Hotels in Rocky Mountain National Park

There is no lodging inside the park.

Estes Park Area (East Side of the National Park)

For help in finding accommodations in and around Estes Park, contact the Estes Park Convention and Visitors Bureau (tel. 800/443-7837; www.estesparkcvb.com). Among the independent motels, I especially like the Saddle and Surrey Motel, 1341 S. St. Vrain Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517 (www.saddleandsurrey.com; tel. 800/204-6626 or 970/586-3326), which has a pleasant indoor heated pool and rates of $90 to $145 double in summer and $60 to $95 at other times.

Chains in Estes Park include the Best Western Plus Silver Saddle, 1260 Big Thompson Ave. (U.S. 34), Estes Park, CO 80517 (tel. 970/586-4476), with rates of $109 to $299 double from June to mid-September, $79 to $199 double during of the rest of year; Comfort Inn, 1450 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517 (tel. 970/586-2358), charging $109 to $299 double in summer, $76 to $199 double during the rest of the year; and Travelodge, 1220 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517 (tel. 970/586-4421), charging $119 to $149 double in summer, $75 to $110 double during the rest of the year. Many campgrounds in Estes Park also offer cabin rentals.

Grand Lake Area (West Side of the National Park)

For a complete listing of lodging and dining choices in the Grand Lake Area, contact the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 429, Grand Lake, CO 80447 (www.grandlakechamber.com; tel. 800/531-1019 or 970/627-3402).