The Best Hotels to Book Near Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

We couldn’t come up with a better pun than “where mountains of memories are made” – so we just borrowed it from Grand Lake Lodge. This woodsy retreat puts you on the edge of the epic national park, so you can leave everyday life behind as you hike and raft before replenishing yourself in the resort’s hearty restaurant. There’s a pool, lodge bar and extremely scenic front porch here, too.

Just outside the main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, this place is like a warm, cozy blanket in hotel form. The charming, recently renovated suites have a homey yet polished charm, with stone fireplaces, plush fabrics, American artwork and earthy colors. There are also very generously sized cabins available, while on-site fishing and a fire pit pavilion ensure you’ll find plenty of quiet spots to sit and enjoy the sounds of the river and the fresh mountain air.

You’ll find this sprawling yet cozy resort nestled on the shore of Lake Estes. Akin to an outsize wood cabin, its vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and carefully crafted stone pillars bring home that you’re brushing up against nature. Still, the spacious rooms offer warmth, comfort and shelter from the elements – with impressive views. Hotel facilities include a lake-view restaurant and bar, a patio, a sauna and a gym, and there’s also a marina with boat rentals.

This charming, locally owned and family-operated inn – with a Swiss Alpine theme – sits on the edge of the national park and will have you wanting to yodel in no time. The cozy rooms – all wood and earth tones – make for a relaxing and comfortable base and come with free wifi, flatscreen TVs, microwaves, coffeemakers and minifridges – some even have whirlpool tubs. Hotel facilities include an indoor pool and complimentary continental breakfast.

​​You can enjoy your continental breakfast overlooking the Continental Divide here – where the water flows down to either the Pacific or the Atlantic, depending on where you stand. Close to both the downtown area and the Rocky Mountain National Park, the welcoming, wood-laden accommodation has everything you need. Facilities in this friendly hotel include evening s’mores-making, a seasonal outdoor pool and, of course, absolutely stunning views.

Relax along the beautiful Fall River by a fire pit while keeping an eye out for wildlife in this locally owned and family-operated inn. Three miles (4.8km) from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park and two miles (3.2km) from Lake Estes Marina, the homey rooms – decked in warm, earth tones – are inviting. The equally inviting hotel offers free continental breakfast, a heated outdoor pool and s’mores-making – yep, they’re very fond of s’mores here.

Where better for a retreat and wellness center than in the sweet mountain air? Well, that’s what the owners of Dao House thought, too – and this elegant, rustic lodge and cabins, with incredible views and acres of nature, offers a return to simplicity. The shared spaces are impressive, with a high-beamed lobby featuring an epic stone fireplace. You’ll get lost in the beauty and purity of this place.

This secluded mountain resort overlooks Fall River, which translates to views, views, views. Surrounded by natural wonder, you’re only three miles (4.8km) from the Estes Park Museum and under 10mi (16km) from Rocky Mountain National Park. The individually decorated suites are a home away from home, and all have private decks. There’s also a hot tub, so you can take in those views with some bubbles at the end of a hard day’s exploring.