Fall & Winter Parks
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Rocky Mountain
Where to stay
Grand Lake Lodge
Right on Grand Lake. With Adams Falls trail nearby, you can take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall.
WHERE TO HIKE
Emerald Lake
Only 3.5 miles round trip, it won’t make you work too hard to receive some spectacular views. We recommend trying to use the free park shuttle if you plan on arriving mid-morning, as this trail is heavily hiked. You will get to see various lakes on your way to your destination, such as Dream Lake and Nymph Lake, but the ultimate prize is Emerald Lake.
MUST SEE LANDMARK
The Stanley Hotel
If you are a movie junkie, this place inspired the greatest horror movies of all-time: The Shining. In fact, it was upon visiting the hotel in 1974 with his wife that King began to dream up this storyline as he roamed the halls at night.
WHERE TO SEE SUNRISE/SUNSET
Rainbow Curve
A view of several 13ers and no obstructions blocking your view, this is the ideal location to be when the sun is peeping over the mountains or tucking away for the night. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather as the conditions can change very quickly, and being this exposed that high up can be very dangerous.
QUINTESSENTIAL SCENIC DRIVE
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road connects Rainbow Curve and Gore Range Overlooks, so those are already two great reasons to make this drive. However, the views are endless along this historic route. Keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife that may be roaming about
SECRET SPOT
Ghost Towns!
One you should check out is Dutchtown. Although there is not much left of this town, the history behind it is interesting. It used to be a mining town located in the Never Summer Mountains, and the residents were made up of people from another abandoned town called Lulu City.
WHERE TO REFUEL
Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew
With affordable pricing and barbeque that will make you feel like you are in the South, this is a great place to spend an afternoon at! We recommend ordering the Mile High Cheese Fries.
WHERE TO ENJOY A COLD ONE
Elkins Distilling Co.
The bright red exterior gives off the vibe that you are walking into a barn, and the wood-paneled walls decorated with game compliments it well. You can find a cozy spot inside or outside on their patio, and take in the views of Longs and Meeker Peaks!
SELFIE SPOT
Gore Range Overlook
with the Never Summer Mountains being your backdrop. There are many peaks that you can view at this location, so make sure to bring a map with you to be able to figure out which peak is which!
RADICAL ACTIVITY
YMCA of the Rockies
You can partake in: Archery, fly fishing, horseback riding, rock climbing, ziplining, mini golf. Yoga, swimming and much more. You will need to make sure to have lots of energy when you go visit YMCA of the Rockies.
Julia & Tanner
@rockymountainroamers
Location:
Highlands Ranch, CO
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