Rocky Mountain National Forest and Boulder, Colorado- Hotel Boulderado

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Rocky Mountain National Park
For the grand finale of our Colorado trip we made the drive from Breckenridge, north to Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the drive, we made a quick stop at Grand Lake, which commences the start of the park’s west entrance. The drive through the park itself took us about a half day, making many stops to take in scenic vistas of the Rockies. Be sure to check out the Alpine visitor center which sits up around 12,000 feet.
Grand Lake



The drive was highlighted by a giant elk that started walking along the side of our car as we got closer to the exit of the park.

As we drove the last leg of the drive to Boulder, we made a pit stop in Nederland to grab lunch at the Wild Mountain Smokehouse.


When we finally arrived in Boulder, we spent the night at the historic Hotel Boulderado. Located right in the center of town, Hotel Boulderado was built in 1909 and has been a staple of the city ever since. We particularly enjoyed taking a ride on the original, manually operated elevator and having a cup of coffee surrounded by the beautiful architecture of the lobby—in addition to the fantastic guest rooms!








If you’re staying at the hotel or just passing through the area, be sure to check out License No. 1, which is in the basement of the hotel. The bar was recipient to Boulder’s first liquor license. It features a speakeasy ambiance in a labyrinth of unique rooms that’ll have you living vicariously through prohibition, while sipping a cocktail.




All in all, we found Colorado to be one of the most dynamic places we’ve ever visited. I’m sure we’ll be back one day soon to find out what the famous skiing is all about.

 Travel the East ©


Kristy Albano & Matt Pickering                                                      

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