Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park & Winter Park-Trail Ridge Rd &Camp Sug.

Thom always does a good job.

This always reminds me of the same kinda discussion for South Rim and North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

JUST SAYING THAT AS A COMMENT AND NOT TO OPEN A DISCUSSION!

We don't go back there at all anymore as having lived in that tourist town for 8 years we don't need to.

Most all of the activities / programs for RMNP are on the east / Estes side and that is 1 1/4 hours from Grand Lake - w/o traffic.

Thom02099 wrote:
Rocky certainly does have 2 very different and distinct personalities. And there's beauty to be seen on both sides.

I know where Lauren's coming from, regarding the west side. The beetle kill on that side is extensive, and there are places where the scenery has more dead trees than alive. It's sad how decimated some areas have become. I remember Timber Creek CG before they cut down all the trees and left it wide open. It was in a lovely forest of trees, providing shade and aesthetic beauty. Now, no shade at all, and tree stumps everywhere. And the drive between Milner Pass the valley on the west side, is mainly in the trees, with limited places to pull off and enjoy what scenery is available. West side also have more rock slide areas to view, which are not particularly photogenic.

And then there's the pictures that Bill posted of the west side beauty around Grand Lake. Grand Lake, Lake Granby, and Shadow Mountain Reservoir with the mountains reflected in their waters have a very special beauty not found many places in semi-arid Colorado.

Estes Park vs Grand Lake. Again, 2 very different towns and points of view on the tourist season, and indeed year round.

Estes is set in a valley (park) that provides photo ops galore. Those majestic mountains rising dramatically above the town are not soon forgotten as you enter Estes Park from the Big Thompson Canyon on US 34. There's more shopping, more people, more of the things nowadays that folks want to try to escape. But that drive up Trail Ridge Rd from Estes Park is one of the most dramatic drives anywhere, and spectacular when one gets above timberline. And I'd venture a guess that a goodly number of folks who go in to Rocky from the east side, don't go further west than the Alpine Visitor's Center; they turn around and go back to Estes. And in the winter, Estes Park changes dramatically; though it's still a year round town, the visitor numbers aren't what they are in the summer. But then, you can't get far up on Trail Ridge either. Winter can still be a good time to visit Estes Park.

Grand Lake, on the other hand, has far less numbers of tourists. Oh sure, it's still a tourist town, but I think it caters to the folks who are looking for a slower pace, a part of Colorado that's missing in Estes Park. Walking the boardwalk on the main street in Grand Lake, is sort of like stepping back in time a bit. Yup, there's shopping and restaurants, but not nearly as numerous as on the east side.

I think folks who stay on the west side are more likely to go up into the park and go further than the Alpine Visitor's Center. They want to also experience what it's like above timberline and the majestic views. They may go east to Rainbow Curve, or even into Estes Park, and then return west.

And in the winter, even though some shops close up for the season, Grand Lake has another season that Estes Park doesn't have -- snowmobile season! Some great package deals to be had for lodging and snow machine rentals, we've done that several times over the years.

Estes Park has one big lake; Grand Lake has 3.

Hiking trails are on both sides. Most tourists are going to do the short hikes on the east side, even though there are longer ones as well. On the west side, there's some short hikes too, but also a goodly number of longer ones.

So there's much to be said for both sides of Rocky. Is one better than the other? Subjective, I know. During the Summer, we always go over to the west side and have lunch in Grand Lake, walk around town, and enjoy the views over there. Can't do that in the winter (unless one really makes the effort and drives several hours to get there). I love both sides of Rocky, for different reasons. For me, it's sort of like picking a favourite child (or grandchild) -- just can't (and won't) do it.

Now that's an answer we can all understand and appreciate - Great summation, Thom.

Rocky certainly does have 2 very different and distinct personalities. And there's beauty to be seen on both sides.

I know where Lauren's coming from, regarding the west side. The beetle kill on that side is extensive, and there are places where the scenery has more dead trees than alive. It's sad how decimated some areas have become. I remember Timber Creek CG before they cut down all the trees and left it wide open. It was in a lovely forest of trees, providing shade and aesthetic beauty. Now, no shade at all, and tree stumps everywhere. And the drive between Milner Pass the valley on the west side, is mainly in the trees, with limited places to pull off and enjoy what scenery is available. West side also have more rock slide areas to view, which are not particularly photogenic.

And then there's the pictures that Bill posted of the west side beauty around Grand Lake. Grand Lake, Lake Granby, and Shadow Mountain Reservoir with the mountains reflected in their waters have a very special beauty not found many places in semi-arid Colorado.

Estes Park vs Grand Lake. Again, 2 very different towns and points of view on the tourist season, and indeed year round.

Estes is set in a valley (park) that provides photo ops galore. Those majestic mountains rising dramatically above the town are not soon forgotten as you enter Estes Park from the Big Thompson Canyon on US 34. There's more shopping, more people, more of the things nowadays that folks want to try to escape. But that drive up Trail Ridge Rd from Estes Park is one of the most dramatic drives anywhere, and spectacular when one gets above timberline. And I'd venture a guess that a goodly number of folks who go in to Rocky from the east side, don't go further west than the Alpine Visitor's Center; they turn around and go back to Estes. And in the winter, Estes Park changes dramatically; though it's still a year round town, the visitor numbers aren't what they are in the summer. But then, you can't get far up on Trail Ridge either. Winter can still be a good time to visit Estes Park.

Grand Lake, on the other hand, has far less numbers of tourists. Oh sure, it's still a tourist town, but I think it caters to the folks who are looking for a slower pace, a part of Colorado that's missing in Estes Park. Walking the boardwalk on the main street in Grand Lake, is sort of like stepping back in time a bit. Yup, there's shopping and restaurants, but not nearly as numerous as on the east side.

I think folks who stay on the west side are more likely to go up into the park and go further than the Alpine Visitor's Center. They want to also experience what it's like above timberline and the majestic views. They may go east to Rainbow Curve, or even into Estes Park, and then return west.

And in the winter, even though some shops close up for the season, Grand Lake has another season that Estes Park doesn't have -- snowmobile season! Some great package deals to be had for lodging and snow machine rentals, we've done that several times over the years.

Estes Park has one big lake; Grand Lake has 3.

Hiking trails are on both sides. Most tourists are going to do the short hikes on the east side, even though there are longer ones as well. On the west side, there's some short hikes too, but also a goodly number of longer ones.

So there's much to be said for both sides of Rocky. Is one better than the other? Subjective, I know. During the Summer, we always go over to the west side and have lunch in Grand Lake, walk around town, and enjoy the views over there. Can't do that in the winter (unless one really makes the effort and drives several hours to get there). I love both sides of Rocky, for different reasons. For me, it's sort of like picking a favourite child (or grandchild) -- just can't (and won't) do it.

jkmac408 wrote:
I have to disagree with Lauren on the west side of Rocky. It is way less crowded than the east side, has great hiking trails, more diverse wildlife and the fishing in the Colorado river in the park is very good. We love Grand Lake. There are not as many shops as Estes but also not wall to wall people. ....

With Images like this how do you stay away?

We also prefer the West side and while we still visit both every year - the area around Grand Lake is pretty nice, and the sort of place we will go out of our way to visit.

Sometimes the crowds can be tolerated but most of the time, just get me away!

JMHO,

I have to disagree with Lauren on the west side of Rocky. It is way less crowded than the east side, has great hiking trails, more diverse wildlife and the fishing in the Colorado river in the park is very good. We love Grand Lake. There are not as many shops as Estes but also not wall to wall people. As much as we have always loved Estes Park we have not gone back in about 5 years because of the crowds it has just gotten to expensive. Also Rocky Mountain NP will always be our favorite park.

Thom and Thunder Mountain and I pretty much agree except for Trail Ridge some with T M.

I do not recommend it at all for RV's. It is all those things mentioned. People will be over the line and you have no wiggle room. Most of the people that drive it even in a car are not experienced mountain road drivers and white knuckle it and go slow and over the line. And they get out to look at elk some 400 yards away - sometimes leave their car in the middle of the road to do it. And the hairpin turns on the west side nearly mandate an rv in the inside to go well over the middle line.

As far as Winding River. Nice park I think but you are on the west side of the Park with very little going on there. So you drive at least 1 to 1 1/4 hours to get over to the east side for all the activities. And far more than that to get up to the great, highly desired Bear Lake area.

Lauren wrote:
We lived in Estes Park 1995-2003 and the rv parks were fairly nice and a tad overpriced. We have been back twice and will not return. Parks have really deteriorated and prices have skyrocketed. Last time, actually, we stayed in Loveland at Riverview and recommend it....they were flooded out badly a couple of years ago but have done their best to rebuild. I would not stay at any park in Estes.

Yep, we see eye to eye. Lived in EP from 1980 to 2010. Have returned several times in the motor home and our small travel trailer. There is not a campground in or near Estes Park that is not a we pack 'em in place. The rates are outrageous. The only places you might take a look at are Estes Park Campground (East Portal) and Hermit Park operated by the local recreation district. We love RMNP and have many friends there but the crowds and grid lock are not worth it.

I worked for the YMCA of the Rockies for 31 years and second the suggestion for Snow Mountain Ranch. Not a we pack 'em in campgrounds but still not exactly what you are looking for. Lot's of great activities for adults and children.

There are many other places in Colorado just as pretty as EP and a lot less crowded. The Buena Vista area is nice, but again commercial campgrounds with full hookups have to maximize profit.

As for traveling over TRR. It is no bid deal. I've driven everything from a over the road bus, motor home and 33' fiver. Follow a few simple rules. Be at the park entrance by 7-8 a.m. Don't travel on weekends. Just take it easy. There are six sharp curves on the west side of the Divide and you will have to hug the shoulder or yellow line. Biggest issue for me is the white knuckled tourist who drive down the middle of the road because they are terrified of heights.

Winding River looks good. Not too far from RMNP and Winter Park!

Foy R. Smith wrote:
We camped at Winding River Resort on the West side of Rocky Mountain National Park! Much less crowded!

We camped there dozens of times when we lived in Colorado. Winding River is by far the best campground around. The best sites do not have sewer, but do have water and electric. Tons of hiking, 4 wheeling, horse back riding. ice cream socials, etc. etc.

Ken

We camped at Winding River Resort on the West side of Rocky Mountain National Park! Much less crowded!