Grand lake

Olive Ridge around Allenspark is very nice NFS campground. You have easy access to the East Side RMNP areas and it makes for a nice base camp dry camping. The Meadow Mountain cafe is an awesome place for breakfast. Haven't been in a few years but used to be run by a hippie. You came in and grabbed a mug and filled your own coffee cup. The ranges and locals come here and you can ask questions and get answers about places only they know. It's an easy day trip to Grand Lake and most anywhere else. Grand Lake got wasted by the Pine Beetles. Nice to visit but not the same as I knew for 20 years prior. There used to be a German Restaurant down the road toward Denver. The canyon you come up to Allenspark from the south is awesome unto itself. Early Sept AFTER the kids go to school is about the best time to go imho. And, for a relatively easy hike try the Meadow Mountain trail. Beautiful amazing views at the top looking up the spine of the park. Gem Mountain to the North is relatively easy. Twin Sisters is beautiful as is Estes Cone. And be sure to eat at "Sweet Basilico the Italian place in Estes Park that is in an old Pizza Hut. Awesome Italian food. I first went in like 1998. We never miss. We haven't been since the last flood though. Oh there is a public artisian well with some of the best water in the world there in Allen's Park. We used to fill up prior to hikes. Donate a buck.