A Rocky Mountain Vacation: Estes Park, Colorado

No Rocky Mountain vacation is complete without a visit to Estes Park, Colorado. This town of approximately 6,000 is located 90 miles northwest of Denver and serves as the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The main industry of Estes Park is tourism, and is aided by the splendor of the neighboring national park. People from all over the world visit Estes Park on their Rocky Mountain vacations.

Estes Park offers a wide variety of activities. There are many local gift and souvenir shops, and most offer a selection of jewelry handcrafted by local artists. There are also several art galleries, a historical museum, and a couple of spas. A wide variety of restaurants offers everything from coffee and bagels to wild game, so you are certain to find something for everyone in your family.

Being outdoors is the best way to enjoy your Rocky Mountain vacation, and Estes Park has lots of outdoor activities to choose from. Besides camping, hiking, and fishing, you might want to try rock climbing, Alpine mountain climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, or river rafting. If you are a bit less adventurous, try golfing or bird watching. A scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park is a perfect way to view wildlife.

Finding a place to stay on your Rocky Mountain vacation is easy. In addition to chain hotels and motels, there are lots of cabins, lodges, and bed and breakfast inns to choose from. If you prefer camping, there are several campgrounds in or near town, as well as in Rocky Mountain National Park and in nearby Roosevelt National Forest.

Undoubtedly the most famous and most recognizable building in Estes Park is the Stanley Hotel. It was built by F.O. Stanley, the co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile. He originally came to Estes Park in the summer of 1903 to recover from tuberculosis. He decided to stay in the area and opened his hotel in 1909. The elegant Stanley Hotel hosted many famous guests over the years, including John Phillip Sousa, Theodore Roosevelt, the Emperor of Japan, and countless giants of business and industry, as well as many Hollywood film stars.

The Stanley Hotel experienced renewed popularity after being featured as the Overlook Hotel in the Stanley Kubrick film, The Shining. The original story was written by Stephen King after he stayed at the hotel and experienced encounters with some of the ghosts who are believed to haunt the Stanley Hotel.

The haunting of the hotel has been investigated by the television programs Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted. For those who want a truly unforgettable Rocky Mountain vacation might want to reserve room 217, where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining, or try room 418, one of the most haunted rooms in the hotel.

No matter how you want to relax on your Rocky Mountain vacation, a visit to Estes Park, Colorado can provide you with a wide variety of activities to choose from. From outdoor fun to fine dining to ghostly encounters, you are sure to find something to make your vacation one to remember for a lifetime. Joe Dockter http://rockymountainvacation.blogspot.com

Estes Park, Colorado

No Rocky Mountain vacation is complete without a visit to Estes Park, Colorado. This town of approximately 6,000 is located 90 miles northwest of Denver and serves as the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The main industry of Estes Park is tourism, and is aided by the splendor of the neighboring national park. People from all over the world visit Estes Park on their Rocky Mountain vacations.

Estes Park offers a wide variety of activities. There are many local gift and souvenir shops, and most offer a selection of jewelry handcrafted by local artists. There are also several art galleries, a historical museum, and a couple of spas. A wide variety of restaurants offers everything from coffee and bagels to wild game, so you are certain to find something for everyone in your family.

Being outdoors is the best way to enjoy your Rocky Mountain vacation, and Estes Park has lots of outdoor activities to choose from. Besides camping, hiking, and fishing, you might want to try rock climbing, Alpine mountain climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, or river rafting. If you are a bit less adventurous, try golfing or bird watching. A scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park is a perfect way to view wildlife.

Finding a place to stay on your Rocky Mountain vacation is easy. In addition to chain hotels and motels, there are lots of cabins, lodges, and bed and breakfast inns to choose from. If you prefer camping, there are several campgrounds in or near town, as well as in Rocky Mountain National Park and in nearby Roosevelt National Forest.

Undoubtedly the most famous and most recognizable building in Estes Park is the Stanley Hotel. It was built by F.O. Stanley, the co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile. He originally came to Estes Park in the summer of 1903 to recover from tuberculosis. He decided to stay in the area and opened his hotel in 1909. The elegant Stanley Hotel hosted many famous guests over the years, including John Phillip Sousa, Theodore Roosevelt, the Emperor of Japan, and countless giants of business and industry, as well as many Hollywood film stars.

The Stanley Hotel experienced renewed popularity after being featured as the Overlook Hotel in the Stanley Kubrick film, The Shining. The original story was written by Stephen King after he stayed at the hotel and experienced encounters with some of the ghosts who are believed to haunt the Stanley Hotel.

The haunting of the hotel has been investigated by the television programs Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted. For those who want a truly unforgettable Rocky Mountain vacation might want to reserve room 217, where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining, or try room 418, one of the most haunted rooms in the hotel.

No matter how you want to relax on your Rocky Mountain vacation, a visit to Estes Park, Colorado can provide you with a wide variety of activities to choose from. From outdoor fun to fine dining to ghostly encounters, you are sure to find something to make your vacation one to remember for a lifetime. Joe Dockter http://rockymountainvacation.blogspot.com

Ski Colorado on Your Rocky Mountain Vacation

A great winter Rocky Mountain vacation includes a ski trip to one of the fabulous resorts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Skiing began as a necessary means of transportation during the gold rush of the 1830s. Deep snow made roads and trails impassable, so immigrants from the Scandinavian countries showed the miners how to use skis and snowshoes to get around in the mountains. Even the postman delivered on skis!

Some of the more exclusive ski resorts include Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Telluride. The rich and famous from all over the world come here to ski and to enjoy a Rocky Mountain vacation in the spectacular scenery. Five-star hotels and gourmet meals are readily available at any of these resorts.

Other resorts that offer some of the best skiing in Colorado make up The Gems. These somewhat lesser known ski areas can offer you a great ski experience at family prices. The Gems include ski areas at Arapahoe Basin, Eldora, Loveland, Monarch Mountain, Ski Cooper, Echo Mountain, Powderhorn Resort, SolVista Basin, and Sunlight Mountain.

At the Gems you can get more Rocky Mountain vacation than you expect. Because these areas tend to be less crowded, you have less wait time for a lift to the top and more trails to ski. Each of these ski areas has its own character, so do a little research first and select the one fits your style best.

Where to stay on your Rocky Mountain vacation can be a tough decision. You can choose from five-star hotels, chain hotels, bed and breakfast inns, condos, and lodges in all price ranges. If you stay at one of the ski resort areas you might choose one with easy mountain access. A variety of rooms and suites is available at many locations. Some have in-house restaurants and all are near a wide variety of dining options, from romantic dinners for two to family dining that everyone will enjoy.

Some ski areas offer special ski packages that include transportation, room, lift tickets, and lessons. Some also offer free activities like snowshoeing and ice skating with room rental. You can enjoy Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports on your Rocky Mountain vacation. Try one or try them all!

Another consideration when planning your Rocky Mountain vacation is transportation. If you fly into Denver International Airport, do you want to rent a car, or ride one of the resort shuttles? If you want to spend more time vacationing and less time driving, or if you want to avoid driving snow packed mountain roads, you might want to fly into one of the seven regional airports that serve these mountain communities.

With more than 11.5 million skiers hitting the slopes each year, you might also want to think about when to come for your Rocky Mountain vacation. Ski season begins as early as October in places like Loveland Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin, and Silverton. The higher elevation, early snow storms, and snow making equipment help skiers get an early start in these areas.

The early season at other ski areas runs from November through most of December. The skiing is generally good, but the crowds are larger for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. If you want to find a ski bargain, wait until January. Many resorts offer discounted packages to attract post-holiday skiers. You can get a lot more Rocky Mountain vacation for your money if you shop around. February and March are generally the stormiest months in the mountains. The snow falls fast and deep. The slopes are packed with skiers looking for fresh powder. Mid-March and most of April bring spring break crowds, but again, most resorts offer bargains on ski packages, so you might want to consider planning your Rocky Mountain vacation this time of year.

The real beauty of a Rocky Mountain vacation is that you can ski almost all year round. Many resorts are often open until late June or early July, depending on the spring storms. You could have two vacations at once, skiing at the higher elevations and whitewater rafting farther down the valley. Packing for your Rocky Mountain vacation any time of the year should include layers of clothing. It might be 85 degrees and sunny in Denver, but it can be 30 and snowing along the Continental Divide. Sunscreen and lip balm with 25 SPF or higher is a must. The sun is intense in the higher elevations, even when it is cloudy. Sunglasses that provide UV protection are also a necessity. The glare from the snow can be blinding, and you really do want to see where you are going.

Winter is a great time to enjoy a Rocky Mountain vacation. There are many resorts to choose from that will fit your personal style and budget. Many offer special packages that can help you stretch your vacation dollars. A little thought and planning can help you create a perfect ski experience for yourself and your family. Come and ski Colorado!

Estes Park,Colorado: A Rocky Mountain Vacation

No Rocky Mountain vacation is complete without a visit to Estes Park, Colorado. This town of approximately 6,000 is located 90 miles northwest of Denver and serves as the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The main industry of Estes Park is tourism, and is aided by the splendor of the neighboring national park. People from all over the world visit Estes Park on their Rocky Mountain vacations.

Estes Park offers a wide variety of activities. There are many local gift and souvenir shops, and most offer a selection of jewelry handcrafted by local artists. There are also several art galleries, a historical museum, and a couple of spas. A wide variety of restaurants offers everything from coffee and bagels to wild game, so you are certain to find something for everyone in your family.

Being outdoors is the best way to enjoy your Rocky Mountain vacation, and Estes Park has lots of outdoor activities to choose from. Besides camping, hiking, and fishing, you might want to try rock climbing, Alpine mountain climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, or river rafting. If you are a bit less adventurous, try golfing or bird watching. A scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park is a perfect way to view wildlife.

Finding a place to stay on your Rocky Mountain vacation is easy. In addition to chain hotels and motels, there are lots of cabins, lodges, and bed and breakfast inns to choose from. If you prefer camping, there are several campgrounds in or near town, as well as in Rocky Mountain National Park and in nearby Roosevelt National Forest.

Undoubtedly the most famous and most recognizable building in Estes Park is the Stanley Hotel. It was built by F.O. Stanley, the co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile. He originally came to Estes Park in the summer of 1903 to recover from tuberculosis. He decided to stay in the area and opened his hotel in 1909. The elegant Stanley Hotel hosted many famous guests over the years, including John Phillip Sousa, Theodore Roosevelt, the Emperor of Japan, and countless giants of business and industry, as well as many Hollywood film stars.

The Stanley Hotel experienced renewed popularity after being featured as the Overlook Hotel in the Stanley Kubrick film, The Shining. The original story was written by Stephen King after he stayed at the hotel and experienced encounters with some of the ghosts who are believed to haunt the Stanley Hotel.

The haunting of the hotel has been investigated by the television programs Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted. For those who want a truly unforgettable Rocky Mountain vacation might want to reserve room 217, where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining, or try room 418, one of the most haunted rooms in the hotel.

No matter how you want to relax on your Rocky Mountain vacation, a visit to Estes Park, Colorado can provide you with a wide variety of activities to choose from. From outdoor fun to fine dining to ghostly encounters, you are sure to find something to make your vacation one to remember for a lifetime. Joe Dockter http://rockymountainvacation.blogspot.com