A Romantic Rocky Mountain Vacation in Captivating Colorado
Custom Search
By Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Dec 24, 2011
As you make your way through this part of the state of Colorado, you'll find terrific high country hiking, all kinds of wonderful wildlife, and vibrant forests and meadows.
First, a few need-to-knows about holidays in this part of the rocky Mountains in Colorado.
When's the best time to Visit the Rocky Mountains? In general, you’ll be able to cover more ground and see more of Colorado in the summer. Trail Ridge Road is open only June to mid-October, and there are greater choices available for accommodation and dining in surrounding areas during the summertime.
Any weekend from mid June to mid August can be very busy, especially on the highways leading out of Denver. A great time to visit is September, especially after Labor Day. Winter driving conditions can make Colorado’s mountain country treacherous.
Keep in mind however that snow can fall in Colorado's highest elevations even in summer! Also, prepare for strong winds as you climb above the tree line. Denver – Estes Park3 places to begin or extend your Colorado vacation before/after traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park are:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park is a spectacular place, with majestic snow capped peaks, awesome alpine tundra and wildlife in its natural surroundings. Entrance fee for vehicles, as of Dec 24, 2011: $20
First order of the day: pick up some hiking info from the Visitor Center, just past the park entrance.
The key is to hike the many trails leading away from the road. There are lots of marked hiking paths, varying in length and difficulty. Bear Lake Nature Trail has a good choice of walks. Also worth checking out are the trails up to Twin Sisters Peaks.
Keep in mind the higher elevation – if you become fatigued or short of breath, relax and slow down. Drink plenty of water, and find some shade too. It may be helpful to descend in altitude as well.
The trails on the west side of the park tend to be less crowded. The Colorado River Trail is full of wildlife and takes you to the old ghost town of Lulu City. The 1 km East Inlet trail, just east of Grand Lake, leads to the impressive Adams Falls.
There are 5 visitor centers located throughout the park that contain hiking and trail information.
The backbone of the park is the Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34), a high altitude 50 mile roadway that winds around snowfields, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls. The scenic views here are just amazing! Sweeping vistas of peaks, meadows, forests and meadows. While crossing the continental divide, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including elk, moose and bighorn sheep.
As you might expect on a popular road like this, you won’t be alone. The park attracts several million visitors each year. But with a little foot work, you can find some wilderness solitude, and really experience the exhilarating feeling of the high country. Romantic Sunsets & Stargazing in Colorado
And while you’re at it, wait for the night sky – it’s amazing! With no “light pollution” from nearby cities or streets, you’ll be awed by just how many stars you can see!
Camping on Your Rocky Mountain VacationCamping in the wilderness can make for a great romantic trip! There are 5 campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each is easily accessible by car.
The number of sites, months of operation, elevation, facilities and price of each varies. It is very advisable to make reservations well in advance for the Moraine Park campsite. You can do it by calling 877-444-6777. Romantic Accommodation Near Rocky Mountain National Park(Note: There are no hotels or cabins in Rocky Mountain National Park itself - the closest accommodation is in neaby Estes Park, CO.)If you prefer a little more pampering on your Rocky Mountain vacation, there’s some nice romantic choices for couples here: The Haber Motel - in a very handy location in downtown Estes Park, the Haber Motel offers whirlpool tub suites, flat screen TV's and free WiFi (Update: The Haber closes for the winter but will re-open for the spring & summer on March 2, 2012).
More Romantic Hotels in Estes Park, CO include:
For Deals, Reviews and Photos of these Hotels, Click Here. Rocky Mountain Vacation: Flights & MapDenver is the closest major airport, and is well served by many carriers. United Airlines has a major hub here, and both Frontier and Southwest also serve DEN with numerous flights.
Return from Rocky Mountain Vacation to Wilderness vacations
New! ERV Reader's CommentsHave Your Say - Leave a Comment in the Box Below. |
