Colorado
Estes Park, CO is a popular gateway for those visiting Rocky Mountain National Park as a charming mountain town bursting with natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. There is so much more to Estes Park than being a home base for epic RMNP hiking and scenic drives. This guide is designed to help you make the most of your visit, from where to stay, where to eat, and things to do, offering a taste of everything that makes Estes Park such a beloved destination.
Driving the Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most breathtaking experiences in Colorado. Known as the highest continuous paved road and home to the highest National Park visitor’s center in the United States, Trail Ridge Road offers stunning mountain views, diverse wildlife, and access to the park's alpine terrain. This 48-mile scenic drive takes you over 12,000 ft of elevation, through the heart of RMNP making it a must-see for nature lovers and road trippers.
East of Colorado Springs and south of Denver is a Colorado hidden gem of natural and colorful clay formations, located in Calhan, CO. If you are looking for a unique landscape day trip from Denver or Colorado Springs or an off-the-beaten-path Colorado site, Paint Mines Interpretive Park is it!
Bear Lake Road Corridor in Rocky Mountain National Park is a highly sought after corner of the park for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking alpine lakes, wildlife, and top-notch national park hiking trails. The 9.2 mile scenic, paved road begins just past the Beaver Meadows Entry Station near Estes Park, and ends at the Bear Lake parking lot and trailhead. This blog details some must-see and do sites along the Bear Lake Corridor, where to stay nearby, and more, to get your ready for your trip.