HELLO
Discover the beauty in what hasn’t changed in Estes Park. Start planning at VisitEstesPark.com.
2 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Enjoy all that Estes offers!
E
stes Park is a wonderful place for a vacation, whether that trip is with your family or a romantic getaway. In this Vacation Guide 2021, you will find information ranging from where to eat, where to shop and where to hike. Our Town has many popular tourist attractions for you to enjoy. You can horseback ride, get a thrill on the new mountain coaster or play a round of putt-putt golf.
Anything you plan to do in Estes Park is enjoyed against the backdrop of the spectacular Rocky Mountains. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip and enjoy your time here! Michael Romero, Publisher Wendy Rigby, Managing Editor and Reporter Tim Mosier, Lead Reporter Jason Van Tatenhove, Reporter Daniel Sewell, Advertising
VEP welcomes you to our town
By Kara Franker, CEO, Visit Estes Park For the Trail-Gazette
L
et me be the first to welcome you to Estes Park! It’s a magical time to be here: fresh air, 360-degree mountain views, and enough activities that you’ll leave already planning your next trip. Come explore the wide open spaces that surround us, either by foot, mountain bike, e-bike or tour. Take a stand-up paddle board, kayak or boat out on Lake Estes. Experience our iconic views on Estes Park’s newest attraction, the Mustang Mountain Coaster, or on the tried-and-true Aerial Tramway. Shops you won’t find anywhere else offer local art, boutique souvenirs and sweet
treats. Museums, a ropes course and create-your-ownart experiences are must-dos. Local craft beverage makers, coffee shops and restaurants have a full spectrum of offerings for every taste. And good news: events are coming back, as organizers determine the best way to host them safely. Your safety in our community is our number one priority. And we want you to have a blast while you’re here. Just a heads up that Rocky Mountain National Park implemented a timed entry permit system for the summer season. Those permits go fast, so make sure to purchase them ahead of your trip online at recreation.gov. We’re thrilled and very grateful you chose to visit Estes Park. Don’t forget to tag us on your fabulous Instagram photos (@visitestespark). Have a wonderful time!
Estes Park
and Fun for the whole family
Family Amusement Park
• Grand Prix Go-Karts • Bumper Boats • Two 18-Hole Mini Golf Courses • Krazy Bumper Kars • Casey’s Silver Streak Train • Arcade & Snack Bar • Water Wars – Water Balloon Fights • Four Batting Cages • “X”treme Bungee Trampolines
BEST VALUE IN TOWN! (970) 586-64955 Located 1 mile east of Visitor's Center on Hwy 34
Visitor’s Center
U. S. 7
ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 3
Welcome to the mountains
By Visit Estes Park and Town of Estes Park For the Trail-Gazette
demic, the Visitor Center lobby will reopen to the public on Friday, June 4, 2021. Visitor Services staff never stopped helping the public ind inspiration and during this time. Every day information to plan of the week, staff took teleyour visit to Estes phone inquiries and providPark on VisitEstesPark.com. A complete ed a variety of printed materials to the public in spite of list of lodging options, restaurants, attractions, shops, the lobby being closed. The outfitters and events provide Visitor Services team is well the details you need to plan trained, informed and ready to provide information about your trip while blog posts everything there is to do in offer insider tips and perthe area, including: events spectives on how to fit the and activities, dining, lodgpieces together to make ing, shopping, tours, museyour post-lockdown trip ums, Estes Park campunforgettable. Follow Visit grounds, area wildlife, Estes Park on social for seasonal shuttles, area hisinspiration: @estespark (Facebook), @visitestespark tory and more! The center has many free, take-away (Instagram), #estespark. publications and Guest Have questions? Information Guides that will Call the Estes Park provide you plenty of ideas Visitor Center about what to do in Estes Once in town, the Town of Park. We are proud of our Estes Park’s Visitor Center beautiful village and suris THE place to stop to get rounding landscape and welyour questions answered come all who come here! about the Estes Park area, Our goal is to ensure you and is conveniently located have a memorable stay, with at the intersection of U.S. the hope that you will return Highways 34 and 36. After being closed due to the panSee MOUNTAINS, pg. 34
F
File photo / Estes Park Trail-Gazette
The Estes Park Visitor Center is conveniently located at the intersection of U.S. Highways 34 and 36.
4 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
In this issue
Five hikes in and around Estes Park ..................... 5 Mad Moose ......................................................... 6 Summer at The Stanley ........................................ 8 New restaurant at The Stanley ............................. 9 Stanley Carriage House ....................................... 9 Rocky Mountain National Park ........................... 12 Where to eat ..................................................... 14 YMCA of the Rockies ........................................ 15 Mustang Mountain Coaster ............................... 16 Elkhorn Stables ................................................. 17 Seven Keys Lodge ............................................. 18 Eagle Plume’s Trading Post ................................ 19 Estes Park Health Urgent Care ........................... 22 Estes Park Museum .......................................... 23 New and changed attractions ............................ 24 Fun City ............................................................ 25 Sticks N’ Stones ............................................... 26 Full Throttle Boutique Distillery .......................... 28 Entertainment in Estes Park .............................. 29 Tacos La Tradición ............................................. 30 Ride-A-Kart ....................................................... 30 SereniTEA ......................................................... 31
5 day hikes in and around Estes
By Wendy Rigby Trail-Gazette
I
f you are visiting Estes Park for a few days, a few weeks or an entire season, there are plenty of trails to explore.
Centennial Open Space at Knoll-Willows
Right in Estes Park, just across Wonderview Ave. from The Stanley Hotel, is a delightful place to talk a walk and get a different view of the town. This 19-acre piece of land was purchased by the Town of Estes Park in 2002 to preserve its natural heritage and the crucial wildlife space.There are a handful of parking places at the Trailhead right off the road. The day I discovered this path, I encountered locals and visi-
of Lake Estes and all of the action along the water’s edge. There are benches everywhere that would be a wonderful place to sit and eat a snack or read a book. All of the benches were sponsored, and you can read about the donors on the plaques at each location. Rounding the corner of the short loop, Prospect Mountain is off to the left. I couldn’t help but think how fun it would be to watch people riding up and down the Tramway which is closed Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette right now due to COVID-19. One of the windows at the Ruins remains intact, providing a The first remains of a manspectacular frame of the natural beauty beyond. made structure you come across are called the Ruins. tors alike delighting in the the open, natural character of This is what remains of the abundant views in all directhe property’s wetlands and 1907 home of Albert Birch. tions. rocky crest.”I started counHe was city editor of the According to the Trailhead ter-clockwise to the left, comDenver Post. The partiallysign, “a conservation easeing up on a flat space that See HIKES, pg. 36 ment permanently protects provided an incredible view
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356 E. Elkh khorn h Ave. | (970) 586-4367 ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 5
The Mad Moose offers new shopping experience By Mad Moose For the Trail-Gazette
F
or Maureen McCann, a lost job turned into a dream opportunity. Months after moving up from Loveland to start a new career in hospitality, she was furloughed, like so many were during the pandemic. Feeling disappointed and unsure of what to do next, she began searching for new business opportunities. One afternoon last June, while enjoying a latte at Coffee on the Rocks with her sister, the idea of starting their own business began to formulate and what began as a far-off dream soon became reality. It’s then that she learned The Mad Moose was for sale. McCann had dreamed about owning a shop in town and had been a customer of The Mad Moose for years, stopping by whenever she was visiting. “I love the name and the mountain furnishings and specialty cabin and home decor you can’t find in the downtown retail shops,” McCann says. The opportunity was too good to pass up. She bought the store in Aug. 2020 along with partner Chris Tedford, John Floeter, and her sister Judy Floeter. The new owners immediately went to work creating a more open floor plan with displays showcasing the rustic furniture and how each item can fit in the home. McCann says the store will continue to offer the same quality merchandise it is known for, from fine furnishings and bedding to home goods, lighting, sou-
Mad Moose / Courtesy photo
The Mad Moose will continue to sell unique lamps, original art, furniture, and other home furnishings and décor, ideal for a mountain home or cozy cabin.
venirs and camping gear. If you have been in the shop recently, you may have noticed yet another change. Shortly after they bought The Mad Moose, the new owners were offered the opportunity to acquire The Village Store, which was right next door. A bit sooner than they had anticipated, they decided to take a leap of faith and go for it. The Village Store is now The Mad Moose, all under one roof and one cohesive space. The Mad Moose will continue to sell unique lamps, original art, furniture, and other home furnishings and
6 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
décor, ideal for a mountain home or cozy cabin. And, of course, you can find plenty of whimsical moose items. With the acquisition, The Mad Moose will continue to sell men and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories along with souvenirs, T-shirts and must have items for the kiddos. The new owners know how valuable the two stores are to visitors and locals and they want to carry on with the specialty merchandise that customers have loved for many, many years. Much of the artwork and products in the store come from local artists and
craftspeople, as well as manufacturers in nearby states. In addition, The Mad Moose is actively seeking and sourcing specialty products from small independent retailers such as Abound (helloabound.com) and Faire (faire.com) says McCann. The one-of-a-kind merchandise and the downhome welcoming atmosphere is what makes The Mad Moose a must-stop shop for thousands of tourists and locals alike each year. Both McCann and Tedford say they enjoy greeting the customers and helping them find what they are looking for. You can almost always find the new owners on the showroom floor. While they do intend to hire more sales associates, especially for the high season, McCann says she and Tedford want to be in the store as much as possible. “That matters to us. We want to connect with everyone who comes in and really showcase not only the store, but this great town. We are excited to be a part of this vibrant business community,” McCann says. “It really was a dream of mine and we are thrilled to be living here.” The Mad Moose will have new signage soon as they have been working with a local graphic designer to help them create a new look that will incorporate their full offerings, which now includes the clothing and accessories. The Mad Moose, located at 900 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517, is open daily, and can be reached at maureen@madmoose.com or 970-577-9775.
ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 7
Summer at The Stanley
By Tim Mosier Trail-Gazette
S
ummer is coming up quickly and there is no better place to spend the season than the beautiful town of Estes Park. The Stanley Hotel has a number of activities for families, couples, and friends to enjoy all year long.
The Post Chicken and Beer
The Post Chicken and Beer is the newest restaurant coming to Estes Park in the renovated Carriage House at The Stanley Hotel. Featured by Guy Fieri on Food Network’s Diners Drive-Ins, & Dives, The Post is known for their gluten-free fried bird and well-balanced brews. Born in Colorado, The Post prides themselves on humanely raised, fresh and all natural chicken and locally sourced farm produce. Grab a bite and a brew at The Post when it comes to The Stanley on July 1, 2021.
Aiden Sinclair’s Underground
Hidden beneath the new Post Restaurant lies a speakeasy style venue where the best magicians in the world are set to perform. Introducing Aiden Sinclair’s Underground, an 80-person capacity venue which will host three different shows every Wednesday through Sunday for the summer. For the first time ever, Aiden Sinclair will perform a family friendly matinee show starting at 3pm followed by a performance at 6pm and ending with his Illusions of the Passed séance at 9:30pm. Experience the magick, mystery, and wonder hidden behind a bookshelf tucked deep underground. New
The Stanley is located at 333 E Wonderview Ave. in Estes Park.
magicians will be added to the roster later in the summer. Opening night is Friday, July 2 and tickets are now available! Enter REDRUM at checkout and save $5 per ticket through July 4th.
Stanley Night Live
Stanley Live is proud to announce Saturday Night Live comedian, Rob Schneider, is coming to the Concert Hall on Saturday, July 17th. Rob Schneider has been featured in films and shows alongside comedians such as Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Chris Farley. He brings his humor and wit to entertain adult audiences for a night that is sure to spur side-splitting laughter. Stanley Live presents Stanley Night Live with two shows at 7pm and 9:30pm. Grab your tickets before they sell out!
Stanley Live
8 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Music lovers of Colorado
will be pleased to hear the return of Stanley Live concerts with the annual weekend with Murder by Death on August 27 - 29th. Unique to previous years, this show will be performed outside the historic building. Much like previous years, Murder by Death will play to a sold-out crowd who is encouraged to dress up as a play on the theme of The Shining. The band made their first appearance at The Stanley in 2014 and have developed a cultlike following ever since. Be on the lookout for more shows to be announced soon!
Kent Mountain Adventure Center
Quench your thirst for the Rocky Mountain experience with guided hikes, mountain biking, rock climbing lessons, or a Via Ferrata trip with Kent Mountain Adventure Center! No matter your skill or fitness level, KMAC can assist you in finding the
Tim Mosier / Estes Park Trail-Gazette
perfect outing for your Colorado adventure. The Via Ferrata is a unique experience using the pathway system of anchored steel cables as they ascend using natural rock features, ladders, and steel steps. While you ascend, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of Rocky Mountain National Park while having the mountain to yourself and avoiding the crowded hiking trails. The Via Ferrata can be enjoyed by individuals, couples, families, and groups young and old. Call Kent Mountain Adventure Center located in the Aspire building of The Stanley Hotel to book your outing based on your adrenaline wishes!
Cascades Restaurant
After a long day exploring all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer, appease your appetite with a reservation at Cascades Restaurant. Cascades Restaurant See SUMMER, pg. 32
The Post brings fried chicken, craft brews to Estes Park
By Callie Sumlin For the Trail-Gazette
“H
ot Chicken Loves Cold Beer.” These are the words we live by at The Post Chicken & Beer, located at The Stanley Hotel’s newly renovated Carriage House. When The Post opens in July, residents and tourists alike will be able to enjoy the restaurant’s award-winning fried chicken and craft beer in Estes Park. Featured by Guy Fieri on Food Network’s Diners Drive-Ins & Dives, The Post’s bird boasts a supremely crispy, golden crust on the outside and juicy seasoned meat within, the result of years of tinkering and research to develop the perfect recipe. Chef and partner Brett Smith starts with humanely raised, all-natural chicken, brines it for hours, gives it a dip in buttermilk, dredges it
The Stanley / Courtesy photo
The Post offers lunch and dinner seven days a week plus happy hour, weekend brunch, and takeout from their location at 333 E. Wonderview Ave.
in seasoned gluten-free flour, and then pressure fries it to crisp, golden perfection. An all-star roster of Colorado comfort food — fluffy cheddar biscuits, green chile mac and cheese, farm-fresh salads, scratch-made pies — completes the Post experience. And to pair with your
chicken? The Post’s own ice-cold, Great American Beer Festival medal–winning craft beers, brewed at our flagship Lafayette location. Will you choose the smooth and drinkable Howdy Pilsner? The sessionable Dry Stout? The refreshingly crisp Top Rope Mexican Lager? The
Post’s brewmaster brews each beer to pair perfectly with your meal—and with all of your mountain adventures. Grab a couple crowlers and a chicken family meal to-go for the ultimate in high-country picnicking. The Post is locally owned and operated by Boulder’s Big Red F Restaurant Group out of The Stanley Hotel’s original Carriage House building (which also houses Aiden Sinclair’s Magic Mystery Underground Theater and the soon to be developed Stanley Hotel film center). Originally built in 1905 as a garage for the famous Stanley Steamer vehicles, the historical building is the perfect backdrop for this chicken party. “Living in Boulder as a kid, I grew up eating fudge and riding go-karts in Estes my whole life,” says Dave Query, chef and founder of Big Red F Restaurant Group. “Seeing See POST, pg. 35
Carriage House at The Stanley being preserved By Kristina Rusch For the Trail-Gazette
T
he Carriage House at The Stanley Hotel is the last building left in F.O. Stanley’s legacy that has yet to be preserved, until now. Out of his passion for the property’s history, John Cullen, owner of The Stanley, went through great lengths to keep the historic structure of the building including spending over $1 million to remove the roof piece by piece and place it back on
top. John’s mission was to preserve the historic nature of the building and create something F.O Stanley himself would be proud of. He is excited to share that the building will now serve the new purpose as a restaurant and performance venue, while creating over 70 new jobs in the Estes Valley. “Storage crates were literally holding up the walls just a year ago,” John mentions about the structure of the The Stanley / Courtesy photo building before renovations, The Carriage House at the Historic Stanley Hotel is the last See CARRIAGE, pg. 16 original building on the property to be renovated. ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 9
333 East Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado
Learn More at: www.stanleyhotel.com
The Stanley Hotel *Availability of services may be limited during this time. Talk to our concierge for more information.
Call to Schedule your Reservation! 970-577-4000 10 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Experience a classic American steakhouse with innovative dishes, local flair and sustainable ingredients. Welcome to Aiden Sinclair’s Underground at The Stanley Hotel!
Join us at this secret subterranean laboratory for an unforgettable experience of Magick and Illusion!
ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 11
Rocky Mountain National Park has timed entry permit reservations
By Rocky Mountain National Park For the Trail-Gazette
R
ocky Mountain National Park implemented a new pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system on May 28. Park staff are managing for significant increases in visitation to public lands in Colorado, including Rocky Mountain National Park, along with continued COVID-19 concerns, ongoing park seasonal staff shared housing challenges, reduced shuttle bus capacity and residual fire impacts in some areas of the park from historic fires in 2020. There are two types of reservations available. One permit is for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which will include the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second permit will be for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. This reservation period will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park. Reservations to enter the park are on sale through www.recreation.gov. The next release of reservations will be on June 1, for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June. On July 1, reservations will be available for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July. On August 1,
File photo / Estes Park Trail-Gazette
In 2020, Rocky Mountain National Park was the fourth most visited national park in the country.
reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked. On September 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked. Initially, 25 percent of permits will be held and available for purchase the day prior at 5 p.m. through recreation.gov. These are expected to sell out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible. This year’s pilot reservation system allows for a greater number of reservations per day. Reservations will be based on approximately 75 percent to 85 percent of the park’s total parking capacity. Last year’s system was based on approximately 60 percent of the park’s total parking capacity. This system spreads use throughout the park to better utilize all parking/trailhead areas. This system will be adaptable to changes in visitation trends and public health concerns.
12 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Last year, after being closed for two months amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Rocky Mountain National Park reopened in late May and was the first national park in the country to implement a temporary timed entry permit system to increase park access while providing the public a reasonable opportunity to comply with health guidelines. That timed entry permit system ended on October 12, 2020. In 2020, Rocky Mountain National Park was the fourth most visited national park in the country with a 28 percent increase in visitation in November and a 38 percent increase in visitation in December over those months in 2019. In February, to protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and National Park Service (NPS) facilities, and in support of President Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing the NPS implemented a mask requirement
for employees, visitors, partners and contractors. At Rocky Mountain National Park, face masks are required in all park buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, parking lots, pull-offs and overlooks. When recreating, park visitors should follow local area and federal health orders, maintain social distance and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. Please do not visit if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19. Park staff will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. Keep your distance: Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail or in a parking lot. If staying at least six feet from others is not possible, a mask is required. Face See ROCKY, pg. 18
R elaxed. Rejuvenated. Retired.
Moving to a retirement community means renewing your passion for life. A chance to enjoy life in a whole new way. At Good Samaritan Society – Estes Park V illage, senior living turns retired into re-inspired. From new friendships to fun activities, retirement is just the beginning of your next adventure in life. To learn more about our community in Estes Park, call (970) 577-7700.
The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws. Some services may be provided by a third party. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. © 2016 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved.
ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 13
Editor’s Note: Hours may have changed, please call for most up to date information. However, it is safe to assume this is more accurate than Google.
American Food
Big Horn Restaurant Everyday: 6am-8:30pm 970-586-2792 Bird & Jim Lunch: 11am-1:30pm | Happy Hour: 1:30pm-4pm | Dinner: 4pmClose 970-586-9832 Burgers & Gyros on Moraine Ave. Every day: 11am-7pm 970-586-3137 Cascades Restaurant & Lounge @ The Stanley Lunch: 11am-4pm | Dinner: 4:30pm-Close 970-577-4000 Cinnamon’s Bakery *Pre-order w/VM Thu-Sun: 7:30am-10am 970-480-1501 Claire’s on the Park Every day: 8am-8pm 970-586-9564 Dairy Queen Thu-Tue: 12pm-6pm 970-586-4939 Dunraven @ The EP Resort *Reservations Required Breakfast: 7am-11am | Lunch: 11am4pm | Dinner: 4pm-8pm 970-586-6409 Egg of Estes Mon-Fri: 6am-2pm | SatSun: 6am2:30pm 970-586-1173 Fresh Burger Stop Mon-Sat: 7:30am-8pm | Sun: 8am-3pm 970-480-1492 Grubsteak Restaurant Every day: 11am-9pm 970-586-8838 Hunter’s Chophouse Thu-Sun: 4pm-8pm 970-586-6962 Local’s Grill
Where to eat
Hangar @ 18-Holf Golf: Thur-Sun: 8am-7pm Sun-Mon: 8am-5pm 970-586-8146 ex. 3 Stella’s Place Tue-Sat: 11am-2pm 970-586-1889 Subway Stanley Village: Sun-Thu: 7am-9pm | FriSat: 7am10pm 970-577-7744 Downtown: Mon-Thu: 10am-5pm | FriSun: 8am7pm 970-586-5023 The Post Chicken & Beer @ The Stanley *Opening Soon @ The Carriage House 970-577-4000 The Rock Inn Sun-Wed: 4pm-8pm | ThuSat: 4pm9pm 970-586-4116 The Sandwich Mafia *Delivery Available Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm | FriDenise Shank / Courtesy photo Sat: 11amGeese and ducks greet visitors to Coffee on the Rocks located 12am at 510 Moraine Ave. in Estes Park. 970-591-2400 Twin Owls Steakhouse 970-586-5376 Every day: 11am-9pm Thu-Sun: 5pm-9pm Notchtop Bakery & Café 970-586-6900 970-586-9344 Every day: 7am-3pm Lonigans Irish Pub Wapiti Colorado Pub 970-586-0272 Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm | FriWed-Mon: 12pm-7pm | Sun: Penelope’s Burgers Closed: Tue 11am-11pm Every day: 11am-7pm 970-568-5056 970-586-4346 970-586-2277 Wayfinder Restaurant McDonald’s Rocky Mountain Deli Every day: 7am-8pm Every day: 5am-11pm Every day: 7am-6pm 970-586-3098 970-586-3434 970-586-4791 Wild Rose Restaurant Molly B Scratch Deli Everyday: 11am-10pm Every day: 7am-7pm Every day: 7am-4pm 970-586-2806 970-922-9322 970-586-8383 You Need Pie Diner Mountain Home Café Seasoned American Bistro Mon-Sat: 7am-2:30pm | Dinner: Tue-Sat: 5pm-9pm | & Bakery Mon-Sat: 7am-9pm | Sun: Sun: 7amSun 8am-9pm 2pm Brunch: 10am-2pm | 970-577-7437 Closed: Mon 970-586-6624 Nicky’s Steakhouse *Re-opening 1 st week of July | SunThu: 11am-9pm | Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm
14 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
970-586-9000 Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ Original Location: Every day: 11am-9pm 970-577-7427
Asian Food
Cafe De Pho Thai Breakfast: 9am-12pm | Lunch: 12pmSee EAT, pg. 34
101 years of guided hiking
By YMCA of the Rockies For the Trail-Gazette
T
he summer of 1920 was the first summer that Anna and Isabel Pifer stayed at YMCA of the Rockies. Their father was the YMCA secretary. They quickly became known as the “hikemasters” of the YMCA. Though they worked for free, guests often gifted them dinner after the hikes and the YMCA gifted them free baths in the bath house. Their hikes ranged from interpretive nature walks to summitting Long’s Peak from the Y grounds (26 miles and 6200 feet). In 2020, due to COVID-19, YMCA of the Rockies was not able to host a gathering to celebrate the pioneering of the guided hiking program,
YMCA of the Rockies / Courtesy photo
“101 Years of Guided Hikes at YMCA of the Rockies” is geared toward celebrating both hikemasters and guided hikes through the years.
so in 2021 we invite you to join a “101 Years of Guided Hikes at YMCA of the Rock-
ies” celebration. The celebra- guided hikes through the tion is geared toward celeyears. Because many families See HIKING, pg. 33 brating both hikemasters and
ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 15
Mustang Mountain Coaster off and running
By Jason Van Tatenhove Trail-Gazette
thought it would be. It’s a great addition to Estes Park.’ Shawn Alder says the ride, “It was absolutely amazing. Beautiful views, and man, if you push (the brake lever) all the way down, you get to go fast! It feels like you’re coasting like a bird through the mountains.”
Carissa Streib brought her kids out for the ride. “It is such a fun activity for the kids, and they get to see a view they normally wouldn’t get to see without going on a t10-mile hike. So it allows them to see some good views. It’s also an activity that doesn’t take a whole day either. You can still do other activities.” Her children say that the ride is “awesome!” “I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know what a mountain coaster was, and then when I got here and realized it was this alpine gravity-driven experience, I thought it was amazing. This is such a great attraction that tourists would want to see when they come here. I’m geeking out on this right now because I love the adrenaline rush.” Kara Franker says of her experience. Tickets for the new attraction can be purchased at The Sugar Shack downtown, online, and Mustang Mountain Coaster. Tickets are now $5 off when purchasing them at the Sugar Shack located 153 Virginia Dr. Discount tickets run $15 for a single ride and $30 for three, buy five and get one free.
beloved Carriage House that’s originally stored his Steamers has a new way to bring more people into a space that has not been used in half a century. “ is the last building to be renovated and I can’t wait to share it with the public for
the first time in over 50 years,” says John. With the Post Brewery and Restaurant opening upstairs and The Underground venue downstairs, people will love spending time in The Carriage House, which finally has a new life ahead.
B
reathtaking mountain vistas welcomed a small crowd gathered Friday, May 21st, for the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of Estes Park’s newest family-friendly attraction, the Mustang Mountain Coaster, located at 1180 Dry Gulch Rd. A group of Estes Park locals attended the event. Owner Cody Walker said a few brief words and then cut a red ribbon while he sat in one of the coasters. “We are excited to bring something to families and youth in Estes. The view has always been here, but this is such a great way to experience it for people who cannot hike, and with the problems we are having with the National Park, it gives more opportunities. It allows more people to enjoy our community.” Walker said of the coaster’s grand opening. He adds with a smile, “It’s a $20 view, and the rides are free.” Those that came out to the event were treated to free rides. The Trail-Gazette asked some of those first-time
Jason Van Tatenhove / Estes Park Trail-Gazette
The Mustang Mountain Coaster is one of Estes Park’s newest attractions.
riders to give their impressions of the experience. “It was a ton of fun!” Said Barbra Joe and Andrew Limmiatis, “Going up was really steep, and then you get to the top and turn around, and you get those great views of the continental divide. Coming down was faster than I
Carriage from page 9
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven past the abandoned Old Carriage House in the past 26 years and shook my head…” It is clear that it was time for The Carriage House to take on a new synergy with the rest of the property as a restaurant
and 86-seat venue. John Cullen’s mission is to preserve all historic buildings on The Stanley property, and will finally accomplish this with $8 million into restoring the old Carriage House. F.O. Stanley would be proud to know that his
16 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Elkhorn Stables thrives at Dao House
By Wendy Rigby Trail-Gazette
W
hen renovations began in earnest at the Elkhorn Lodge, Elkhorn Stables had to move. This was no small undertaking. On April 1, Amy and Ivan Smith and their wranglers moved horses, saddles, halters, blankets and all of the gear to the new location at the Dao House, 6120 Hwy. 7 in Estes Park. The stables at Dao House had not been in use since 2017. “Instead of taking the year off,” Amy Smith said, “we decided to contact the Dao House and see, because we’ve got a huge following. Even through the pandemic when everybody up here was losing money, we increased our business 50 percent. To
Elkhorn Stables / Courtesy photo
Elkhorn Stables’ new location is at the Dao House.
be able to increase our business through that time was phenomenal.” In a time when people were avoiding other indoors, activities like horseback riding remained popular. “They just wanted to be outdoors,” Smith comment-
ed. “A lot of times people come yearly to Estes for their vacations. And they come to see us every year. I recognize voices on the telephone. We have people all along the Front Range who will ride with us two and three times a month.”
At the Elkhorn Stables new location, riders can take one or two-hour rides on the Dao House’s 80-plus acres and in to the Roosevelt National Forest. After the first year of operation, the operation plans to add all-day rides and perhaps dinner rides. “I didn’t grow up with horses,” Smith explained. “I didn’t start riding until I was in my teens. I didn’t even buy my first horse until I was in my late 20s. Even though horses were expensive and I didn’t have a lot of money, if a girl wants a horse, she’s going to figure out a way to pay for it. Now I have 43 horses and I have figures out a way to pay for it.” Smith said she and her husband are excited about the future. If there is an opportunity for her stables to See ELKHORN, pg. 35
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Baldpate Inn now Seven Keys Lodge By Wendy Rigby Trail-Gazette
A
festival on our ranch in Texas. We had to stay in Texas for six weeks before we went back to Parker.” The Powells had always dreamed about finding a place in the mountains and decided this strange time might be the right time to look for land. “We literally spent all summer last year in negotiations, making up our minds,” Powell noted. “We came to an agreement. Then in October, we were afraid the property would burn down during the wildfires.” The Powells and their
three children moved to the property in December of 2020. “It’s been a whirlwind of events,” Powell remarked. “We were able to sell our home in Park for the full price. We transferred our children from Douglas County Schools to Estes Park. We moved from a 4,900 square foot house to a 1,900 square foot house with three kids and a dog.” While revamping some of the rooms, Seven Keys Lodge is renting out some of the cabins for the summer. The famous Key Room is being turned into an upscale bar that be open to people staying at Seven Keys Lodge and the public as well, offering cocktails in the evenings. “We really wanted it to have an Ernest Hemingway/ secluded in a lodge kind of feel,” Powell explained. “It’s dripping in history. We’ve got a big stone fireplace, keys hanging from the rafters and elk antlers to hold the spirits. I’m hoping people will say, ‘I’m not going to a bar, I’m going for the experience.’” The Powells are hoping to open the public areas and a few cabins on June 1. They also have big plans for July through October when Seven Keys Lodge will host singer/songwriter events that will also be open to the public. For more information on the lodge, visit sevenkeys lodge.com.
Many of these incidents could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. Details and updates on park operations and services will
continue to be posted on the park’s official website at www.nps.gov/romo through social media @RockyNPS or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
beloved and historic Estes Park inn has a new owner and a new
name. The Baldpate Inn which opened in 1917 will reopen in June with a new look and new owners, Mark and Meredith Powell. The Powells closed on the property in December of 2020 and moved from Parker, Colo., to a home on the property off of Hwy. 7 at 4900 CO-7. “We are the first owners in 104 years to live on site,” Meredith Powell said. The Baldpate Inn was named after a popular mystery novel, play and films Seven Keys to Baldpate by Earl Derr Biggers. According to Visit Estes Park, “Guests began bringing their own keys, from all over the world. The competition was so fierce to bring the most exotic key, the Maces began collecting them on display in the Inn’s famed Key Room. This was the beginning of the world’s largest key collection, which boasts over 20,000 keys to this day.” The Baldpate Inn had been on the market for six years. Lois Smith had owned it for 35 years and ran it as an inn plus a restaurant that served soup, salad and pies that was operational until October 2020.
Seven Keys Lodge / Courtesy photo
The Baldpate Inn (now Seven Keys Lodge) was named after a popular mystery novel, play and films Seven Keys to Baldpate by Earl Derr Biggers.
The Powells visited Estes Park over Memorial Day 2020. Even though, they had visited the area before, they fell in love with Estes all over again. As they were leaving for home, they passed the property on Highway 7 and noticed the sign saying the Baldpate was for sale. Two days later, the Powells came back to Estes Park to talk to the owner. “You could call our decision to look into this property as a mixture of mid-life crisis and COVID crisis,” Powell said. COVID hit when we were going host a music
Rocky from page 12
masks are required in all park buildings and facilities. Keep it with you: If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities may be limited in
many park areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles. Know your limits: Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the busiest search and rescue parks in the country.
18 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Eagle Plume’s Trading Post is rich in tradition
By Eagle Plume’s Trading Post For the Trail-Gazette
extensive collection of over one thousand historic pieces from all over Native North America. An early activist for Native American rights, he alking through the ran the trading post in the doors of the historsummer months, enchanting ic Eagle Plume children and adults alike with Trading Post is like walking his tall tales and corny jokes. through a portal into another Eagle Plume passed down time and reality. Lush with the store to his favorite historic Native American artiemployee and adopted facts in an informal museum, daughter, Ann Strange Owlit is also a retail store specialRaben and her husband, Dayizing in the arts and crafts of Daniel Sewell / Estes Park Trail-Gazette ton Raben. Ann is a full-blood the American Indian. Contemporary works in jewelry, Eagle Plume’s is located at 9853 Highway 7 in Allenspark, about member of the Northern 15 minutes south of Estes Park. Cheyenne tribe of Montana. textiles, basketry, ceramics, She and Dayton, along with sculpture, and beadwork, as unique establishment has the namesake of the legend- their daughter Nico, have well as historic pieces are run the store in the Eagle been passed down for gener- ary Charles Eagle Plume available in the shop and Plume tradition for the last ations through family and who, in the middle years of online. See EAGLE, pg. 32 cultural lineage. The shop is the 20th century, amassed an Established in 1917, this
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This is a place unlike any other, just ask anyone who has ever been here. A place with walls that whisper, floors that creak underfoot, a place with a rare history, a patina lef ft by time and an endless parade of characters... Established in 1917, this Native owned and operated historic trading post specializes in the art and crafts of the American A Indian. Contemporary works in jewelry, textiles, basketry, ceramics, sculpture, and beadwork, as well as historic pieces are available. Also housed at the trading post is the Charles Eagle Plume Collection of Native American Indian art, comprising over one thousand historic and prehistoric pieces from Native North America, Alaska, and Canada. Off the beaten path, nestled at the base of Long’s Peak, you’ll discover one off the West’s best-kept secrets rich in the traditions and arts of the Indigenous American.
Artist in Residence
H. Da yton R a be n 1 93 6 - 2 0 2 0 in m em or ia m
“Lone Wolf”
Watercolor s & Prints
July 9th-17t h
Ring Mountain Designs and Zachariah Ben Sandpaintings
al 19th Annu
Eagle Plume’s circa 1932 Modern Day Eagle Plume’s
WN PILES OF PA 6th July July 1st -
July 23rd & 24th
dr d ipping with e cases and walls th s, et el ac br d ol of fore, take jewelry, hundreds ven’t been by be ha u yo if – s Piles of old Indian ce neckla lts, earrings and sappointed! vintage concho be on d you w ’t be di an d un ‘ro go is th the time
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sharp t 6:20 a h t s a to ne, althoug as been go 5:45 h s e rl ll a h ta C , t years tha ubbly toast It will be 29 still felt. Join us for a b s is gle Plume. his presence iscences of Charles Ea in m tales and re
9853 Highway 7 Allenspark, CO 80510 . 10 miles south of Estes Park on Scenic Hwy 7 Open 10 to 5 Daily Sunday's: Noon to 5. June - September . By Appointment or Chance Otherwise est. 1917 • 303-747-2861 . www.eagle-plumes.com 20 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Charles Eagle
Plume
Real Indians. Real Indian Art. ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 21
Estes Park Health offers urgent care to visitors and residents
By Estes Park Health For the Trail-Gazette
W
hen Estes Park Health decided a couple of years ago to build Estes Park’s first dedicated Urgent Care Clinic, we could hardly have known what the fates had in store for 2020. As plans finalized and work progressed toward a May opening for Urgent Care, the world fell into the grip of COVID-19, and it became very difficult to imagine how long the pandemic might last and how severe it might become. We all know the story (so far), and we certainly hope that the vaccine continues to do its good work, and we all hope that the variants of the virus don’t take us backwards. EPH, of course, continues to urge everyone to stay smart and careful, and to continue to practice proper distancing and masking, and we’ll all get through this together. The Urgent Care opened in late May 2020, and our first patients begin to roll in. The volume of patient traffic, like the volume of traffic to the town of Estes, was significantly less than expected. Through the summer, EPH chose to keep the Urgent Care open for long hours, seven days a week, to be there when needed by our community and visitors. And then, of course, our other Colorado crisis began to take shape: The Cameron Peak Fire began to threaten Estes from the northwest, and later the north, though the primary effect of that fire ultimately became the prevailing smoke, sometimes terribly
Estes Park Health’s Urgent Care Center is located at 420 Steamer Dr.
thick in town, plaguing young and old alike. Another effect of that fire was to help motivate EPH to set up an emergency Incident Command operation, and to work through and update evacuation plans for all departments. And it was a good thing that EPH did so. When the East Troublesome Creek Fire exploded in the third week in October, leading to the mandatory evacuation of Estes on October 22, those evacuation plans were set in motion, and with high urgency. The fires were already nipping close to the edge of town, and only the friendly winds, heroic work by an army of firefighters, and the snow of the following weekend saved Estes Park from a truly disastrous situation. When we were able to return to Estes Park, the combination of the challenges of reopening the hospital
22 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
and the great financial losses of the year led to the decision to reduce open hours and days for the Urgent Care. While we had anticipated that there would be a summer/winter change of rhythm for that clinic, the uniqueness of 2020 forced us to reduce hours more quickly than originally considered. Now, with 2021 looking like it may be a more “normal” year for summer activity in Estes, we have high hopes that the Urgent Care business will be busier this year and will begin to provide the breadth and quality of service that we know it can provide for residents and visitors. The Urgent Care gives patients another option aside from the Emergency Department for injuries and illnesses. Often, the patient’s problem doesn’t requirean emergent level of care but does need medical attention. On Memorial Day, we plan to
Estes Park Health / Courtesy photo
open seven days a week; the current plan is to be open 11 AM to 7 PM for those seven days each week for the summer. In addition to the Urgent Care Clinic, the building (just east of the Safeway gas station on the north side of Big Thompson Avenue, aka Highway 34) houses our Rehabilitative Services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy), which is now open five days a week. And, our Specialty Clinic visiting physicians (dermatology, urology, ear/nose/throat, and much more) also provide their services at the Urgent Care Center. The services, and dates and times for the various specialists, can be found on the eph.org website, as well as the open times for the Urgent Care. The Urgent Care Clinic will be part of the fabric of healthcare here for years.
Museum and tours invite visitors to experience history By Estes Park Museum For the Trail-Gazette
Jay Leno revealing the intricacies of how to start a Stanley Steamer automobile, and the preserved clock frozen at the exact moment the flood crashed into the building taking it out of commission. Located at 1754 Fish Hatchery Road, Thursdays – Saturdays through September 4, with docent-led tours beginning at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is free.
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he Estes Park Museum gallery has reopened to the public after being closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Museum will resume regular operating hours of Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. State and county guidelines will be followed, including limiting visitors to ten at a time, encouraging social distancing, following appropriate cleaning and sanitizing schedules, and requiring face coverings. A special welcome back gift will be given to visitors throughout the first week of the gallery reopening while supplies last. Plan a visit today. During the gallery closure, updates were made to the Museum’s permanent exhibit, such as additional interpretation, technology changes, and the acquisition of a 100-year-old fire cart used by the Estes Valley Volunteer Fire Department (now known as the Estes Valley Fire Protection District).
Historic Downtown Walking Tours to run June 1-Aug. 31
Discover the hidden past on a walking tour of downtown Identical tours are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays from Estes Park with the Estes Tuesday, June 1 through Tuesday, Aug. 31 Park Museum. During the tour, participants will be guided by trained docents to Free Historic Fall River to provide electric power to explore historic photographs the Stanley Hotel. The plant Hydroplant opens from the Museum’s collection was the exclusive source of June 3 to aid in comparing the past electricity for the Town of The Historic Fall River to the present. Estes Park until the 1940s Hydroplant will open for the In 1905, Cornelius Bond and functioned up to the day 2021 season beginning Thursday, June 3. Guests of all ages of the 1982 Lawn Lake Flood. and the Estes Park Town Company hired Abner The historic structure proare encouraged to enrich their knowledge of local Estes vides the perfect environment Sprague to plat the downtown to learn about various aspects district. Within weeks, lots Park history this summer along the street named “Elkwith a visit to the Historic Fall of Estes Park history. The horn Avenue” were taken up plant features photographs River Hydroplant. Listed on and new businesses were capturing Mr. Stanley’s time the National Register of Hisestablished. Over the course and legacy in Estes Park, an toric Places, F. O. Stanley See MUSEUM, pg. 28 built the Hydroplant in 1909 entertaining film of comedian Estes Park Museum / Courtesy photo
Neil Casey – Owner
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Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway is a great way to see Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains from a tremendous vantage point.
Changes and news about Estes Park attractions
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
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fter a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the Estes Park Aerial Tramway is back open this summer. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway opened to the public in July, 1955. Since then it has safely carried more than 3 million people to the summit of Prospect Mountain. The Tramway is located at 420 East Riverside Drive in Estes Park. For more information, go to https:// www.estestram.com.
Conservation Wilderness Guides has become Rewilding Expeditions Owner Nicholas Scritchfield has a conservation focus and donates at least 10% of the profits to conservation efforts around the world. • Multi-day backpacking trips are now named as follows: Wildest Traverse - Remote Backpacking (3 Days and 4 Days) Northern Traverse Remote Backpacking (3 Days and 4 Days)
24 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Central Traverse - Remote Backpacking (3 Days and 4 Days) Southern Traverse Remote Backpacking (3 Days and 4 Days) Basecamp - Remote Backpacking (3 Days and 4 Days) • Multi-day backpacking trips are also available in the following custom trip durations and styles: Custom Cross-Country Zone Expeditions (2 Days to 7 Days) Custom Established Site Expeditions (2 Days to 7 Days) • Single day trips are available in the following custom trip durations: Extended Day Adventures (Up to 14 Hours) Full Day Adventures (Up to 8 Hours) Half Day Adventures (Up to 4 Hours) • Single day trips are now named as follows: Up to 14 Hours (Extended Day): Never Summer Adventure, Rowe Glacier Adventure, Continental Divide Adventure, Gorge Lakes
Adventure Up to 8 Hours (Full Day): Fern Lake Adventure, Chasm Lake Adventure, Spectacle Lakes Adventure, Mount Orton Adventure Up to 4 Hours (Half Day): Cow Creek Adventure, Ute Meadows Adventure, Mount Chapin Adventure, Lake Helene Adventure Find out more at https:// rewildingexpeditions.org.
Explore Estes
Explore Estes is a new private tour and taxi business in town. The business provides: Private in-town taxi services within Estes Park at https://exploreestes.com/ estes-park-taxi-service. Private shuttles to and from the Denver International Airport to Estes Park at https://exploreestes.com/ denver-airport-shuttle. Private and romantic tour options into the Rocky Mountain National Park at https:// exploreestes.com/rockymountain-national-park-tour/ and https:// exploreestes.com/romanticestes-park-getaway.
Fun City for the whole family
By Trail-Gazette Staff
F
un City is most recognized for its rainbowcolored slides and its popular go-karts. Greg Davis bought Fun City in the spring of 2017 with his business partner Kevin Braun. They added a few new things in the last couple of years like Inflatable Water Walking balls, a gem stone mining sluice and also brand new Go-Karts. They have also expanded their arcade room and added a redemption room where winners go to choose their prizes. New for 2021 they have added complimentar y WIFI for guests while visiting Fun City. Visitors to Fun City can also play a water fight game where players shoot water from a water fun into a hole to race to the top for a chance to win a stuffed animal. The Davis/Braun partnership has been working on updating and taking care of some maintenance issues in the off season. Due to a pipe freezing in Januar y, it enabled them to make some significant upgrades to the interior and exterior of the main building. They replaced all of the carpets for the 36-hole miniature golf course as well and put in a new parking lot and sign. The addition of a new point of sale computer system is making purchases easier and quicker for the customers. Another new feature is the all-day pass, where someone can have fun all day for one price. For those who want to relax while their family
members are enjoying themselves, Fun City has installed Adirondack chairs. Davis has worked in the entertainment industr y since 1997, mostly managing portable attractions like bounce houses and portable climbing walls. He managed Fun City for two years before purchasing it. Braun had knows Davis for several years and worked for him during the summer. With the summer season quickly approaching, Davis and Braun are hard at work making sure ever yone will have a great season at Fun City and are constantly exploring new attraction options for the future. Fun City was founded in Fun City is famous for its colorful slides. 1969 by L ynn Kinnie.
Fun City / Courtesy photo
Since 1977
B U M P E R C A R S • B U M P E R B O AT S • B U N G E E T R A M P O L I N E WA T E R WA L K I N G B A L L S • M I N E R A L P A N N I N G • A R C A D E * N E W Wa t e r G u n S h o o t O u t G a m e
141 E. Elkhorn Avenue 970-577-8100
360 E. Elkhorn Avenue 970-586-2151
www.FunCityofEstes.com 455 Prospect Village Drive • 970.586.2828 ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 25
Find natural elements of home décor at Sticks N’ Stones
By Sticks N’ Stones For the Trail-Gazette
S
ticks N’ Stones owners, Chris and Val Jafferis, have been making and selling furniture for over 30 years. Their unique designs can be attributed to the amazing work that nature creates. From junipers to aspens, they design, cut, and polish beautiful pieces into functional tables, lamps, chairs, bed frames, and accessories. Everything they make is one-of-a-kind! Chris specializes in live-edge organic wood furniture using wood sourced from around the United States. His furniture incorporates the natural beauty of the wood to create unique pieces of furniture and lamps. All the aspen wood Jafferis use come right from the Estes Valley thanks to a partnership with Cheley Colorado Camps. Many of the pieces also include turquoise inlays, in what could very well be the most wonderful combination of sticks and stones one could imagine. Jafferis got his start in Florida in 1973, at the time he sourced all of his products from the rivers of Northern Florida, where he found everything from unique woods to mastodon molars buried in the river silt. Jafferis made his way to Estes Park in the late 1980s. Like most, he was impressed with the aspen trees and twisted pines found in the valley. So he opened a retail store at 907 Moraine Ave. that featured these trees as furniture and home décor. “You find wood here in
Sticks N’ Stones / Courtesy photo
Sticks N’ Stones sells functional tables, lamps, chairs, bed frames, and accessories.
Sticks N’ Stones / Courtesy photo
Sticks N’ Stones also features 20 other artists who work with natural materials.
Estes Park that really is unique,” Jafferis said. “I find aspen here that you won’t find anywhere else.” In 1998 Jafferies changed
26 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
locations in Estes Park, from the 907 Moraine building to the 380 E Elkhorn Ave. spot, which they remain in today. But several years ago Jaffer-
ies was able to reacquire the space at 907 Moraine Ave. This second location will be able to feature some of the larger outdoor, dining room, and bedroom furniture sets. In addition to Chris’ work, Sticks N’ Stones also features 20 other artists who work with natural materials. Both showrooms, each filled to the brim with elegant expressions of nature, for use inside and out.The Moraine Sticks-N-Stones is located on the way to RMNP’s Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and has plenty of parking. Every piece is unique and inventory is always changing so be sure to see this unique art while you are in town!
Sticks-N-Stones
-
“One-of-a-Kind” “One-of-a-Kind”
HomeFurnishings Furnishings Home John3:16 3:16 John
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380 ve. 380 E.E.Elkhorn kho ho nLocations horn Ave A ve e. Moraine M Mo raine aine Ave. Two in907 Estes Park (970)586-4688 94 (970) (970) 586-5394 380 E. Elkhorn Ave. • (970) 586-4688 907 Moraine Ave. • (970) 586-5394 .ticksN www.SticksNStonesCO.com SticksN ticksNS StonesC CO .
www.SticksNStonesCO.com Stick sticksnstones380@gmail.com sticksnstones380@ sticksnst sticksns tones380@ ones380@g ones380@ gmai mail Sticks-N-Stones ticks-N-S ticks-NStones Stones tones Sticks-N-Stones sticksnstones380@gmail.com ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 27
Boutique distillery to open in downtown Estes Park
By Tim Mosier Trail-Gazette
W
hile the name Full Throttle Saloon may conjure up images of rowdy bikers, and the exciting events of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Michael Ballard owns multiple brands and what he intends to bring to Elkhorn Avenue is dramatically different from the Saloon. “The distillery and restaurant concept that we are developing will be unique to Estes Park. Bob and Tony’s Pizza has been a fantastic staple for the community, and while there will be changes, we’ll continue to serve their pizza and honor many of their traditions. We have four other boutique distilleries, including ones in Trimble, Tennessee and Deadwood, South Dakota. Our distilleries offer tours and tastings, and we’ll sell everything from hats to hot sauces to candles. Full Throttle owns several brands, and this distillery will be very different than our bar concept in Sturgis. We’re continuing to work through the logistics, but we’re excited to be joining the amazing community in Estes Park,” said Ballard. In a video Ballard posted on Jan. 28, he is seen walking around the Full Throttle Dis-
least Florida, or Texas, or Arizona where you can ride year round and we’d get more business.” Of the many positives Ballard hopes to bring to the Estes Park community, the donation of hand sanitizers made in his distilleries will be one of the first impacts he has already planned make. He plans to donate to schools, charities, churches, and facilities in need. “Estes Park, we’re looking forward to coming and being part of the community. love it up there, really, really cool up there. We’re really excited. We’re keeping the Bob and Tony’s Pizza and we’re looking forward to coming up.” One thing is almost certain, the brand recognition of the Saloon and the distilleries owned by Ballard will drive more tourists to town, and those dollars will overflow into other parts of the community. Full Throttle / Courtesy photo Ballard says that is what he is The entry of a Full Throttle Distillery, in Trimble, Tennessee. hoping for. “Love ya, looking forward to tillery in Tremble, Tenn., talk- Estes Park. First off, I would coming up and doing some ing about and showing the never put a Full Throttle business with you guys and stark contrast between his dis- Saloon in Estes Park, you can hopefully we are going to tilleries and the Saloon in only ride a motorcycle there bring more business,” Ballard South Dakota. about two months out of the said. “We’ve got a pretty “We are a family oriented year. If I was going to put strong brand and hopefully business coming in,” said Bal- another Full Throttle Saloon we’re going to bring more lard. “We’re not the Full in I would probably do it business to Estes for you Throttle Saloon coming to somewhere like Daytona, or at guys.”
Museum from page 23 of a decade, the basic footprint of the town we know today was established by many of the buildings that started out as hotels, schools, private homes, and businesses. Identical tours are offered
on Mondays and Tuesdays from Tuesday, June 1 through Tuesday, Aug. 31. Tours meet at 9 a.m. at the northeast corner of Bond Park (next to the bronze Enos Mills sculpture at MacGregor and Park Ave-
28 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
nues). The tour group will walk west through town, and return to the same site by 10:30 a.m., and travel a distance of 0.7 miles. Tours are free, donations are welcome. No reservations required,
tours are filled on a first come, first served basis with space limited to 12 participants. Free parking is available along sections of MacGregor Avenue and in the parking structure.
Entertainment in Estes By Trail-Gazette Staff
weather permitting. Here they offer close to 100 differor those who prefer to ent varieties of Colorado craft conquer serenity beers! instead of summits, Food is also served here, consider the options that can from The Park Café, which is be enjoyed comfortably in adjacent to the Theatre. the heart of downtown. Their delicious deli sandThe large white tower wiches, soups, salads, burgdowntown is home of The ers, brats, hot dogs, and desHistoric Park Theatre, which serts can be delivered right at 107-years-old, is the oldest to your seat, whether you’re running single-house movie watching a movie or listening theatre in the nation. Shows to live music. presented here cover a wide On the same boardwalk as variety of Art House Movies, the Theatre and Park Café is comparatively, first run, new- The Slab Arcade, which has release movies are shown at numerous old-fashioned 80s Reel Mountain Theater by games. Safeway. This fun little spot is a Sometimes the weather is great place to relish in classic just too nice to justify sitting arcades and other sporty inside. Luckily live music can games like air hockey. be heard every day of the In the heart of Estes, summer at The Slab Beer there’s entertainment for Garden’s outdoor venue, everyone!
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Historic Park Theatre / Courtesy photo
The Historic Park Theatre is the oldest running single-house movie theatre in the nation.
Estes Park Entertainment
Scan Code for Show Times! Historic Park Theatre:
Reel Mountain Theater:
ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 29
A taste of tradition
By Jason Van Tatenhove Trail-Gazette
A
n opportunity was presented to local business owner Erika Santana Gonzales when a space on the “golden block” of downtown Estes Park became available. Gonzales already owns Chelito’s Mexican Restaurant and the La Mexicana mini-market. Santana says that with the Chelito’s location was difficult for locals to visit in the summer season due to a lack of adequate parking in the area. “It was just a dream, an idea and someone came to us offering us the space for the where the new restaurant is,” Gonzales said. What are tacos? According to Gonzales, “You define tacos as just basically of the flavor of the meat with salsa. In Mexico, we use tortillas for everything and any dish we eat, like
Molle, carnitas conchita, any dish we eat, we take and put on a tortilla and make tacos. So this is a better way to enjoy authentic Mexican food.” The new business, Tacos La Tradición, has now been open for three weeks. Business has been picking up as the tourists return to town. Gonzales said she has been trying to open the new restaurant since before the pandemic hit, and there has been just one chalTacos La Tradición / Courtesy photo Along with traditional tacos, the restaurant will also be offering a lenge after another to open selection of authentic Mexican desserts, drinks, and artisanal their doors. See TRADITION, pg. 32 candies.
Ride-A-Kart and so much more! By Trail-Gazette staff
the famous train conductor Casey Jones. he longest running The “Silver Streak” still amusement park in rolls along over 70 years later Estes Park, Ride-Aon the same N mile track Kart, is back in full swing this and through the original tunyear, sporting brand new nel that Martin made. To see “greens” throughout the mini- a grandparent with their golf course, speedy go-karts, grandchildren riding on the the historic “Silver Streak” same train they rode on train, and so much more! when they were a kid is a There are activities for all beautiful, nostalgic moment. to enjoy at Ride-A-Kart, It feels like a blast from the which all started with The past when the horn blows for “Silver Steak” train, brought departure and the conductor to Estes Park in 1947 by Phil yells out, “All aboard!” “Casey” Martin. Martin There are also a number of named the train The “Silver thrilling attractions at Ride-AStreak” from the 1934 film Kart. The bumper boats and “The Silver Streak” and Mar- bumper kars definitely are a tin got his nickname from kick! The go-karts ride on a
T
30 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Ride-A-Kart / Courtesy photo
The go-karts ride on a challenging track.
challenging track. And the Xtreme-Trampoline is great for practicing flips and tricks that one might not try other-
wise. They have batting cages, arcades, and mini-golf too. Possibly the most impressive attraction on the property is the Cascade Creek minigolf course. Two 18-hole courses wind through meadows and mountains. Some holes are accompanied by waterfalls and others by streams. With five waterfalls, two stories of elevation change, and two big tunnels it is a beautiful, challenging, and fun course. This year, 2021, all the greens have been replaced to make for an even better golfing experience. For those hot summer days, a Water War balloon See KART, pg. 32
Enjoy mountain-inspired tea blends at SereniTEA
By Daisy St. Pierre, Owner, Rocky Mountain SereniTEA For the Trail-Gazette
R
ocky Mountain SereniTEA is the only tea store in the town of Estes Park. We blend and pack the teas by hand. We have about 120 different kinds of teas (black, green, white, decaf, chai, Oolong and PuErh) plus a number of specialty teas like Rooibos. Since opening in July 2019, we have added even more selection of teas including organic teas and wellness special blends. The Calming Destress and Energy teas have been our customers newest favorites. We just came out with a new tea blend this summer called Golden Glow Beauty and Skin. It has turmeric, beets, carrot and hibiscus which is very good for the skin. For those of you who are looking for a delicious iced tea for your next backyard party, we have our refreshing teas Peach Green, Peach Apricot, Oolong goji berry, and Lavender Earl Grey. These will complete your party! We also added a beautiful fine bone china tea sets
SereniTEA / Courtesy photo
SereniTEA sells tea plus local honey, goat milk caramel sauce, locally made jam and decorative handmade soaps.
including beautiful souvenir tea mugs, teapots, teacups, and dessert stand. Supporting local business has been one of our goals since we opened. We are proud to carry local honey, goat milk caramel sauce, locally made jam, and decorative handmade soaps. If you are looking for a
locally made gift for that tea lover in your life, our signature blends like Rocky Mountain High, Maroonbells Lady Grey, Longs Peak, Lily Lake, and Glacier Gorge will make the perfect gift. For me, tea is something that brings people together. I always have a good time with my friends or even my hus-
band when we sit down and have tea. It is my goal to provide luxury quality teas along with the finest tea sets and accessories so you can have your own quality tea time, whether it’s with that special someone or loved ones or enjoying a cup of tea alone, we want to make that moment special.
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ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 31
Summer from page 8
is a classic American restaurant and steakhouse featuring fresh, innovative dishes with a local flair and a focus on sustainable ingredients. Seasonally and weather permitting, Cascades also offers an outdoor covered patio with views of the cascades waterfall. The patio has al fresco dining and a seasonal outdoor bar. Some of our most popular items include the Colorado Game Meatloaf, Filet Mignon and Grilled Elk Loin, so bring your appetite!
eral different whiskeys from all over the world. If whiskey isn’t your thing, try one of our signature cocktails like the Lucky Lucy or Redrum Punch. Or grab a local draft beer to end your night!
Kart
Tradition from page 30
fight might be welcome. The aim of the game is to slingshot water balloons on your opponent’s “battle station.” If that is not enough to beat the heat, they have icy treats too! With the number of activities available it is easy to play all day here. Visit www.rideakart.com for hours of operation.
The locals have begun to come out to try the tacos, and business is getting better every day. Along with traditional tacos, the restaurant will also be offering a selection of authentic Mexican desserts, drinks, and artisanal candies. Tacos La Tradición also plans to expand the menu to include breakfast items and burritos. One exciting aspect of the restaurant is that they have a
Georgia’s at the Lodge
Grab brunch at Georgia’s at the Lodge after your stay at The Stanley Hotel. This southern-style breakfast restaurant is sure to bring a smile to the family and is a great way to start your day! Enjoy a plate of Belgian Waffles, or Biscuits and Sausage The Whiskey Bar Before or after dinner, grab Gravy paired with a nice mimosa, with beautiful a drink at the illuminated mountain views from the winWhiskey Bar for unique dow. whiskeys and scotch you The Colorado Cherry can’t find anywhere else. Company With over 1,100 different Need a little pick me up whiskeys, you will find something sure to please the whis- during your day of fun-filled activities? The Colorado key connoisseur in your group. Create a flight of sev- Cherry Company can pro-
from page 30
vide you with a delicious RedRum Latte and yummy snacks. Their homemade pies are perfect to bring on a picnic in the park or out on the lake. You will also find hidden surprises such as local honey and other local Colorado products to take home with you! Find this delightful cafe downstairs from the main hotel, near the tours department.
History and Ghost Tours
If you want to learn more about the history of The Stanley and all of the resident ghosts, you don’t want to miss one of our history or ghost tours provided daily! This hour-long tour will take you through the property and explain the legacy F.O. Stanley has left behind. Explore hidden tunnels and unique experiences our tour
guides have heard and shared throughout their time at The Stanley. Hotel guests receive a special discount on these tours and our night tours focus specifically on our resident ghosts and finding the paranormal. Stop by the tours desk in the basement of the hotel or book your tour online ahead of time. Reservations highly recommended as these tours sell out daily!
Chrysalis Gift Shop
Before you head back home, remember to stop by the Chrysalis Gift Shop on the main floor of the main hotel to grab your souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. Grab yourself a Stanley whiskey glass, a T-Shirt, or your own copy of The Shining. The adorable shop will have something to charm every member of the family.
small market area where customers can buy the ingredients used in their favorite dishes to make traditional Mexican meals at home. Gonzales would like to invite everyone down to try the tacos. The Estes Chamber of Commerce will also put on a ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday, May 5, for Cinco De Mayo from 1 pm. to 1:30 p.m. Mayor Wendy Koenig will be on hand to help cut the
ribbon. There will be two-forone specials on tacos and free samples of the desserts and candies during this event. The new taco house is located at 112 W. Elkhorn Ave. and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday – Monday. The summer hours will be 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. You can find more information by visiting their web site at https://latradicion .isolutionss.com.
ten miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7, nestled at the base of Long’s Peak, in a hand-built log building. There you’ll discover one of the West’s best-kept secrets rich in the traditions and arts of the Indigenous American.
Summer hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. The store is at 9853 CO-7 in Allenspark. Contact the trading post at 303-7472861or visit www.eagleplumes.com.
Eagle from page 19
thirty years. With Dayton’s passing in December 2020, Nico is now taking over the reins, with help from her son and daughter-in-law, and moral support of toddling granddaughter Dawn Blue
Wing.Nicohas been involved with Native arts all her life– directing art galleries, serving on the advisory board of the First People’s Fund, and working as an appraiser of Indian art and antiquities. Eagle Plume Gallery lies
32 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
Hiking from page 15
come year after year to hike with us, and they come during different weeks, we will hold two events each week throughout the summer. On Sundays, join the Hiker’s Huddle presentation, an explanation of how the hiking program works and what hikes are scheduled to go out that week. After Hiker’s Huddle, enjoy a Hikemaster Showcase presentation where a current hikemaster will give a talk on a topic they are passionate about. Some presentations topics include: How Glaciers Shaped Rocky Mountain National Park, Using Hiking to Reduce Anxiety, RV Living and How to Volunteer for National Parks Service, and Victorian Women on the Summit of Long’s Peak. Additionally, each week, specialized hikes willshow-
ies. Some hikes we have scheduled throughout this summer include: Coffee and Donuts at Mills Lake, Afternoon Tea at the Wigwam Tea Room, Persoid Meteor Shower on Sundance Mountain, Bierstadt Lake from the perspective of 1920s hikers and The Legend of the Blue Mist at Miner Bill’s Lost Mine. Lastly, YMCA of the Rockies is offering a weeklong final celebration the week of Aug.1-7. Other events this summer include: an orienteering race on a new course at the YMCA, a Long’s Peak hike YMCA of the Rockies / Courtesy photo from the YMCA in honor of Specialized hikes will showcase how unique the YMCA of the the Pifer sisters, and a final Rockies hiking program is. celebration potluck. Stay tuned for details and contact both topically focused hikes case how unique the YMCA the YMCA of the Rockies of the Rockies hiking proand provide special treats on hiking program for more gram is. our hikes, free of charge for information at 970-586-3341 Unlike other hiking outfitguests staying in accommox1104 or visit ymca ters in Estes Park, we can do dations at YMCA of the Rock- rockies.org.
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Eat from page 14 4pm | Dinner: 4pm-9pm 970-577-0682 China Garden Tue-Sun: 11:30am-8:30pm | Closed: Mon. 970-586-2488 Himalayan Curry & Kebob Wed-Mon: 11am-8pm | Closed: Tue. 970-586-6226 Nepal’s Café Every day: 11am-8:30pm 970-577-7035
Craft Beverages
Avant Garde Aleworks Mon-Thu: 1pm-9pm | FriSun: 12pm8pm 970-591-2700 Coffee on the Rocks Everyday: 6am-9pm 719-250-4829 Elkins Distilling Co. Sun-Thu: 11pm-6pm | FriSat: 10am7pm | Sun: 10am-6pm 970-480-1848
Estes Park Brewery Sun-Thu: 11am-9pm | FriSat: 11am10pm 970-586-5421 Inkwell & Brew Mon-Thu: 7am-5:30pm | FriSun: 7am6:30pm 970-342-1297 Kind Coffee Every day: 6am-5pm 970-586-5206 Lumpy Ridge Brewing Mon-Fri: 1pm-8pm | SatSun: 12pm8pm 970-235-1752 Mile High Coffee House Fri-Sun: 7am-7pm | MonThur: 7am5pm 970-586-2222 Raven’s Roast Coffee Lounge Every day: 8am-5pm 970-586-4326 Rock Cut Brewing Everyday: 11am-10pm
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34 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
970-878-8298 Snowy Peaks Winery Everyday: 11am-7pm 970-586-2099 The Whiskey Bar @ The Stanley Sun-Thu: 11am-11pm | FriSat: 11am12am 970-577-4001 Ziggi’s Coffee Every day: 6am-7pm 970-591-2532
Italian Food
Antonio’s Real NY Pizza Tue-Sun: 12pm-8pm | Closed: Mon 970-586-7275 Bob and Tony’s Pizza Every day: 11am-10pm 970-586-2044 Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill Fri-Sun: 11am-2am | MonThur: 4pm2am 970-586-7287 Domino’s Pizza Sun/Wed/Thu: 11am-11pm | MonTue: 3pm-11pm | Fri-Sat: 11am-12am 970-586-8181 Mama Rose’s Every day: 4:30pm-8pm 970-586-3330
Poppy’s Pizza & Grill Every day: 11:30am-7:30pm 970-586-8282 Sweet Basilico Tue-Sun: 12pm-9pm Closed: Mon 970-586-3899
Mexican Food
Casa Grande & Cantina Everyday: 11am-8pm 970-577-0799 Chelito’s Everyday: 10:30am-8pm 970-586-0886 Ed’s Cantina Everyday: 11am-9pm 970-586-2919 El Mex-Kal Everyday: 11am-9pm 970-586-4377 La Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill Tue-Sun: 12pm-8pm | Closed: Mon 970-586-1156 La Cocina de Mama Every day: 11am-9pm 970-586-9001 Peppers Fast & Fresh Mexican Grill Thur-Tue: 11am-8pm Closed: Wed 970-577-0032 Tacos La Tradición Every day: 10am-8pm 970-480-5860
Mountains from page 4 again and again. There is ample, free parking at the Estes Park Visitor Center, with a four-story parking structure that has increased parking availability for downtown Estes Park, with a total of 412 spaces. The structure is reducing emissions by allowing more people to park vehicles and quickly access the seasonal shuttle system (www.estes.org/shuttles) that is available at the Visitor Center. We also provide clean public restrooms and a water fountain for your convenience.
The Estes Park Visitor Center and telephone call center are open daily year-round, 360 days of the year! The center is closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve and Day. Do you have questions as you plan your visit? Call the center at 970-577-9900 or 800-44ESTES to talk to our friendly staff or you can send an email to VisitorServices@estes.org. For updates about the Estes Park Visitor Center, please go to www.estes.org/VisitorServices. The Visitor Services team looks forward to seeing you soon!
Post from page 9 what’s happening at The Stanley and how busy longtime and new restaurants in town are, it’s clear that Estes is a great community and fit for what we’re doing.”
With ample parking right next to the building, guests don’t even have to enter the hotel to get to The Post. And if you’re looking for chicken with a five-star view of the
Rockies, you’ll find it here on our stunning, mountain-facing patio. More words to live by: Come for the chicken, come back for everything else.
The Post offers lunch and dinner seven days a week plus happy hour, weekend brunch, and takeout. Come see us at 333 E. Wonderview Ave.
offering to hire some of Elkhorn’s employees if need be. “Walker did not want to see another stables in Estes Park go out of business,” Smith remembered. With the tourist season quickly approaching, Smith expects a busy summer season. “People love to horseback here,” she said. “Colorado is still the frontier. When they come to our stables, we’ve got wranglers who are working cowboys.” Mike Kennedy who grew
up in Estes Park and has lived her as an adult since 2006, called Elkhorn Stables a big draw in town. “They run a good operation,” Kennedy stated. “If you haven’t been out to the Dao House, you need to come. It is some of the most beautiful country in the world. If you’re into horseback riding, you need to go try this out.” The Smiths have owned Elkhorn Stables for eight years. To find out more about Elkhorn Stables, visit Horsebackestespark.com.
Elkhorn from page 17
return to the Elkhorn Lodge, the business will use both locations. “I was sad to leave the Elkhorn because my husband and I met there 11 years ago,” Smith noted. “When I pulled into the Dao House for the first time and walked into the barn and looked at Longs Peak, I thought, ‘This is it.’” Elkhorn Stables works with the Colorado Horse Rescue Network. The Smith take in a lot of horses that cannot be adopted out. If the net-
work gets a horse that could be trained, they calls the Smiths who evaluate them and try them. “If they work, great,” Smith said. “If they don’t, unfortunately we adopt them out to another home. We also hit the sale barn. We will buy horses before they hit the killer trucks, as we call them.” Smith had nothing but high praise for Cody Walker and Sombrero Stables who offered to help them out during a difficult time, even
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ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021 • 35
Hikes from page 5
collapsed house made of stone was a bungalow with a huge wrap-around deck and a massive fireplace that still stands. Sadly, the house caught fire and burned before it could be saved. Metal decking has been placed in and around the Ruins so you can get a good idea of the amazing views Birch had of the Continental Divide Mountain and the surrounding mountains. One of the windows remains intact, providing a spectacular frame of the natural beauty beyond. The trail dips down at this point and takes you to a feature called the Cabin. When the Ruins burned down, Birch started working on this cabin in the willows below the original house. A sturdy structure made of lodge pole pines, it served as a summer retreat for the Birch family until the 1980s. Both the Cabin and the Ruins were placed on the State Register of Historic Places in 2001. After the Cabin, the trail then circles back to the Trailhead. Along this section, I got to enjoy wonderful views of Lumpy Ridge and The Stanley Hotel. When you get back to the Trailhead, you can take a path that cuts right through the center of the loop. The entire loop and the trail that cuts across it is less than a mile, but you can do it several times as I did to get your heart rate up and get in some more steps. Parts of the trail are rocky and there are some ups and downs. I saw abundant wildlife on the sunny day I took the trek, some small mammals to a multitude of birds. It was a peaceful way to while away the morning. The Estes Park Women’s Club paid for the signage at
Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette
Some of the switchbacks at Sleepy Lion are surrounded by stunning rock walls.
Rocky Mountain National Park. You can tell a big difference in the vegetation, too, with various kinds of cacti Sleepy Lion in Button growing along the trail. When you get to the trail Rock Preserve off of the main road, it For a glorious hike near becomes rocky and steep Estes Park but not in Rocky with many switchbacks. Mountain National Park, I There are so many trees went with the Weekend War- here and they were green rior group of the Estes Park and beautiful. We had to stop Newcomers Club to Sleepy a couple of times to catch our Lion in Button Rock Prebreath, but what came next serve. The winding trail pro- made the effort worthwhile. vided a wonderfully surprisThe trail takes you to a ing and beautiful wonderful meadow area. experience.This is a great Wild turkeys and Abert’s rocky trail with a few steep squirrels greeted us as we climbs that is rated modertrekked our way through. ate. It is heavily trafficked Others have reported seeing and there are limited spaces, osprey, eagles, great blue so it is good to go in the herons, coyotes, black bears morning. We left Estes Park and even the occasional about 7 a.m. to travel down to mountain lion. Longmont Dam Road (CounThe next highlight of this ty Road 80) near Lyons and it hike is a boulder-filled ridge worked out fine. After the that looks over the Ralph turn, you drive 2.7 miles to Price Reservoir and out the Preserve. toward the mountains The trek begins on a wide beyond. We got a look at gravel road that takes you some dramatic – and differbeside the North St. Vrain ent — views of Long’s Peak, Creek. We passed amazing Mt. Meeker and Twin Sisrock formations which are ters. The surrounding pine provide quite different scen- forest is pristine and verdant. The green seems uninterery than what you see in Centennial Open Space. Improvements and beautification of this open space took place in 2017 in honor of Estes Park’s 2017 centennial.
36 • ESTES PARK VACATION GUIDE 2021
rupted by the beetle kill so prevalent in other parts of the area. From here, we wound our way down some switchbacks surrounded by stunning rock walls to the water itself. The foot of the dam is fascinating with a water shoot so powerful, it’s hard not to stare and difficult to pull yourself away. This protected watershed is managed and maintained by the City of Longmont. The reservoir provides that city with water. I have learned since this hike that the area was severely damaged in the 2013 flood. The preserve was closed for 643 days before it reopened to the public in June of 2015! In total, our hike was about 4.7 miles and considered a moderate outing with an elevation gain of 605 feet. Dogs are also allowed on this trail and we saw a lot of them. They must be kept on a leash. For a beautifully forested and dynamically different hike nearby, consider trying this trail.
Lake Estes Loop Trail
For a quick, scenic hike inside the town limits which you can make as leisurely or difficult as you want, try to Lake Estes Loop Trail. This is a 3.8-mile paved path that draws locals and visitors alike.This is a delightful way to feel part of the community during the pandemic. The bright sunny morning I went by myself, I delighted in the people of all ages enjoying the great outdoors, from cyclists to joggers to mothers pushing strollers. You can start anywhere by parking in the lots near the lake or the Visitor Center. I parked at the Dog Park and walked under the highway bridge to begin. The elevation gain is only See HIKES, pg. 37
Hikes from page 36
190 feet. From where I started, that uphill climb from the edge of the lake around Mall Road came first. Bobcats’ season ends in semifinals – Videos and photo gallery included. Looking at the beautiful lake from the top of the hill, I watched the boaters and paddle boarders and people fishing from the edge of the lake. An entire flock of migrating geese settled on the lake for a rest after making a honking ruckus during their landing. After the brief climb, the trail takes you below the 70foot tall Olympus Dam through a meadow that often features wildlife. Walking along the edge of the dam back up toward the lake, I saw many couples – young and old – enjoying the brilliant blue mountain morning together. Interesting features of this
At the eastern side of the lake, there are many more trees and what is the only measurable shade along the route. Lake Estes is nearly a mileand-a-quarter long and a third of a mile wide. There are lovely vistas everywhere you look. I worked up a sweat and felt like a part of Estes Park in a way I hadn’t for a long time.
Brainard and Long Lakes Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette
Lake Estes is nearly a mile-and-a-quarter long and a third of a mile wide.
side of the trail include exercise stations, a walk past the marina and a view of the new location of the Dunraven Inn with diners enjoying their meals on the deck. On this side of the lake, I
began to notice the golf course filled with sportsmen and elk. A little further along the trail and the river winds along the right side. A small wooden bridge takes you across.
Just a short drive south of Estes Park near the Town of Ward is an excellent place to hike. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area, run by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, is accessible with well-kept trails and knowledgeable rangers on site. The trail I hiked recently is a high one, sitting at about 10,500 feet See HIKES, pg. 38
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Hikes from page 37
elevation. The elevation gain during the 4.9-mile trek was about 400 feet. As autumn erupted in all of its glory, this trail was full of changing colors and beautiful water features. I was also treated to spiky peaks with patches of snow on top and beautiful streams. We started on a paved road around Brainard Lake itself which reflected the clouds in the brilliant blue sky and mirrored the lovely trees that line the edges. A huge boulder near the shoreline is a favorite for visitors taking photos of themselves. There are plenty of picnic tables here and restroom facilities. When we reached the Long Lake Trailhead, the walk became more of a hike. The aptly named Long Lake is nestled in a beautiful part of the recreation area. You begin by walking past a sign for the Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary. The Long Lake Loop (also called Jean Lunning Loop) is considered an easy hike that takes you 2.8 miles around the lake. During the first part of the hike, you are nestled in trees and not walking right along the water. However, the views of the mountains beyond are stunning, from bald mountains to spiky mountain tops and even a glacier. After rounding the tip of the very long lake, you begin a decent that takes you near the edge of the water. This was my favorite part of the trail. Many small inlets are perfect places to stop for a rest or a picnic. When I read up on the hike, it said this is a prime spot for moose, though we did not see any the day were there. Toward the end of the Long Lake Loop, you cross over the South St. Vrain Creek.
other side of this meadow, you take a very sharp left and begin your ascent up into the trees once again. From here, the hike gets more challenging and rewarding. At 2.6 miles in to the hike, you’ll reach Storm Pass. Trails from here go to Lily Lake and Bear Lake. To get to Estes Cone, take the trail straight ahead. At this point, the trail gets rockier and steeper and hardNot Provided / Estes Park Trail-Gazette er to follow. Luckily, many hikers have built piles of rocks to The Brainard Lake and Long Lake trails are full of lovely colors and beautiful water features. help lead the way. We had to take several When you are on a picturTo hike the Estes Cone, breathers on this stretch as esque footbridge, look back start by driving to the Longs the incline and the altitude upstream for an incredible Peak Trailhead off of Hightook our breath away at times. view of Apache Peak (13,441 way 7 south of Estes Park. Upon reaching the top, howft.) and Shoshoni Peak This is the starting point for ever, all of the effort and time (12,967 ft.). several hikes, so be sure to spent getting there fell away Other trails at this site follow the signs. as we took in the incredible include Beaver Creek TrailThe hike begins at an eleva- views of Longs Peak, the Conhead, CMC Trail, Little Raven tion of 9,405 feet. By the time tinental Divide Mountains and Trail, Mitchell Lake Trailhikers reach the summit, they a look into Estes Valley. You head, Red Rock Trailhead will have climbed 1,790 feet to can even pick out Lake Estes and Waldrop Trail. arrive right at the tree line at below. To get there, from Colorado around 11,006 feet. We rested and ate at the top Highway 72 at Ward, turn You begin by following the as we drank in the beautiful west onto the Brainard Lake East Longs Peak Trail. This is vistas laid out before us. The Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the a lovely climb up through a astounding sight even Brainard Gateway Trailhead, beautiful forest of spruce, fir brought tears to my eyes. and continue another two and pine. The trail is wide and That is how extraordinary the miles to Brainard Lake. The easy to follow for the first half views are at the top of Estes entrance station is open seamile or so. Cone. sonally. Turn right to follow the trail Coming down the rock Parking at Brainard Lake to Eugenia Mine. This is an scramble at the top is fairly Recreation area is limited and old (failed) mine. It opened in challenging. However, once costs $12. This is a popular 1905, but the dreams of findyou get to Storm Pass, the spot, so you may want to ing rich ore never yielded a descent becomes much easier head out early. The sights are profit. The entrance and the and takes less time. worth the effort. park sealed it off in the 1960s. All in all, this hike took us Still, it’s an interesting landEstes Cone five hours, though I’m sure mark on the trek to the Estes more experienced hikers can A strenuous hike – not for make the climb in less time. the faint of heart – is the Estes Cone. During this first part of the Estes Cone is not the result Cone in Rocky Mountain of a volcano, but it’s shaped in National Park. The trail is par- hike, you can see the Cone the classic conic form. The ticularly challenging and spec- peeking over the trees on shape is the result of erosion, tacular in the winter. The pay- your right, giving you a fine look at your final destination. possibly due to the fact that off for the 6.5-mile hike is Continue from Eugenia the cone is not near other worth the effort. When you arrive at the top, Mine to Moore Park, which is mountain peaks.Finally, if you you’ll be treated to 360-degree a lovely meadow providing attempt this hike, it’s probably very different views from the a good idea to make this climb vistas that will take your first part of the hike. On the breath away. on a day that is not too windy.
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