Boulder and Estes Park

Boulder and Estes Park both have great lodging options if you plan on exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have the time, I highly recommend checking out both destinations! Boulder is 35 miles south of the park and Estes Park places you in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

My ideal trip starts in Boulder and ends in Estes Park. The few times we have done this, we flew nonstop from Austin to Denver and then drove to Boulder where we stayed for 2-3 days before loading up on groceries at Whole Foods and heading to a cabin in Estes Park for 3-4 days to explore the park.

Boulder:

Boulder has so much to offer: a great trail system and plenty of opportunities to bike, hike, climb, paraglide, kayak, and paddle board. Also of note is the walkable Pearl Street district, great eateries, coffeehouses, breweries, and of course plenty of cannabis dispensaries (if that’s your jam!). The University of Colorado has several museums and a beautiful campus to roam if you are checking out colleges. Finally, Boulder is a great place to stock up on groceries before heading to Estes Park.

Estes Park:

Estes Park is an idyllic “base camp” town at the Eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. We love the abundant hiking trails and white-water rafting opportunities. Pets are prohibited on all trails in RMNP but are allowed on the trails in Estes Park. Estes Park is also the ideal spot to purchase plenty of supplies before you head deep into the national park. Looking at you, Estes Park Mountain Shop and Kirk’s Fly Shop! Outside of Kirk’s Fly Shop and breakfast/lunch at The Egg of Estes, I suggest avoiding downtown as it can get touristy and crowded.

Best time to Visit:

Both locations were once thought of as summer vacation destinations but have recently developed into year-round attractions. July, August, and September are the most popular months thanks to the mild, dry climate, offering a respite for those living in hotter, more humid locations (hello Austin!). I would avoid Boulder in May because lodging is limited the week of and the week after The University of Colorado’s graduation. In September, Estes Park fills up with photographers hoping to snap photos of elk during the rut. Early fall is when the bull elk are bugling and roaming around looking for potential mates.

Activities in Boulder:

• Hiking:
  • Chautauqua Trailhead (great views of the Boulder Flatirons)
  • Foothills Community Park (65.2 acre park located in North Boulder)
• Biking: Rent bikes from University Cycles and bike along the Boulder Creek Path. The Boulder Creek Greenway Path Trail is a 17.3 mile, moderately trafficked, out-and-back trail located in town that follows Boulder Creek and is good for all skill levels. We loved biking through parts of the CU campus.
• Paddle Boarding: Rocky Mountain Paddleboard
• Mountain Biking: Contact Colorado Wilderness for guided rides. Gear and transportation are covered. We did the easy to moderate Sandstone Trail Loop, but they cater to all skill levels and use multiple trails.
• Tandem Paragliding: We used Boulder Free Flight. Sign up for a tandem flight (land in Foothills Park!) or try their introductory course. What an experience – the take-off certainly got my heart pounding!

Lodging in Boulder:

• St Julien Hotel & Spa (fantastic location and great terrace)

Activities in Estes Park:

• Fly Fishing: Kirk’s Fly Shop offers fishing both in the park and the surrounding areas. A Colorado fishing permit is required for anyone over the age of 16.
• White Water Rafting:
  • Wanderlust Adventures: Wanderlust Adventures is the go-to rafting company for the established summer camps in the area. They offer every type of trip from the most adventurous (level IV rapids) to the more scenic adventures on The Cache la Poudre. The Poudre offers some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in the state. The river starts in the snow-capped peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, then twists, turns, and tumbles through cliffs and rock spires. For real excitement, book your trip for the high water in June.
  • Mountain Whitewater Descents wowed us with the “Wild and Scenic River Experience” near Fort Collins and Estes Park, on the Cache la Poudre!
• Hiking: There are plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails in the area (as long as you keep your pooch out of the national park).
• Horseback Riding: Sombrero Stables offers 1-2 hour trail rides.
• Via Ferrata: Kent Mountain Adventure Center offers beginner and advanced options.
• Backbone Rentals: Offers ATV, scooter, ebike, snowmobile, and jeep rentals.
• Indoor Climbing: Estes Park Mountain Shop offers indoor climbing and a great selection of outdoor gear and clothing.

Lodging in Estes Park:

Don’t expect five-star service and high-end amenities in Estes Park. Outside of the historic Stanley Hotel (the most recent upgrades are also historic…) and the brand-new Estes Park Resort, most of the available lodging is quaint log cabins, which are a perfect fit for this rugged area (and a great way to socially distance during the pandemic). My three favorites are:

• Mountain Village at Lake Estes (brand-new!): Enjoy fireplaces, washer/dryer, forced air heating & cooling (rare in this area), fully equipped kitchens, walking distance to Dunraven Restaurant, and access to all amenities at Estes Park “Resort”. The downside is that it is located in a loud and crowded area. The cabins near the road are not for light sleepers!
• Solitude Cabins: A great location with washer/dryer and walking distance to local hiking trails.
• Rams Horn Village: I highly recommend cabins 26 and 27 for the added privacy. Located one mile from the main entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.