Estes Park - North Central Colorado
When Joel Estes first visited the Estes valley on a hunting trip in Colorado, October of 1859, he thought the valley held promise as a cattle ranch. He and his wife Patsy moved the family into two log cabins near what is now Estes Park, Colorado. The public soon learned about the beauty of the high mountain valley surrounded by snowcapped peaks when William Byers published his adventures from climbing Longs Peak in 1868. Soon others came to trap, prospect, hunt, and view the scenery, and tourism increased even more. Though the area never gained reputation as a cattle ranch like Joel Estes thought, the town has become one of the most visited places in Colorado. Entering Estes Park is like being embraced by the Mountains! Estes Park, Colorado is home to more than 300 retail stores and a restaurant scene that rivals any mountain town in the state. There are no commercial businesses in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park so, many visitors head to Estes Park to satisfy their appetite. With its scenic Riverwalk and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, Estes Park entices vacationers to linger for as long they want. Lake Estes offers tranquil boating, and mountain biking and horseback trails forge into the adjacent forests and meadows. While summer is certainly prime season, Estes Park is a wonderful winter respite; as you soak in a hot tub and watch the snowflakes gently fall, you'll be far away from any cares. In fall, aspens glow golden throughout, as the whole town turns out to celebrate the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Festival.
Lyons, Colorado is an intimate community, known as the "Double Gateway" to the Rockies for its dual highways that take you up the North and South St. Vrain Canyons to Rocky Mountain National Park, 20 miles west. The Historic District has 16 buildings featuring fine craftsmanship and the stunning beauty of sandstone, their native rock. A mecca for artists, outdoor enthusiasts and musicians, with 17 restaurants to choose from, many feature live music. Enjoy regional and national acts at Planet Bluegrass where the North St. Vrain Creek winds through the festival grounds making for a cool, relaxed outdoor music experience. Enjoy a mountain bike ride to Hall Ranch, rock climb at Button Rock or kayak the Whitewater Park in Meadow Park. Float on a tube down the North St. Vrain Creek, off road up Bunce School Road near Allenspark or hike around Rabbit Mountain. Take a scenic drive up the South St. Vrain Canyon to the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway and enjoy the Rocky Mountain views.
Drake and Glen Haven are both on Highway 34 between Estes Park and Loveland as the highway meanders along the Big Thompson River. The canyon community of Drake was originally called "The Forks" by early settlers due to its location at the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork of the Big Thompson River. In the late 1800s, Frank Bartholf owned the land where the River Forks Stage Stop now stands. His large herd of cattle grazed under the watchful eye of Louis Papa, stepson of Loveland's first permanent settler, Mariano Medina. When visiting Estes Park, be sure to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The eastern gate to the park is located at the edge of Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States.
Estes Park Whitewater Park is right in the heart of Estes Park on Fall River right alongside the Riverwalk. All levels of experience are welcome because you'll have a unique experience no matter what.
Estes Park is near: Allenspark, Loveland & Lyons
Premium Estes Park Businesses
WiFi hot-spots. Secluded. Near Estes Park stay in deluxe, beautiful, clean cottages. Machin's is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, fresh mountain air and hiking trails! Scenic views: wildlife out your door.
Some of Lazy R cabins have personal hot tubs. A radiant mountain stay. 1-, 2-, 3-bedroom vacation cottages (kitchen or kitchenette), fireplace, deck. Near Rocky Mountain National Park; below Estes Park.
WILDERNESS ADVENTURES start in Fort Collins: rocky mountain whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Cache la Poudre River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River in Colorado. Family Fun!
Budget cottages to luxury homes and everything in between -- Seven beautiful locations. Some are dog friendly. Rocky Mountain Resorts knows Estes Park! Many units have full kitchens and personal hot tubs.
Featured Estes Park Businesses
Hearty mountain breakfasts at an Authentic 1930s log lodge in Allenspark, CO. 12-romantic rooms for retreats, getaways, scrap-booking. Mountain Cabins. Unwind: hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing.
Romantic retreat near Rocky Mountain National Park. Annie's guest house and cabins overlook the Big Thompson River - fish. An ideal Estes Park hide-a-way for couples: private outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces.
Near Rocky Mountain National Park along Fall River in Estes Park. Aspen Winds has Special Occasion and Snowshoe Packages. Vacation Suites with private balcony or deck, jetted-tub, fireplaces. Free WiFi.
DOGGIE FRIENDLY! Excellent value in Estes Park. Bear Paw Cabin and the Waggin Tails Ranch are beautiful private rentals: Yards, BBQ, patios, kitchens, quality linens, fireplaces, WiFi, TV, washer/dryer.
LOG CABINS in ESTES PARK; each with a woodburning fireplace, loft, pine interior, full kitchen, cable TV, WiFi. Blackhawk Cabins are 2 miles to Rocky Mountain National Park. Relaxing - Riverside Hot Tub.
Newly renovated in 2017 the Blue Door Inn offers a host of amenities in Estes Park: Hot tub, swimming pool, picnic areas with BBQs, outdoor games. All rooms: A/C, HDTV, Fridge, Microwave, strong WiFi.
In Loveland, serving Estes Park, Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming since 1999, all your REPAIR needs: all RVs; Trailers - horse, utility, boat. DM RV Repair: authorized for RV components and builders.
Kawasaki T-Rex ATV 1-4 riders; Rent your UTV in Estes Park: 3 or 6.5 hours. Off-Road Rentals are licensed to drive on all roads! Visit 1965 T33A jet crash the Air Force left in the mountains. Unguided adventures!
AFFORDABLE year-round Estes Park lodging. YMCA Center has meals and activities for your family! Play in our Rockies: horse ride, hike, snow-shoe National Park. Fish, swim, mountain bike, mini & disc golf.
Intimate 1 and 2 bedroom cabins on Fall River. RIVERFRONT cabins and vacation home in Estes Park. The Evergreens is surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park. Romance Packages. Gift certificates.
Charming, semi-secluded vacation homes near Allenspark, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, and Lyons. Hideout Cabins: pet-friendly, riverfront, private hot tubs, woodstoves. Each rental is unique!
Some of Lazy R cabins have personal hot tubs. A radiant mountain stay. 1-, 2-, 3-bedroom vacation cottages (kitchen or kitchenette), fireplace, deck. Near Rocky Mountain National Park; below Estes Park.
WiFi hot-spots. Secluded. Near Estes Park stay in deluxe, beautiful, clean cottages. Machin's is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, fresh mountain air and hiking trails! Scenic views: wildlife out your door.
Cozy cabins nestled on the St. Vrain River in Raymond -- population 60. Middle Fork borders Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. 30 minutes to: Estes Park, Lyons, Boulder.
Estes Park is RIGHT HERE --A Family Vacation. Our Lodge Guests say: It's so beautiful here -- a cabin retreat surrounded by trees, the river, spectacular misty mountain backdrop, it feels like you're in nature.
Pony rides for the Li'l Cowpokes! 45 YEARS; 2 CORRAL STABLES in Estes Park we know this corner of Colorado! Gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park: horse trail rides, leisurely-pace, safe, scenic.
Rural setting close to Estes Park with modern family cabins and vacation homes near Rocky Mountain National Park in Allenspark. Just off Peak to Peak Highway. DISCOUNTED RATES - IF STAY A WEEK!
A family resort haven near Estes Park: knotty-pine mountain cabins, fort playground, chairs along Fall River, a gazebo with a hot tub, a basketball court, and an outdoor cooking patio for summer barbecuing.
Vacation at the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, Pinebrook fits your budget from cozy rustic Cabins hidden in the pines to exquisite mountain Homes full of amenities. Some Pet Friendly Rentals!
WILDERNESS ADVENTURES start in Fort Collins: rocky mountain whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Cache la Poudre River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River in Colorado. Family Fun!
Budget cottages to luxury homes and everything in between -- Seven beautiful locations. Some are dog friendly. Rocky Mountain Resorts knows Estes Park! Many units have full kitchens and personal hot tubs.
YEAR ROUND Cabins near Estes Park in Allenspark. Sunshine Mountain is along the scenic Peak to Peak Highway. A family reunion lodge in the mountains when you need to get-a-way . . . Pets welcomed!
Estes Park Activities & Maps
National Parks and Monuments:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Scenic Byways:
Cache la Poudre - North Park Scenic Byway
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway
Hiking Trails:
Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Trails
Fishing:
Big Thompson River Fishing Map
Lake Estes Fishing Map
Rafting & Kayaking:
Cache la Poudre River Rafting & Kayaking
Snowshoeing:
Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoeing Trails
Local Area Maps:
Estes Park Area Map
Rocky Mountain National Park Area Map
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