Estes Park, CO

united states

Estes Park is a mountain gateway town at 7,522 feet, connecting visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park via US 36 from Denver (65 miles) and Boulder, plus US 34 from Loveland. The scenic drives feature steep, winding roads that require winter weather checks, while summer brings crowds escaping the heat for cooler alpine air. The Stanley Hotel, Stephen King's inspiration for "The Shining," still offers ghost tours from its hilltop perch.