Victoria Lupascu 
Looking for your next hiking adventure? Then come on in, and let’s check out this carefully curated guide with the best places to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park. I have compared all the most AMAZING areas and the best hotels to make planning your trip easy!
Estes Park is one of the best places near Rocky Mountain National Park! But I found 2 more areas great for people who want to stay near the western entrance of the park or for those who prefer a more urban atmosphere. In all these areas, you’ll find some fabulous hotels for all budgets and amazing amenities.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how popular this national park is! Rocky Mountain accommodations sell out months in advance and tend to be a bit more expensive, so definitely book yours early!
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Estes Park – where to stay near the Fall River entrance
- 2. Grand Lake – best place to stay near the west entrance
- 3. Boulder – where to stay near the park for budget
- BONUS: Best luxury hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park
- BONUS 2: Cheap places to near Rocky Mountain National Park
- FAQs about best places near Rocky Mountain National Park
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Don’t have time to read the whole post? Then check out this short list of hotels, all located in Estes Park, the eastern gateway town to the park:
Have a look at this map, which will help you visualize all the towns near Rocky Mountain National Park that I’ll talk about in this post:
- Estes Park: for the Fall River entrance:
- Grand Lake: closest to the western entrance:
- Boulder: for budget:
1. Estes Park – where to stay near the Fall River entrance
Known as the eastern gateway town to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is close to the Fall River entrance station and Beaver Meadows entrance station. This place is perfect for first-time visitors!
Not only is it highly recommended for its close proximity to the Rocky Mountain National Park, but it also offers some wildlife of its own, restaurants, and great lodgings!
You’ll see lots of Elk here, and even a wander through Downtown will have you walking alongside wildlife! Look out for the bears!
It definitely provides that rustic charm we all love near the wilderness of the park and plenty of things to do when you’re not exploring all the mountains and trails in the park.
If you’re looking for a more upscale activity, I highly recommend checking out Snowy Peaks Winery (map) for wine tasting and elegant snacks!
The eastern side is popular for offering easy access to incredible attractions in the park like Emerald Lake, Alberta Falls, and the Bear Lake area.
Tourists also love this town as it’s so lively and bigger than the surrounding towns, so you’ll find a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and shops in the historic downtown.
Don’t forget to hike the famous Trail Ridge Road (see trail map) in Estes Park, and if you’re traveling with the kids, take the family to Fun City Amusement Park! (map)
Feel the need to nestle in cozy cabins with mountain views? Then check out this beautiful hotel, perfect for a romantic retreat with stunning views and a unique location! Here, you can experience luxury amidst nature’s grandeur, sleep in spacious guest rooms, relax in a hot tub after your hike, and warm up by the outdoor fireplace.
Other accommodation options in Estes Park
Nestle in cozy cabins with mountain views at this place by the river that has fire pits and an indoor pool
Secure this spot near the park’s main entrance that has rooms with a patio and free parking
Bask in this spot with stunning sunrise vistas with quick access to the park and a shared hot tub
2. Grand Lake – best place to stay near the west entrance
Looking for some lodging options near the western side (Kawuneeche entrance) of the Rocky Mountain National Park? Then Grand Lake is the place for you!
Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in all of Colorado, stretching to over 120m! This town is smaller than Estes Park but is perfect for those who want tranquility and prefer secluded getaways.
Whether you’re coming during the summer months or winter, you’ll get to enjoy some scenic drives around here and some beautiful scenery!
Set on the banks of Grand Lake, the town offers a wide range of serene riverside hotel locations, just a stone’s throw away from restaurants and attractions in the town.
I know you’ll probably spend most of your time going off the beaten path in the park, but definitely go for a walk around Grand Lake, and you’ll discover some lovely hidden gems, like amazing restaurants, a theater, and even boat services, all just a short walk away from your preferred hotel.
While you’re there, I highly recommend renting a boat with Trail Ridge Marina (website here) for the ULTIMATE Grand Lake experience – you can even rent a pontoon boat that serves as a tiki bar!
P.S. If you’re looking for more gorgeous national parks to explore in the US, check out our post on the best places to stay in Glacier National Park!
Check out this quiet retreat within easy reach of Rocky Mountain National Park that offers proximity to top hiking trails and lake views! With room for 6 guests, all the amenities you need, and some amazing spaces ideal for stargazing, this house is definitely a keeper!
Other accommodation options in Grand Lake
This family-friendly hotel offers guest rooms with stone fireplaces, a garden with a picnic area, and a hot tub
Retreat to this rustic hideaway in the woods that has spa services, an outdoor fireplace, and free parking
Perfect for 6 guests, it is set within walking distance of the Lake and offers a kitchen and mountain views
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Boulder – where to stay near the park for budget
Maybe you’ve just found out that all the accommodations in Estes Park and Grand Lake are sold out or way out of your price range. In that case, stay in Boulder, Rocky Mountains’ University town!
Boulder was named the happiest city in the United States by National Geographic, so it’ll be a happy holiday all around!
You’ll probably need a car for this, but you can always rent one here to get to Rocky Mountains National Park, which is set around a 1h drive away.
Don’t forget to check out the Boulder Farmers Market (open on Saturdays here), where you can get involved with the local vibe and buy some souvenirs and yummy treats!
You can find the perfect mix of the urban atmosphere and nature with art galleries (like the SmithKlein Gallery (map) for some cultural fun) just a short walk away from your front door and plenty of wildlife roaming around the yards!
Since Boulder isn’t right at the entrance to Rocky Mountain, the accommodation here is much better suited to those on a budget!
Now, let’s check them out! Below, I’ve only offered you 4 options for each price range, but if you’re looking for more places to stay, then definitely check out our post with the best hotels in Boulder.
Don’t miss the yummy breakfast and daily wine and cheese hour at this amazing hotel with a central location! The accommodation offers cozy rooms with a flat-screen TV and a cozy lounge area with a fireplace where you can relax after a day in the park or in town!
Other accommodation options in Boulder
Perfect for history lovers, this hotel features 3 restaurants, family rooms, and a games room
Fairfield Inn & Suites Boulder
An affordable hotel that comes with modern rooms with mountain views and free parking
What an amazing place with room for 2 guests, a kitchen, mountain views and free Wi-Fi
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$200 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | US$150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$100 |
| 📍 Best area: | Estes Park |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Murphy’s River Lodge |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Columbine Inn |
BONUS: Best luxury hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park
If your travel style is all about finding luxurious hotels and indulging in places with spa services, fancy restaurants, and other amazing services, then this section is for you!
Here, I gathered some of the best luxury hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park, and I made sure to order them from most to least expensive, and the prices start from US$200 to US$315.
1. Taharaa Mountain Lodge
Set in Estes Park, the eastern gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park, this accommodation offers super cozy rooms with a balcony and mountain views to relax in the morning and enjoy your coffee! The accommodation also offers a restaurant and some spa services.
2. Castle Mountain Lodge
Relax in the warmth of these traditional log cabins near the Rocky Mountain National Park, like this one in Estes Park, which has rooms with mountain views and a balcony. After a day of hiking or horseback riding, you can relax by the outdoor fireplace or jump in the hot tub and give your sore muscles a well-deserved break.
3. Hampton Inn & Suites Boulder North
Set in Boulder, 1h drive away from Rocky Mountain National Park, this amazing accommodation is perfect for your chill holiday as it has an indoor swimming pool that you can use, spacious rooms equipped with all the facilities you need, and free parking!
4. StoneBrook Resort
Conveniently located near the hiking trails in the park, this amazing accommodation is surrounded by trees and breathtaking sights! Here, you can enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony of your room after a busy day, cook your own meals, and enjoy all the solitude you need!
5. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins
Stay near a picturesque river at this cozy accommodation in Estes Park that has rustic decor going on with a modern twist! You’ll find some amazing cabins with river views, much space, a fireplace, and a kitchen.
6. Embassy Suites By Hilton Boulder
Here’s another option for all my Boulder lovers! This hotel is modern chic, and it has a seasonal outdoor pool! The rooms are amazing, and you’ll also find a restaurant, a bar, and on-site parking here!
BONUS 2: Cheap places to near Rocky Mountain National Park
Staying right near national parks is always pretty expensive, and the hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park make no exceptions! Luckily, I found some amazing and super affordable accommodations, which I included in the list below and ordered from most to least expensive. The prices are from US$85 to US$115.
1. Hampton Inn Longmont
Set a 1h car drive away from Rocky Mountain National Park, this accommodation is simple yet has so many cool features like an indoor pool, a jacuzzi, and rooms with free cable TV. You’ll also find a fitness center at this pet-friendly hotel.
2. Best Western Plus Boulder Louisville
This place is set a bit further away from the park (around 1h and 30 min), but it comes at a great price, and it also has a hot tub where you can relax, spacious rooms equipped with all the facilities you’ll need and free parking.
3. Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging
Opt for family-friendly lodges and amenities like this one, which is located in Grand Lake, the western gateway town to the Rocky Mountain National Park! Access prime fishing spots effortlessly and spend your mornings on the outdoor deck by the lake with a cup of coffee in your hand before hitting the park.
4. Estes Mountain Inn
Such a lovely place to stay near the easter entrance of the park right by Lake Estes! This accommodation has an outdoor fireplace and plenty of hiking trails within walking distance to explore, and it offers 2 swimming pools! What a treat!
FAQs about best places near Rocky Mountain National Park
⛰️ What are the best towns to stay in near Rocky Mountain National Park?
Estes Park (near the eastern entrance) and Grand Lake (western entrance) are the best towns to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park, and the closest ones are great hotels like 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River.
🧐 Is it better to stay in Estes Park or Grand Lake?
It depends on which attractions you want to visit! Estes Park is at the eastern entrance, where you’ll find attractions like the Emerald Lake, while Grand Lake is at the western entrance with attractions like Lulu City.
🏨 Which are the best hotels in Estes Park?
4 Seasons Inn on Fall River and Murphy’s River Lodge are some of the best hotels in Estes Park, with amazing locations by the river and gorgeous views!
🚪 Which is the closest entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park?
The closest entrance to the park is Beaver Meadows, which you can get to from Estes Park.
🛬 What is the closest airport to Rocky Mountain National Park?
Denver International Airport is the closest to Rocky Mountain, about 60 miles (97 km) away.
Conclusion
Gosh, I miss being in nature! Don’t you?
Well, I guess you can count yourself lucky, as now that you’ve read this post with the best places to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park and saw the 2 amazing bonuses I prepared with luxurious and cheap hotels near the park, you’re ready to start packing!
While doing that, definitely book your hotels in advance! As I mentioned, these lodges near the park entrances sell out months in advance, and it’s best to be prepared!
We’re almost done for the day, and I’m so happy you decided to stay until the end because you get to see my 2 favorite hotels near the park, which may help you pick your dream spot:
- 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River – relax by the outdoor fireplace after a day of hiking at this inn by the river that has a hot tub, barbecue facilities, and a picnic area.
- Murphy’s River Lodge – go for a swim in the pool and unwind in the hot tub of this hotel, which has an outdoor fireplace.
Enjoy your holiday, and don’t forget I’m always around for extra questions!
Safe travels,
Victoria
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