It’s nightfall within the small city of Estes Park, Colorado, and I’m ready to show down the highway towards my lodge. The automobiles in entrance of me have slowed practically to a standstill, however not for the usual site visitors jam: a gaggle of elk is grazing within the grassy patch on the road nook. Folks idle by, rolling down their home windows to take footage, ensuring to present these unofficial locals a large berth. Within the background, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains rise dramatically behind the city. That is my first impression of Estes Park, and I’m just a little awe-struck.
With simply round 6,000 residents, you may assume Estes Park could be a bit sleepy, but it surely solely takes one go to to comprehend why millions of people flock to the area every year. Along with the postcard-perfect views just about all over the place you go, the downtown space seems to be straight out of a Hallmark film with its picket storefronts, cozy cafes, and outlets with flower containers. As a base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park (aka “the Switzerland of America”), Estes Park is unbeatable. You’re minutes from lakes, overlooks, wildlife-filled meadows, and tons of mountaineering trails. And, sure, The Stanley Resort is right here, a legitimately wonderful place to remain even in the event you aren’t into The Shining lore.
And that’s simply a part of what Estes Park has to supply. The truth is, that’s in all probability what stunned me most — simply how a lot there’s to do. It’s bizarre, wild, enjoyable, and stuffed with surprises… the sort of journey the place everybody will get to scratch an itch. Listed here are among the finest issues to do whenever you go to.
WHERE TO STAY IN ESTES PARK
You’ve bought choices… 150+, to be precise. Cozy riverside cabins? Examine. Eco-friendly lodges? Yep. Spacious resorts that welcome the entire household (together with four-legged pals)? You may discover that, too.
The place I Stayed: The Stanley Resort
For those who’re a horror fan, like me, you undoubtedly already know the story right here. Stephen King wound up at The Stanley within the ‘70s, simply because the lodge was on the point of shut for the season and was virtually vacant. A terrifying dream (and usually haunted feeling) he had throughout his keep served because the inspiration for his iconic novel The Shining. Whereas the film wasn’t really filmed right here, they do lean into the spooky lore, illuminating the lodge in pink lights at night time and providing ghost excursions and séances.
Spooky lore apart, it’s a surprising property with sweeping views and a location handy to every part however nonetheless feels type of set aside. You’ll discover lots to do on-site, from roaming the lodge’s presumably paranormal halls to curated whiskey tastings, a number of eating choices, magic exhibits, and different distinctive actions. Staying in The Stanley was one in every of my favourite components of this journey, to the purpose that I’m tempted to make it an annual pilgrimage.
WHAT TO DO IN ESTES PARK
Mountain climbing, biking, fishing, horseback driving, bowling, consuming, sightseeing… significantly, choose your journey. Estes Park is usually known as a gateway city to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, and it’s, but it surely’s additionally bought a formidable array of extracurricular actions.
What I Did
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
This historic tram, which has been working since 1955, glides 2,630 toes up Prospect Mountain for literal postcard views of the Rockies. You undoubtedly want reservations for this one, because it incessantly sells out (particularly on weekends and holidays). It’s a five-minute trip as much as the highest, the place you possibly can plan to spend about an hour having fun with the overlook, the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe, or a light-weight hike. You possibly can even carry your personal meals if you wish to have just a little picnic.
The trams accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, and the summit space has accessible viewing platforms and restrooms.
Mustang Mountain Coaster
For those who’ve bought little thrill-seekers in tow, add this to your itinerary ASAP. Mustang Mountain Coaster is a family-built alpine coaster that’s open year-round with no reservations wanted. You get pulled up the little stretch of mountain, launched on the prime, and gravity does the remaining. Hand brakes imply you possibly can resolve how briskly you fly down, but it surely’s a fast expertise both manner.
Whiskey Tasting at The Vault at The Stanley Resort
Right here’s a shaggy dog story: I don’t actually drink, however I did a whiskey tasting at The Vault at The Stanley. The journalist in me felt compelled to see what it was all about, and I’m so glad I did. My crash course in whiskey got here courtesy of the Vault’s whiskey guru Cody Stys, who was so educated and delicate with this whole beginner. I significantly realized a lot, tasted some uncommon spirits, and walked away pondering this could make the right present expertise for any fanatic.
The Stanley Ghost Tour
Throughout this 60-minute after-dark walk by among the lodge’s haunted hotspots, a storytelling information fills you in on the folklore and historical past surrounding The Stanley. It’s undoubtedly creepy, however not a lot {that a} child couldn’t do it — in truth, I had a number of on the tour I used to be on (budding ghosthunters, so cute). The tour culminates in a fast pop all the way down to the beginning of the storied Stanley Resort tunnels. I didn’t catch any specters on digital camera, however I did have an intriguing second involving a purported young spirit named Lucy. So, yeah, extremely suggest! Simply e-book early in the event you go to within the fall as a result of October sells out quick.
Discover Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
Mountain climbing
With more than 350 miles of trails, you possibly can go as huge or as bite-sized as you want. Simply seize a map on the customer heart and get hoofing, or be a part of a ranger-led stroll. There are many family-friendly loops, too. I like to recommend selecting a path with a water characteristic — in my expertise, youngsters are 300% extra cooperative when there’s a creek, lake, or waterfall to have a look at.
Sprague Lake and Bear Lake are two standard picks for households with little ones; Sprague Lake Loop is an accessible possibility for households needing flat, even terrain. This was one of many loops I did and liked. It’s straightforward, the views are unimaginable, and we even noticed some native wildlife (a lot enjoyable to observe the trout within the creek).
Ranger Applications
Free, enjoyable, and kid-friendly, ranger programs are one of the best ways to be taught in regards to the park’s pure and cultural historical past in a manner that’s palatable to little ones. Seize a Junior Ranger booklet at customer facilities so your youngsters can earn a badge after finishing actions.
Wildlife Viewing
Not surprisingly, Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is a primary place for wildlife viewing. I’ll by no means not be excited over seeing elk within the wild, they usually’re all over the place right here — particularly throughout fall rut season in September and October. You might also spot marmots, pika, huge horn sheep, mule deer, and extra. Carry binoculars and switch it right into a enjoyable sport with the youngsters. Bonus: Many wildlife-heavy meadows and pull-offs (like Moraine Park) require no mountaineering and are wheelchair accessible.
Scenic Drives
Trail Ridge Road had simply closed for the season after I visited, because it’s open late spring by early fall. Nonetheless, I’ve been assured it’s a must-do in the course of the hotter months. Often called the “Freeway to the Sky,” it climbs to a wide ranging 12,183 toes, providing unforgettable views. The hovering freeway, which connects the east and west sides of the park, traces routes as soon as traveled by Ute and different Native American teams. As we speak, it’s the very best steady paved highway within the nation — and top-of-the-line methods to understand the sheer scale of this panorama.
Tenting & Horseback Driving
If extra rugged journey is your scene, you can camp year-round here in tents or RVs at designated campsites, with July by September being peak tenting season. And you understand what exercise goes nice with tenting? Horseback riding, which is a part of the park’s authentic DNA. Horses, mules, llamas, and burros are welcome on designated trails, and driving operates roughly Could by October, relying on snowpack.
WHERE TO EAT IN ESTES PARK
Estes Park’s food scene leans closely towards hearty consolation meals, however I used to be pleasantly stunned by what number of lighter choices you may discover throughout city, together with vegetarian and vegan choices. You’ve bought your family-style taverns, breweries, nostalgic sweet outlets, and loads of grab-and-go espresso spots, all with numerous menus.
The place I Ate
Cascades Restaurant & Lounge (The Stanley Resort)
For those who’re staying at The Stanley, don’t skip Cascades on-site, which presents traditional Colorado eating with a contemporary twist. The arugula burrata salad with salmon that I had was distinctive, and having fun with it seated outdoors at a desk with a built-in fireplace characteristic was heaven. Plus, Cascades has loads of easy sides for choosy eaters, and the service is phenomenal.
Espresso on the Rocks
You can not ask for a cuter spot to gasoline up earlier than heading into Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park! This charming cafe is located by a duck pond with outside seating, giving it a completely relaxed, family-friendly vibe. There have been so many youngsters toddling round, feeding the birds, and having fun with sizzling chocolate throughout my go to. I opted for his or her avocado toast, like the nice millennial that I’m — I may have eaten it each day and been completely completely happy.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
Inbuilt 1937, this cozy, lively tavern feels just like the sort of place locals actually do frequent. The menu leans into scratch-made consolation meals, with many choices having a wholesome bent. Add in native beers, stay music a number of nights per week, and an inclusive vibe, and also you’ve bought the right method to finish the day.
Sort Espresso
Kind Coffee is one other native espresso spot that got here very extremely advisable. I see why: Their entire ethos is kindness, they usually attempt to serve espresso that’s fair-trade and shade-grown (so, moral and sustainable). The whole lot I had right here was good, and the present part was nice.
Whether or not you go to for the hikes, the historical past, or the haunting, Estes Park is simply a type of locations that will get below your pores and skin in the absolute best manner. It feels each epic and straightforward, adventurous and likewise, by some means, like dwelling. I’m already planning my return journey, and I’ve been advised that’s simply the Estes Park impact.
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