Big Thompson Canyon and Glen Haven Day Trip
Text By The Chamber Of Commerce Estes Park © All rights reserved.

This Devil's Gulch loop drive takes you to The Big Thompson Canyon, Drake, Glen Haven and back to Estes Park. You might take the time to visit The Stanley Hotel at the end of this experience since it is close by.
 
Always check opening and closing times for museums and other activities as well as their seasonal schedules as many are open only during the summer months.
 
Take Elkhorn Avenue, (which is also Highway 34), through downtown heading east towards the spectacular Big Thompson Canyon. This steep winding gorge was created by the river's erosion million of years ago. The majesty of this canyon follows you all the way to Drake. Along the drive you often may observe big horn sheep.
 
The memories of The Big Thompson River Flood of 1976 are still there. A violent thunderstorm on a day in July sent a rampaging wall of water through the canyon killing many people and destroying property in its way. There are still lingering signs of damage to this day and some properties have never reopened.
 
Ten miles down the Big Thompson Canyon you will come to a fork in the road. The canyon community of Drake is the left fork. Directly ahead is The River Forks Inn. This location was originally a stagecoach and horse drawn carriage stop for those traveling between Loveland and Estes Park in the early 1900's. Now a delightful B&B and restaurant, this is a great place for lunch or dinner.
 
The canyon community of Drake was originally called "The Forks" by the early settlers due to its location at the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork of The Big Thompson River. These waters form The North Platte River flowing north to Casper, Wyoming and eventually to Nebraska.
 
Turn left just before The River Forks Inn, following The Little Thompson River and drive to the tiny town of Glen Haven. You might relax in Glen Haven and enjoy a delicious cinnamon roll from the general store or look into a couple of the small shops
 
The main attraction in Glen Haven is The Inn at Glen Haven. This restored romantic bed and breakfast has a Victorian interior decor featuring a small pub and restaurant that are open in the evenings. The dining experience is extravagant and makes for a delightful experience for a special event. During the summer months the numerous lush, colorful hanging baskets and planters create a garden center look to the exterior of the inn.
 
As you drive towards Estes Park you will pass the blue log cabin home of The Red Stallion Gallery.. This gallery features original fine art and sculpture. About half of the gallery pieces are by Colorado artists who place an emphasis on mountain themes.
 
Continue up the Devil's Gulch Road to Estes Park. After two pairs of hairpin curves, the vistas open and you will enjoy a spectacular view of the front range of Rocky Mountain National Park.
 
A little further on you will come to MacGregor Ranch and Museum (970-586-3749). You might want to stop here and take some time to walk around the grounds, or, better yet take a tour of the homestead.
 
MacGregor Ranch and Museum is unusual as its historic collection and buildings are original to the 1873 homestead. Lumpy Ridge and Black Canyon form a beautiful backdrop for the ranch, which is the last working cattle ranch in the Estes area.
 
You have completed your loop tour but you might want to include one more special location that is close by – The Stanley Hotel.
 
When the Devil's Gulch Road meets the 34 Bypass, turn left to go to The Stanley Hotel. In a short distance on the right side you will see their sign and above on the hillside stands the majestic white frame hotel overlooking the Estes valley. The patio area at the front of the hotel is a favorite place for weddings and receptions throughout the summer months. This hotel played a significant role in Stephen King's famous novel, "The Shining".
 
The Stanley Hotel built by F.O Stanley, who was well known for his Stanley Steamer Automobile, opened in 1909. Dude ranches were the popular lodging of the time. There were no luxury hotels and so began the concept of The Stanley Hotel. Over the years the upkeep and restoration of so many large buildings has been a challenge. The interior of the hotel, built of timber from the Bear Lake burn of 1900, is elegant and features a Stanley Steamer automobile in the lobby.
 
The Stanley Museum (970-577-1903) is in a separate location in lower Stanley Village and is responsible for booking tours of the hotel. It has displays of the history of the hotel and its many famous visitors through the years. The museum has a ghost story hour daily. You can call for those times.
 
Hope you enjoyed this destination itinerary for its history of the area and beautiful scenery as you return to Estes Park.