Estes Park, Colorado, A Complete Travel Guide

Nowadays, Estes Park welcomes travelers from all walks of life who want to experience the American Rockies wilderness while enjoying the comforts of a cozy town. Warm weather provides the ideal setting for hiking, biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, the aerial tram, and more. Meanwhile, snow brings cold weather activities like snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and ice Whether travelers visit this Colorado town in search of adrenaline-pumping adventure sports or to unwind and breathe the mountain air, they don't leave disappointed after experiencing Estes Park. In this video you can find the suggestion of best time to visit in Estes Park, things to do in Estes Park, money saving, popular hotels and some practical information. Now I wish to share some basics and historic facts which can encourage you to visit this historic city. Located about 70 miles northwest of Denver and about 75 miles from the Denver International Airport, Estes Park Colorado sits at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park provides a great jumping-off point for adventurers who want to stay close to Colorado's outdoor attractions. The area was named Estes Park in 1864 by the owner and editor of the Rocky Mountain News, who decided on the name in honor of the successful gold miner Joel Estes, who lived there from 1860 to 1866. The famous Stanley Hotel opened in Estes Park in 1909. The hotel's construction transformed Estes Park into a luxury retreat town that would welcome Emperor Akihito of Japan and President George W. Bush. In 1982, a burst dam in Rocky Mountain National Park caused Estes Park to flood, so the town's current appearance differs a bit from historical photos. The best time to visit Estes Park is from June to September. The four-month period of warm weather allows travelers to comfortably explore the area's offerings. Still, Estes Park's natural wonders don't go into hibernation outside of this window. Winter snow makes roads significantly more difficult to navigate, and cold weather requires visitors to dress much warmer to maintain some degree of comfort. But even with the lower temperatures that typically hover around 40 degrees, winter still attracts adventurous travelers who want to test themselves against the powder snow of the Rockies. Estes Park's position in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains makes the Colorado town a paradise for adventurers. Rocky Mountain National Park stands out as the most popular outdoor attraction in the area, but visitors can also take in the scenery from the Estes Park Aerial Tramway or along a trail during one of the best horseback riding tours. If you'd rather spend the day indoors, take a tour of the storied Stanley Hotel or peruse the Estes Park Museum. When it's time to pick up local souvenirs, shop along Elkhorn Avenue and Moraine Avenue. Warm-weather visitors should also consider renting a boat at the Lake Estes Marina or scheduling a whitewater rafting trip. Alternatively, consider planning an excursion with Kent Mountain Adventure Center. If you appreciate the wilderness, you'll find something memorable to do in Estes Park. However, you can find top-list video links of things to do in Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, Colorado and more in the description. How to save money in Estes Park? Take advantage of fee-free days at Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan your visit around one of the various annual free park days when access to national parks is complimentary. Find a list of free days on the National Park Service website. Limit restaurant meals. Eating out in Estes Park proves expensive, so cooking your own food allows for a more flexible budget. When searching for accommodation options, consider places equipped with kitchens. Avoid Elkhorn Avenue. Candy and souvenir shops will rapidly drain any parent's wallet, so avoid Elkhorn Avenue if you're traveling with children. Utilize the free seasonal shuttle. The shuttle operates during the peak summer tourism season and whisks visitors to popular locations around Estes Park, including the Stanley Hotel and a visitor center for Rocky Mountain National Park. Find a shuttle map and timetable on the Estes Park government website. All useful links given below in description. Here I recommend some popular hotels, but you should select by your own choice and requirements. There are many popular, comfortable, and historic hotels in Estes Park, like the Stanley Hotel, the Estes Park Resort, Woodlands on Fall River, Worldmark Estes Park, Aspen Winds on Fall River, Alpine Trail Ridge Inn, Murphy's Resort, Silver Moon Inn, the Maxwell Inn, Timber Creek Chalets, and many more. Some practical information. Rent a car. Shuttles get you around Estes Park, but renting a car gives you the ability to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and other areas at your own pace. Consider multiple accommodation options. Camping sites, cabins, and vacation rentals all abound in and around Estes Park, complementing the region's hotels. Finally, please take a look in the description section. You may find something useful to make your trip better.