The Rocky Mountain National Park is home to sweeping vistas of rugged peaks, forested valleys, and breathtaking tundra—truly a nature lover’s paradise, where every turn holds the promise of a new adventure. Beyond the rich natural environment and ecological systems, the park is steeped in history, from the old mining days to the construction of major park roads in the first half of the 20th century. If you fancy yourself a history buff or are just interested in learning more about the storied Estes Park history, you must pay a visit to the Holzwarth Historic Site, a 1920s era Dude Ranch!
The History of Mountain Living
If you think life in the Rockies can be harsh now with our modern amenities, imagine how it was over a hundred years ago when the area was not nearly as settled. The Holzwarth Historic Site offers a picture of what life in the mountains might have been like during the early homesteading time. The ranch was originally constructed by immigrants from Germany, who built up the ranch over several years in the 1920s. First it was known as the Holzwarth Trout Lodge, and when the popularity of fishing died down, they would offer sightseeing excursions on horseback. Eventually in the 1970s the Nature Conservancy purchased it, and today it is in the hands of the National Park Service—meaning you can easily visit it!
Explore the Ranch or Take a Volunteer-Led Tour
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting between mid-June through September, you can visit the Holzworth Historic Site and take a tour to learn about what life was like back when the Holzworth family came to homestead in the Rockies. The volunteers are very knowledgeable, and a tour is well worth it, but there are also informational plaques if you’d like to visit the site yourself. You have to take a short hike to get to the ranch, but it is considered a route for all skill levels. If you’re coming from Estes Park, you’ll have to take Trail Ridge Road, so be sure to check the conditions before you leave!
Reserve Your Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation Cabin Today!
If you’d like to live the mountain life in an upscale setting while learning about Estes Park history, you’ll love our elegant cabin rentals, with alpine accents and modern amenities for a blissful Rocky Mountain escape. Our reservation specialists are waiting to speak with you, so give us a call today!