Colorado Rocky Mountains

The Colorado Rockies: history

These mountains are the homeland of the Ute and Arapaho peoples. Rocky Mountain National Park was created in 1915. Trail Ridge Road, opened in 1932, crosses it at more than 12,000 feet and is the highest continuous paved road in the United States.

Estes Park, at the gate of the park, has welcomed visitors since the 1860s. Its Stanley Hotel opened in 1909. Denver was founded in 1858 during a gold rush and sits exactly one mile above sea level.

The Colorado Rockies: tourist attractions

• Trail Ridge RoadThe drive above the trees to the Alpine Visitor Center. It is open from about late May to October.
• Bear LakeAn easy loop, with short walks on to Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes. A timed entry permit is needed in summer.
• Sprague LakeA flat path around a lake with a mountain view.
• Elk in Estes ParkHerds graze in town, most of all in September and October.
• Stanley HotelA grand hotel from 1909 with a famous ghost story.
• DenverThe State Capitol, Union Station and the 16th Street Mall.
• Red RocksAn open-air theatre between huge red rocks.
• Good to knowThe air is thin. Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water.

The Colorado Rockies: excursions nearby

• Boulder about 30 miles from DenverA university town below the Flatirons.
• Georgetown Loop Railroad about 45 miles from DenverA mountain train over a high bridge.
• Grand Lake about 48 miles from Estes ParkThe quiet west side of the park, across Trail Ridge Road.
• Colorado Springs about 70 miles from DenverGarden of the Gods and the railway up Pikes Peak.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.