'''Estes Park''' [http://www.estesparkcvb.com] is a town in the Front Range region of the state of Colorado in America. It is located 90 miles northwest of Denver, on the eastern slope of the Front Range in north central Colorado. Estes Park sits at the east entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Understand
"Park" in this case is a term that means a valley or meadow. Estes Park is named after an early settler, Joel Estes, who attempted to make a living by farming. Because of the short growing season it never really worked out. Since the mid-1800's the main business of Estes Park has been tourism. The clientele ranges from hard-core backcountry types to tour-buses full of drive through sightseers. The main draw is the scenery, which is awesome.
Year-round population is approximately 6,000 people, adding the surroundings it may be 10,000. In the peak of tourist season that probably triples.
The best time to visit for outdoor activities is July through September. Everyone else thinks so too, so it can get kind of crowded. The heaviest traffic is probably in August. The family/kids crowd thins out after Labor Day.
Winter is a charming time of the year as well, since it is an excellent time to go snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Winter also provides greater opportunities to enjoy the tranquility of the Rocky Mountains as there are fewer tourists.
Winter weather is warmer than most mountain towns. But summer is also short. Summer temps peak in the low 90's(F) in town, much cooler as elevation increases. If you plan on spending any time out of your car up on Trail Ridge Road take a jacket. Estes is in a dry zone, getting maybe 13-15 inches of moisture a year. During the summer the regular weather pattern is clear mornings with a buildup of clouds at midday and sometimes a short rain shower. Online local weather station is available at http://www.yipyap.com/wscurrent.html
Elevation in town is 7,522 feet above sea level. Some people experience discomforts due to altitude.
Get in
By car
4 main routes:
West from Loveland, CO via US-34, approximately 30 miles
Northwest from Lyons, CO via US-36 approximately 25 miles
North from Golden/Blackhawk/Central City/Boulder through Allenspark, CO via CO-7
East from Grand Lake, CO via US-34 over Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park... This route is seasonal and you WILL have to pay an entrance fee to get through the National Park. (It usually opens at the end of May and closes sometime in October depending on the snowfall)
By plane
The closest major airport is DIA in Denver, about 90 miles away. Shuttle service to Estes can be obtained (see http://www.estesparkshuttle.com/ or http://www.estesparklimo.com/airport.html).
There are small airports in Boulder, Longmont and Loveland/Fort Collins.
By Train
From Downtown Denver Amtrak Station, Call [http://www.EstesParkShuttle.com] to make special arrangements. They will probably pick you up at the downtown station before heading to the airport and return you from Estes Park after dropping people off at the airport.
From WinterPark Amtrak Station
Get around
Getting around Estes Park has become easier in recent years. The town itself is small and can be covered reasonably well by walking. Most tourist visitors have their own car. You can park in one of the city lots (free) and walk a couple of blocks to get downtown.
Estes Park has implemented a free shuttle bus system that begins at the Visitor Center and has stops in Rocky Mountain National Park as well as a variety of stops within town. For a map of the 2007 shuttle bus routes, see http://estesparkcvb.com/estesparkcvb/photos/textboxes/Shuttle_Map_4_25_No_Times.pdf
There is some provision for bicycles. Paved trails radiate out from Lake Estes toward the south and west. But the part of the trail that goes downtown is restricted to walking only. Cycling on the main roads is ok, but shoulder can be sparse. Be careful of "tourist drivers" who will perform strange unpredictable maneuvers.
There is a local taxi-cab company (http://www.peaktopeaktaxi.com/) and a shuttle to the Denver airport (see above). But do not depend on this as your only transportation option to get around the town of Estes. Taxi service in Estes is inconsistent at best.
Transport within the National Park is mostly by private vehicle but shuttle bus service between the Moraine Park / Bear Lake areas has become more popular in recent years. Shuttle bus service between the Estes Park Visitors Center and Rocky Mountain National Park started in 2006. While the shuttle bus is free, you will need to purchase a National Parks pass prior to entering Rocky Mountain National Park. According to the Visitor's Center staff, there is an automated machine available at the Visitor's Center from which you can purchase 7-day or annual passes.
The National Park entrance stations are frequently unmanned early in the morning (6 am).
Hitchhiking can sometimes be effective particularly if you look like you are making an effort and have good personal hygiene. Speaking of hygiene, the laundromat in upper Stanley village also sells showers.
See
Sightseeing: Rocky Mountain National Park particularly the drive over Trail Ridge Road.
Park Information (970) 586-1206
Recorded Information (970)586-1333
Backcountry Permits & Information(970)586-1242
Emergencies in the Park (970)586-1399
Rocky Mountain Nature Association (970)586-0108
Rocky Mountain Seminars (970)586-0108
Wildlife: elk (wapiti), bighorn sheep, mule deer, etc.
Fine arts/galleries
Historical museum
Scottish festival (September)
Elk Fest (first weekend in October)
Christmas "Catch the Glow" parade (weekend after Thanksgiving)
Rooftop Rodeo
Do
Camping
Hiking
Fishing
Golf (27 holes)
Horse riding
Alpine mountain climbing (in particular, Longs Peak)
Rock climbing/bouldering
Birding
Rafting
Get a Massage, relax at a Spa: '''Riverspointe Spa - Downtown Estes Park.''' [http://www.RiverspointeSpa.com]
Buy
This place has been a tourist destination since day one. You can outfit yourself for camping/hiking/fishing/biking. There are quite a few fine art galleries. There are stuffed-bear stores, Christmas ornament stores, cowboy hat stores, and two Starbucks. And there are the ubiquitous T-shirt and "rubber tomahawk" places.
For groceries its Country Market or Safeway and prices are comparable to the front range area. Car/RV service, parts and repair are available but somewhat limited. Gas prices are usually 10 cents/gal higher than Loveland or Longmont. There is no WalMart, so for odd items you may need to go to one of the hardware stores or to the sundries aisle at Safeway. There are at least three pharmacies and a nice local hospital.
Eat
Much like many tourist towns, Estes Park features many different types of restaurants. Everything from Mexican to wild game fare is available.
Estes Park Restaurants
Big Horn Restaurant. 01 W Elkhorn. 970)-586-2792. ttp://www.estesparkbighorn.com/. (voted best breakfast/BBQ)
Cascades (Stanley Hotel) (970)-586-3371
Chicago_fs Best (Pizza) 112 W. Elkhorn Ave. (970)-586-4796
The Donut Haus. ttp://www.donuthaus-estespark.com/. 42 Moraine Ave.. 970)-586-2988 (closed Mondays).
The Egg and I. ttp://theeggandirestaurants.com/. 93 E. Elkhorn Ave.. 970)-586-1173.
Estes Park Pie Company. 70 E. Elkhorn Ave.. 970)-577-7437. ttp://www.estesparkpiecompany.com/home.htm.
Grumpy Gringo. 560 Big Thompson Ave.. 970)-586-7705. ttp://www.grumpygringo.com/.
Local_fs Grill. 53 E. Elkhorn Ave.. 970)-586-7600. ttp://localsgrillestespark.com/.
Lyons Soda Fountain Shop 400 Main St. Lyons CO
Malt Shop 125 Moraine Ave. (970)-586-3542
Nepal's (Nepalese & Indian Food) 184 E Elkhorn Ave. (970) 577-7038
Penelope_fs Burgers (voted best in Estes) 229 W. Elkhorn Ave.
Poppy_fs Pizza Riverwalk. 42 E. Elkhorn Ave. 70-586-8282. ttp://poppyspizzaandgrill.com/. 970)-586-8282. in Barlow Plaza
Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (BBQ and music) 1675 Hwy 66 / (970)-586-4116
Sweet Basilico. 30 Prospect Village Dr.. 70-586-3899. ttp://www.sweetbasilico.com/.
Thai Kitchen 401 S Saint Vrain Ave. (off Hwy 7) (970) 577-7112
The View Restaurant at The Crags lodge 300 Riverside Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-6066
Bob and Tony_fs Pizza 124 W. Elkhorn Ave. (970) 586?2044
Ciscos Restaurante 509 Big Thompson Ave. Lower Stanley Park (970) 586-5444
Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant 210 E. Elkhorn Ave. (970) 577?0799
Chelito's Mexican Restaurant 145 Elkhorn Ave. (970) 586?0886
Wapiti Bar & Grill 247 W Elkhorn Ave. (970) 586-5056
Estes Park Theaters
Park Theatre 130 Moraine Ave. (970)-586-8904
Reel Mountain Theatre 543 E. Wonderview Ave. (970)-586-4227
Estes Park Spas and Attractions
'''Riverspointe Spa''' - 121 Wiest Drive - downtown Estes Park 970-577-6841. Slip into a soft robe, sip hot tea, listen to the river running by. Stay after your treatment to sit in the Sauna. Visit [http://www.riverspointespa.com] for a full list of services.
Escape Spa and Salon 2625 Mary_fs Lake Road (970)-577-9495
Stanley Park (playground) 1209 Manford Ave. (970)-586-6104
Stanley Hotel Spa (Parlour Salon and Spa) (970)-586-9250
Drink
Kind Coffee. 70 E Elkhorn Ave.. 70-586-5206. ttp://www.kindcoffee.com/. Intersection of Hwy 37 & Elkhorn. Locally roasted, organically grown, fair trade coffee.
Sleep
There are a few chain hotels of the holiday-inn/best-western type. Most lodging is at mom and pop motels and cabins. Condos available for renting also. Accommodations can fill up in the summer and on holiday weekends.
'''Valhalla Resort''', [http://www.valhallaresort.com/]. There are 1-4 bed rustic cabins located near the Rocky Mountain National Park. Toll Free: 1.800.522.3284 | Phone: 970.586.3284 | email: info@valhallaresort.com. 2185 Eagle Cliff Rd | Estes Park, CO 80517.
'''YMCA of the Rockies''', [http://www.ymcarockies.org/]. Has three fairly extensive (and extremely popular) cabin complexes. As with many things "Y," religion is optional.
There are at least 5 commercial campgrounds in/near town, and 4 campgrounds in the national park. There are also informal (free) camping sites on national forest land not far from town.
'''Estes Park Campground''', 3420 Tunnel Road, (970) 586-4188, [mailto:info@estesparkcampground.com info@estesparkcampground.com], [http://www.estesparkcampground.com/].
'''US National Park Campground Reservations''', [http://reservations.nps.gov/]
'''Marys Lake Lodge & Condos''', 2625 Marys Lake Road, (877) 442-6279, [http://www.maryslakelodge.com].
'''Gilded Pine Meadows Bed & Breakfast''', 861 Big Horn Drive, Phone: 970.586.2124. Toll Free: 866.312.2124. E-mail: info@gildedpinemeadows.com [http://www.gildedpinemeadows.com/] Historic Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Estes Park, Colorado close to Rocky Mountain National Park. Two guest rooms and one cottage available. Wedding and Elopement packages.
'''Mountain Shadows Bed & Breakfast''', 871 Riverside Drive, Phone: 970-577-0397. Rates: $189/night. No children under 13. [http://http://www.estes-park.com/mountainshadow/]
'''Romantic Riversong''', 1765 Lower Broadview Road, Phone: 970-586-4666. Fax: 970-577-1336. E-mail: info@romanticriversong.com. Specializes in romantic getaways and elopments. One of the owners is a minister and will perform ceremonies on-site. Rates are different for each room, so contact the inn for more details. [http://www.romanticriversong.com]
'''Wildwood Inn''', 2801 Fall River Road, Near Rocky Mountain National Park, 970-586-7804 Toll Free: 866-586-7025 [http://www.esteswildwoodinn.com/]
'''Stanley Hotel''', 333 Wonderview Ave., Phone: 970-586-3371, Toll Free: 800-976-1377, Fax: 970-586-4964, [http://www.stanleyhotel.com/]. Inspiration for Stephen King's ''The Shining'' (and even played the Overlook Hotel in the 1997 TV miniseries). Three-Star Hotel. [http://mobiltravelguide.howstuffworks.com/estes-park-co-hotels-list.htm?minRating=2]
'''Best Western Silver Saddle''', 1260 Big Thompson Ave., Phone: 970-586-4476, Toll Free: 800-528-1234, Fax: 970-586-5530, E-mail: [mailto:info@estesresort.com info@estesresort.com]. Five time winner of the prestigious "Best of the Best" award from Best Western International. [http://www.estesresort.com/]
'''River Rock Cottages''', 311 Virginia Dr., Phone: 970-586-2760 or Toll Free: 877-551-7511, E-mail: [mailto:info@theriverrockcottages.com info@theriverrockcottages.com]. Cozy cottages within walking distance from downtown Estes Park. [http://www.theriverrockcottages.com/]
River Rock Cottages. 11 Virginia Drive. 70-586-2760. ww.TheRiverRockCottages.com. Conveniently located 2 blocks from downtown Estes Park within easy walking of shopping, dining, the river walk and the park. We're a short 3.5 mile drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. There are fabulous views from all angles of the property. (Views of both Twin Owls and Longs Peak!)
We have 6 cottages; 4 were completely renovated in 2008 and 2 newly built. Complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, full kitchens, old Estes Park charm on the outside and all new on the inside! </sleep>
Brynwood on the River. 10 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. 70.586.3475, Toll Free: 800.279.4488; email: info@brynwood.com. ttp://www.brynwood.com/. Located at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Brynwood on the River, hosts fully furnished private cabins with your very own deck, hot tub, and fireplace. Choose from cabins right on the Big Thompson River or Themed Cabins.
Contact
Cell phone service is pretty good in town, depending on the carrier, but spotty in the National Park unless you are on high ground.
The local library has Internet terminals available for walkin use, signup required. Kind Coffee, Notchtop Bakery, Barlow Plaza and various hotels and restaurants have free wireless Internet.
Get out