Local Info

Estes Park Rafting & Local Information

This popular mountain town is known as the “Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.”

Estes Park, Colorado, located at 7,522 feet above sea level in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is a mid-sized, old-western style community surrounded by natural splendor and mountain peaks up to 14,000 feet tall. Estes Park is located right on the doorstep of Colorado’s most famous National Park. Among the most photographed locations in the west, Rocky Mountain National Park includes over 400 square miles of beautiful mountain peaks, meadows, and lakes. Known as “the gateway to the west,” this romantic little town, surrounded by the splendors of Rocky Mountain National Park, truly lives up to its reputation.

Things to Do

Estes Park is also known as an adventure-lovers paradise. In fact, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park can serve as your adventure central. In every direction, you can see rock spires reaching toward a brilliant blue sky. Climbing, hiking and mountain-biking trails surround the town; many trailheads beginning right from Main Street. Guests of Estes Park can find easy access to horseback riding, fishing, wildlife viewing, and more.

Estes Park is also located a short distance from world-class Estes Park rafting. Colorado’s only “Wild & Scenic River” is a short drive from Estes Park and makes a great day trip. Estes Park rafting trips on the Cache la Poudre River are a must on every Colorado vacation.

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park will enchant you and leave you feeling as if you’ve transported back 100 years. This magical little town is waiting to build your next “remember that” memory.
 

The Town & It’s Surroundings

While the surrounding territory is the prime attraction, Estes Park itself is a pleasant place to spend the day. A full range of dining, shopping, lodging, and entertainment options are available in town.

There are over 200 shops and over two dozen art galleries found lining the village. The river walk and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks are very nice and helpful to travelers. Visitors will find handcrafted art; rustic furniture and fine apparel while shopping or find relaxation at one of the area health spas. Stop into any one of the Saltwater Taffy shops and you will surely be transported back to the old west.

Estes Park is famous for its Elk population and other wildlife. Due to its close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors frequently see Elk wandering the streets in town. Other wildlife, such as Big Horn Sheep, Golden Eagles, and even Bears can be found throughout the area.

Local attractions include the sprawling Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s novel The Shining, and several museums on pioneer and western history. Street sculptures, fun annual events, free music in the summertime, a family and pet-friendly atmosphere and western-themed decoration bring additional color and character to this cheerful little town.