Rocky Mountain National Park became the US’ 10th national park in 1915. It’s also the nation’s highest. Ranging from 7,630 feet at Big Thompson River to 14,259 at Longs Peak, the park offers a diverse terrain of serene meadows and snow-capped alpine peaks. It’s also colossal in size. If you’re an outdoor adventure lover, there’s lots to explore here. The park covers 415 square miles of lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, streams, and towering peaks. Because of this, you’ll want to explore the region with a vehicle. You’ll also want to stay overnight close by. There’s a superb range of Airbnbs in the Estes Park Area, campsites, and some excellent hotels — if you’d prefer comfort and ease. The convenience of hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park frees you up to plan an epic trip in the 80-million-year-old mountains. Here are some of the top stays.
Hotels Near Rocky Mountain National Park With Jaw-Dropping Views of the Range
We hope you love the hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is cradled by the sprawling wilderness of the Rockies, offering a panoramic view that stretches as far as the eye can see. Staying at Devil’s Thumb Ranch provides the unparalleled convenience of having the park’s natural wonders on your doorstep. It’s the perfect blend of isolation and access, allowing you to explore the vastness of the park during the day and return to the warmth and luxury of the destination resort by night.
The décor is an homage to the earthy tones and textures of the surrounding landscape, creating an ambiance that is cozy and stylish. Luxurious amenities are plentiful, from high-class rustic lodging furnished with top-tier comforts to a heated outdoor saltwater pool and hot tub and full-service spa. But what truly sets the resort apart is the myriad of organized outdoor activities. You can enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, stand up paddleboarding, archery, geocaching, or cross-country skiing in winter — all within the vicinity of the resort.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa : 3530 County Rd 83, Tabernash, CO 80478
Price : From $209
St. Julien Hotel & Spa
Located in Boulder’s downtown outdoor shopping and dining district, The St Julien is the city’s best luxury hotel. A stay at St Julien is for those who want an urban base (with a Rocky Mountains backdrop) while exploring the park. Here, you get the best of both worlds. The base of the mountains is on the doorstep, as are the city living amenities. Again, it’s best to have a vehicle when staying here, but the hotel is close to public transportation links.
Although the St Julien is high-class, it feels grounded. If you’re concerned about walking through the lobby in hiking boots, don’t be. You’ll be in good company. The proximity to the park (around 45 minutes to the entrance) means many guests can enjoy multiple trips during their stay or even embark on an early morning hike to catch the sunrise over the mountains. The destination spa is hugely popular. After a day in the park, you can relax in the 50-foot indoor infinity pool with an enormous hot tub or indulge in one of the best massages in Boudler.
St. Julien Hotel & Spa : 900 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302
Price : From $292
The Lodge at the Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel, beloved for its hauntings and role in Dumb and Dumber, makes a lot of lists. And if you only have a limited amount of time near the mountains and would like to experience a stay here, opt for the Stanley’s Lodge. The Lodge sits next door to The Stanley and is a small 40-room boutique replica of the famous hotel. The rooms have period furniture, vintage photos, comfortable beds, and gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains and the tourist town of Estes Park. It’s also the only part of the hotel that is pet-friendly and if I were you, I’d bring my dog.
The Stanley Hotel : 333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Price : From $269
The Estes Park Resort
The Estes Park Resort overlooks the serene waters of Lake Estes in Estes Park. The property spans five acres and is the only lodging available on the water. Views of Rocky Mountain National Park can be enjoyed throughout the resort, but the best vantage points are from the spacious suites and Mountain Village Cabins. Within the extensive grounds, there’s a three-mile hiking and biking trail, and it’s common to see elk relaxing under wooded areas. There’s an excellent on-site restaurant with dishes such as local crab cakes and lobster ziti, which can be enjoyed on the deck area overlooking the lake. Guests can also rent bikes, boats, kayaks, and fishing gear from Lake Estes Marina.
The Estes Park Resort : 1700 Colorado Peaks Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517
Price : From $177
Rocky Mountain Hotel & Conference Center
There are a few standout benefits of this hotel. It has pet-friendly rooms, some have kitchens, it’s great for kids, and is conveniently on Highway 34 in Estes Park. The recently renovated hotel is somewhat cookie-cutter, but if you need something comfortable and reliable, it’s a good option. Past guests rave about the local knowledge of staff who can help plan and book activities around the town and national park. Overall, if you’re aiming to stay a night or two in the area, this is an affordable and pleasant place to stay.
Rocky Mountain Hotel & Conference Center : 1701 N Lake Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Price : From $95
Murphy’s River Lodge
This upscale 80s motel sits on the bank of Fall River and is only two blocks from the historic downtown area of Estes and a convenient walking distance to shops and restaurants. Renovated in 2011, the spacious rooms have contemporary décor and muted tones. It’s worth requesting one of the rooms with a view over the river. The proximity to the water is the best thing about this hotel. There’s a charming riverfront picnic area with fire pits, grilling facilities, and a decent selection of outdoor furniture. There’s also a heated indoor pool and hot tub that are accessible year-round.
Murphy’s River Lodge : 481 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Price : From $133
Aspen Winds on Fall River
Also on Fall River, Aspen Winds is located three miles west of central downtown Estes Park and only one and a half miles from the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspen Winds has 16 condo suites and vacation rentals on the water’s edge. The suites have either a private balcony or deck with outdoor seating overlooking Fall River or the mountains. The hotel goes out of its way to cater to the needs of guests. There’s a 10 percent discount for extended stays, packages with fresh flowers and chilled Champagne, packed lunches for hikes, and guided tours of the national park.
Aspen Winds on Fall River : 1051 Fall River Ct, Estes Park, CO 80517
Price : From $181
What town should I stay in when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park?
Estes Park is often referred to as the main gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and is a popular choice due to its convenient location and array of amenities. It has the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain charm, with numerous accommodation options, shopping areas, and restaurants. On the other hand, Grand Lake provides a quieter experience with fewer accommodation options but still offers easy access to the park. It’s a great choice if you prefer a less busy environment.
Can you stay in a cabin at Rocky Mountain National Park?
While there are no lodging facilities within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park, there are numerous cabins and cottages available in the surrounding areas, particularly in Estes Park.
Is Rocky Mountain National Park closer to Denver or Boulder?
Rocky Mountain National Park is closer to Boulder than it is to Denver. The distance between Boulder and Rocky Mountain National Park is approximately 36 miles, which typically takes about an hour to drive. The driving time between Denver and the entrance varies between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the route. 