On the northeastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, in the high valley of the Big Thompson River, is the mountain resort of Estes Park (alt. 7,523ft/2,293m), named after a pioneer who settled here around 1860. Ten years later a British peer, the Earl of Dunraven, built a hunting lodge in this area, which was famed for its abundance of game and of fish, and soon afterwards the painter, Albert Bierstadt came here and was enchanted by the beauty of the scenery. Estes Park is now busy with visitors all year round, offering them a wide range of activities - hiking, riding, fishing, mountain biking, rafting and even golf. There is a cableway up Prospect Mountain (8,895ft/2,711m).
The Big Thompson River below Estes Park is a famous trout river which attracts hundreds of anglers. Farther downstream the river turns east towards the Great Plains in a narrow valley shaped by tectonic movement.
The Baldpate Inn was built in 1917 in Estes Park and is listed on the National Historic Register. Visitors to the Inn can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, or mountain climbing. Inside, the lodge has a unique collection of over 20,000 keys.
The Elkhorn Lodge is a historic guest ranch in Estes Park that was built between 1871 and 1902. The old lodge dates back to 1871 and is still in use! The ranch is listed on the National Historic Register. Accommodations are housed in 33 different buildings.
Enos Mills, best known for being the "Father of Rocky Mountain National Park", worked diligently for 6 years to educate the public and Congress as to how important it was to set aside large areas of land to preserve habitats and scenery.
Hours:
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Call for hours. Not handicap accessible, no pets or public restrooms.
The Estes Park Area Historical Museum is located just west of the Stanley Park Fairgrounds. Founded in 1962, the museum's permanent exhibit, Tracks in Time, details the Estes Park area's history. Throughout the year, four temporary exhibits are also featured.
Address: Estes Park Museum, 200 Fourth Street, Estes Park, CO 80517-6339, United States
Phone: 1 (970) 586-6256, Fax: 1 (970) 577-3768
Hours:
May 1 to October 31: 10am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm
November 1 to April 30: 10am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
The MacGregor Ranch Museum in Estes Park dates from the homesteading period of the 1870's. Visitors can tour the museum, milk house, smokehouse, blacksmith shop and horse-drawn machinery displays. There is also wagon rides, agricultural activities, an interactive nature center, nature trails and camping. Within the main ranch house, original furnishings are on display and personal memorabilia of three generations of the MacGregor family.
Address: MacGregor Ranch Museum, 180 MacGregor Lane, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
Phone: 1 (970) 586-3749, Fax: 1 (970) 586-1092
Hours:
June 1 to August 31: 10am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon, Sat
The Stanley Hotel is a grand hotel in Estes Park, which opened in 1909. The Stanley Museum was invited by The Stanley Hotel to set up exhibits as well as manage the historic tours of the Hotel.
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.
Waterfalls at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.
Address: Stanley Hotel, Box 788, Estes Park, CO 80517-0788, United States
Phone: 1 (970) 586-3371, Fax: 1 (970) 586-4964
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Big Thompson River, Estes Park
Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Big Thompson River, Estes Park
Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Estes Park
