It’s nightfall within the small city of Estes Park, Colorado, and I’m ready to show down the highway towards my lodge. The vehicles in entrance of me have slowed almost to a standstill, however not for the usual site visitors jam: a bunch of elk is grazing within the grassy patch on the road nook. Individuals idle by, rolling down their home windows to take photos, ensuring to provide 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, however it solely takes one go to to understand why millions of people flock to the area every year. Along with the postcard-perfect views just about in every single place you go, the downtown space seems to be straight out of a Hallmark film with its picket storefronts, cozy cafes, and retailers with flower packing 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 Lodge is right here, a legitimately superb 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. In reality, that’s in all probability what shocked me most — simply how a lot there’s to do. It’s bizarre, wild, enjoyable, and filled with surprises… the sort of journey the place everybody will get to scratch an itch. Listed here are a number of the finest issues to do while you go to.
WHERE TO STAY IN ESTES PARK
You’ve obtained choices… 150+, to be precise. Cozy riverside cabins? Examine. Eco-friendly lodges? Yep. Spacious resorts that welcome the entire household (together with four-legged buddies)? You will discover that, too.
The place I Stayed: The Stanley Lodge
In the event you’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 purple lights at night time and providing ghost excursions and séances.
Spooky lore apart, it’s a shocking property with sweeping views and a location handy to every part however nonetheless feels form 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 reveals, and different distinctive actions. Staying in The Stanley was certainly one 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… severely, choose your journey. Estes Park is commonly referred to as a gateway city to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, and it’s, however it’s additionally obtained 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 ft up Prospect Mountain for literal postcard views of the Rockies. You positively want reservations for this one, because it incessantly sells out (particularly on weekends and holidays). It’s a five-minute journey as much as the highest, the place you’ll be able to plan to spend about an hour having fun with the overlook, the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe, or a lightweight hike. You may 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
In the event you’ve obtained 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 remainder. Hand brakes imply you’ll be able to determine how briskly you fly down, however it’s a fast expertise both manner.
Whiskey Tasting at The Vault at The Stanley Lodge
Right here’s a joke: 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 severely realized a lot, tasted some uncommon spirits, and walked away considering this may make the right present expertise for any fanatic.
The Stanley Ghost Tour
Throughout this 60-minute after-dark walk by way of a number of the lodge’s haunted hotspots, a storytelling information fills you in on the folklore and historical past surrounding The Stanley. It’s positively 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 Lodge tunnels. I didn’t catch any specters on digicam, however I did have an intriguing second involving a purported young spirit named Lucy. So, yeah, extremely advocate! Simply guide 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’ll be able to 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, children are 300% extra cooperative when there’s a creek, lake, or waterfall to have a look at.
Sprague Lake and Bear Lake are two in style picks for households with little ones; Sprague Lake Loop is an accessible choice for households needing flat, even terrain. This was one of many loops I did and liked. It’s straightforward, the views are unbelievable, and we even noticed some native wildlife (a lot enjoyable to observe the trout within the creek).
Ranger Packages
Free, enjoyable, and kid-friendly, ranger programs are one of the best ways to study 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 children can earn a badge after finishing actions.
Wildlife Viewing
Not surprisingly, Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is a main place for wildlife viewing. I’ll by no means not be excited over seeing elk within the wild, and so they’re in every single 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. Convey binoculars and switch it right into a enjoyable recreation with the children. 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 once I visited, because it’s open late spring by way of early fall. Nonetheless, I’ve been assured it’s a must-do through the hotter months. Generally known as the “Freeway to the Sky,” it climbs to a panoramic 12,183 ft, 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. At present, it’s the best steady paved highway within the nation — and among the best 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 way of September being peak tenting season. And 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 way of 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 shocked by what number of lighter choices you could possibly discover throughout city, together with vegetarian and vegan choices. You’ve obtained your family-style taverns, breweries, nostalgic sweet retailers, and loads of grab-and-go espresso spots, all with various menus.
The place I Ate
Cascades Restaurant & Lounge (The Stanley Lodge)
In the event you’re staying at The Stanley, don’t skip Cascades on-site, which affords basic 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 could possibly not ask for a cuter spot to gas up earlier than heading into Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park! This charming cafe is located by a duck pond with outside seating, giving it a very relaxed, family-friendly vibe. There have been so many children 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 might have eaten it every single 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, reside music a number of nights every week, and an inclusive vibe, and also you’ve obtained the right solution to finish the day.
Sort Espresso
Kind Coffee is one other native espresso spot that got here very extremely beneficial. I see why: Their complete ethos is kindness, and so they 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 beneath your pores and skin in the very best manner. It feels each epic and simple, adventurous and in addition, in some way, like house. I’m already planning my return journey, and I’ve been advised that’s simply the Estes Park impact.
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