Estes Park Colorado - Introduction
Estes Park in the Front Range of the Rockies is a mid-sized community
surrounded by natural splendor, and it occupies the doorstep of
Colorado's most famous national park. Among the most photographed
locations in the west, Rocky Mountain National Park includes over 400
square miles of beautiful mountain lakes, meadows, and peaks. The park
is a rare wilderness area in that it is accessible to outdoor
enthusiasts of any level. There is much to explore by car.
The drive over Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in
America, is perhaps the pinnacle. Hiking can range from a leisurely
boardwalk stroll past a waterfall to the a day-hike summit of Long's
Peak. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound. 100+ herds of
elk are commonly seen near the roads, and this is the place to visit
if you ever wanted to hear an elk bugle. If you are lucky, you might
even see Bighorn Sheep running along a path. With its
prime position at the east entrance, Estes Park is a natural
embarkation point for visitors from east of the mountains. To the
east, the Big Thompson River Canyon provides an idyllic setting for
sightseers and crystal-clear waters for trout fisherman.
While
the surrounding territory is the prime attraction, Estes Park itself
is a pleasant place to spend the day. A full range of dining, lodging,
and entertainment options are available in town. If you like
sweets, the salt-water taffy is a special treat for visitors and
locals alike. The buffalo burger is another favorite, offered by
many restaurants to those looking for a healthy (and tasty)
alternative to the traditional American favorite. Shops and art
galleries are abundant on the main thoroughfares. Local attractions
include the sprawling Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King's
novel The Shining, and several museums on pioneer and western
history. Street sculptures, fun annual events, and western-themed
decoration bring additional color and character to this cheerful
town. Parks surround Lake Estes, for a great place to relax
during the afternoon, and the town maintains an extensive system of
walking trails through both neighborhoods and commercial
areas.
Estes Park is in north central Colorado, just west of the
Denver/Fort Collins metro corridor.
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