From top notch Colorado outdoor recreation to spooky hotels and weird festivals, Estes Park is uniquely entertaining – and it’s also a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Here’s a look at Estes Park and what makes it so charming.

History:

The area of Estes Park started out as a summer destination for the Ute and Arapaho tribes about 10,000 years ago. It existed in this way for centuries until the 1800s brought significant change.

Explorers from the east began arriving in the area around 1800, including one of the first organized explorations to see the Rockies, which was led by Major Stephen H. Long in 1820 (Longs Peak was named after him). Even more people began to flock to the area when gold was discovered in Colorado in 1849. Although lots of the mining was taking place further south, Joel Estes wandered into the area.

Estes, originally from Kentucky, “discovered” the Estes Valley in 1859, according to Visit Estes Park. He, his wife, and their 13 children moved to what is now the Estes Valley and lived there from 1860 to 1866. However, although William Byers, owner and editor of the Rocky Mountain News, named the area Estes Park in honor of his host when he visited the area in 1864, Estes sold his homestead to Griff Evans.

Evans built guest cabins, established the area’s first dude ranch, and welcomed historical players including the Earl of Dunraven (who tried to buy the entire valley for his own resort and hunting preserve), Englishwoman Isabella Bird, and F. O. Stanley.

Stanley had traveled to Estes Park from Massachusetts in 1903 in search of a cure for tuberculosis. Apparently, the mountain air was so valuable that he moved to the area and built the Stanley Hotel as a “luxury travel stop.”

This created a boom in the area’s resort business, and Stanley created regular “mountain bus” trips up the Big Thompson Canyon, which was probably one of the first shuttle services in the Rocky Mountain region, according to Visit Estes Park.

Estes Park has since transformed into the resort destination and outdoor recreation hub it is known as today. Visit Estes Park says that millions of people have vacationed in the town, including some famous guests like Pope John Paul II, the Emperor of Japan and President George W. Bush.

Outdoor recreation:

Rocky Mountain National Park – includes of hundreds of trails (including ones to scenic alpine lakes like Bear Lake and Emerald Lake).

Wildlife viewing – Estes Park is an incredibly popular place to view wildlife, especially elk and deer (which often wander into town).

Fishing – the Big Thompson River and Fall River are great places to fish for trout.

Lake Estes – offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.

Estes Park Aerial Tram – take in a stunning panoramic view from 8,700 feet on this ride to the top of a local peak.

Culture:

The Stanley Hotel – stay at the hotel that inspired Stephen King The Shining.

MacGregor Ranch Museum – visitors get the opportunity to check out the original MacGregor family homestead and see the ranch that helped shaped Estes Park.

Frozen Dead Guy Days – in honor of “Grandpa Bredo” who has been frozen since 1989, this festival features coffin races, music, and more.

Elk Fest – this is an educational event celebrating elk and the fall in Estes Park, and it features wildlife exhibits, Native American music and storytelling, craft vendors, live entertainment, a bugling contest, and seminars.

Dining:

The Hive at Estes Park Brewery – this laid-back restaurant features a brewery, patio, burgers, steaks, pizza, seafood, and more.

Bird & Jim – features hearty mountain fare and wine.

Ember Restaurant & Bar – offering great views and modern American dishes, this restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Estes.

Lodging:

Quality Inn Estes Park – located near Rocky Mountain National Park, this hotel is conveniently located.

The Inn on Fall River – located next to Fall River, this inn offers scenic views.

The Estes Park Resort & Spa – offers luxury accommodations, a spa, restaurant, and more.

Getting there:

According to Google Maps, it takes about an hour and a half to travel from Denver to Estes Park.

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