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Exploring Estes Park Podcast: Living Lab

Did you know that each year, there are over 100 active research projects happening in Rocky Mountain National Park? On this episode, learn about a day in the life of research. Use this guide to learn even more about the various research being conducted right now in the National Park. In this…

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Estes Park Itineraries: for the art lover

Plan a visit to Estes Park that revolves around art. Opportunities to admire, shop and create art are so abundant, you may have trouble finding time to hike. Here’s how to fill your days. Create your own art walk This complete list of art galleries span Elkhorn Avenue (Estes Park’s main street)…

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Best Beaches around Estes Park

Yes, we did say beaches. Not necessarily the kind where you'll be surfing waves, but instead taking in incredible mountain views, and potentially dipping in your toes, if you're brave. Lake Estes While the lake is the largest in the area, the beach-front isn’t gigantic. The largest sandy area is…

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Exploring Estes Park Podcast: Dark Skies

When planning an outdoor escape, getting away from the bright lights of a city and seeing the stars is high on people’s list, rightfully so. Our dark skies are a beautiful way to experience the serenity of Estes Park and give us perspective on just how vast the universe is. After you listen to this…

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Free Summer Activities in Estes Park

Estes Park is definitely a destination where you get a lot of bang for your buck. The views are free. Entrance into Rocky Mountain National Park is $25/car for a day pass or $35/car for a week (that's cheaper than taking the family out to the movies). Our hotels and restaurants and shops are pretty…

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Exploring Estes Park Podcast: Bird & Jim

Follow along with the story of Isabella Bird as she explores Estes Park, before it was cool. Hear how Isabella Bird and Jim Nugent (or: Rocky Mountain Jim) live on through Melissa Strong’s adored restaurant, Bird & Jim and through her recovery from a near-death experience. Use this as a resource for…

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What's New this Summer

Work these new attractions into your stay in Estes Park this summer. Mustang Mountain Coaster See Estes Park’s iconic views from a new perspective on our new alpine coaster. Riders get views of Longs Peak and the rest of the continental divide through its twists and turns—when you can tear your…

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How to Beat the Summer Crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is the crown jewel in a state known for its grandeur and scenery. It’s a paradise for anyone who loves sweeping vistas of craggy, snow-capped peaks rising from wildflower-covered tundra. The unparalleled natural beauty makes it the perfect setting for a wild adventure…

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A Climber's Guide to Estes Park

Colorado’s Estes Valley has been a hub of rock climbing and mountaineering activity since the 19th century, so it’s no surprise that the area is chock-full of some of America’s most classic routes. Whether you’re looking for big alpine lines, bolted sport climbs, or high-country bouldering, there’s…

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Best Places to View the Perseids in Estes Park

The Perseid Meteor shower is an annual spectacle of "shooting stars," and Estes Park and its surrounding public lands are a great place to view it. Here's how--and when. What The Perseid Meteor shower occurs when the Earth's orbit passes through the trail left by the Comet Swift-Tuttle. The debris…

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