There is Plenty to Do at Estes Park, Colorado Any Time of the Year

It doesn't matter if you're planning a vacation to Estes Park, Colorado, in the summer or winter, or any time in between, you'll find plenty to do. In the winter would you like to hear ghost stories, enjoy a chili cook-off, or make a snowman? Would you enjoy a snowshoe hike or a winter concert, a barbershop quartet concert, or a dog pulling contest? In the spring you might enjoy a concert, a duck race, or like to see some of the local scenic wedding sites. In the summer you might enjoy a Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, including folk dance groups and Scandinavian musicians, an Arabian horse show, the July 4th fireworks, a coolest car show, or any number of other events. At any time of the year there is plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy on a day trip, including a drive to the Big Thompson Canyon.

Some have said that the 32 mile drive from Loveland, Colorado to Big Thompson Canyon is one of the most scenic drives in the state. That might be saying a lot, considering that many who have visited or lived in Colorado consider it one of the most scenic states in the nation. As you take the trip you will notice heavily wooded areas, high mountains surrounding the Big Thompson River, and rugged cliffs. The walls of granite that will surround you climb thousands of feet into the air. You will also be surrounded by grass covered slopes and timber.

During your drive, you also may notice mule, deer, elk, and big horn sheep. Along the way, you may also notice some of the thousands of hummingbirds. You may even see a bear, mountain lion, or bobcat. If you want to remember your trip, you might buy a souvenir at one of the many historic shops along the way. It is no wonder people on vacation from all over the world come to see the Big Thompson Canyon at Estes Park, Colorado.

One of the least known but most scenic areas in Estes Park is the Spur 66 Corridor. The Big Thompson River flows through town. It is convenient to the Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes Park, including great Italian, fish, and steak restaurants. There are also horseback rides offered into the park from the Cowpoke Corner Corral. The phone number is (970-586-5890). Horseback riding is also offered from the Jackson Stables 970-586-3341, extension 1140. Lodging is also offered at Machin Cottages, Colorado Cottages, River Spruce Cottages, Rockmount Cottages, and at many other facilities.

There are a variety of areas in Estes Park where visitors can enjoy scenic day trips including Grand Lake, Bear Lake, and Allenspark. If you take one of the day trips you can enjoy the majestic scenery along the Fall River Road at Grand Lake, visit the Alpine Visitor's Center at 12,000 feet, and drive along the highest continuous paved road in the country, Trail Ridge Road. At Bear Lake, you can snowshoe in the winter.

Other activities you can enjoy at Estes Park include fly fishing, hiking, bird watching, skiing, a round of golf, shopping for Native American items, pottery, hand-blown glass, and other items; river rafting, and many places of historic interest.

"Everything about our stay was awesome!" That was the comment of Istottle on tripadvisor.com about a stay in the area at Estes Park Condos. "To walk out the back door and see the running water and the incredible Rocky Mountains was the ultimate. The condo was clean and very comfortable...felt like home! "

No matter what time of the year you are planning on a vacation at Estes Park, prepare for a fun time.

Citations:

Insider's Guide to Estes Park, no author listed, coloradoinfo.com

Estes Park Condos: Traveler's Reviews, no author listed, tripadvisor.com