Lunch Rock is a mountaintop venue at the top of Winter Park Resort in Winter Park, Colorado — about 90 minutes west of Denver. Sitting at over 10,700 feet, it's only accessible by gondola, with breathtaking views of the Continental Divide. Both the ceremony and reception will be held at Lunch Rock. Once you arrive at the top of the gondola, our day-of team and signage will guide you to the ceremony space with a short shuttle ride. Cocktail hour and reception follow in the same location, so no need to travel between events. Resort Address: 85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, CO 80482
The gondola is located at the base of Winter Park Resort, just outside Zephyr Mountain Lodge. Look for the main gondola at the base village — our day-of signage will help direct you. The last gondola up leaves promptly at 4:30 PM — there are no later rides up the mountain, and the ceremony starts at 5:00 PM. Arrive at the gondola base by 4:00 PM to allow time for parking and boarding Parking is available close by, with a short walk down to the gondola The gondola ride up takes approximately 15 minutes A short shuttle at the top will then take you to the ceremony site at Lunch Rock.
Ceremony: 5:00 PM Reception: Follows ceremony, ends at 10:30 PM
Rotating shuttles will run from Lunch Rock down to the base throughout the evening, so if you'd like to leave early at any point after the ceremony, you're welcome to catch one whenever you're ready. The gondola will be closed for the evening, so the shuttles are the only way down — they'll continue running until reception ends and all guests are off the mountain.
Formal, with a Western flare if you so choose. Think suits, cocktail dresses, or floor-length gowns — and feel free to lean into the mountain setting with bolo ties, boots, or other Western touches if that's your style. The ceremony is outdoors at over 10,700 feet — temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, even in August. We recommend bringing a layer (wrap, shawl, jacket, or pashmina) you can dress up.
Winter Park is approximately 90 miles from DEN, with a typical drive time of 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. The route takes you through Denver and over scenic Berthoud Pass on US-40 — a beautiful mountain drive, but expect winding roads and potential weekend traffic. Getting there: Rental car — easiest option, especially if you'd like flexibility once you're in town Shuttle services — companies like Home James Transportation and Peak 1 Express offer scheduled and private rides between DEN and Winter Park Rideshare — Uber/Lyft are available but can be expensive at this distance Plan to leave plenty of buffer time, especially on weekends when I-70 mountain traffic can be unpredictable.
The Lift is Winter Park's free public shuttle. Free year-round transit connecting Winter Park Resort, downtown Winter Park, Fraser, and Granby 8 routes, running roughly every 30–60 minutes Operates daily from 7:30 AM to midnight (winter/spring schedule; summer hours can be slightly reduced) Free on-call evening service from 6 PM to midnight between any designated stops Track buses via The Lift Rider app, or call 970-726-4163