Elk Fest

Elk Fest tentatively still a go

By Tim Mosier

Trail-Gazette

The Estes Valley celebrate the annual elk rut and learn about the wapiti, the Native American name for elk, Estes Park will host the annual Elk Fest on October 3-4 in Bond Park and the surrounding area.

The festival is free but there may be possible fees for the elk bugling contest and elk viewing bus tours. In past years the festival has featured bugling contests, educational areas, exhibits, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, elk seminars, a Mountain Man Rendezvous, Native American music, dancing and stor ytelling and elk viewing bus tours.

If the event is able to go ahead as planned, vendors will display ar twork, handand demonstrate their skills.

Daily elk seminars explain the elk breeding season, or rut, and describe elk biology and management. Representatives from the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will display on a gloved hand some of their magnificent rescued birds. It is amazing to see these majestic birds close up.

On Sunday’s during the event in years past, amateurs and professionals compete to see who can sound most like an elk bugling at the Elk Bugling Contest. Entrants can use a diaphragm, a horn or just vocal chords.

This festival, produced by the Town of Estes Park, is tentatively scheduled pending current COVID-19 safety guidelines. Please watch www.EventsInEstes.com for updates and information.

Estes Park Trail-Gazette / File photo A dominant bull takes in the atmosphere at the Lake Estes 9Hole Golf Course. Enjoy views of the annual rut this weekend, but remember that bulls are aggressive and unpredictable during the rut.

made elk-ivor y jewelr y, and will of fer distinctive elk cuisine. Mountain men from around the countr y will gather at the Mountain Man Rendezvous to sell their wares

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many more one-of-a-kind finds.

Souvenir stores and t-shirt shops are a-plenty along the entire downtown strip.

After a fun-filled day hiking the trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, make sure to stop in Estes Park for a great dining experience. Estes offers a wide array of restaurants, from fine dining to fast food. There is a choice for ever yone, including those just looking for beverages.

Looking to get drinks after a day of outdoor activities? Look no farther than Snowy Peaks Winer y. Since 2005, Snowy Peaks Winer y has been producing award winning wines in Estes Park from Colorado grown grapes. Located at 292 Moraine Ave. in Estes Park, the tasting room offers a taste of Colorado. In addition to wines hand-crafted on site, there are also wines from several other boutique wineries.

Come tr y a wine tasting to find your favorites from our extensive list, then relax in the lounge or on the patio with a glass of wine and a selection of delicious, locallymade cheeses and gourmet foods.

They pride themselves in providing an unpretentious environment where ever yone can have fun. From the children’s playroom and juice tastings to wine-themed board games and winer y tours, you’ll have a great time at Snowy Peaks Winer y.

If you are looking for a bit more carbonation in your beverages, head on over to Estes Park Brewer y. The Estes Park Brewer y has 12 handcrafted brews on tap plus a non-alcoholic root beer. Each beer has its own stor y so be sure to check them out when you arrive.

Another great stop on Moraine Avenue is the everpopular Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ and Brew. Founded by Dave himself, Smokin’ Daves BBQ and Brew originally opened 25 years ago in Estes Park, Colorado.

When the sun goes down it is time to relax, and what better option than some of Estes Park’s great lodging options.

Stop by the new Rocky Mountain Hotel, formerly the Rodeway Inn now under new management and renovated.

Discover where adventure and laid-back luxur y combine to create a one-of-a-kind experience at one of Colorado’s most beloved mountain resorts: The Estes Park Resort. Wake up each morning to panoramic views of the Rockies and be greeted by the crisp mountain air. Feel at home in our Estes Park hotel as you explore the breathtaking surroundings or enjoy some well-deser ved rest and relaxation.

A natural gateway to the Rocky Mountains, The Estes Park Resort offers amenities and ser vices suited to a range of visits. Whether you want to enjoy a dinner with friends at the on-site Waterfront Grille, be indulged with our in-room spa ser vices, or venture outdoors, ever ything you need is always in reach at The Estes Park Resort.

Of course you can always stay at the iconic Stanley Hotel, which is world-renowed for its splendor and histor y.