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
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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
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Mrs. Walsh's Garden
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Unmissable attractions to see
Grand Lake Visitor Center
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Grand Lake
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Holzwarth Historic Site
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Lake Of Glass
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Emerald Lake
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Lake Haiyaha
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Rocky Mountain National Park
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Fern Lake
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Dream Lake
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Lake Haiyaha To Mills/Loch Jct Trl
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Bear Lake Trail
16.6 km
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Bear Lake Trailhead
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Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
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Alberta Falls
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Forest Canyon Overlook
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Essential places to dine
Trailhead Restaurant
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The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
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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
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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
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Big Horn Restaurant
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Sweet Basilico Cafe
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The View Restaurant
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Twisted Griffin Irish Pub & Restaurant
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The Grubsteak Restaurant
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The Wild Rose Restaurant
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Bob & Tonys Pizza
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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
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The Mad Moose
26.8 km
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The Village Store of Estes Park
26.8 km
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Wild Horse Gift Shop
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The Trading Post of the Rockies
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Lizzie's Boutique
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Omnibus
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Over The Edge
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Country West City East Gifts
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Favorite Things
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The Whispering Wood
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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
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The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
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217 Wine Bar
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Avant Garde Aleworks
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The Bull Pin - Elevated Entertainment
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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
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Randi's Grill & Pub
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Gravity Haus Winter Park
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Pits & Stems
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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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