Trail Ridge Road is the best way to experience the Rockies

A far cry from the elusive home of our favorite ranch dressing, Hidden Valley is a great place to whip out the sleds and have a snowy adventure. The area is the only place in Rocky Mountain National Park that allows you to sled and tube, so make sure to take advantage of it! On the weekends, an attendant runs a warming room for those who just want to watch the festivities. You can also rent tubes and sleds in shops in the nearby town, so don't worry if you forgot them! During the summer, it's a lush, open meadow tucked away among rocky peaks and dense woodland... it's a great place to unpack a picnic and enjoy.

Looking over a beautiful wooded gorge, Forest Canyon Overlook is a hidden treasure. The overlook is just a short walk from the parking lot, and gives you a view of Forest Canyon, Terra Tomah Mountain, and Stones Peak. The path is paved and an easy walk for all ages and abilities. This overlook is at a high altitude though, so be careful of altitude sickness as well as shortness of breath. Make sure to look out for pikas and marmots as you look out over the natural beauty!

If you haven't seen enough ghost towns after Lulu City, check out nearby Dutchtown Ghost Town. The town was built to accommodate Dutch miners driven out of Lulu City after a night of drinking and rabble-rousing. Its lifespan was even shorter than Lulu City's, and it is in slightly more ruined condition... but if you look carefully, you can still see the foundations and subtle remains of cabins and buildings.

If you're interested in learning more about Rocky Mountain National Park, Kawuneeche Visitor Center is the place to be. The center offers nature hikes with park rangers, Saturday evening programs, a 20-minute film providing background on the geology and history of the park, and even a gift shop. You can also get acquainted with the park from a topographical relief map, and this is the place to reserve backcountry camping sites. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch, as the picnic area has tables and fire pits galore!

Looking at Grand Lake is fun, but actually getting out on the water is a real experience! Mountain Paddlers allows you to rent both solo and tandem kayaks in order to experience the natural beauty of this Colorado lake firsthand. The company operates on a first-come, first-served basis, in order to make sure that all people out on the water don't feel constrained by time. It also offers a special where you get three hours for the price of two! Each rental includes a boat, life vest, whistle, dry bag (so you can bring your phone for epic pictures), a waterproof watch, and of course, a paddle.

Right along the Tonahutu River lies Rapids Lodge and Restaurant, a great way to get back to "civilization" for a bit on your trip. The lodge is home to a variety of shops, a public beach, multiple restaurants, and plenty of bars. Lodging options include condominiums, cabins, and guest rooms, all along the beautiful river. The lodge is just minutes from Trail Ridge Road, so it's the perfect place to relax after or during your adventure.