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In a valley resting between the towering white peaks of the Rocky Mountains, sits a small mountain village called Estes Park, Colorado. This historic, elk-and-family-friendly mountain town has seen millions of visitors traversing into the valley over the years to enjoy it’s beauty as well as it’s many outdoor activities, entertainment, lodging and dining options. Sitting at 7,500 feet, the summer is prime time for visitors, as they descend on Estes to enjoy the the shops, restaurants, taffy stores, ice cream shoppes, and year-round Christmas shoppes. And while downtown Estes is as lively as it gets in the summer, the area’s greatest claim to fame is serving as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, America’s oldest and most popular national park.
To truly take in all that this region of the Rocky Mountains has to offer, you’re encouraged to plan on at least three days for exploring, shopping, fishing, hiking, and dining. Rocky Mountain National Park deserves a day or two of exploration on its own, with a recommended one-day trip over and back on Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in America.
With so many things to do both inside and outside the national park, we hope you'll take the time to enjoy all that the Estes Park area has to offer. And when you’re ready to plan that trip for memory-making, here are some of the best places to stay to make your trip to Estes Park a treasured one…
#1
Best Place for Small Family Reunions (22 or Less): Koenig Lodge
2343 Aspen Brook, Estes Park – KoenigLodge.com
Koenig Lodge is a roomy, 5,200 square foot lodge retreat right on the Big Thompson River and just minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park, the YMCA of the Rockies (just 1/2 mile), and downtown Estes Park. Your family will enjoy the sights and sounds of the river just outside both the top and lower levels of the lodge. The fishermen in the family can wet a line to their heart’s content up and down the river. Hike the hundreds of trails found in America's first national park, or simply relax with your family in our huge great room with fireplace, game table and 12-person dining table.
With two kitchens, three fireplaces, six bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, game room with arcades-foosball-ping pong table, secret play room for the kids and plenty of space for multiple families to enjoy, Koenig Lodge is great for family reunions, retreats and smaller groups up to 20.
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#2
Best Place for Big Family Reunions and Events (21+): YMCA of the Rockies
2515 Tunnel Rd., Estes Park - YMCARockies.org
For large groups, the YMCA of the Rockies couldn’t come more highly recommended. Both young and old will enjoy the plethora of activities “the Y” has to offer: horseback riding, mini golf, zipline, craft shop, volleyball and basketball courts, and a library full of children’s books and games. There are plenty of group activities and scheduled programs, too, including sessions on wildlife, fly fishing, survival skills and even guided hikes through Rocky Mountain National Park. Lodging options include two- and three-bedroom cabins, lodge rooms, and even pet-friendly vacation homes featuring fireplaces and full kitchens. And on top of all of that, the views from the YMCA of the Rockies are some of the best in the entire valley.
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#3
Best Historic B and B:
The Baldpate Inn
4900 South Hwy. 7, Estes Park – BaldpateInn.com
Open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, the historic Baldpate Inn offers a traditional bed and breakfast experience in a more remote setting for those who truly want to get back to nature. Built in 1917, the Inn offers rooms in the main log-structured lodge, as well as several separate cabins for those wanting to get away from it all. Delicious breakfasts are served in the Baldpate’s main dining area, where wall-to-wall windows offer incredible views of Estes Park and wonderful opportunities for hummingbird and wildlife watching. And perhaps one of the most interesting highlights of the Baldpate Inn is their Key Room, where more than 20,000 keys have been left by guests and hang from the ceiling and walls for visitors to see.
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#4
Best Night Time Views of Estes Park: The Crags
300 Riverside Dr., Estes Park – diamondresortsandhotels.com/resorts/the-historic-crags-lodge
Climb the short, windy road up the Historic Crags Lodge, and you won’t be disappointed in your stay at one of the original Estes Park lodges sitting on the north side of Prospect Mountain. Managed by Diamond Resorts and Hotels, the Crags opened it’s doors in 1914 and has been beautifully updated and redecorated for the perfect combination of rustic elegance. Featuring lovely mountain décor, hot tub, swimming pool and unmatched views of Estes Park—especially impressive at night—from the famous hotel restaurant “The View”, the Crags will not disappoint those looking to have their breath taken away.
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#5
Best Luxury Hotel:
The Estes Park Resort
1700 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park – TheEstesParkResort.com
The magnificence of Colorado is truly captured at this luxurious mountain retreat, a perfect choice for the most discriminating of travelers to Estes Park. With 54 stately lakefront guest rooms and suites, nearly all with vast views of the Rocky Mountains, The Estes Park Resort offers visitors nearly every accoutrement the most elegant hotels of the world have to offer. From hot stone massages and facials to one of the premier restaurants in the area—Waterfront Grille—the resort leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the finest in amenities and experiences. Pillowtop mattresses, down comforters and unmatched views of Longs Peak—the crown jewel of Colorado’s northern rockies—will certainly make your experience at The Estes Park Resort one to remember.
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#6
Best Historical Hotel:
The Stanley Hotel
333 Wonderview Ave., Estes Park – StanleyHotel.com
Perhaps the most famous lodging option in Estes Park is the The Stanley Hotel. A popular spot for weddings, events and meetings, the Stanley’s unique history—named for the inventor of the Stanley steam engine, served as a filming site for both The Shining and Dumb and Dumber, and owning a reputation for paranormal activity—truly makes the Stanley the most unique place to stay in the valley. The hotel features 140 updated guest rooms, a wonderful on-site restaurant and an actual Stanley Steam Engine car in the historic hotel lobby. The Stanley Hotel is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, landing it on our mandatory short-list for great places to stay in Estes Park.
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#7
Best Place for Couples:
Boulder Brook on Fall River
1900 Fall River Road, Estes Park – BoulderBrook.com
With a “couples-only” policy, Boulder Brook on Fall River truly caters to those looking for a true getaway, ready to leave the hustle and bustle of the hectic world behind. Situated on the banks of the serene Fall River, couples with reason to celebrate—or needing a reason to celebrate—will welcome all that Boulder Brook has to offer. From in-room massages, fireplaces for cozying-up, jetted tubs for two, riverside seating, and the peace and quiet longed for by so many, Boulder Brook on Fall River is sure to satisfy those seeking to reconnect.
If you love visiting Estes Park as much as we do…and you have a “Best Place…” lodging nomination, leave your comments below. If we agree, we’ll post your nominee along with this list…and we’ll send you an Estes Park memento as a thank you!
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