Estes Park Travel Guide

  Old fashioned town
by dongix
 
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      Old fashioned town
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    by Rich62
 

Pro

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 Incredible location, lots of choices in lodging and dining 


Con

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 Can be very crowded, especially in summer 


In a nutshell

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 It's a wonderful place to stay to visit Rocky Mtn National Park 

 

Explore Estes Park

Things to Do  

Hiking Guide

Hiking Guide, Estes Park

 flyguy5 Says:  Been to Estes park and done short hikes, but really want to do something off the beaten path? Or you want to summit a mountain over 14,000 feet? Want a guide for Longs Peak? Check out this site it wont disappoint! Great guides that are extremely knowledgable. Took my family... 

Visit the Stanley Hotel

Visit the Stanley Hotel, Estes Park

 Toughluck Says:  Located on a rise, north of town is the historic Stanley Hotel. Opened in 1909 by F.O. Stanley, the owner of the Stanley Steamers, the hotel served as the residence for many early visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. Guest were picked up from the train station is... 

St. Catherine's Church

St. Catherine's Church, Estes Park

 Yorick12 Says:  The "chapel on the rock" is now part of a nonprofit religious retreat facility. The chapel was designed by Jacques Benedict and made out of native stone that was hulled by mule to the site. Just incredible. 

The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park

 Yorick12 Says:  No visit to Estes Park is complete without a visit to the Stanley. The hotel is now over 100 years old! It's most famous for inspiring Steven King's novel "The Shining." The hotel does not allow visitors to freely wander the hallways if you're staying, but the lobby, gift... 

Hotels  

The Stanley Hotel

 6 Reviews and 585 Opinions  I have stayed at the Stanley Hotel. I thought it would be a romantic place to celebrate are 10th... 

Best Western Silver Saddle

 4 Reviews and 191 Opinions  Didn't Stay here. Was snowed out no Refund. Credit Card was charged as soon as reservations were... 

Restaurants  

The Egg and I: a wide variety of sandwiches and breakfast items

The Egg and I: a wide variety of sandwiches and breakfast items, Estes Park

 Rich62 Says:  We eat whenever possible at these restaurants, located in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park (also in Kearney, Nebraska). the only downside is that, due to their popularity, there is often a waiting line to be seated. We try to go early for lunch (11:30 or so) and that... 

El Mex - Kal Family Mexican Restaurant: Awesome Fresh Mexican Food - Family Friendly

El Mex - Kal Family Mexican Restaurant: Awesome Fresh Mexican Food - Family Friendly, Estes Park

 woogiesahma Says:  Family friendly restaurant with great staff and awesome food! The food is fresh tasting and served in huge portions. NOT out of the can Mexican like so many!!!! Recommend the Pollo Crema! The sour cream sauce is smooth and spiced just right. Chunks of white meat chicken... 

Penelope's Old Fashion Hamburgers: Best Hamburger and Fries in Town

Penelope's Old Fashion Hamburgers: Best Hamburger and Fries in Town, Estes Park

 WanderingAimlessly Says:  This is not a fancy place to have lunch or dinner at, but it had a small town burger joint atmosphere that was refreshing. They had a good menu but the hamburgers and fries are their best items. They were inexpensive and the meal hit the spot. A handmade hamburger and fresh... 

Dunraven Inn: Local Style Italian Food

Dunraven Inn: Local Style Italian Food, Estes Park

 Jewelslover Says:  This place has a local feel (the staff seemed to know alot of the patrons) and great Italian food. It's a must if you like Italian. This restaurant has been around for a long time and has quite a good reputation. I would definately make a reservation before you go. Make sure... 

Cascades: Dining at the "Shining" Hotel

Cascades: Dining at the "Shining" Hotel, Estes Park

 Etoile2B Says:  Cascades is one of the restaurants housed in the historic Stanley Hotel. It’s got a well-appointed dining room and the food is good. It’s nothing special but it’s not bad either. If you’re staying at the Stanley or just visiting the grounds it’s a decent place to grab some... 

The Egg and I: Breakfast With An OLE

The Egg and I: Breakfast With An OLE, Estes Park

 johngayton Says:  As might be eggs-spected (HA!) from the name this chain of Colorado and Texas restaurants (there's a couple of other branches scattered around the country) specialises in breakfasts. Delish they are too with the menu covering pretty much everything that you could possibly... 

Nightlife  

The Wheel Bar, Kellys, and Lonagans: The only 3 bars in town

The Wheel Bar, Kellys, and Lonagans: The only 3 bars in town, Estes Park

 VinoVeritas Says:  There are three bars that are open till 2am. Kelly's is a bar that is geared for the younger crowd. As you walk up the stairs you will see painted photos of Diddy, and other celebrities. It is usually featuring hip hop and dancing. Lonagans is branded as an Irish pub. It is... 

The Holiday Inn Bar: Lured By The Complimentary Drinks!

The Holiday Inn Bar: Lured By The Complimentary Drinks!, Estes Park

 johngayton Says:  Included in our very reasonable room rate was a couple of complimentary drinks in the hotel bar and so it just had be done! As hotel bars go this was quite a pleasant evening out with a decent bar snack, the complimentary drinks serving as appetizers and a few pints of Fat... 

Transportation  

Shuttle Boulder to Estes Park

Shuttle Boulder to Estes Park, Estes Park

 estesparkguide Says:  Scheduled Shuttle from Boulder to Estse Park and Estes Park to Boulder during the summer. Travelers from Denver can connect the RTD bus to Boulder and then connect to Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides Shuttle from Boulder to Estes Park.Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides... 

Shopping  

Estes Park Pie Shop & Bakery: Estes Park Pie Shop - YUM!

Estes Park Pie Shop & Bakery: Estes Park Pie Shop - YUM!, Estes Park

 SuzanneT Says:  We discovered this pie shop, which is relatively new, on a recent visit to Estes Park. It sits on the East end of town down by Ed's Cantina and it's really a find! The owners make everything from scratch and it's a lot more than just pie. The sticky buns are out of this... 

The Twisted Pine Fur and Leather Shop: Get yourself into stylin', Estes Park style

The Twisted Pine Fur and Leather Shop: Get yourself into stylin', Estes Park style, Estes Park

 850prc Says:  The Twisted Pine is full of local items of interest....suede and leather clothing, fur coats and rugs, jewelry, etc. They've got a good selection, and the prices are pretty decent, especially over on the sale table. The help is very, very friendly and accomodating.... 

The Taffy Shop: An Estes Park landmark:

The Taffy Shop: An Estes Park landmark:, Estes Park

 Rich62 Says:  Since 1935, the Taffy Shop has been a staple of the Estes Park retail scene. Kids love watching the rotating arms of the taffy machine in the window. Its been there a long time and still makes great taffy. There are many different flavors. You can just ask for a mixed box... 

Warnings and Dangers  

What About Altitude Sickness?

What About Altitude Sickness?, Estes Park

 Shaken_Bake Says:  Often people coming from the "flatlands" are concerned about the possibility of altitude sickness when they visit the Rockies. Estes Park is only at 7,500 feet and therefore is not as risky as other areas above 8,000 feet for people whose systems are not used to living at... 

Off The Beaten Path  

McGregors Ranch

McGregors Ranch, Estes Park

 Toughluck Says:  Seated under the 'Two Owls' is McGregors Ranch. It's open to the public and once was the source of supplies for the town of Estes Park. It's a great opportunity to get out and see a western ranch. Seated in a bowl, the views south are fabulous. For more pictures and... 

Sports & Outdoors  

NEBRASKA IN THE MIDDLE OF COLORADO

NEBRASKA IN THE MIDDLE OF COLORADO, Estes Park

 Rich62 Says:  The Husker Nation is everywhere, even in the middle of Colorado. This store, known as "Big Red of the Rockies", has been featured in many newspapers stories and on tv as well. Inside you can find everything Husker: autographed helmets, posters, t-shirts, etc. Of course... 

Favorites  

National Park Village

National Park Village, Estes Park

 Toughluck Says:  On the southwest side, where the road splits to lead south towards another eastside entrance and the other road continues directly into the National Park and the Beaver Meadow Visitor Center is National Park Village. Full supplies, a very nice restaurant and some interesting... 

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Map of Estes Park