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Published on 19/07/2023 at 01:06 Love the outdoors but don’t have all the gear? Or perhaps you have it all but have no idea. A visit to the Rocky Mountains might seem daunting if you’re a rookie

Published on 19/07/2023 at 01:06

Love the outdoors but don’t have all the gear? Or perhaps you have it all but have no idea. A visit to the Rocky Mountains might seem daunting if you’re a rookie hiker, given its extreme altitude and all the Colorado talk of “fourteeners” – mountains rising above 14,000 feet that are pro-hiker bucket list ticks. Only one fourteener is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak. But you’re probably not planning on tackling that. Instead, there are plenty of shorter, more manageable walks and hikes for the less experienced – and if you are hiking-averse but still want to see the gorgeous wildlife, glaciers and prairies, there are also some cruisy, scenic drives worth taking that will cover plenty of the 1,074 kilometre-squared park, allowing you to get across the incredible diversity of its terrain.

Here is our guide to the Rocky Mountain National Park for anyone *not* so keen on packing a four-day trek’s worth of dehydrated meals.

Bear Lake Loop

This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, so beware of crowds if that’s not for you. But it is popular for a reason – it’s easy at 0.8 miles (around 1.2 kilometres), and it’s really, really beautiful.

Big Meadows

For those after a longer hike and the chance to spot some of the Rocky Mountain National Park wildlife, the Big Meadows track will suit. At 3.6 miles in total (approximately 5.7km), it runs through dense forests and past fields known as hotspots for moose and elk.

Tundra Communities Trail

Keen to get up into the heights of the park? Starting at Rock Cut on the Trail Ridge Road (more on that later), the Tundra Communities Trail sits at over 11,000 feet above sea level. It may only be 1.1 miles (just under 2km), but given the altitude, it’s crucial you pack plenty of water and take breaks – oxygen levels are significantly depleted at this height, so even a light walk will leave you puffing.

As America’s longest continuous paved road, you can’t visit Rocky Mountain National Park and not cruise along this iconic byway. While the road is winding and, at some points, very narrow with steep cliff sides, it’s still a relatively easy drive if you’re confident on the right side of the road. Take it slowly, and you won’t be sorry.

The route is easy to find using a mapping app, and once you’re on it, it runs right through from Deer Ridge Junction to Grand Lake, reaching its highest point of 12,183 ft (3,713 metres) at Fall River Pass.

There are several must-visit stops along the way.

Gore Range Overlook

Just past the Alpine Visitor Centre (worth a stop if you need a snack or warm drink) is Gore Range Overlook, which showcases the ice-topped mountains and incredible heights of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rainbow Curve

This is one to visit as the sun is setting if you have time! The incredible colours wash over the craggy mountains and treetops, creating a spectacular photo opportunity.

Deer Ridge Junction

Whether you’re starting here or ending your drive, be sure to stop and check for elk and moose, which frequent the prairies of Deer Ridge Junction often (and may be responsible for a little traffic as other tourists try to get their snaps!).

Estes Park is the easiest town to base yourself in when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. An easy, hour-and-a-half drive from Denver, it’s got plenty of restaurants, cafes and boutique shopping options and is filled with cosy accommodations, too.

The Stanley Hotel

Does The Stanley Hotel look familiar? That’s because it served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s acclaimed novel, The Shining. So you’ve probably seen it on a few “iconic hotels of the world” lists (although the film starring Jack Nicholson used an Oregon hotel for its exterior). It’s also reputed to be haunted if that’s your thing. But if luxury is what you’re after, The Stanley Hotel is easily the most bougie in Estes Park – and with that history, the most storied as well.

StoneBrook Resort

The award-winning StoneBrook Resort has all the Americana, great outdoors vibes you could want, from wood-panelled cabins with fireplaces to outdoor patios right on the Fall River. Some even include private outdoor hot tubs for soaking those tired legs after a long day’s hike.

Hotel Estes

One of the more budget-friendly options, Hotel Estes, has great views of the Rockies and comfortable rooms a short drive from the centre of town. Breakfast is included, and if you’re lucky, there might even be S’mores on offer of an evening.

While Estes Park isn’t flooded with fine dining options, would you even want it to be? At the end of a busy day outdoors, some good food (and maybe a spicy margarita) is easy to find, and that’s what matters.

The Egg Of Estes

Hands-down, the best breakfast spot in Estes Park. Everything on the menu is good, but we’ve got a soft spot for the omelettes, which are huge and have more than enough protein to sustain you on your adventures. Don’t skip the house-made hot sauce – and pick up a bottle to take home; you won’t regret it.

Ed’s Cantina & Grill

Ed’s Cantina & Grill dishes up delicious Mexican fare and is conveniently in the centre of town. The margaritas are a must-try if you’re a fan, and take care with the salsa if you’re not a fan of spicy – but if you are, you’re in for a treat.

SEASONED

There is fine dining in Estes Park, and one of the most famed is SEASONED. An independent, chef-owned restaurant that focuses on seasonally available produce and local suppliers expect delicious, comforting fare like meatballs and polenta, chicken confit and salmon cakes.

The writer travelled on behalf of Colorado tourism. Find out more about Colorado here.

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