In his 53rd year, F.O. Stanley, co-creator of the Stanley Steamer, got some bad news. The worst news, really. Stanley learned that he had chronic tuberculosis and had just one year to live … if he was lucky. In a last ditch effort to beat this doomy diagnosis, the inventor headed west, in search of fresh mountain air in Estes Park, Colorado. The move paid off – F.O. Stanley lived to the ripe old age of 91. And he repaid his debt to the town: that’s his namesake hotel looming over Estes Park today.
We’ve revisited Stanley’s story in order to make a simple point: wellness and Estes Park have been intertwined for well over a century now, with travelers reaping the myriad benefits this Rocky Mountain destination has to offer. But it’s not simply enough to fill your lungs with that crisp alpine air – though we recommend you do plenty of that. Estes Park is home to an array of wellness practitioners who guarantee that your trip will refresh and rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
Active at Altitude
At 7,500 feet above sea level, Estes Park delivers a range of high altitude benefits for athletes, from boosting total blood volume to increased natural hormone erythropoietin (EPO) production (great for giving you more energy). Active at Altitude takes full advantage of Estes Park’s lofty location, providing experiences that aim to inspire and empower you to engage in healthy, active and mindful lifestyles. Some of the programs offered include running camps, trail running camps, wellness programs, altitude training, running vacations, active mind race camps, endurance coaching programs, mental training workshops and a trail running conference.
Estes Park Yoga
With a full roster of certified yoga instructors, Estes Park Yoga brings the spiritual and physical practice of yoga to all ages and experience levels. With all classes integrating movement with mindful breathing, experiences offered include Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Acro, Kids, and Prenatal. There are also a variety of specialty classes – Mommy, Daddy, and Me classes let kids get into yoga, and Yoga for Golfers helps you improve your game out on the links. If you’re planning a wedding in Estes Park, there are even gentle yoga, vinyasa flow, or active power yoga courses for bridesmaids, the bride, groom, or the entire wedding party. Because the calming powers of yoga will probably come in handy on your big day …
Affinity Massage and Wellness Center
Located right on Estes Park’s downtown River Walk – the sound of the river flowing gently outside is an instant relaxer – Affinity Massage and Wellness Center’s treatments are designed to revive, rejuvenate and revitalize, whether it’s Swedish massage, relaxation massage, deep-tissue work, hot stone and rain drop treatments, or reflexology.
Heart of the Rockies Yoga & Wellness Studio
Wellness is about the wellness of the mind as well as the body – a concept that Heart of the Rockies Yoga & Wellness Studio incorporates into every aspect of its offerings. Led by Liz Adams, Heart of the Rockies’ classes are gentle and deep, inspiring compassionate inner listening, healing, and awakened vitality. Also offering classes in Qigong and the Labyrinth, feel free to drop in for a class that will give you a fresh outlook on life.
Elements of Touch Wellness Spa
Get ready to unwind – Estes Park-style. Elements of Touch Wellness Spa is a peaceful escape from the noise of modern life. Catering to individuals, families, weddings, couples, and groups, the spa offers a full range of wellness experience -- bodywork, couples treatments, Pilate, yoga, herbology consultation, pre & post natal care and classes, wellness coaching, girlfriend packages, and more. The setting doesn’t hurt either: Elements of Touch Wellness Spa’s serene mountain environs and soul-soothing gardens will make you feel like moving right in here for good. And you can! At least for a little while. The spa is located under the same roof as the Estes River Retreat, bringing inner peace even closer within reach.
Riverspointe Spa
The wellness experts at Riverspointe Spa like to think of their Estes Park location as a “sacred space.” And you’ll know why when you walk in, greeted by friendly spa professionals, soothing music, and the refreshing scent of essential oils in the air. Offering facials, manicures and pedicures, body wraps and scrubs, and much more, Riverspointe’s approach has roots in ancient Asian traditions as well as Western techniques. If you’re feeling luxurious, try the Nose-To-Toes massage, a 90-minute massage with hot stones, a body polishing treatment, and an essential oil-infused scalp massage. Say goodbye to stress.
The Wellness Center at Estes Park
Our tour of Estes Park’s wellness offerings comes full circle with the forthcoming Wellness Center at Estes Park, which will be located on the grounds of the hotel F.O. Stanley built more than a century ago. Though currently still in its planning stages, the Wellness Center at Estes Park will combine modern medicine and outdoor adventure for a holistic wellness program that is physically, mentally, and spiritually transformative. We can only imagine F.O. would approve.
