Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
On the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounded by national forest,
Estes Park is one of the state's premier supply points for the mountains. With the excep-
tion of white-water rafting and skiing (better in other parts of the state), the area has top-
notch outdoor activities of every stripe, and a stroll down Elkhorn will take you past a
number of operators heading into the park via horse, jeep or hiking boots. Many of Estes
Park's sights are a bit out of town and only accessible if you have a car.
Estes Park Museum
MUSEUM
( 970-586-6256;
www.estesnet.com/museum
; 200 4th St; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1-5pm Sun; )
This
ambitious community museum has a commendable rotation of exhibits on local culture.
It's not only corny Ice Age mannequins either - during our last visit the main attraction
was a glimpse into Estes Park's wild days in the 1960s.
Ariel Tramway
CABLE CAR
( 970-586-3675;
www.estestram.com
;
420 E Riverside Dr; adult/child/senior $10/5/9; 9am-6pm Memorial
Day-Labor Day; )
In the time you wait to be herded aboard a tram to the top of Prospect
Mountain, you could have climbed Lily Mountain on your own two feet, but the tram is a
good option for those with modest ambitions who still want the view.
Colorado Mountain School
( 800-836-4008;
www.totalclimbing.com
;
341 Moraine Ave; half-day guided climbs per person from $125)
Sim-
ply put, there's no better resource for climbers in Colorado - this outfit is the largest
climbing operator in the region, has the most expert guides and is the only organization al-
lowed to operate within Rocky Mountain National Park. It has a clutch of classes taught
by world-class instructors.
Basic courses, such as Intro to Rock Climbing, are a great way for novices to deeply
experience the Rockies. There are multiday training expeditions for those with some ex-
perience. Courses are taught in an ideal setting - whether it be a towering granite peak in
the park or the 10,000-sq-ft indoor climbing facility. You can also stay on site in dorm
lodging ($25).
ROCK CLIMBING
