The gateway to the Rockies is a lovely little place called Estes Park where families can relax and enjoy nature from a cozy hotel room. While many people flock to the cabins in this rural destination, I appreciate a nice pillow top, some complimentary wifi, and a person I can call when I forgot my deodorant at home—especially when I’m traveling solo with the kids. We got all of this and more during our recent visit to the Estes Park Resort near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

Setting the scene

Just being up in the Rocky Mountains is a unique kind of experience that you don’t get in all the other mountain ranges in the United States. Lush Conifer forests spring forth from massive jagged rocks and elk roam the streets looking for a new piece of grass to munch on. Everything around you is made from the rocks and minerals of the earth or lumber from the trees to match the landscape you find yourself enjoying. The Estes Park Resort sits on the local lake and is the epitome of rustic charm.

Amenities for a great family vacation

While you may be able to get some comfy accommodations in many places throughout Estes Park, I’m not sure you could find one that speaks to the local environment and also has enough modern amenities to make it supremely comfortable. At Estes Park Resort, you can. The rooms have everything you’ll need on a fabulous family vacation in the Rockies—comfy beds, ample space, wifi, television, hot water and an amazing view.

A super helpful staff is an amenity that is often overlooked (and highly appreciated when you forget essentials like a pack and play or toiletries at home). They can also lead you in the direction of the pool and hot tub as well as give you the wifi password. (Some people prefer to disconnect when on a family vacation. My brood loves to cuddle up and watch movies until way after our typical bedtimes while traveling.)

There’s also a spa on-site if mom and dad (or the teens!) want to have a relaxing afternoon after engaging in hiking, climbing, or snowshoeing. At night, snuggle up by the communal fireplaces for a game or a late night snack. If you’re feeling fancy, get a room with the fireplace built right in.

Estes eats

Enjoy some fine dining just steps away from your room at the Waterfront Grille where you may actually enjoy the stunning panoramic more than the food—maybe. The on-site dining boasts of variety of American-style dishes like steak, chicken, fish, and ribs, with the addition of some elk, because it wouldn’t be a trip to Colorado if you didn’t try elk. The kids’ menu offers all of the traditional kids’ fare from chicken tenders to mac and cheese.

Once you are done delighting in all the good food, head outdoors to play on the playground on property or rent a canoe from the marina and spend an afternoon on the lake. Walk or bike along the paths that work their way around the lake, and you might find yourself and the family in downtown Estes Park, which is another kind of adventure all together.