We had one day to experience Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park before heading home to Missouri and somehow it turned into one of the most memorable days of our entire summer.
We started in Estes Park, hopping on the trolley, finding our way through the garden maze, and stepping inside the historic Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining. Even if you're not staying there, it's worth stopping by. Before heading into the park, we grabbed lunch at Penelope's and tried the elk burgers. When in Colorado. 🦌
Then it was on to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the entire National Park System at 11,796 feet. From there, we hiked the Alpine Ridge Trail, just half a mile but climbing another 200 feet to 12,000 feet above sea level. The views from the top are something we won't forget.
Fair warning—altitude is no joke. I didn't realize how much it had affected me until we got back to the car. It honestly felt like I was coming down with the flu. If you're visiting from lower elevations, take your time, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.
✨ Highlights:
🚋 Estes Park Trolley — an easy way to explore the town
🌿 Stanley Hotel — the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining
🌀 Estes Park Garden Maze — fun for the whole family
🦌 Penelope's — don't miss the elk burger
🏔️ Alpine Visitor Center — the highest visitor center in the National Park System (11,796 ft)
🥾 Alpine Ridge Trail — a short 0.5-mile hike to 12,000 feet with incredible panoramic views
🦌 Wildlife throughout the park — keep your eyes open along Trail Ridge Road
💡 Helpful Tips:
🎟️ Timed entry permits are required May 22 through mid-October — reserve yours in advance at recreation.gov
🤢 Altitude sickness is real — drink plenty of water, take it slow, and don't push yourself too hard
🧥 Bring layers — weather at nearly 12,000 feet can change quickly, even in summer
⛈️ Afternoon storms are common during the summer — plan to finish hikes before they roll in
🚗 Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. — worth the drive even if you don't hike
🍔 Grab a meal in Estes Park before entering the park if you want more dining options
🎟️ America the Beautiful Pass is accepted here
Whether you have a full week or just one day, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park prove you don't need much time to create unforgettable memories.
📍 Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park, Colorado
🔗 https://www.nps.gov/romo
@estespark
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