Estes Park is located in a high valley 35miles West of Loveland on highway 34. From the South you enter the valley via the Peak-to-Peak Highway, highway 7. You can also enter from the East on highway 36 from Lyons and Longmont Colorado. Denver is 70 miles to the East of the park.

Having spent time in Estes Park and it's surrounding area since I was a child, Estes is one of my favorite places. Considering how much Colorado has changed Estes Park has not, probably on purpose, kept up with the rush. Yes it's bigger and some say to big but from my perspective the size of the Village is still small. It is primarily about 8 blocks long moving east to west along Elkhorn Ave the parks main street. There is also a three block section that stretches along Moraine Ave. Elkhorn Ave is the home of the unique shops and merchants, some I will say have been there over 50 years selling keepsakes and souvenirs so one can remember their trip.

Lake Estes is on the East side of the village and can be seen as one enters the town. As in most towns like Estes there are horse stables so the visitors can experience at least a small sample of the western atmosphere.

Fall River runs directly through the center of town and intersects with the Big Thompson River about in the center of town at confluence park. On occasion Fall River has flooded and caused much damage to the downtown area. You can read the history and see the pictures in a small shopping mall just off Elkhorn.

Around June of each year the elk virtually disappear from the low areas around Estes and  go up and beyond tree line. They don't like the heat and insects either. 

Spending time in Estes any time of year is fun but in the spring through the fall it has a special charm. There is plenty of lodging and restaurants to satisfy most ever taste. There is always something for the kids to do too.

However, when all is said and done it is the clearer and cleaner air you breath that does the trick. If you stop to think and feel it when you breath you can tell the difference. It is fresher. We are working on bottling it for export now.

News Of Interest Around Estes Park

Sneak Peak of Hiker Shuttle and Shopper Shuttle

in Rocky Mountain National Park

and Estes Park

When:  Tuesday, June 27, 2006, 10:00 a.m.

What:  The Town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park will experiment this summer with two shuttle services aimed at enhancing services for visitors – a “Shopper Shuttle” and a “Hiker Shuttle. “

On June 27, media will have an opportunity to board a bus to learn more about this new option for visitors to decrease their fuel consumption and for visitors to enjoy being passengers.  The hub of both of these routes is the new Estes Park Visitors Center.  Just in time for the busy Fourth of July weekend, visitors to the area will be able to take advantage of both the Hiker Shuttle and the Shopper Shuttle beginning on July 1 through September 4.  Only two other similar programs exist in the U.S. – in neighboring communities to Zion & Acadia National Parks.

The Shopper Shuttle is free.  A park pass will be required to board the Hiker Shuttle.  Passes can be purchased at new automated fee machines located at the Town of Estes Park Visitors Center and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.    

Who:  Estes Park Mayor John Baudek and Vaughn Baker Park Superintendent will be attending.

Where:  Town of Estes Park Visitors Center on the corner of US Hwy 34 and US Hwy 36.