Colorado - Estes Park/RMNP
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 56
Colorado - Estes Park/RMNP
Hi all, I am currently planning a September trip to Colorado, both for the desert and Rocky Mountain National Park. Half of the trip will be at Gateway Canyons resort. I know this is a long shot, but are there any relatively decent places near Estes Park/RMNP that I could/should consider? We are avid hikers so staying in Denver and driving in every day is not an option to allow for very early hiking starts. Any help is appreciated.
(I did a search but was unable to locate anything. If there is already a similar thread, please feel free to merge)
Edited to add: This trip is just my wife and me, both in mid 30s, so a family-only type place is not what I'm looking for. Thanks!
(I did a search but was unable to locate anything. If there is already a similar thread, please feel free to merge)
Edited to add: This trip is just my wife and me, both in mid 30s, so a family-only type place is not what I'm looking for. Thanks!
Last edited by NotALawyer; Apr 21, 2017 at 11:14 am
#2
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 813
IMHO, there is nothing like Gateway Canyons near RMNP. The closest property is The Stanley Hotel, but service can't compare to the Canyons. I would suggest finding a really, really good travel agent with experience in the park.
#5
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Here, there … you know how it goes.
Posts: 1,518
Agreed, the St Julien is nice. Keep in mind, though, you'll still have a bit of a drive before you get to the park. Honestly, if you're sole goal is hiking within the park, the Stanley (or elsewhere in Estes) is probably your best bet.
However, given it's CO, you've got a plethora of great hikes/climbs to choose from - even plenty of 14'ers - so you may want to have a think over how critical it is you only hike in RMNP.
Regardless, should be a fabulous trip.
However, given it's CO, you've got a plethora of great hikes/climbs to choose from - even plenty of 14'ers - so you may want to have a think over how critical it is you only hike in RMNP.
Regardless, should be a fabulous trip.