There’s a quiet magic that settles over Estes Park in August. The height of summer has passed, the trails are wide open, and golden light stretches across the mountains from sunrise to sunset. It’s a perfect time for couples, hikers, and last-minute adventurers to experience the Rockies in a more relaxed, unhurried way.
Here’s why late summer at Taharaa Mountain Lodge is one of our favorite seasons of all.
🌄 Golden Hour, All Day Long
As the sun dips lower in the sky each day, the light turns softer, the air cooler, and the views even more breathtaking. Whether you’re sipping coffee on your balcony at sunrise or watching the mountains glow pink at dusk, August brings a special kind of beauty to the lodge.
💫 Fewer Crowds, Full Access
While July is the busiest month in Rocky Mountain National Park, August gives you the same trail access—with fewer people. Hike iconic spots like Sky Pond, Chasm Lake, or Lake Haiyaha without the midday congestion, or enjoy a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road before it closes for the season.
🛏 Stay Where the Views Are Just the Beginning
At Taharaa Mountain Lodge, every detail is designed to help you slow down and reconnect. Choose a suite with a fireplace or oversized soaking tub, enjoy gourmet boutique breakfasts each morning, and take in the quiet luxury of being just minutes from the park—without the noise of downtown traffic.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a surprise proposal, or simply escaping the heat back home, our lodge offers the perfect high-elevation retreat.
🍷 Dinner at Twin Owls Steakhouse
Our on-site restaurant, Twin Owls Steakhouse, is the ideal way to end your day. Chef Cole’s new seasonal menu includes favorites like Gochujang BBQ Chicken Thighs, Colorado rack of lamb, and smoked salmon crostini, paired with craft cocktails and a curated wine list.
Enjoy live music Wednesday through Saturday nights, and request a sunset-facing table for a truly unforgettable evening.
🦌 Wildlife Watching Begins
By late August, the first signs of elk rutting season begin to show. You may hear the start of bugling or spot large herds gathering in Moraine Park or even near the lodge. Keep your camera ready—this is a special moment to witness nature’s rhythms up close.
✨ Make August Your Moment
If you’re looking for a quieter escape, a romantic retreat, or one last mountain getaway before fall, Taharaa Mountain Lodge and Twin Owls Steakhouse offer the space to unwind and the beauty to inspire.
Book now to enjoy late-summer serenity before the leaves (and the temperatures) begin to change.
