Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that made all the difference.
Robert Frost made a good point about choosing a road less traveled, but for Estes Park a familiar road that is heavily traveled is open for the season. Trail Ridge Road, commonly known as the highway to the sky, has been a popular attraction in the Rocky Mountain National Park since 1931. Coined as a scenic wonder road of the world, Trail Ridge Road stretches forty-eight miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake. With eleven miles of the road being above the tree line of the national park, visitors can experience stunning views.
Just a few miles from the Rocky Mountain National Park, the key room here at The Baldpate Inn will always be connected to Trail Ridge Road. When the vacation season opened in 1941, a large lock was made by Robert Thorson of Rocky Mountain National Park. Presenting the lock was none other than Lana Turner, a famed actress of the period. Turner's autograph can still be seen on the key face of the lock and reads
"This padlock and key, which I used May 17, 1941 Vacation Season for Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park is presented to you for your collection on behalf of the National Park Service, LOOK Magazine, Estes Park Chamber of Commerce and
The Trail Ridge Road has been a popular sight for decades and will continue to be an exciting adventure for years to come. Since it is now open for the 2017 season, pay a visit to Trail Ridge Road and The Baldpate Inn Key Room, just don't tell them Robert Frost sent you!
Happy Traveling!
Jessica Carter, Museum Curator
The Baldpate Inn
