Estes Park is a town in the Eastern Slope 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 northcentral Colorado. Estes Park sits at the east entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

"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 site-seers. 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 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

Elevation in town is 7,600 feet above sea level. Some people experience discomforts due to altitude.

Get around

One of the main difficulties in Estes Park is local transportation. 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.

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, and a shuttle to the Denver airport.

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. Unfortunately the shuttle doesn't come into town. The national park entrance stations are frequently unmanned early in the morning (6 am). Once you are in I don't think they ever check to see if you paid to get in.

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.

Attractions

 • Sightseeing: Rocky Mountain National Park particularly the drive over Trail Ridge Road.
 • Wildlife: elk (wapiti), bighorn sheep, mule deer, etc.
 • Fine arts/galleries
 • Historical museum
 • Scottish festival (September)
 • Halloween
 • Christmas "catch the glow" parade (weekend after Thanksgiving)
 • Rodeo

Dining

Much like many tourist towns, Estes Park features many different types of restaurants. Everything from Mexican to wild game fare is available.
 • Malt Shop, (on Moraine Ave downtown).
 • Dunraven, (on Hwy 66).
 • Twin Owls Steak House.
 • Luigi's Pizza.

Lodging

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.

 • Bugle Pointe Condos, 1480 David Drive Estes Park, (on Fall River), (888) 925-9260
 • YMCA of the Rockies - 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
 • Mary's Lake Lodge & Condos, 2625 Mary's Lake Road, (877) 442-6279