Emily & Alex
Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our favorite place to visit. Some of our favorite places to hike include Sprague Lake and Bear Lake. Visitors must pay to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, a 1-Day Pass (per car) is $25 and a 7-Day Pass (per car) is $35.
Trail Ridge Road
One of our favorite scenic drives is Trail Ridge Road, which covers 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west. We recommend accessing Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park and taking it to the Alpine Visitor Center. The drive is beautiful and there are several pull offs for photos or hikes. Since the road is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, you must pay the park's entry fee.
The Estes Park Resort
The Estes Park Resort is located on Lake Estes and has a beautiful view of the mountains. There is a walking and biking path that can be taken to downtown Estes. Alex and I enjoy it for the evening bar, beautiful views and nice rooms.
Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is a beautiful historic hotel with several different room options and bigger group rentals available. Stephen King based the Shinning off of the Stanley Hotel, though it was filmed in a different location. We have not stayed at the Stanley (because Emily refuses to spend the night with Ghosts), but enjoy visiting to see the property, hotel and visit the bar (which has an extensive Scotch collection). There are also historic and ghost tours of the property available and a gift shop.
Aspen Winds on Fall River
Aspen Winds has a variety of suite sizes available and is nestled by Fall River in the mountains.
YMCA of the Rockies
We have enjoyed our stays at the YMCA of the Rockies. While the cabins are likely booked for the summer, we have stayed in the lodge rooms and enjoyed them as well. The property is beautiful and there are plenty of activities available. Also, the roommates are often cheaper in the busy summer season than other lodging options.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
If you go to Estes you have to eat at this restaurant! It is our favorite restaurant in Estes. It has a wonderful mountain feel and the food is delicious. There is usually a wait for dinner, so we recommend leaving yourself plenty of time and enjoying a drink at the bar while you wait.
Boss Burgers and Gyros
If you want a quick lunch fix this is your place! The name does not lie, the burgers and gyros are the boss!
Scratch Deli & Bakery
If you want a delicious breakfast burrito to start your morning off right this is your place!
ChopHouse & Brewery Boulder
If you happen to be staying in Boulder for the night and want to treat yourself to a delicious steak meal, you can not miss Boulder Chop House. We have many happy memories here, including celebrating Emily passing the bar.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
For guests who are staying a night in Denver, we recommend the Brown Palace for cocktails in the atrium. The hotel is stunning inside and offers live music, cocktails and appetizers Monday-Saturday from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.