US Highway 34 will open to all motorists Wednesday, November 22 at 4pm and will remain open until 8pm Sunday, November 26. The section of US 34 between mile points 72-74, west of Drake, will remain closed where crews are repairing the highway near the landslide. All through-traffic from Loveland to Estes Park will need to use Larimer County Road 43. Delays may exist on Highway 34 with one-lane traffic, Highway 36 and Highway 7 will also be open into Estes Park.

Thanksgiving is a time to be spent with the people you care about. If you can't make it home for the holiday gather up your friends and head to Estes Park for the best Friendsgiving ever! This holiday should be much more than just a meal. By the time Thanksgiving comes around, winter has made its nest in the mountains so prepare for some snowy adventures. Check out our tips to have the perfect Estes Park Friendsgiving, complete with a cozy getaway, craft beverages, delicious food and memories to be cherished. 

Your Holiday Home

Every Friendsgiving needs an epic headquarters. Find solitude with a cabin or cottage. If you're looking to be catered to, a bed and breakfast is the optimal spot. If you've got a large group, make sure there's enough room for everyone with a hotel, lodge or inn. Private vacation homes give you the homey feeling for the holiday and the perfect place to prepare your Thanksgiving feast!

Put Yourself into Motion

If you're planning on indulging in a Thanksgiving meal, you'll want to get moving to work up an appetite. Start exploring with one of these winter activities!

Hit the Trails

Strap on the snowshoes and enjoy the winter wonderland! Don't have your own? No problem, renting a pair is simple with the gear shops in town. Once you're all decked out, head to higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park. There's an abundance of excellent trail options at Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge trail heads ranging from leisurely strolls to full-day snowshoe trips requiring technical experience and excellent fitness. Whichever trail you choose, you'll surely find tranquility with RMNP as your snow globe.

Winter Fly Fishing

The warmest of the weather may have passed, but that doesn't mean fishing season is over! Flies continue to hatch into February, and sections of the Big Thompson flow freely. Enjoy beautiful views and peaceful snow as you fly fish for a beautiful trout.

Fat biking

Fat biking allows riders to experience the thrill of riding a bicycle on nearly any terrain, including snow! Fat biking is rapidly growing winter activity taking advantage of the off-road bikes with over-sized tires. The ideal situation calls for moderately packed snow on trails and one-tracks. Fat bikes are available to rent at the Estes Park Mountain Shop. 

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

The Main Event

After all your exploring you're sure to have worked up an appetite for that Thanksgiving feast. Cook a grand meal as a group, or take advantage of the restaurant and craft beverage offerings in Estes Park.

Grub

Stock up at the local grocery store your big feed or find Estes restaurants offering casual fare for a quick bite to eat or a sit-down meal in a more elegant setting. Estes Park presents traditional choices like American food, Mexican and pizza, as well as some more exotic options like Thai and Himalayan. This isn't your average Thanksgiving, so why should your dinner be?

Libations

You can't celebrate Friendsgiving without a stop at one of Estes Park's watering holes to appease your taste buds with craft beer, whiskey or wine! No matter what your favorite beverage is, you can find it in Estes. Don't forget to snag a growler or bottle to take back to the cabin to enjoy around the fire. 

Treat Yourself

After a day of celebration and exploration, take a day to recover from your food coma. Explore the unique shops of Downtown Estes. Find great deals throughout town on Small Business Saturday.

Warm Up

Grab a hot coffee or tea at one of the many spots in Estes Park and recount the stories of the previous explorations. Wherever you enjoy a toasty drink, you're sure to find a cozy atmosphere.

Get Pampered

Take a moment to relax, you've earned it! Rest your weary muscles after some tiring winter activities. There's nothing better than a spa treatment or massage for the ultimate rest and relaxation. If you're looking for a manicure, pedicure or hair services, you can find those too!

 

Don't let your Estes Park fun end after the Thanksgiving Holiday, start planning your next winter getaway.

Note: More Highway 34 Info