Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Estes Park Center
RESORT
$$
( 970-586-3341;
www.ymcarockies.org
;
2515 Tunnel Rd; r & d from $109, cabins from $129; )
Estes Park Center is not your typical YMCA boarding house. Instead it's a favorite vaca-
tion spot with families, boasting upmarket motel-style accommodations and cabins set on
hundreds of acres of high alpine terrain. Choose from roomy cabins that sleep up to 10 or
motel-style rooms for singles or doubles. Both are simple and practical.
This very kid-friendly resort is located in a serene and ultrapristine location in the
mountains just outside town. The 860-acre plot hosts lots of wide open spaces that are
dotted with forests and fields of wildflowers. Just a few minutes outside Estes Park (but
definitely away from the hustle of town), it offers a range of activities for adults, kids or
the whole family throughout the year. This resort also runs special themed weekends and
longer summer camps where environmental education is taught in a fun and engaging
manner. This YMCA is unapologetically outdoorsy, and most guests come to participate
in the activities.
Deer Crest Resort
HOTEL
$$
( 970-586-2324, 800-331-2324;
www.deercrestresort.com
; 1200 Fall River Rd; d $119-129, ste from $149;
)
There is a ton of sleeping options along the road out to Rocky Mountain Nation-
al Park, but Deer Creek bests its neighbors with gas grills, lots of green space for the kids
to run around in and the sound of the creek shushing guests to sleep. The on-site restaur-
ant is also excellent.
Silver Moon Inn
HOTEL
$$
( 970-586-6006;
www.silvermooninn.com
;
175 Spruce Dr; d $130-190; )
The rooms
here aren't loaded with personality, but there are plenty of thoughtful touches like fire-
places in the deluxe rooms, creekside fire pits and wheelchair access to most rooms on the
1st floor. It's tucked between a rock outcropping and a stream on the western edge of
town. Go for a deluxe room for more privacy.
Mary's Lake Lodge
LODGE
$$
