WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ESTES PARK AND THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN (AND WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SOON)

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ESTES PARK AND THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

(AND WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SOON)

ESTES PARK, Colo. – As the base camp to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Estes Park has felt the effects of the ongoing partial government shutdown, which began on Dec. 22, 2018. But both RMNP and the town are still welcoming visitors who want to experience this one-of-a-kind destination. Here’s what you need to know — and why>winter is the ideal time to visit Estes Park.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park is NOT closed. The gates are open and RMNP is using previous gate collections to fund a skeleton staff to plow roads.

2. Estes Park is open for business. Local businesses love your support during this time and are ready to welcome visitors. Explore Estes Park’s burgeoning craft scene at spots like Elkins Distillery, Rock Cut Brewing, and Lumpy Ridge Brewing. Grab a post-adventure bite downtown. Catch a first-run flick at the Historic Park Theater, the oldest operating single house movie theater in the United States. Take in the mountain views and hit some of the great local shops and galleries.

3. Roads into RMNP are open. Bear Lake Road has been opened all the way to the Bear Lake Trailhead. It is still snow-covered in places but has been sanded and plowed.

4. RMNP will always be accessible, even though it’s possible that weather or budget limitations could close roads to vehicle again. It’s a great time to visit — you can have the park nearly to yourself and experience it in a brand-new way. Park near the gates and hike, snowshoe, bike, or ski in depending on road and snow conditions.

5. Rocky Mountain National Park is pristine. Local and other who have ventured into RMNP for outdoor adventure have kept RMNP spotless for your enjoyment and have pledged to continue caretaking this natural treasure throughout the shutdown.

6. Basic RMNP visitor services are restored and thanks to funding from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, the Fall River visitor center will remain open with funding from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy.

7. RMNP’s not the only game in town. Take opportunity to explore Rocky’s literal nextdoor neighbor, the National Forest. From fat biking to offroading, and of course hiking or snowshoeing, there are plenty of winter outdoor adventure options.

8. Businesses in Estes Park are joining forces to make the shutdown easier for furloughed employees, with special offers at restaurants, attractions and more. Current offers are listed here.

For more information, activity ideas and photos, visit www.visitestespark.com.

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