Estes Park - A Colorado Treasure

Colorado is a spectacularly beautiful and diverse place. On any given day you can see breathtaking mountain peaks, sparkling azure lakes and rich, rolling fields. We have our share of cities large and small, with history, cuisine and a character that is unique to this extraordinary state. One of the most important spots to visit on any trip to Colorado must be Estes Park.

Estes is about one and one half hours from virtually anywhere in Denver and is north and slightly west of the city. It's not very different from many small Colorado towns, with its dependence on tourism and a collection of the unusual and more refined dining spots. But to me, the quality that distinguishes Estes Park from many towns is its location on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park.

To describe RMNP as a national landmark is a tragic understatement. The culture in and around Estes is in truth defined by the park, up to and including the reality of seeing elk wandering around the town of Estes Park exactly as they please. The many shops cater to the wilderness activities - hiking, animal sightings, camping, hunting and sightseeing. But the character of the town is as if it were a continuation of the park.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a huge park, full of trails and roads large and small. You will never get tired of the scenery, mountains, small bodies of water and large pastures generally populated with elk. But be prepared for the unexpected. At any moment you may see Rocky Mountain big horn sheep, foxes, antelope, coyotes and the occasional but always heart-stopping American bald eagle. The park rangers report that there are moose sightings from time to time but the moose of RMNP are more commonly spotted on the other side of the Continental Divide, accessed by way of Trail Ridge Road.

You won't need to tackle Trail Ridge unless you are calm with the altitude (above the tree line) and want to see the indescribable view that presents itself to you. Estes Park can be reached from the other side of Trail Ridge Road, through Winter Park and Granby, but it's quite a drive from that side into Estes. It may be the reason for another trip, from the west side rather than the east.

Plan to spend a whole day in the park and around Estes Park. You can either take a lunch and blanket (weather permitting) and find a convenient, picturesque spot inside RMNP or visit any of the charming restaurants in town. Take your camera because you will always see elk and never know what other creatures will stroll by. And there's no real reason to expect celebrity sightings as you might in Aspen or Vail. Estes Park is not self-impressed or snobby, just full of friendly and appreciative folks. You will be glad that you visited this easily accessible and totally delightful spot.

Pick up a travel guide and a map. Although Estes Park is not a big city, this article is but a small sketch of a big and beautiful region, easily justifying doing research and collecting information. Be prepared to see what you've never seen before and appreciate the beauty of this country as you have never imagined.

Please note: As a resident of Colorado, I have visited Estes Park a number of times. These observations are as a direct result of my experiences there. If you see more historical information about Rocky Mountain National Park or Colorado in general, it should prove to be excellent reading.