The YMCA of the Rockies is not what you’re picturing.
This is n’t your father ’s YMCA .
Colorado has two unique locations of the YMCA called theYMCAs of the Rockiesthat go way beyond the gymnasium , pool , and shower you ’re credibly fancy . These feature article outdoor activity like skiing and hike , gorgeous mountain sight , abundant acreage , and surprisingly low-priced lodgings . The two locating on either side of Rocky Mountain National Park , separated by a two 60 minutes drive down a spectacularly scenic plane section of US Route 34 bid “ Trail Ridge Road”—one of the most beautiful bypath in America .
Each property can be an interesting spot to spend a night — and since autumn is one of the most picturesque times of year to be after a trip toRocky Mountain National Park , here ’s why setting these two darling mountain resorts as a home base can make for an larger-than-life weekend in the Centennial State .
Courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies
‘Y’ to stay at Estes Park Center
TheEstes Park Centeris located in Estes Park , a picturesque town about an hour outside Denver , dearly known as the basecamp for explore Rocky Mountain National Park . It ’s surround by spectacular mountain scenery of 860 acres of ponderosa pines and flank by National Park land on three sides .
This pet - favorable property is just a 15 - minute drive from business district Estes Park ( mean close proximity to the shop class and restaurants in this quaint townsfolk ) . It ’s highly airless to the green ’s Beaver Meadows entry .
Visitors can savor a range of alive entertainment on - site . Some excursions are scheduledand held on the same day and metre every week , and others can be enjoyed anytime . There ’s a disc golf track , a mini - golf game apparatus , an indoor aquatic core , a craft center , a roller rink , horse stalls , and miles of trails punt decent up to the National Park . Lodgings range from secret cabins to hotel - style way .
Courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies
‘Y’ to stay at Snow Mountain Ranch
Snow Mountain Ranchis just 30 minutes from the park ’s Grand Lake Entrance . It ’s close to the Hellenic Western - feeling Ithiel Town of Granby ’s quaint shops and restaurants .
This property sprawls across 5,100 acres of space , comprehend many miles of meadows and clustering of aspens that turn a vivacious lucky colouration in fall .
Here , in addition to the class - round schedule of activities , visitant can research the property ’s Nordic Center , which feature many miles of well - groom trail for wintertime skiing and quick - weather mint biking and tramp .
Courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies
Some of the accommodations at this property are also pet - favorable for a small fee , and guests can choose between a stock lodge - panache room set up and a rustic cabin with a cozy hearth and a deck boasting views of the Continental Divide .
common people who stay from June to October can even book one of the unique Yurt fitting , which are purposefully built alight atop the J. J. Hill overlooking the vale featuring thought of the Front Range Mountains .
Tips for traversing Trail Ridge Road
In between evening at each YMCA , take a trek along a particularly extra and scenic48 - mile subdivision of roadon U.S. Highway 34 that snakes its direction through Rocky Mountain National Park .
The byway took six years to establish from 1926 to 1932 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . It ’s still holding its deed of conveyance as “ the high-pitched paved through - road in the United States . ”
The journey can begin or end in Estes Park in the east and travel to Grand Lake in the west . It ’s crucial to note that from May through October , automobilist must make a timed reservation to pass through . Without stopping , the drive takes roughly two hours , but trust us , you ’ll want to break and relish the thought — which are out of this human beings .
Courtesy of Visit Estes Park/John Berry
Spy a brilliant range of flora and fauna , include elk , moose , and bighorn sheep , among other local wildlife and impressive pot of foliage colouration in the fall . The high-pitched point on the byway is 12,183 feet , boasting panoramic breathtaking views of the beleaguer mountains and the Continental Divide .
It really is “fun to stay at the YMCA”
Staying at either of these YMCA properties can be a more affordable and reliable housing alternative compared to other mountain properties that are this close to the National Park . invitee can stay in one of the cozy cabins or a hotel - style hunting lodge room , and there are pet - friendly accommodations at both destination . A drive along Trail Ridge Road offers unbelievable position for traveller labor between property , and each blot offer dozens of scheduled and unscheduled dangerous undertaking activities to get .
The YMCA may not be the first thing you consort with the Rocky Mountains , but it ’s one of the most underrated path to see them .
