The Alpine Visitor Center is roughly the halfway point of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a good place to stop and rest before continuing the rest of the drive.
Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the great scenic roads in the United States. It covers 48 miles of US 34 between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake and reaches a high point of 12,183 feet.
On the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park are two small mountain lakes that are worth visiting. Sprague Lake and Bear Lake both have short trails around them and are a great opportunity to spot wildlife. They’re located near the Glacier Basin campground.
The song “America the Beautiful” makes reference to “purple mountain majesties”. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado helped make sense of that line for me. The unparalleled beauty of the Rocky Mountains is on full display in this park.
Estes Park, Colorado, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and northern terminus of the Peak to Peak National Scenic Byway, is quite a contrast to the pristine nature that surrounds it. The small city has several hotels, restaurants, and shops to distract visitors from the natural beauty.
If traveling between Denver and Estes Park, it’s a great idea to drive down the Peak to Peak National Scenic Byway. This 55 mile route takes a bit longer but is well worth the time.
Before going to Denver, I was told not to leave without eating dinner at the Buckhorn Exchange. This steakhouse has been serving up steaks, Old West classics, and exotic meats since 1893. It’s located in a historic building in Denver’s oldest neighborhood.
Downtown Denver is home to many offices and skyscrapers, but it also has a great cultural, entertainment, and shopping district. 16th Street Mall and LoDo (Lower Downtown) are the hot areas.
Every Labor Day weekend, Denver hosts A Taste of Colorado at Civic Center Park. This food festival also features live music, rides, games, shopping, and more. Admission is free and it’s a fun event to attend as summer comes to a close.
Civic Center Park is at the heart of Denver. It’s a large public park containing 25,000 ft² of flower beds. It also has monuments, a Greek amphitheater, a war memorial, and other statues.