Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
Be warned: lodgings fill up very fast during the peak July and August period, when the
prices are sky high. You're likely to be out of luck if you travel west of Greeley without a
reservation during summer. Off-season rates may be down to half that of summer prices,
and many accommodations simply close for the winter.
Most of the cheaper midcentury motels (which still aren't that cheap) are located east of
town along US 34 or Hwy 7. Most of these low-slung motels are remarkably similar:
musty carpet and fairly small rooms with television and refrigerator, though some places
also boast pools, hot tubs and saunas. There are plenty of cabins to rent here too, with a
concentration of them along US 66.
There are some passable budget options for those trying to save money, but the best-
value accommodations, hands down, are in area campgrounds, which are plentiful, easily
accessible and stunning. If you didn't bring your own tent and sleeping bag, you can rent
one from Estes Park Mountain Shop (
Click here
)
.
HOSTEL
$
Total Climbing Lodge
( 303-447-2804;
www.totalclimbing.com
;
341 Moraine Ave; dm $25; )
A bustling hub of
climbers, this lodge is the best dorm option in town. Expect simple pine bunks, a ping-
pong table and a laid-back vibe. Call ahead in winter.
Estes Park Hostel
( 970-237-0152;
www.estesparkhostel.com
;
211 Cleave St; dm/s/d $26/38/52; )
This hostel, with a hand-
ful of shared rooms and simple privates, isn't going into history books as the plushest digs
ever, but there's a kitchen on site, and Terri, the owner, is helpful. The price is right too.
HOSTEL
$
Estes Park KOA
( 800-562-1887, 970-586-2888;
www.estesparkkoa.com
; 2051 Big Thompson Ave; tent sites $27-33, RV sites
$38-48, cabins from $75; )
With so much excellent camping just up the road in Rocky
Mountain National Park, it's hard to see the allure of this roadside RV-oriented camping
spot. But for those in need of a staging day before a big adventure, the proximity to town
is appealing.
CAMPGROUND
$
YMCA of the Rockies -
