Editor's Note: Nina Williams is a professional climber, particularly famous for her highball bouldering. Recently, she enrolled at the University of Colorado as a full-time student. As she has gone about finding a new life balance, she made time to head from the classroom to the crag in Estes Park…
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The elk rut is a magical time of year when you'll hear bugles echoing around the valley and find bulls sparring and rounding up their harems. It's the pinnacle of wildlife watching, requiring a telephoto lens, binoculars, and safety (for yourself and the animals) at the forefront. It's important to…
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Some lakes hold a lot of history and stories amongst their names. Others, are purely descriptive – making it a lot easier to picture in our minds. Check out how some of our favorite lakes in and around Estes got their names. Sprague Lake This lake is named after Abner, you guessed it, Sprague -…
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These mighty four-legged creatures inspire wonder and awe… and sometimes confusion. If you’ve ever wondered how they’re different, read on. First. Let’s be honest, many of us haven’t just wondered how they’re different. Many of us have wondered, at times, which one we are actually looking at –…
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Colorado’s Rocky Mountains are known for their high elevation and rugged terrain, and there’s plenty of both near Estes Park. But don’t be intimidated—despite being 7,500 feet above sea level, the Estes Park area is home to plenty of approachable hiking trails that don’t necessarily require a full…
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Some mountain names are clearly some lucky person’s surname while others make you stop and wonder. While inhabitants prior to when the West was won had logical names for area features, (Colorado’s Rocky Mountains were called the Bald Mountains and Longs Peak and Mount Meeker were collectively called…
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While it can snow any day of the year, the surest sign that winter is in our rearview is the opening of Trail Ridge Road Trail Ridge is one of America’s greatest ribbons of pavement and one of our finest scenic drives. It was completed in 1933 and twists 48 miles through Rocky Mountain National Park…
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Isabella Bird, a tough-as-nails 1800's era British world traveler and author, spent some of her favorite days in the area that became Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Her book, "A Lady's Life in the Rocky's" vividly captures her adventures and is a must read if you are an Estes…
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One key to visiting the public lands in and around Estes Park is to make sure you’re following Leave No Trace Principles. This preserves the land--and other visitors enjoyment. The gist is simple: leave the area how you found it, if not better. Before your next backcountry trip, learn and follow…
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When Old Fall River Road closes to cars for the season, it opens to cyclists and hikers – with their dogs! In 1920, Old Fall River Road opened as the first road in Rocky Mountain National Park offering cars access to the high country. The gravel road leads one-way uphill, switchbacking from…
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