A little oasis by a less-busy side of the park, Grand Lake has basic amenities but unbeatable access to beautiful trails. The park’s Kawuneeche Visitor Center and gift shop are also located near here.Ī compact town center here with shops, cafes and hotels is on the banks of a pair of lakes, with the mountains looming overhead in the background. Of the towns around Rocky Mountain National Park, the village of Grand Lake is closest to the west side, just outside an entrance gate with the same name. Or, for the airport, something on the northeast. For the quickest access to the mountains, pick something on the west side of town. Plentiful accommodations and vacation rental units include luxury downtown stays, budget-friendly hostels, and familiar hotel chains covering a wide swath of prices. While you’re here, you can visit the 1881 Denver Union Station, check out the United States Mint, look for bison at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and catch a concert at the famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. Known as the Mile High City, Denver has professional sports teams, multiple art museums, and a fun shopping and dining scene on the historic Larimer Square. I like to stop into Denver for some touristing before and after spending time in the Rockies. It’s a great launching point for a trip to the national park and you might even consider staying here a night or two to explore Colorado’s capital. While it’s 60-plus miles from the park, Denver is the biggest city near the Rocky Mountains a has a busy international airport. I’ve visited Golden a couple of times now and love finding cute bed and breakfasts to stay in. The town is about 60 miles from Estes Park, 20 miles south of Boulder and 15 miles west of downtown Denver. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is also less than 15 miles away. Around the town, outdoor activities abound, from the trails at Lookout Mountain Preserve, North Table Mountain Park, and Dinosaur Ridge to the stone cliffs at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. And the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave pays tribute to the Old West era.Ĭlear Creek running through Golden has spots to raft and canoe. The Colorado Railroad Museum has over 100 vintage trains. The Golden History Museum and Golden History Park showcase life in the early 1800s. The historic downtown district along Washington Avenue is full of coffee shops, eateries and boutiques. Once a gold rush town, Golden is home to the Colorado School of Mines and the Coors Brewery. While it’s a bit far for driving into Rocky Mountain Park every day, Golden makes a great vacation destination on the west side of Denver at the foothills of the mountains.
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