Tell me about Estes Park, CO???

[DaveHess]

I'm going to Estes Park this summer. Staying at the KOA. I can hear the groans... . For me, there is something very appealing about knowing the place I will be staying at will be clean and ready for me. Havent been to a KOA yet that has not met my expectations. Anyhow, tell me about RMNP guys. We're also going to Denver for a day. The kids want to go to Six Flags (Elitch Gardens). Any tips there would be appreciated. I was stationed at Lowry AFB back in the early, early '80's. Don't remember Elitch Gardens though. What's the haul like into Estes Park from the interstate?

 

[fkovalski]

A little background info please... From where will you travling, How much time do you have to spend, do you want to tour the scenery by car to many places or a few spots hiking? I have plenty if ideas- just need to know more about your expectations.



-frank.

 

[klenger]

I've got lots of pics of RMNP at http://www.klenger.net/photo_album/index.html

 

[maxburk]

I live in Estes Park and own a fifth wheel trailer that we pull up the canyon several times a year. Two ways to get here from I25. Either route 34 or 36 are ok in a Cummins. Route 34 has more passing lanes, but you can keep the speed limit with the Dodge.

Not sure about your choice of campgrounds. The park has several campgrounds without electric. There is also a campground called the Blue Arrow that is near the park and much more scenic with elk wandering around most evenings. You may even see a bear. Can't tell you prices.

If you are desperate you could even stay here since we have one of the few flat spots in the area and electric.

RMNP is awsome. Lots of things to see and 350 miles of hiking trails. Do not take your trailer up trail ridge road. It is winding and tops out at 12,000 feet. People have and some of them lived.

 

[KWheaton]

Hey cool man, I'm going there too, and staying at the KOA. I'll be pulling in on Aug 9th, after the Sturgis Rally, then headed to Ouray, CO on the 14th for 5 days. When will you be there? I've got 4 adults, 3 motorcycles, and a very large travel trailer (see my readers rigs section). Estes park is supposed to be real nice, hope we get some good info, I already paid my deposit for camping, hope I made a good choice. I picked that area for it's proximity to RMNP and all the great roads for 2 wheelers. It'll be my first trip to the Rockies and we're all excited. Hope the truck can pull those hills! Should be loaded close to the full 20,000 lbs. !!



Good luck and happy camping. Kevin

 

[jwdeeming]

Don't take the trailer as advised above, but leave it at KOA and ABSOLUTELY take the drive over Trailridge. It is a must-see.

 

[DaveHess]

Kevin, I'll be there the last week of July. That sucks as that would have been pretty cool to meet another member this way!



Maxburk, Maybe we can get together some time while I am there. I know it is a ways off but just a thought. Dave

 

[tandersen]

We like this rv park, right on the Big Thompson river, nice place. http://www.sprucelakerv.com/

 

[SMorneau]

All I remember is the park is awesome and the Estes park micro brewery was worth the stop. Hey I just noticed there is no "smiley" for beer. Can somebody look into that?

 

[maxburk]

Dave Hess. If we are here I would like to show you around the area. Lots of stuff to see and do in the area... . just depends on your interests. I will be working this summer north of here grading roads... . but will be off Friday thru Sunday. It is possible we may be gone at that time for a family reunion. I will let you know when I receive the date.

The offer is still good to stay on our RV pad it you do not like KOA. We have 30 amp electrical and water. It you have a long sewer hose we even have sewer.

The other person is correct about trail ridge road. It is a must trip. Also a must for me would be Fall River Road. That is the old road that goes to the top and was used in the early day. It is gravel and a one way road up. The speed limit is 10 mph. It is a pretty relaxing trip if you don't mind a guard rails and awsome views.

 

[GDMclain]

My wife and I met the kids and grand kids at Estes park in 2003. This was our first trip to that ares. There are many things to do. Hoirse back riding, Hiking, riding the tram, shops. The rmnp is beautiful and had snow at the visitors center and other places. Lots of wild life. Big horn, Elk. coyotes and lots more. on the west side of the park is also a small tourest town next to a lake. We really enjoyed the trip. take your jackets as the weather canges every 5 min. Coors plant in Golden Colorado is free tours. and if you like casino's there are 22 at Blackhawk West of Denver. You can get maps and other information from www.colorado.com



enjoy your trip





george

 

[Fireman Dave]

The most beautiful views we've had from any campground we've camped at were in the Moraine Park campground in RMNP. No hookups, but the experience is spectacular. RMNP is up in the top of our favorite places to travel to. The park has endless scenic views and great places to go. Estes Park is a great little town to visit as well. The trip over Trail Ridge Road is a must (without the trailer) - as the others have said. Be careful of the afternoon thunderstorms. Lightning kills every year in that park. One year we hiked up to Cub Lake from our campground. It was a beautiful morning - packed a lunch too. By the time we got up to the lake, we were in a hail storm. Not too bad - it passed pretty quickly. But be prepared for rapid weather changes. If you want an easier hike, take the bus up to Bear Lake and hike back down. Even the drive up through Big Thompson Canyon is spectaular.

 

[mlockner]

Be prepared for the wind to blow. Do not leave your awning out unattended. The wind is what moves the weather in and out. I have towed my camper over Trail Ridge and it is not that bad, but I've towed it over most the passes in CO that people stay away from. Just use caution and common sense when doing it.

Mike L.

 

[Todd T]

I've driven through with my wife in just our truck once. its a beautiful place to see.

 

[Eric_77]

Parents have a Condo out that way only spent two summers there but spend many X-Mases there. THe Snowmobile trails through the park are awesome and the fishing is pretty good on Grand Lake. I don't know much about the camping but the whole park is pretty neat area. Winter Park is about a 45 minute-hour drive and many scenic areas and the ski slope has an alpine slide for the kiddos. At Silver Creek Lodge they have a Horse back trail ride that takes you up to one of Teddy Roosevelts old cabins for a Steak Dinner. Also near Silver Creek (almost across the street) are Hot Air(?) and ultra light tours of the canyon.



White water rapids for the faint hearted are available on the Colorado river, for real fun you need to go to the Arkansas river but that is several hour drive (3-4 if memory serves me right)

 

[DBF]

Rmnp

I've got lots of pics of RMNP at http://www.klenger.net/photo_album/index.html

Ya gotta watch the RMNP abbreviation, folks. Riding Mountain National Park has the same initials.



Where's RMNP (Riding Mountain National Park)? Manitoba, and it's a beautiful place. It's even larger than the one in Colorado.



Have a look: http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/index_e.asp



Regards, DBF