Gateway to the Rockies: Kawuneeche Visitor Center
Explore the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park at Kawuneeche Visitor Center, your essential guide to outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes.
Discover the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, your essential starting point for exploring the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park. Situated in Grand Lake, Colorado, this visitor center offers invaluable resources, stunning exhibits, and expert advice for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
A brief summary to Kawuneeche Visitor Center
- 16018 US-34, Grand Lake, Colorado, 80447, US
- +1970-627-3471
- Visit website
- Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best advice from park rangers.
- Check the daily schedule for ranger-led programs and activities.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes right outside the center.
- Don’t forget to pick up a park map and trail guides before heading out.
- Use the visitor center’s resources to plan your hike based on your skill level.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving within Rocky Mountain National Park, follow the signs towards Grand Lake. From the park's eastern entrance, drive west on Bear Lake Road until you reach the junction with US-34. Turn left onto US-34 and continue for approximately 15 miles. The Kawuneeche Visitor Center will be located on your right at 16018 US-34, Grand Lake, CO 80447. Parking is available on-site.
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Public Transportation
Currently, there is limited public transportation directly serving Rocky Mountain National Park. However, some shuttle services operate during the summer months from Estes Park to Grand Lake. If you can take a shuttle to Grand Lake, you will need to arrange for local transport or a taxi to reach the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, which is about 5 miles away from the Grand Lake town center. Be sure to check the shuttle service schedules in advance, as they may vary.
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Hiking
For those already within the park and looking for an adventurous route, you can hike from various locations, such as the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake. This trail leads to scenic views and will eventually connect you to the roads leading to the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. However, please note that this is a longer and more strenuous option, so ensure you are prepared with proper hiking gear and check trail conditions before setting out.
Discover more about Kawuneeche Visitor Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kauffman House Museum
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Farview Curve Viewpoint
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Moraine Park Discovery Center
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Teller City Historic Site
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Rocky Mountain Day Hikes, a Website of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
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Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rock
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Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
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Rocky Mountain National Park Sign
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Aspen Winds on Fall River
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The Wapiti Colorado Pub
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Tour Estes Park
27.7 km
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Red Rose Rock Shop
28.2 km
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Estes Park Brewery
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Open Air Adventure Park
28.5 km
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Mrs. Walsh's Garden
28.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Grand Lake Visitor Center
1.7 km
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Grand Lake
1.8 km
Discover Grand Lake, Colorado: A charming mountain village with year-round recreation, stunning lake views, and easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Holzwarth Historic Site
12.0 km
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Lake Of Glass
14.3 km
Hike to Lake of Glass in Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning reflections and breathtaking mountain views.
Emerald Lake
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Hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park for breathtaking alpine scenery and emerald-green waters.
Lake Haiyaha
15.1 km
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Rocky Mountain National Park
15.2 km
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Fern Lake
15.3 km
Hike to a pristine alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by stunning views and natural beauty.
Dream Lake
15.5 km
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Lake Haiyaha To Mills/Loch Jct Trl
15.8 km
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Bear Lake Trail
16.6 km
Discover stunning alpine scenery on an easy loop trail around picturesque Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Bear Lake Trailhead
16.6 km
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Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
17.0 km
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park's stunning trails from Glacier Gorge Junction, a hiker's paradise with alpine lakes and waterfalls.
Alberta Falls
17.0 km
Hike to a stunning 30-foot waterfall through beautiful forests in Rocky Mountain National Park. An easy and accessible natural wonder near Estes Park.
Forest Canyon Overlook
17.5 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of glacier-carved canyons and alpine tundra at 11,716 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Essential places to dine
Trailhead Restaurant
25.6 km
Discover the flavors of Colorado at Trailhead Restaurant—where eclectic cuisine meets stunning mountain views in Estes Park.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
25.9 km
Experience the best of American cuisine and craft brews at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern in Estes Park – your cozy retreat after exploring nature's wonders.
Bird & Jim
26.7 km
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Twin Owls Steakhouse
26.7 km
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Boss Burgers and Gyros
27.0 km
Indulge in mouth-watering burgers and authentic gyros at Boss Burgers and Gyros – your go-to spot in scenic Estes Park.
Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK
27.2 km
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Coffee on the Rocks
28.1 km
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Rivers Edge BBQ
28.3 km
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Big Horn Restaurant
28.5 km
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Sweet Basilico Cafe
28.6 km
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The View Restaurant
28.6 km
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Twisted Griffin Irish Pub & Restaurant
28.7 km
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The Grubsteak Restaurant
28.8 km
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The Wild Rose Restaurant
28.8 km
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Bob & Tonys Pizza
28.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Trail Ridge Store
20.5 km
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Country Ace Hardware
22.3 km
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City Market
24.1 km
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Rocky Mountain Gateway
25.7 km
Explore the treasures of Rocky Mountain Gateway, your one-stop shop for unique gifts, camping gear, and authentic Native American crafts in Estes Park, Colorado.
The Mad Moose
26.8 km
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The Village Store of Estes Park
26.8 km
Discover the charm of The Village Store in Estes Park, a perfect blend of clothing, gifts, and souvenirs for every traveler.
Wild Horse Gift Shop
27.3 km
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The Trading Post of the Rockies
28.2 km
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Lizzie's Boutique
28.4 km
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Omnibus
28.7 km
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Over The Edge
28.7 km
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Country West City East Gifts
28.7 km
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Favorite Things
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The Whispering Wood
28.7 km
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Cabin Fever of Estes Park Co
28.7 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rock Cut Brewing Company
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Full Throttle Distillery & Grill Estes Park
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Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, An Irish Pub
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Wheel Bar
29.0 km
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The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
29.5 km
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217 Wine Bar
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Avant Garde Aleworks
29.9 km
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The Bull Pin - Elevated Entertainment
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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
30.0 km
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Randi's Grill & Pub
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Gravity Haus Winter Park
38.9 km
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Pits & Stems
53.6 km
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The Bitter Bar
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West End Tavern
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Press Play Bar LP
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cabin 30
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Tonic Alchemy Lounge
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Nitro Club
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The Spotted James
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Cedars Lounge
56.3 km
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Sahara Night hookah lounge
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The R Bar and Lounge
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Rec Room
73.3 km
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Cooper Smith Poolside
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Bondi Beach Bar and Grill
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The Coast
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Inspirato Vail Member Lounge
83.5 km
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Bridge Street Bar
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Shakedown Bar
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The Gambit Bar
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