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
TOMCAR ATV 1-4 riders: 4-8 hours of true ride time. No helmet, rentals are licensed to drive on roads! Unguided adventures! Visit 1965 T33A jet crash the Air Force left in the mountains near Estes Park, CO.
Secluded -- Scenic views, pines, wildlife. Near Estes Park stay in deluxe, beautiful, clean cottages. Machin's is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, fresh mountain air and hiking trails! WiFi hot-spots.
WILDERNESS ADVENTURES: trout fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking on the Upper Colorado River, Clear Creek, Cache la Poudre River. Side-By-Side ATV Tour in the Rocky Mountains. HQ Fort Collins.
Budget cottages to luxury homes and everything in between -- Seven beautiful locations. Rocky Mountain Resorts knows Estes Park! Many units have full kitchens and personal hot tubs. Some are dog-friendly.
Featured Estes Park Businesses
Private resort homes on The Big Thompson River (2 and 3 bedrooms) 15 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. Riverside fishing on-site. Wrap-around decks with beautiful views. Hiking trails nearby.
Hearty mountain breakfasts at an Authentic 1930s log lodge in Allenspark, CO. 12-romantic rooms for retreats, getaways, scrap-booking. Come, unhook and unwind: hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing.
Romantic retreat near Rocky Mountain National Park. Annie's mountain guest house and cabins overlook the Big Thompson River - fishing. An ideal Estes Park Hide-A-Way for couples, private hot tubs.
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 WI-FI.
GOOD DOGS WELCOME! Excellent value in Estes Park. Bear Paw Cabins and the Waggin Tails Ranch are beautiful private rentals: kitchens, fireplaces, yards for picnics, nice baths, and linens, 1-10 guests.
THE ONLY LOG CABIN IN ESTES PARK; all have woodburning fireplaces, lofts, pine interiors, kitchens, cable TV, WiFi. Blackhawk Lodges is 5 miles to Rocky Mountain National Park. Relax - riverside hot tub.
In Loveland, serving Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming since 1999, for all your repair needs: all RVs, Horse, Utility and Boat Trailers. DM RV Repair is an authorized for RV components and builders.
TOMCAR ATV 1-4 riders: 4-8 hours of true ride time. No helmet, rentals are licensed to drive on roads! Unguided adventures! Visit 1965 T33A jet crash the Air Force left in the mountains near Estes Park, CO.
AFFORDABLE year-round Estes Park lodging. YMCA Center has meals and activities for your family! Play in our Rockies: horseback ride, snowshoe or hike into National Park, swim, mini-golf, disc golf, and ski.
Save on off-season rated in winter and early spring! In Estes Park, vacation homes, cabins and condos rentals focused on YOUR Family! Decks with views of Rocky Mountain National Park and BBQ grills.
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. Gift certificates. Romance Packages.
Charming, semi-secluded vacation homes close to Allenspark, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Lyons. Hideout Cabins: pet-friendly, riverfront, private hot tubs, woodstoves. Each rental is unique!
Family Campground bordered by North St. Vrain River and Lyons Sandstone Cliffs near Boulder and Estes Park. Full hookup RV sites. Tenting area in an open Meadow. Rent the Park's shelter facilities.
Secluded -- Scenic views, pines, wildlife. Near Estes Park stay in deluxe, beautiful, clean cottages. Machin's is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, fresh mountain air and hiking trails! WiFi hot-spots.
A Family Vacation -- Estes Park is RIGHT HERE. 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.
44 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 and scenic. Pony rides for the li'l cowpoke!
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.
Some Pet Friendly Rentals! 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.
WILDERNESS ADVENTURES: trout fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking on the Upper Colorado River, Clear Creek, Cache la Poudre River. Side-By-Side ATV Tour in the Rocky Mountains. HQ Fort Collins.
Budget cottages to luxury homes and everything in between -- Seven beautiful locations. Rocky Mountain Resorts knows Estes Park! Many units have full kitchens and personal hot tubs. Some are dog-friendly.
Year round cabins near Allenspark and Estes Park. 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!
Pick a river or mountainside luxurious suite, home, or studio all with private decks, fireplaces. Wildlife viewing at Wildwood. Pamper yourself at Estes Park's Premier Inn at our intimate on-site Day Spa.
RV Sales, Service & Rentals
In Loveland, serving Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming since 1999, for all your repair needs: all RVs, Horse, Utility and Boat Trailers. DM RV Repair is an authorized for RV components and builders.
Estes Park Activities & Maps
National Parks and Monuments:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Scenic Byways:
Cache la Poudre - North Park Scenic Byway -UPDATED-
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway -UPDATED-
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway -UPDATED-
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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