Hotel at a Glance: Murphy’s Resort

Murphy's Resort sits right in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, in a valley amid snow-capped peaks known locally as "The Circle." The valley has some of the best mountain views in the state, and they're especially nice at Rocky Mountain National Park. Guests of Murphy's Resort are just a short drive from the park's hiking trails and scenic drives that culminate in breathtaking vistas.

• Local wildlife: Elk, red foxes, and Stella, the resort's resident pup, can often be seen hanging around the grounds.
• A room with a view: Most guest rooms have views of Lake Estes and Prospect Mountain.
• Outdoor space: picnic tables and gas grills, a playground with swings, and an outdoor pool (seasonal)
• Weekend ice skating: The Estes Park outdoor ice rink is open until the end of February, weather permitting.
Ski report: Cross-country and backcountry skiing are popular in Rocky Mountain National Park (gear up at local sporting goods stores), but for downhill skiing, you'll have to head 90 minutes south to Eldora Resort.

Estes Park, Colorado: Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park

At an elevation of 7,522 feet, Estes Park is a small mountain town known as the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Along Elkhorn Avenue, the main drag of downtown Estes Park, you’ll find the usual souvenir, taffy, and ice-cream shops—but also local breweries and independent restaurants. The resort town also has a popular outdoor ice rink, open on the weekends in the winter months.

Each year, more than three million people head into Rocky Mountain National Park to access 300 miles of hiking trails and admire stunning mountain vistas. The park’s most popular hike is the half-mile loop around the flat terrain of Bear Lake, but the crowd thins out somewhat if you continue onto Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. Park trails are often covered with snow, but you can strap on a pair of snowshoes and make the trek to the alpine lake at The Loch or the summit of Deer Mountain.

Weather permitting, consider taking one of region’s spectacular scenic drives. Trail Ridge Road bisects the national park east to west, bringing travelers up to a maximum elevation of 12,000 feet above the tree line. Trail Ridge Road offers a somewhat direct route to the western half of the park, where you’re most likely to see moose. Another option is the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, which wends past the Continental Divide, offering views of Longs Peak—the park’s highest summit, at 14,259 feet. Before you embark on any drive, be sure to check the road status report.

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