Estes Park, Colorado; Come for the Haunts, Stay for the Mountain Scenery
Things to do in Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park, Colorado is a picturesque town that lies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, just 70 miles northwest of Denver. Estes Park, Colorado is home to one of the most famously haunted hotels in the world, The Stanley Hotel. While Estes Park is known as a small mountain town, there’s so much to do and see, that you may want to spend a minimum of 3-4 days in the area. Estes Park is truly an exciting town to explore.
Photo Credit: Sarbjit Bahga/Wikimedia Commons
The Arapaho Indians lived in Estes Park during the summers before the Europeans arrived to the area. The Arapaho Indians referred to the valley as “the Circle.” 3 elderly Arapahos were among a small group that visited Estes Park in 1914. The small group consisted of Shep Husted, guide; Gun Griswold, a 73-year-old judge; Sherman Sage, a 63-year-old chief of police; Tom Crispin, a 38-year-old reservation resident and interpreter; Oliver W. Toll, recorder; and David Robert Hawkins, a Princeton student. The elderly Arapahos visited many of the old sites they remembered from their younger years when they lived in the area. A photograph of the 3 Arapahos can be seen at the Estes Park Museum.
In the 1850s, the Arapaho Indians were living around Mary’s Lake in the summers. When the Arapaho Indians visited the site in 1914, “their rock fireplaces, tipi sites, and dance rings were still visible” at Mary’s Lake. The Arapaho also built eagle traps atop Long’s Peak in order to obtain war feathers. The Arapaho recalled the routes they took to and from the valley, and pointed out the different trails and landmarks they remembered. The Arapaho even visited the area where they once built a buffalo trap, and spoke with their group about how they used dogs to transport meat out of the valley. The Arapaho was one of 3 tribes that used Estes Park’s natural resources. This eventually led to a battle between The Arapaho and the Apache Indians in the 1850s. The Arapaho also fought with Utes who came to Estes Park to hunt bighorn sheep.
It is assumed that Whites arrived to the Estes Park Valley before the 1850s and worked as trappers, but did not stay in the area for long. Estes Park was named after Joel Estes, a Missouri native, who founded the community in 1859. Joel Estes and his family moved to the area in 1863. One of the earliest visitors of Estes Park was William Byers, a newspaper editor who wrote about his experience climbing Long’s Peak in 1864, describing the area as a “pristine wilderness.” Griff Evans and his family moved to Estes Park in 1867 to work as caretakers for the former Estes ranch. Griff Evans immediately saw the potential that Estes Park had for tourism and began constructing cabins to accommodate potential visitors of the area. The ranch that Evans built eventually become known as the first dude ranch in Estes Park and included guides for hunting, fishing, and mountaineering.
Windham Thomas Wyndham-Quin, 4th Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl, arrived in Estes Park in late December 1872. Lord Dunraven decided to visit Estes Park after receiving a recommendation to visit the town by Texas Jack Omohundro. Lord Dunraven would visit Estes Park multiple times, before deciding to take over the Estes Park Valley and turn it into his own private hunting preserve. Lord Dunraven’s plan to take control of the entire Estes Park Valley didn’t work out as he expected, but he was able to take control of 6,000 acres. Lord Dunraven changed his mind on taking control of the Estes Park Valley and decided instead to open up the first resort in the area; the Estes Park Hotel. Unfortunately, in 1911, a fire destroyed the Estes Park Hotel.
Lord Dunraven (1841-1926) Photo Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
In 1873, Englishwoman Isabella Bird, “daughter of an Anglican minister,” traveled to the United States. Isabella Bird landed in San Francisco and then made her way to Colorado from there. Upon arriving to Colorado, Isabelle Bird borrowed a horse and explored the Rocky Mountains with a guide. The guide Isabella Bird traveled with was the “notorious” James Nugent, otherwise known as, “Rocky Mountain Jim.” Isabella Bird wrote a memoir of her travels and called it, “A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains.”
On June 19, 1874, “Rocky Mountain Jim” Nugent and his neighbor, Griff Evans, had an argument. There was a history of disagreements between the 2 men and they shared “deep personal rivals” for each other when it came to tour guiding tourists. Every argument only added to the “bitter history” that Rocky Mountain Jim and Griff Evans shared. The arguments between Rocky Mountain Jim and Griff Evans continued to escalate until Griff Evans used his rifle shotgun to shoot Rocky Mountain Jim in the head. Griff Evans traveled to Fort Collins, Colorado so he could file an assault charge against Rocky Mountain Jim, but was arrested and tried for first-degree murder when Jim Nugent died on September 9, 1874, due to the bullet wound. Evans was put on trial, but the case was dismissed “due to the lack of witnesses to the shooting.” On August 9, 1875, Griff Evans was acquitted of all charges, by the Loveland courthouse. William Henry Jackson (who photographed Jackson, Wyoming) photographed Estes Park in 1873. Early on, many people were visiting Estes Park in “search of better health.” The Rocky Mountain West was an area that saw an influx of people with pulmonary diseases. Some resorts in Estes Park provided for those seeking treatment by offering staff physicians to care for them. Today, Estes Park is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy some fresh, outdoor air and beautiful mountain scenery.
Main Street in Estes Park, 1912 Photo Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
A view of Estes Park, from room 413 at The Stanley Hotel Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Estes Park, 2020 Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway
Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway (also known as Colorado Scenic Byway) is a popular route to take from Denver to Estes Park that offers stunning scenery (especially in September and October.) The scenic drive begins at I-70 West in Denver, which you will drive on until you get to Idaho Springs, Colorado (the first stop on the Scenic Byway.) While it’s faster to take Central City Parkway north to Central City (from Idaho Springs), it is recommended to backtrack a bit and take I-70 East to Highway 119, which you will take north. Highway 119 North will turn into Highway 72 and then into Highway 7, before you arrive to Estes Park.
Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway travels north through Idaho Springs, Central City, Blackhawk, Rollinsville, Nederland, Ward, Allenspark, and Estes Park. Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway is considered an attraction in Estes Park and is described as a fun and beautiful route to take from Estes Park to Denver. However, it is recommended to drive the route from Denver to Estes Park, as the views going towards the mountains are spectacular. Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway is not the most direct route from Estes Park to Denver (or Denver to Estes Park, depending on the direction you are headed), but it is definitely one of the most stunning drives you can take in Colorado. Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway was established in 1918 and is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway. Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway has many different viewing areas where you can pull off to and take pictures. To see the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway on a map, click here. Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway is Trip Advisor’s #1 recommended attraction to visit in Estes Park.
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
One of the many picturesque areas to pull off to on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Photo Credit: Tony Webster/Flickr
River Walk in Downtown Estes Park
River Walk in Downtown Estes Park is a beautiful area to walk through and enjoy the shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars surrounding the convergence of the Big Thompson and Fall River. River Walk also has many statues, bridges, fountains, and places to sit. River Walk in Downtown Estes Park is a nice area to enjoy the surrounding nature that Estes Park has to offer, while spending some time with the family. River Walk also holds many annual events each year during all 4 seasons, which include the Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest, Winter Festival, Duck Race Festival in the Spring, Free Summer Concert Series, a 4th of July celebration, Autumn Gold Festival, Pumpkins and Pilsners Festival, and the Elk Fest. River Walk in Downtown Estes Park also includes nearby options for lodging. River Walk in Downtown Estes Park is Trip Advisor’s #2 recommended attraction to visit in Estes Park and Downtown Estes Park is Trip Advisor’s #4 recommended attraction to visit in Estes Park.
Walking along the River Walk in Downtown Estes Park Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Barbershop in Downtown Estes Park Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway is a fun way to see Estes Park from a distance; all while having the luxury of a tram take you up a mountain and back. Estes Park Aerial Tramway takes patrons above the treetops, to the summit of Prospect Mountain. The tram is a “European-style cable car” and is one of the last of its kind to be functioning in the United States. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway is open from the end of May to the beginning of September. Adult tickets cost $14, senior tickets cost $12, tickets for kids 6-11 cost $10 and children 5 and under ride for free. Estes Park Aerial Tramway is Trip Advisor’s #3 recommended attraction to visit in Estes Park.
Estes Park Areal Tramway Photo Courtesy Jerrye and Roy Klotz MD/Wikimedia Commons
The Stanley Hotel
Freelan Oscar Stanley (who invented the Yankee steam-powered car) arrived to the Estes Park Valley in 1903. At the time, Freelan Oscar Stanley was suffering from tuberculosis and was recommended by a doctor to stay at a place that had a high and dry climate. F.O. arrived to Estes Park very weak and underweight, but after the summer his health had improved significantly and he was feeling better than he had ever felt in his life. F.O. Stanley “vowed to return each summer for the rest of his life.”
Freelan and his wife Flora were from the east coast and were accustomed to a more sophisticated lifestyle than the one they found in Estes Park. The Stanley’s decided they wanted to build “a beautiful and grand hotel,” and that’s exactly what they did. The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909, and the first guests who stayed at the hotel drove up to Estes Park in Stanley-designed steam cars. The first guests were amazed that there was a hotel in the middle of the mountains that resembled one of the posh hotels they were used to staying at on the east coast. The Stanley Hotel was equipped with electric lights, telephones, en suite bathrooms, uniformed servants, and a “fleet of automobiles” for the guests to use whenever they pleased. As The Stanley Hotel become more popular, the town of Estes Park saw more development in terms of water-works, a power plant, and civic organizations. Estes Park began to flourish, because of F.O. Stanley and his contribution of a grand hotel to the town.
Photo Credit: Brandon Speakman
Statue of F.O. Stanley in front of The Stanley Hotel Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
The Stanley Hotel Photo Courtesy Pixabay
Steam car in the lobby of The Stanley Hotel Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
By the 1970s, The Stanley Hotel was not getting the proper care it once had and was no longer the popular, grand hotel it once was. However, in 1974, The Stanley Hotel got a visit from author Stephen King. Stephen King and his wife checked into room 217 for the night. While Stephen King and his wife were the only guests staying at The Stanley Hotel that evening, the author felt that he wasn’t alone and his spooky experience inspired him to write The Shining (which became his first hardcover bestseller) and base the fictional Overlook Hotel off of The Stanley Hotel. Today, The Stanley Hotel is infamous for its haunted room 217 and includes 3 more haunted rooms, 401, 407 and 428. The fourth floor of the hotel itself is reported to be haunted.
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Other haunted areas of The Stanley Hotel include “The Vortex” (which is the nickname for The Grand Staircase in the main guesthouse of the hotel), The Concert Hall, and the Underground Caves beneath The Stanley Hotel.
“The Vortex” Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
The Concert Hall Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
While walking the halls of The Stanley Hotel during the night, my cousin Nicole did not appreciate me whispering, “Come play with us Nicole. Forever and ever and ever.” Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
The Stanley Hotel also offers 2 tours; The Historic Stanley Day Tour, which gives information on the history of the hotel and The Historic Stanley Night Tour that teaches more about the hauntings of the hotel (the night tour takes guests to the Underground Caves.) You don’t have to be a hotel guest to take either tour at The Stanley Hotel. Tickets for The Historic Stanley Day Tour cost $23 per person, $17 for children 17 and under, and $20 for hotel guests. Tickets for Military personnel cost $20 and the same price goes for seniors 65+. You can purchase tickets for The Historic Stanley Day Tour here. Tickets for The Historic Stanley Night Tour cost $28 per person, $25 for hotel guests, $25 for Military personnel, and $25 for seniors 65+. The age limit of The Historic Stanley Night Tour is 8+. You can purchase tickets for The Historic Stanley Night Tour here. It is recommended that you check-in with the tour desk (in the basement) 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour.
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
The Stanley Hotel is an exciting hotel to visit, whether you stay in one of the “Spirited Rooms” or just a normal room. The Stanley Hotel has been featured on paranormal television shows such as Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. The Stanley Hotel also served as the fictional Hotel Danbury of Aspen, Colorado in the 1994 film, Dumb and Dumber. For more information on the haunts of The Stanley Hotel and a story about Jim Carrey, who stayed in room 217 while filming Dumber and Dumber, check out one of my previous articles, Stay in a Haunted Hotel, for the Fright of It.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete trip to The Stanley Hotel without orange and blue Tuxedos. Unfortunately, I left my orange and blue canes in Denver. Photo Credit: Nicole McAllister Glasgow
No way! We landed on the moon! Photo Credit: Nicole McAllister Glasgow
It has been on my bucket list to stay at a “Spirited Room” at The Stanley Hotel, so this year I called the reservation line and asked for the next available dates where I could book room 217 and 413 back to back. I was surprised that those rooms were available the weekend before Thanksgiving. I didn’t think, I just booked the rooms. Perhaps it was the anticipation of experiencing a haunt at The Stanley Hotel, but when I spent the night in room 217, I felt some type of pressure on my shoulder (as if someone put their hand on it) and I felt the covers of the bed being pulled up (other visitors have reported waking up in the morning, to find that someone [or something] tucked them in while they were sleeping.) Room 217 used to have a channel on the television that played “The Shining” on a 24 hour loop. Unfortunately, they stopped showing “The Shining” in that room a few years back.
In room 413, I felt the bed lightly shake, I heard footsteps above me (there are no other floors above the fourth floor of The Stanley Hotel), and as I was about to fall asleep at around 1:10 am, I felt something between the bed sheets and my neck and heard a strange noise. This jolted me awake. Needless to say, I didn’t get a lot of sleep during my 2 night stay at The Stanley Hotel. Visitors of room 413 have reported seeing a man who sits in the corner of the room wearing an old-fashioned suit. Others have reported seeing a man’s face in a blue ball outside of the room. Unfortunately, my group did not see the man in the old-fashioned suit or the face in the blue ball. Room 428 is another one of the famously haunted rooms at The Stanley Hotel. Room 428 is rumored to have a “friendly cowboy” haunt the room. The cowboy likes to pace the room and sit in the corner. To those who don’t believe in ghosts and paranormal activity, I would suggest spending the night in either room 217, 401, 407, 413, or 428. Ghosts aren’t real, so nothing spooky should happen, right? Today, The Stanley Hotel is a popular hotel to visit for those who wish to be scared to death. To reserve one of the “spirited rooms” at The Stanley Hotel, call 970-577-4000.
The hallway of The Stanley Hotel Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Room 217 at The Stanley Hotel- “Here’s Johnny!”
Room 413 at The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel at night Photo Credit Brandon Speakman
Cascades Restaurant at The Stanley Hotel
Cascades Restaurant at The Stanley Hotel is a full service restaurant and bar that is open between 11 am-4 pm for lunch daily. Cascades Restaurant is open for dinner from 4:30 pm-9 pm Sunday-Thursday and from 4:30 pm-9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. Cascades Restaurant is a “classic American restaurant and steakhouse featuring fresh, innovative dishes with a local flair and a focus on sustainable ingredients.” The menu at Cascades Restaurant features Starters, Salads, Entrees, and a daily dessert. The Starters at Cascades Restaurant include Sticky Bourbon Glazed Ribs (Slow braised for 8 hours, carrot ginger puree), Stanley Sweet Heat Fired or Grilled Wings (Skewered and grilled wings basted with Stanley Red Rum chipotle glaze), and Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs (Garnished with fresh jalapeno.) The entrees at Cascades Restaurant include Beef Wellington (Mushroom duxelles, mashed potatoes, broccolini, demi-glace), Cascades Burger (Two 4 oz. patties with a blend of short rib, brisket and chuck, sliced cheddar cheese, truffle aioli, sunny side up egg, topped with crispy onions and served with fries.)
Cascades Restaurant is an excellent restaurant to go with a group and order a few items. My group and I ordered the Tortellini Mac & Cheese (in-house tortellini, caramelized onions, candied bacon, buttered panko), and Lobster Queso (a spicy blend of lobster, baby spinach, tomatoes and pepper jack, served with tri-color chips) as our starters and the 3 lb. Tomahawk Ribeye Dinner served with demi-glaze, mashed potatoes and broccolini for an entree. Cascades Restaurant at The Stanley Hotel is quite the experience and also includes a Whiskey Bar with 1,350 different types of whiskey to choose from. Cascade’s Whiskey Bar boasts the second largest selection of whiskey in Colorado.
Tortellini Mac & Cheese Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Lobster Queso Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
3 lb. Tomahawk Ribeye Dinner
The menu at Cascades, plus one of their signature drinks, the Red Rum Punch Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Georgia’s at The Lodge
Georgia’s at The Lodge is a new breakfast restaurant that recently opened at The Lodge at The Stanley Hotel. Georgia’s boasts that their “southern influenced menus are infused with Colorado’s best ingredient[s] and style.”
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
The menus at Georgia’s are handcrafted by resident Celebrity Chef Robyn Almodovar and Restaurant Manager, Georgia Le Bon. Chef Robyn Almodovar was the winner of both culinary TV series “Chopped” and “Cutthroat Kitchen” (Almodovar was also a contestant on season 10 and 17 of Hell’s Kitchen.) Georgia’s at the Lodge is a must-visit restaurant in Estes Park.
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Georgia’s menu is packed with delectable entrees including the Breakfast Pot Pie (made with sausage, egg, onion, cheese, bell pepper, on the inside of a toasted artisan French bread bowl, topped with a sausage gravy and micro greens), Cassie’s Biscuits and Sausage Gravy (Estes hand-crafted sausage gravy, topped with a sunny side up egg, with house breakfast potatoes, served over a fluffy buttermilk biscuit), Ghost Avocado Toast (Grilled multi-grain toast, smashed avocado, fresh arugula, heirloom tomatoes, with a poached egg), and the Colorado Rise N Shine (Creamy tortellini mac n cheese cooked with onions, bacon, sausage, mushroom, a cheese blend, and topped with a sunny side up egg and green peppers.)
Colorado Rise N Shine Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
The menu item that caught my eye at Georgia’s was the Bacon Berry Waffle with Red Rum Sauce (Half with candied bacon, half with a berry mix, topped with whipped cream, chocolate hazelnut, and Georgia’s special red rum sauce. Served with 2 eggs.) The Bacon Berry Waffle with Red Rum Sauce was out of this world and I can’t even begin to describe how tasty the crispy bacon was that came with it. The bacon was the perfect mixture of sweet and salty, with a bit of a kick, as it was made with brown sugar and red pepper flakes. I will be dreaming of the Bacon Berry Waffle with Red Rum Sauce and the bacon it was served with, until my next visit to Georgia’s at the Lodge, as my meal was truly mouthwatering.
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Seasoned-An American Bistro
Seasoned-An America Bistro is a “small chef-owned seasonal bistro” that serves up some big flavors. Since the menu at Seasoned is seasonal, it gives the restaurant an opportunity to rotate through fresh flavors throughout the year.
The menu at Seasoned-An American Bistro consists of Snacks, Small Plates, and Bistro Plates. There is also a seasonal dessert menu with sweet treats and after dinner drinks. I loved dining at Seasoned. My party and I split 3 bistro plates, which were all unique and bursting with flavor. We ordered the Three Sisters (Pan-Fried Corn, Quinoa & Squash Fritters/Roasted Mosco Chilies, Pinto Beans, Tomato, Sage & Green Onion Succotash/Toasted Pepitas, Frisee & Arugula/Honey Citrus Vinaigrette), That’ll Do Pig (Crispy Braised Bacon/Charred Cabbage & Roasted Cauliflower/Granny’s Pork & Beans/Beet Greens/Pickled Mustard Seeds/Bacon Crumbles/Apple Cider, ‘Grasso Dorado’ & Molasses Vinaigrette), and the Pasta Pillows.
The Three Sisters
That’ll Do Pig
Pasta Pillows
Sorbet
Seasoned-An American Bistro is a tasty, unique restaurant to visit in Estes Park. Seasoned-An American Bistro is Trip Advisor’s #1 recommended restaurant to dine at in Estes Park.
The Egg of Estes
Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
The Egg of Estes is a delicious breakfast joint near the River Walk in Downtown Estes Park. The menu at The Egg of Estes is packed with delicious breakfast creations, under 8 breakfast categories including Healthier Side, Eggs-clusives, Classic Favorites, Omelettes, Sweet Indulgences, Benedicts, Scrambles, and Skillets & Hashes. Some of the most popular dishes at The Egg of Estes include Avocado Toast (Thick-cut, whole grain toast topped with fresh smashed avocado, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, lemon, sea salt and fresh herbs. Served with two eggs made fresh to order), Patriot Waffle (A golden Belgian waffle topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar and/or whipped cream), or the Bacon Avocado Scramble (Eggs scrambled with bacon, fresh spinach, roasted onions, and tomatoes. Topped with fresh avocado mash and Pepper Jack. Served with a side of salsa, a side, and an English muffin.) The Egg of Estes is a must-visit for a delectable breakfast in Estes Park. The Egg of Estes is Trip Advisor’s #2 recommended restaurant to dine at in Estes Park.
Patriot Waffle Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
The Historic Park Theatre
The Historic Park Theatre in Estes Park is “the oldest single house motion picture theatre in the United States that was originally built as a movie theatre and is still operating today.” Construction on the Park Theatre commenced in 1913 by J.L. Jackson and finished by C.H. Bond. Fred Jackson ran the Park Theatre, and then sold it to Ralph Gwynn in 1922. In 1926, the now “landmark tower and lobby” was built on to the theatre by Gwynn. The tower would become known as the “Tower of Love”, “because Gwynn built it to represent the beautiful love of his life.” Gwynn ran the Park Theatre until his death in 1963. After Gwynn died, Vic Walker purchased the Park Theatre and hired Gwynn’s “long time friend and associate,” John Ramey, to help with the theatre’s operations.
Inside the lobby of the Historic Park Theatre Photo Courtesy Brandon Speakman
Ola and Mickey Stranger took over operations of the Park Theatre in 1968 and renovated the theatre. Ola and Mickey Stranger first leased the Park Theatre from Vic Walker, but purchased the theatre in 1982. Mickey passed away in 2003 and Ola passed away in 2005 and passed the Park Theatre down to their family. Today, the Park Theatre is still owned by the Stranger family. Mickey and Ola Stranger first purchased the Windsor Theatre in Windsor, Colorado in 1946, which led to a life of running cinemas in Colorado. The Stranger family then moved to Denver and built the Evans Drive-in Theatre. Mickey and Ola operated the Evans Drive-in Theatre with their children, Sharon and Andrew for many years. In 1964, the Stranger family purchased the Lake Estes Drive-In Theatre in Estes Park. Today, the Historic Park Theatre is run by Mikey and Ola’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Park Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, The Park Theatre is the oldest operating theatre in the western United States. Tickets for guided tours at the Park Theatre cost $10. Touring the Park Theatre is highly recommended for all cinema and theatre lovers. The tour is fun and very interesting.
Touring the Historic Park Theatre Photo Credit: Nicole McAllister Glasgow
The Historic Park Theatre Photo Courtesy Hustvedt/Wikimedia Commons
Estes Park was an absolutely amazing town to visit. There have been plenty of times in my life where I visited a place I had never been to and thought, there’s no other place than can possibly top what I just experienced.Well, I don’t know how any other town will top Estes Park, Colorado. I highly recommend a visit. For more information on Estes Park, check out the official visitor’s guide or head on over to the Estes Park Visitor Center (Trip Advisor’s #5 recommended attraction to visit) when you are in town next. To hire a travel planner to visit, click here.
Panorama of Estes Park seen from Lumpy Ridge Photo Credit: Nyttend/Wikimedia Commons