Allenspark Day Trip
Text By The Chamber Of Commerce Estes Park © All rights reserved.
Allenspark is a 17 mile destination experience driving from Estes on a section of the scenic Peak to Peak Highway (Highway 7) with suggested stops at Marys Lake Lodge, Lily Lake, The Baldpate Inn, Allenspark Lodge, The Enos Mills Cabin and Museum and Aspen Lodge
Always check opening and closing times for museums and other activities as well as their seasonal schedules as many places are open only during the summer months
To get to Highway 7, take Elkhorn Avenue (Highway 36) east through the main part of downtown, where it becomes Highway 36. Move to the right hand lane of Highway 36, and then stay to the right picking up Highway 7. You are now traveling toward a beautiful scenic area where you will enjoy stands of Ponderosa Pines, open vistas with views of Long’s Peak & Mt .Meeker, expansive spruce forests and lush green meadows.
Several miles south of Estes you will notice a very large log building nestled at the foot of Ram’s Horn Mountain. This is Marys Lake Lodge which first opened in 1912. Over half of the facility was destroyed by fire in 1978 and the lodge was closed for some time. In the past five years it has been fully restored and offers lodging and lunch and dinner dining on an attractive deck area with views of Marys Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Seven miles along the road, on the right, is the roadside parking area for Lily Lake. It is a very easy ¾ mile walk around the lake which offers spectacular views of the mountains. See if you can identify the face of Long’s Peak.
Across from Lily Lake is the entrance to The Baldpate Inn. You can either visit this bed and breakfast on your way to Allenspark or on your return to Estes Park. Listed on the National Register, The Baldpate Inn is classic mountain log architecture. The stick carved handrail taking a visitor to the main level is very unique. Built in 1917, it has been receiving guests for a very long time and has a museum that houses a collection of 30,000 keys and fascinating black and white photograph collection. It is featured in the widely performed old play, "Seven Keys to Baldpate". For lunch and dinner the The Baldpate Inn serves hearty soups with a generous salad bar - followed by the inspiring dessert tray. You will enjoy the activity of the hummingbirds as feeders are across the front of the inn.
Further along the road on your right side is Saint Malo, a Catholic retreat and conference center. The prominent Chapel on the Rock was built in 1935 and is a unique setting for weddings. Special arrangements need to be made for touring
Allenspark, your destination for this day trip, is important in the history of Estes Park. When people first came to enjoy the mountains, the unpaved roads and early automobiles were not able to handle the long distances so a visitor’s first stop might be in the Allenspark area. A visitor would spend the night here and come up to Estes the following day
Drive on to Main Street in Allenspark. One place of interest is The Allenspark Lodge Bed and Breakfast. This historic property was built in 1933 from old Ponderosa Pine logs. Some of the interior rustic furnishings are also made from old pine and are very unique.
On Main Street there are several shops, the local stable and a breakfast/lunch restaurant called Meadow Mountain Cafe located in a log cabin. The atmosphere is casual and friendly and is a favorite of the locals who live in the area.
Having completed the Main Street experience of Allenspark, return to Highway 7 and turn left to begin your return to Estes Park.
On your right look for Eagle Plume’s Trading Post which was established in 1917. The post has a wonderful collection of American art, rugs and silver jewelry.
A few miles further along the road and up on a hillside is Enos Mills Cabin, Museum and Gallery. The original homestead cabin was built in 1883. Enos Mills, a naturalist, is called "The father of Rocky Mountain National Park" He was responsible for convincing Congress to set aside this beautiful tract of land for the preservation of beauty and wildlife. This site became a national historic landmark in 1973 and has a beautiful view of Longs Peak.
On the right you will see the 82 acre ranch of Aspen Lodge, which boasts a large log conference area and great horseback riding.
Closer to Estes Park just across from Lily Lake is the Twin Sisters Trailhead, a favorite moderate hike with panoramic views. You will drive by The Baldpate Inn again. If you didn't stop here on your way to Allenspark, you might want to enjoy the inn on your return home.
As you drop down into Estes Park on the final leg of your trip, you will experience a great panoramic view of the Estes Valley. This is particularly impressive at night with all the lights from the city.
Hope you enjoyed this day and some of the history and beauty of the area.
|
Enjoy Estes Park - Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm It's Here! ''SAVOR ESTES PARK!'' 4 Thursdays in March, 24 participating restaurants! Dine & Drink for $3.00. Click on the Savor Estes Park Banner on www.enjoyestespark.com for more information.
