By Suzanne Lemon
Rocky Mountain National Park, along with the bordering gateway towns of Estes Park on the east and Grand Lake on the west, provides a selection of interesting attractions to visit. If entering the park from the Estes Park side, you'll want to make a stop at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, headquarters and site of the administrative offices. The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture at Taliesin West designed the building, a national historic landmark. To obtain a quick park orientation, watch the 20-minute film offered on the half-hour and study the topographical relief map. Backcountry campers can reserve their site here. If you're entering the park from Grand Lake, drop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, about 1 mile north of town. At Kawuneeche, you'll learn about the Colorado River and can request a viewing of the park orientation film. The center presents educational programs and ranger-led hikes; you also can arrange for a backcountry campsite here.
Two other visitor centers reside in the park. At the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, the Alpine Visitor Center contains displays depicting the alpine tundra. Relish the dramatic views from this vantage point of nearly 11,800 feet, and look down upon drifting clouds and glistening glaciers. Grab a snack or stop by the ranger information station. Fall River Visitor Center, overlooking the Fall River on the park's eastern side, has hands-on exhibits that entertain the kids as well as occasional history and wildlife presentations. Since food is not plentiful in the park, you might want to take advantage of the adjacent restaurant, which has an outdoor patio with great views.
Immerse yourself in alpine splendor by embarking on a scenic drive. Bear Lake Road runs from Upper Beaver Meadows to Bear Lake, site of several hiking trails that entice cross-country skiers during winter. If you don't want to deal with the summer traffic and are happy just to gaze at the scenery—such as soaring snow-capped peaks and abundant wildlife—you can pull into the Park & Ride lot and catch a shuttle bus that travels to and from Bear Lake. Considered the nation's highest continuously paved road, Trail Ridge Road reaches an elevation of approximately 12,180 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Be sure to bring your camera, as you will encounter magnificent views from pullouts along the way. You'll experience a variety of ecosystems on the winding route, from meadows to forests to alpine tundra. (Do exercise caution if you're unaccustomed to mountain driving, and dress in layers to anticipate sudden weather changes.)
Moraine Park Discovery Center , in a historic lodge near the Beaver Meadows entrance, displays objects relative to the park's cultural and natural history. Works from the artist-in-residence program illustrate park scenery, while hands-on exhibits focusing on such subjects as ecosystems, climate and glaciations entertain visitors of all ages.
While sightseeing in Estes Park, you might want to begin with the Aerial Tramway to obtain a birds-eye view of the area. The tram ventures above the tree line to an observation deck atop Prospect Mountain, where a stunning panorama includes Rocky Mountain National Park and the Continental Divide. Next, you can learn about local history at the Estes Park Museum, on the south side of Lake Estes. The permanent collection tells the story of the American Indians who first inhabited the area and the trials and tribulations of early explorers and ranchers. Articles of interest include a Stanley Steamer vehicle and an original log cabin—the old park headquarters building around back contains a rotating exhibit. The The Stanley Hotel Tours will intrigue movie buffs—the hotel is reputed to be the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel “The Shining.”
Just north of the downtown business district, MacGregor Ranch and Museum pays tribute to the state's ranching heritage. Buildings and exhibit items actually played a part in the everyday lives of the folks who homesteaded the property in 1873. Experience living history as you observe activities reminiscent of Estes Park's pioneer days, as workers tend the fields and herd cattle. From downtown, travel west on US 34/Fall River Road to visit the restored Historic Fall River Hydroplant, constructed in 1909 to power The Stanley Hotel, the first U.S. lodging to run totally on electricity. Displays interpret the history of the plant, which contains the original hydro unit and switchboard panel, the transformer yard and diesel equipment installed in later years.
Head to the resort community of Grand Lake, the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. You can either take a guided boat tour or rent your own vessel to explore Grand Lake, renowned for its fishing and for its distinction as the state's largest natural body of water. While you're in Grand Lake, you can tour Kauffman House Museum, an 1892 log hotel. In addition to admiring the structure's sturdy construction, you can peruse the dining room, kitchen and parlor—items reflecting the pioneer era include furniture, dolls, clothes, books and cookware.
See all the AAA recommended attractions for this destination.