Motorcycle Rider News Road Trips
COLORADO RIDE: ESTES PARK AND
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
By Diana Rowe
Nestled in one of nature’s most stunning locations adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a frequent year-round stop for more than three million travelers. Estes Park is also a great ride for motorcyclists, often a quick stop when taking the Peak-to-Peak Highway scoot, but Estes Park really is more than just a dot on the map – it’s a destination.
“Estes Park welcomes motorcycle enthusiasts to enjoy all that our area has to offer,” says Peggy Campbell, executive director of the Estes Park Local Marketing District. “There are so many beautiful rides in the area, including stunning vistas in Rocky Mountain National Park, plus, with great shopping, dining and lodging, it’s sure to be an experience that won’t soon be forgotten.”
Once the snows melt, the thunder of motorcycles scooting through Estes Park makes you feel right at home. Less than an hour from Denver, Boulder or Fort Collins, Estes Park frequently hosts touring bike groups, including Americade, which brought thousands of touring bikes for many years over the Labor Day weekend.
Less than an hour from Denver, the 55-mile Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway is known as the showcase of the Front Range, and for sure, you’ll have a hard time keeping your eyes on the road as the scenery is spectacular.
You’ll get an eyeful of the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Eldora Ski Resort. The Peak to Peak – Colorado Highways 119, 72, and 7 – begins in Clear Creek Canyon near Golden winding on US 6 and passing through Blackhawk, Rollinsville, Nederland, Ward, Raymond, Allenspark, and Meeker Park, before ending at Estes Park.
Instead of scooting to Estes Park and leaving, why not spend the night? Make it your home base and enjoy scenic rides in Big Thompson Canyon, the Peak to Peak Highway and of course Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).
There are many motorcycle friendly lodging establishments, and here are a few suggestions, courtesy of Estes Park Local Marketing District:
I’m a fan of B&Bs, especially when riding, so I’d highly suggest checking out Black Dog Inn (www.blackdoginn.com Call: 866-786-0374). The Inn features three individual suites, a cottage, and two luxury cabins, a perfect setting for a small group or if you’re wanting to getaway with your biker sweetie. It’s located off the main drag with parking right next to your cabin. Rates begin at $170 on up, but include a full breakfast and personalized service.
Here are some other suggestions from the folks in Estes Park:
Streamside on Fall River
www.streamsideonfallriver.com 1-800-321-3303 The owner of this property has two Harleys, so you know it’s going to be motorcycle-friendly! Located only one mile west of downtown Estes Park and three miles east of the Fall River entrance to RMNP, Streamside is a “village” of 20 cabin suites and condos. Paved parking at cabins with several hot tubs available for riders. You can even fish for rainbow trout right outside your door!
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
www.alpinetrailridgeinn.com 800-233-5023 Located on U.S. 36, this inn is friendlier to the wallet, near RMNP, AAA rated, pool, paved parking (at your room) with a restaurant on site. It’s seasonal, open May 1st through mid-October.
Comfort Inn
www.estescomfortinn.com 800-424-6423 Family owned and operated, the Comfort Inn hosts various motorcycle groups, with a nice continental breakfast, paved parking (at your room), and pool.
Silver Moon Inn
www.silvermooninn.com 800-8186006 Located in downtown Estes Park, only 2 miles from RMNP, bikers can park their scoot and walk over a wooden footbridge to shops and restaurants. The hotel sits on the banks of the Fall River; with a few parking spots that gets bikes out of the elements. They do have motorcycle groups stay there each year.
Solitude Cabins
www.solitudecabins.com 877-704-7777 Rocky Mountain National Park is a 10 minute drive from Solitude Cabins. For those staying longer, it offers offer newer 2 bedroom cabins for those staying longer with kitchens, living rooms, decks and grills. All paved with parking at cabins.
REMINDER: You'll be going up high so be sure to bring warm clothes. It can snow any day of the year – even in July -- at 14,000 feet.
If you haven’t ridden Rocky Mountain National Park
you’re missing some amazing sights! From lush valleys to craggy peaks, this living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, with elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, provides visitors with opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. Fees are valid for seven consecutive days, including date of purchase, motorcycles: $10 per person and automobiles: $20, or you can purchase a Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass for$40 pass which provides unlimited entry to this park for one year from the date of purchase. Available at all Rocky Mountain National Park entrance stations or call 970-586-1438.
If your summer road trips include several national parks, consider an America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass. An $80 pass available to everyone which provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas, and the pass holder +3 adults (not to exceed 4 adults), at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). Available at all National Park Service entrance stations or on-line. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm Photos Courtesy of Estes Park Local Marketing District
"Thanks also to Estes Park Local Marketing District for its contribution to this article."
Originally Printed in the May 2010 Issue