Rocky Mountain National Park - Easy Trip Planning Tips
- elleno1962
- Dec 18, 2023
- 3 min read
By July 2021, traveling during the pandemic seemed more manageable. Covid vaccinations were becoming increasingly available to the masses. Finally, traveling appeared more safe again.
With Europe still essentially closed to American tourists, I racked my brain for a U.S destination where I could use my American Airlines companion voucher easily.
Travelers Tip: With an American Airlines Mastercard, along with a free checked bag , you also receive a Companion Ticket with qualifying purchasing. I’ve enjoyed many perks using my AA Mastercard and highly recommend any airline credit card for anyone who travels by plane often.
Colorado made the most sense. We could take non-stop flights to Denver, a city I had not visited and the Rocky Mountain National Park is an easy 90 minute drive from the airport.
This trip is remembered as a favorite. It was easy to plan and you just can’t beat the beauty Colorado has to offer.
Since our flight got us into Denver late, we chose to stay at the nearby Westin in Westminster, a suburb of Denver. After a good night's sleep we spent the afternoon at the Denver Botanic Garden. Despite the upper 80's temps, the gardens were in excellent condition.
Traveler’s Tip: The DBG is easily one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever visited and was “free” (using my shared garden pass I purchased earlier in the year at Cheekwood in Nashville).
The Inn at Fall River in Estes Park proved to be a fabulous home base for our mountain vaca. Our spacious cabin featured a private sitting area by the river, our own hot tub steps from the back door, a fully equipped kitchen, and fireplace in the “bedroom” including a jacuzzi tub.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is spectacular! Fortunately, my friend Michael warned me about needing timed tickets to enter the park because of the pandemic so we were not disappointed at any of the entrances.
Just driving the Trail Ridge Road is an adventure. If you have the time, check out the 9 mile long Old Fall River Road, built in 1920. Navigating the sharp turns of the switchbacks is a better thrill than most roller coaster rides, trust me.
Travelers Tip: While driving the Trail Ridge Road, parking the car and walking to the Holzwarth Historic Site is worth the side trip. The short trail is flat and easy to negotiate.
On our second day, Pete and I entered the lesser known part of the park and hiked to almost 9,000 feet elevation past Copeland and Calypso Falls. The following day, we hiked 760 feet vertically to Emerald Lake (at over 10,000 feet elevation).
Traveler’s Tip: Rocky Mountain National Park offers shuttle service via buses. To see Emerald Lake, use the Bear Lake shuttle from the park and ride lot.
Pete and I found two full days at Rocky Mountain National Park the perfect amount of time to spend exploring the park.
After checking out of our cabin, we made our way back toward Denver and spent a fantastic afternoon at Cherokee Ranch outside of Castle Rock. The ranch’s “castle” was built for Charles Alfred Johnson in 1925. Pete and I enjoyed high tea and a tour in this 15th century replica of a Scottish castle.
Traveler’s Tip: Cherokee Ranch is definitely worth a visit. I say skip the expensive high tea (super sweet goodies too much for me personally) and instead enjoy the one hour castle tour led by friendly volunteer docents.
Castle Rock is a cute town with loads of great restaurants. Be sure to check their events schedule if staying in the area. On the evening of our visit, we saw Tusk - a Fleetwood Mac tribute band.
In a nutshell, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is a must do. Estes Park is a fantastic spot to call headquarters for your mountain adventures. Post pandemic, I can only imagine that early planning is essential. Time tickets are no longer needed but making early reservations at any of the resorts is a must.
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