox Mountain. After passing through Rollingsville and Nederland, you’ll drive past Colorado’s portion of the Continental Divide. Many more mountain views line the drive, along with vibrant small towns to stop at for some shopping or a bite to eat.

Must-Do Stops

While the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway has endless mountain views, it also has other great activities to take a stop at.

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are some of the best places to take in the sights of the Colorado wildlife. Over 200 types of birds reside within these open spaces, perfect for bird-watching enthusiasts.

Camp Saint-Malo is right off the highway and tucked away within the mountains. This beautiful church stands in front of Mt. Meeker and is perfect for a photo-op.

If you’re looking to cast a reel during your drive, Barker Reservoir is the best place for fishing and you’ll have ample opportunity to catch rainbow trout and other trophies.

Visiting Estes Park

As the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway comes to an end, you’ll arrive in Estes Park. This mountain town is home to many Colorado attractions. Elk takes up residency throughout the city, making it easy to spot them snacking on some grass with their young. Lake Estes is home to a great place for kayaking, fishing, and even just relaxing at their beach area. Estes Park is also home to Rocky Mountain National Park, a beautiful area with over 350 miles of hiking trails and breathtaking sights of the mountains.

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

Located in the town of Estes Park and just minutes from the start of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Rocky Mountain Resorts is the ideal choice for lodging in the area. We offer a variety of accommodations ranging from cozy cabins and cottages to large and spacious vacation homes. Guests enjoy the nightlife of downtown Estes Park and are less than a 10-minute drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. You truly have the best access to must-do Colorado activities with a stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts!

The town of Estes Park is bustling with a variety of dining options, ranging from classic steakhouses to mom-and-pop breakfast diners. Kick off your adventures or end your day with delicious foods from these Estes Park restaurants near your accommodations at Rocky Mountain Resorts.

Breakfast

Coffee on the Rocks

Jump-start your day with a breakfast and coffee to go at Coffee on the Rocks. This local favorite serves up delicious coffee, teas, breakfast, and even lunch, plus beer and wine. On a nice spring or summer day, enjoy your coffee there and sit on their outdoor area overlooking the pond and the Big Thompson River.

Donut Haus

Another local favorite, the Donut Haus is legendary for fresh pastries, donuts, and other breakfast items like breakfast burritos and muffins.

Cinnamon’s Bakery

Continue the sweet tooth craving with a cinnamon roll from Cinnamon’s Bakery. You’ve never seen such a selection of cinnamon rolls, ranging from pecan sticky buns to fruit and salted caramel rolls. Or dive into the classic cinnamon rolls for only $3.50!

The Egg of Estes

One of the best Estes Park restaurants, The Egg of Estes, is a great way to start your day of adventures. Opening early to get you on your way, The Egg of Estes dishes out traditional breakfast fare with eggs (your choice), pancakes, waffles, and more. Want a relaxing breakfast in bed? Order your breakfast to go and enjoy in the comfort of your cozy cabin at Rocky Mountain Resorts!

Mountain Home Café

Stop in the Mountain Home Cafe for a good old-fashioned down-home breakfast. Order up classics like a stack of pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, egg scrambles, and so much more. Relax and enjoy your breakfast on their outdoor patio for the perfect recipe to kickstart your day.

Lunch and dinner

Bird and Jim Restaurant

Probably one of the top-rated Estes Park restaurants, Bird and Jim Restaurant offers farm-to-table dishes that are sure to satisfy any anyone. Enjoy comfort food and American dishes with a bit of a twist, all with locally sourced meats and produce. While it’s a seasonal menu you will typically find soups and salads, hand-made pastas, burgers, and grilled meats.

Boss Burgers and Gyros

For a good elk or bison burger check out Boss Burgers and Gyros. The casual burger-joint also includes gyros and unforgettable fries on the menu. It’s the classic place in town to enjoy burgers and fries after a long hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Smoking Dave’s BBQ

Who doesn’t love a good BBQ restaurant? A Colorado chain restaurant that started in Estes Park, Smoking Dave’s BBQ offers everything from savory appetizers and healthy salads to classic meat platters, plus burgers and sandwiches.

Estes Park Brewery

You can’t leave Estes Park without a visit to the Estes Park Brewery. Established in 1993, the brewery has been brewing beers for nearly 30 years, for both locals and tourists alike. Pair your beer with their full food menu of burgers, sandwiches, and everything else you can imagine. Take in the beautiful mountain scenery on their outdoor dining patio for the perfect Estes Park experience.

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

Taste your way through these Estes Park restaurants or bring your food back to your cozy cabin at Rocky Mountain Resorts. Or if you don’t feel like eating out and would rather stay in and cook, we offer plenty of rentals that feature full kitchens. Choose from a variety of accommodations; from cabins and cottages to larger vacation rentals. Combined with our affordable prices and our proximity to the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, we are a great choice for exploring the town and the Rocky Mountains!

Springtime in the Rockies can be unpredictable, but one thing is for sure, the beauty of the season shines with new colorful blooms spring. Whether you are headed to the mountains or are staying in town, there are several spring gardens in Estes Park that are sure to put a spring in your step.

Mrs. Walch’s Gardens

A sort of hidden oasis in the center of town, Mrs. Walch’s Gardens is located at the west end of Elkhorn Avenue across from Performance Park. Visitors can walk along the winding path that guides them to a peaceful pond. Rest peacefully on a bench or explore the garden during any season and become inspired by the abundant colors of nature. Enjoy a colorful display of plants native to Estes Park and the surrounding Rocky Mountain Region with Star Lilies, Western Chokecherries, Waxflowers, and so much more! It is open from dawn till dusk and admission is free.

Big Thompson Riverwalk

While not an official garden, there are many sections along the Big Thompson Riverwalk in town that feature blooming wildflowers come early May into late June and July. The Riverwalk begins at the Estes Park Visitor’s Center making this a great place to begin your Estes Park adventure. Be sure to ask the staff for more information about where to see more spring wildflowers and colorful blooms.

Krueger Rock Trail

A local favorite and one of the most popular hikes outside of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Krueger Rock Trail. A four-mile loop features a moderate climb in elevation, but its star of the show are the panoramic views of Estes Valley and mountain peaks in the distance. Plus, the trail is complemented with dozens of wildflowers during the spring months.

Grouped in a nearby meadow, it is like a garden of colorful blooms come late May and early June with blue and purple Mountain Iris. Even heading into summer, hikers will see red Kings Crown and yellow Snow Buttercup through August. You can access the trail through the Hermit Park Open Space.

Alpine Visitor Center

Take the drive up to the Alpine Visitor Center via the famous Trail Ridge Road to see the stunning alpine gardens at 11,796 feet! The road opens fully after Memorial Day, just in time to catch some early spring and summer blooms. Not only are the flowers beautiful but it is one of the most spectacular places to see the Continental Divide because of the elevation it reaches at its highest point at 12,183 feet. Walk the Tundra Nature Trail or Ute Trail at the Alpine Visitor Center to see colorful Alpine Avens and Alpine Forget-Me-Nots.

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

Take in the beauty of the Rockies with these spring gardens in Estes Park and with a stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts. Many guests staying at our cabins and vacation rentals can enjoy colorful wildflowers right from their window! Our vacation rentals are just minutes from the park’s entrance and offer beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery, all on a budget you can afford. Choose from cabins with a hot tub, cabins with a fireplace, or cabins on the river. No matter what you book, it’s the perfect setting for enjoying springtime in the Rockies.

One of the more unique ways to see Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains is by way of horseback. It’s a great way to cover more ground yet still at a leisurely pace. There are several stables in the area that offer guided horseback rides, both inside the park and nearby. Estes Park even has some stables that offer riding year-round. Whether you are an experienced rider, or this is your first time there are horses and trails for all ability levels. Discover these horseback riding trails near Estes Park and begin your ride today!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Inside Rocky Mountain National Park there are many trails open to horses. Approximately 260 miles of trails are open to commercial and private horse use, making up about 80% of the total trail network in the park. The best part is there are trails for all skill levels, so both families and experienced riders can enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. A few popular horseback riding trails near Estes Park include the following:

Easy

Alberta Falls
Little Horseshoe Park Trail
South Lateral Moraine Trail

Moderate

Bierstadt Lake Loop
Cub Lake Trail
Fern Lake Trail

Difficult

Chasm Lake
Twin Sisters Peak
Lawn Lake Trail

Glacier Creek Stables is the only stable located inside the park. They offer 1.5-hour rides along with longer two and three-hour rides through the park.

Stables in Estes Park

There are several stables outside of the park as well that are happy to take you out on the trails for an afternoon of horseback riding. Sombrero Stables in Estes Park is a popular choice amongst visitors. They offer one and two-hour rides that take you to scenic viewpoints of the Continental Divide, Long’s Peak, and Estes Valley.

SK Horses is another favorite option in town. Enjoy guided rides through Rocky Mountain National Park or the Roosevelt National Forest. Their most popular is the two-hour ride that follows the Fall River to the base of Deer Mountain and Aspen Glen area into Lil Horseshoe Park and Hidden Meadows. Take in the beauty of wildflowers that dot the area, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains nearby. They also feature three and four-hour rides as well. And if you are really up for a full day, sign up for their six-hour ride that takes you to the top of Deer Mountain for panoramic views of the Continental Divide.

Best time for horseback riding near Estes Park

Many of the stables open for the season in mid to late-May for the summer and fall seasons. While you can technically take your horses out on the trail any time of year, winter is not advisable. Even spring can be a bit muddy, so late spring into the summer months is your best time for horseback riding.

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

After a full day exploring these horseback riding trails near Estes Park, come back to your cozy cabin at Rocky Mountain Resorts and relax with a good book, a glass of wine or beer, curled up by the fire, or soaking in your relaxing hot tub. Choose from our cabins with a private hot tub, cabins with a fireplace, or even accommodations with a whirlpool tub. Either way, an evening of relaxation isn’t far away when booking one of our Estes Park lodging options.

Is Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park? A question that gets asked many times, is one that we can easily answer. Yes, in a sense. We get to the bottom of this question and a few others below about visiting Estes Park and RMNP.

Is Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park?

The easy answer is yes. Estes Park is a town, not a park, next to Rocky Mountain National Park. The town is best known as “the gateway to the Rockies,” as well as the National Park. When people plan their visit to RMNP, typically they make Estes Park their home base because the town is near three of the main entrances into the park.

The park’s east entrance is located on Highway 36, 3.5 miles west of Estes Park. This is the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. This station is usually the most popular, receiving the highest volume of visitors each year. Plus, just 19 miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7 is the Wild Basin Entrance Station, known as one of the more remote areas of the park. This entrance typically sees less traffic than the Beaver Meadows station.

Traveling north of the Beaver Meadows station, on Highway 34, roughly four miles west of Estes Park, is the Fall River Entrance Station. This station is less than half a mile from the park’s newest visitor center, the Fall River Visitor Center.

And last, on the west side of the park, roughly two miles from the town of Grand Lake is the Grand Lake Entrance Station. Here you can visit the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley. The famous Trail Ridge Road is the scenic byway that connects the two towns and is a great way to see much of the park all in one day!

What came first?

Technically the official formation of Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915, with the formal incorporation of the town of Estes Park taking place in 1917. But long before its incorporation, the area of Estes Park had been discovered by its first permanent residents, the Estes family, in the late 1800s, and the likes of Abner Sprague in 1905. But the declaration of the National Park was what really put Estes Park on the map.

Should I stay in Estes Park?

The town of Estes Park offers plenty to do including shopping, dining, outdoor activities, festivals, and year-round events. Downtown Estes Park is the main hub of town and where you will find most restaurants, art galleries, and shops, along with the Riverwalk. From central downtown, you are only 10 minutes from the Fall River Entrance Station, making a day in the mountains and in town possible!

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

We know when you’re on vacation all you want to do is disconnect from the world and not be on your phones or computers. But some of the best ways to explore Rocky Mountain National Park is with a few helpful apps. From top trails to stargazing, here are the best apps for RMNP.

NPS App

The NPS App is the official app of the National Park Service. Yoru can find interactive maps, guided tours, trails, and much more. It’s a great app to help you get started with your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.

AllTrails

AllTrails is an app that features almost every trail for hiking, biking, climbing, and more. You can search “hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park” or “top hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park” to get a sense of what’s in the area. The app gives mileage, photos, difficulty rating, and more for each trail. But one of the best features is the reviews. It is nice to see how others describe the trail, especially during shoulder seasons (fall and spring) when conditions can vary greatly.

Hiking Project and Mountain Project

The Hiking Project and Mountain Project are sister apps that guide users to all the best hikes and rock climbing routes in the area. The app will offer suggestions of the best hikes or climbing routes with expert tips and things you need to know before heading out. A big difference in these apps from AllTrails is that they offer a few additional technical pieces of information and detailed-oriented descriptions about the trails.

Peak Visor

Know what you’re looking at with the Peak Visor app. When visiting RMNP, you will come across numerous mountain peaks and the Peak Visor app will help you identify them using augmented reality technology. Simply point your phone (camera) to the mountain in front of you and the app will tell you everything including its height, name, and the info about surrounding peaks.

Star Tracker

If you plan to view the night sky while inside the park be sure to download the Star Tracker app. Name and identify 88 constellations, over 8,000 celestial objects, the moon, and planets. Using augmented reality technology as well, the app highlights the position of the subjects you’re looking for (or at). You can even add graphics that show the 12 zodiac signs and more.

Rocky Mountain Channel

For information about Estes Park, RMNP, and the area, be sure to download the Rocky Mountain Channel app. Use it to find the best dining spot, local activities, history of the area, and more. The app includes Rocky Mountain Channel live, nature documentaries, information about hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park podcasts, and local attractions. It’s your go-to for all things Rocky Mountain!

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

Complete your Rocky Mountain experience with your home away from home at Rocky Mountain Resorts. Located just minutes from downtown Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, we offer a variety of accommodations; from cabins and cottages to larger vacation homes. Be sure to find your perfect mountain getaway by using our search feature where you can select the type of lodging, dates, and the specific amenities you want.