New Happenings in Estes Park, CO for Spring and Summer 2014
New offerings and family-friendly, affordable activities create the ideal outdoor adventure destination

 

ESTES PARK, Colo. - Nestled in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a beloved Colorado mountain village by residents and guests alike. With a variety of historical tours, a range of activities and adventures guided by Rocky Mountain National Park experts, and a number of unique festivals, Estes Park is an excellent destination for guests of all ages. Having recovered from the flood damage in September 2013, Estes Park will bring back its well-loved traditional activities and events, as well as a number of new festivals and events. Below is just a sample of all the great things available in Estes Park for spring and summer of 2014.

 

What's New

  • Rocky Mountain National Park 2014 Volunteer Opportunities Post-Flood - This summer, Rocky Mountain National Park is inviting volunteers to help rehabilitation efforts around the park. The Rangers are looking for organized groups and families to assist with a variety of volunteer projects, including rebuilding trails and bridges that were washed out during the floods. In addition to flood repair, volunteers will help firefighters protect the park by removing fire fuel. For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/romo/supportyourpark/volunteer_openings.htm
  • Cliff Camping With Kent Mountain Adventure Center - Beginning in May 2014, Kent Mountain Adventure Center will offer the opportunity to camp, or have lunch, on the side of cliffs overlooking Rocky Mountain National Park. Great for couples and first-time cliff campers, participants will start by learning climbing basics; then a KMAC guide will assist participants in setting up a wall camp utilizing a portaledge. High off the ground, participants will enjoy refreshments and marvel with adrenaline and excitement at the incredible views.
  • Estes Park Historic Tours - Following their debut in the 2013 "Catch the Glow" parade, Estes Park Historic Tours will start operating in April 2014. These tours, developed and scripted by Historian Laureate James Pickering, will run four times a day and feature two antique trolleys which will take patrons on a historic journey through the town.
  • Snowy Peaks Winery Expansion - To celebrate its ninth anniversary, Snowy Peaks Winery will unveil a new extension of the tasting room and larger patio. The additional space, which will include room for groups of up to 20 people and provide an opportunity to have classes and special events, is estimated to be completed by early June.
  • Rocky Mountain Nature Association - The Rocky Mountain Nature Association has announced a number of new seminars for 2014, aimed at educating participants on the different aspects of nature native to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of the new adventures include:
    • Escape To Bear Lake: An Educational Adventure by Bus
    • Secret Places In Rocky Mountain National Park
    • Our Solar System: New Discoveries About the Planets & Sun
  • New Estes Park Events Complex - Featuring two new event facilities at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, the Estes Park Events Complex is scheduled to open in May 2014. Located at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Events Complex can host a wide variety of events including rodeos, car shows, conventions, and retreats. In addition to flexible event spaces, the Events Complex will have stages, bleachers, sports floors and more available to accommodate any event. With large convention floors, lush board rooms, upscale meeting rooms, sunny patios and more, these new facilities offer space to meeting and event planners alike.
  • New Affinity Massage and Wellness Facility - Affinity Massage and Wellness has relocated to the Downtown Riverwalk and was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2013. The new facility has three treatment rooms, including a couple's room, and a menu that features a variety of spa services.

 

Not-To-Miss Festivals & Events

  • Sandzén In Estes, (Sept 27, 2013 - Aug 3, 2014) New! - Estes Park is hosting a temporary exhibit for Swedish artist Birger Sandzén, who helped established the Denver Chapell School of Art and is often referred to as "America's Van Gogh." His work is available for viewing at the Estes Park Museum.
  • Great Roads to Great Chefs, (Jan 31 - Apr 7, 2014) New! - The Stanley Hotel launched a new culinary series, "Great Roads to Great Chefs," in January 2014. Hosted at The Stanley's new restaurant, The Table, the series invites Chefs from renowned restaurants around the country to put their skills to the test. Each chef will prepare a five-course meal with wine pairings, plus a reception for a limited group of 20 guests per night. A portion of the proceeds will benefit victims of the Northern Colorado flood.
  • Fee Free Days - As an extra incentive to encourage guests to visit, free admittance to all national parks in the United States, including Rocky Mountain National Park, applies to special days and holidays. Guests at Rocky Mountain National Park will save on the $20 automobile or $10 pedestrian entrance fee by visiting on the following days:
    • April 19-20: National Park Week's opening weekend
    • August 25: National Park Service's 98th birthday
    • September 27: National Public Lands Day
    • November 11: Veterans Day
  • Stanley Film Festival, (Apr 24 - 27, 2014) - The second annual Stanley Film Festival returns after a wildly successful first year to celebrate the best of independent horror cinema with a slate of film premieres, screenings of classic scary movies, Q&A sessions with industry insiders, student competitions, receptions and more. The four-day festival will be hosted at the iconic Stanley Hotel, infamous for authentic hauntings of its own.
  • Jazz Fest & Art Walk, (May 17 - 18, 2014) - The 24th annual Estes Park Jazz Festival will feature numerous art galleries and Jazz performers, all against the beautiful scenic backdrop of the Performance Park outdoor amphitheater.
  • Wool Market, (Jun 7 - 8, 2014) - Held at the Fairground at Stanley Park, the annual Estes Park Wool Market is a family-friendly event where guests can experience hands-on activities; a petting zoo; wool demonstrations; sheep-to-shawl instruction; skill competitions; and wares from local and national wool workers.
  • Estes Park Marathon, (Jun 21 - 22, 2014) - Voted the most scenic marathon of 2012 by Colorado Runner Magazine, the Estes Park Marathon features events for all ages and abilities. The two-day event starts on Saturday with a kids' fun run and face painting, a bouncing obstacle course, games, and dancing. The fun continues on Sunday with the full marathon, and a variety of shorter options, followed by live music and celebrations.
  • July 4th Celebration, (Jul 4, 2014) - Offering a number of family-friendly activities and events, Estes Park is an iconic American village to celebrate The Fourth of July. Celebrations include an Independence Day Pancake Breakfast, miniature golf, car show, carnival, and spectacular fireworks show above Lake Estes.
  • Rooftop Rodeo, (Jul 8 - 13, 2014) - Estes Park's annual Rooftop Rodeo, recognized as the best small rodeo in the nation and the top medium-sized rodeo in the Midwest, returns for its 106th year. The event kicks off with a parade featuring hundreds of horses; marching units; hitches; cowboys and cowgirls; floats and antique cars; and rodeo participants. Throughout the rodeo, there are behind the scenes looks at the rodeo action, a Tough Enough to Wear Pink night on July 9th and much more. Rodeo kick-off performances start at 7 p.m. each night with rodeo events beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park.
  • Rocky Mountain Half Marathon, (Aug 2, 2014) - As part of the National Park Half Marathon series, the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon is an incredible event for both competitive runners and outdoor enthusiasts. The race begins at 6:00 a.m.

 

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About Estes Park

Nestled in one of Nature's most stunning locations adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is an outdoor lover's paradise offering seemingly endless activities. Year-round pursuits fueled by "leg-power" include everything from hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, wildlife and bird watching, to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and much more. The authentic, low-key charm of Estes Park coupled with a wealth of activities makes Estes Park a very popular destination not only for nature enthusiasts but for active couples of all ages and families of all sizes. For the past three years, Estes Park has been recognized as "Colorado's most popular mountain vacation destination," according to Longwoods International. Estes Park is a year-round destination with more than 100 hotels, motels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, cabins and cottages, condominiums and campgrounds.