Links
Take advantage of the unlimited resources the internet has to offer in order to maximize your mountain experience! Use this page to help plan, prepare, and get the most out of your trip to this amazing corner of the Rockies!
The Park
The following links will help you in planning your hiking, snowshoeing, skiing and other adventures in the mountains surrounding Estes Park.
RMNPforums.com
This is a wonderful community of Rocky Mountain National Park enthusiasts. Join the forums and ask any and all questions you might have about anything related to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park. There are very knowledgeable people here who have an addiction to all things "Rocky!"
National Park Service
The official web site for Rocky Mountain National Park. There is a lot of great information here. You can get any camping permits, trail maps and RMNP contact information on this site.
Colorado Mountain School
The Colorado Mountain School is a great place to find the current conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you're climbing the 'Smear of Fear' on the East Face of Longs Peak or hiking around Lily Lake, this site gives great insight on what the park is doing. It's also a great resource for developing and/or honing your back country skills. They give classes on everything from beginning rock climbing to avalanche awareness to crevasse rescue to guide training. A great organization!
Michael-Hodges.com
This is my personal web site where I have compiled many of my hiking trip reports. This can give you an idea of what certain hikes will entail and require. Please use this only for general reference, as it is only my interpretation of what 'conditions' were like on a certain hike or climb. Don't use this as a hiking guide or take it seriously enough to to rely on anything written in the reports.
Images of Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want the best images of Rocky Mountain National Park you have found the right place. Take home images that represent all of what this unique corner of the rockies has to offer. Erik Stenslands photos are second to none. Browse his website or visit his gallery in downtown Estes while you are here.
Gear Up
In order to be comfortable and safe while you're out and about in the beautiful mountains of the National Park, you will want to have the right gear. These links will take you to local shops that will take care of all of your hiking/climbing gear needs.
The Warming House
The Warming house will have anything you will need to do any snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, or traveling. They have a variety of good quality brands and can cater to the day hiker or globe hopping trekker. Packs, boots, pants, coats, sun glasses, snowshoes...you name it, they have it!
Trail Ridge Outfitters
Another quality store containing quality gear with a very knowledgeable staff. This one even has a rock climbing wall if you want to learn how to climb or just hone your climbing skills. Again, you name it, they probably have it!
Kirk's Fly Shop
If you want to know the current fishing report, this is the place to go. Kirk's store has high quality fishing gear, all of the odds and ends you'll need to enjoy your day in the stream and, by far, the most knowledgeable staff when it comes to fishing in and around the park.
Get Some Grub
After your long day in the mountains your stomachs will be grumbling and begging for some grub! Here are our recommendations for the best eats in town!
Twin Owls Steakhouse - American fine dining
This old log home converted into Estes Parks finest restaurant offers a charming and unique dining experience. The atmosphere comes in a close second only to the wonderful food offered at the Twin Owls. Make reservations early if you want the table by the fireplace!
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern - Honest Food
A great place to relax after a day in the mountains. Great food, good beer and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Check the website for their live music schedule. The best place in town for live music! "Estes Park's home for live music and honest food."
Hunters Chop House - American
If you are looking for a variety of great foods and a reasonable price, this is the place. From burgers, to fish, to steaks, to pasta, this will cater to everyone in the family!
The Dunraven - Italian
The Rome of the Rockies! A great atmosphere and fantastic Italian food...what a combo! This is an Estes Park classic that shouldn't be missed!
Casa Grande - Mexican
The best Mexican food in Estes. Tried and true! They don't have a web site, but don't miss out... 210 E. Elkhorn Ave --
(970) 577 - 0799
Ed's Cantina - Mexican (and more!)
A great family restaurant! Good food at a great price. Ed's is always hoppin'! Their Chimichangas are the perfect cap to a long day in the mountains...then it's time for a nap!
Estes Park Brewery - American Bar Food
Don't let the fact that this is a brewery scare you away! They have good food at great prices and they are very kid friendly! Have one of the many EP brewed beers with your nachos or your burger!
The Tavern at Mary's Lake Lodge - American/English
The Tavern offers a hearty meal in a fun-filled atmosphere. Open from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. The Tavern offers live entertainment 7 nights a week May through October, and 5 nights a week October through May.
Kind Coffee - Coffee shop
A very environmentally sound company. Check them out and enjoy the best coffee in Colorado!
Shop 'Til You Drop
Here are some links to some of the great shops in Estes Park.
Images of Rocky Mountain National Park Gallery
The best place in the country to find high quality fine art prints of Rocky Mountain National Park. Photographer Erik Stensland's work is second to none and focuses exclusively on the National Park.
Wynbrier Gallery
A great place to find quality fine art, original wildlife antler carvings, limited edition framed wildlife prints, unique antler table and wall lamps, sculptures and carvings of wildlife, cigars, pipes, tobacco, and much much more.
Estes Park Info
Here are some links to general Information about Estes Park.
Estes-Park.com
If you want any info on Estes Park, this is the place. One stop shopping!
Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber's web site. A good place for info!
Town of Estes Park
Another great site full of Estes information.
EstesPark-Colorado
Yet another site full of great information about the town of Estes Park!
Events
Check out some of the events held in town throughout the year...
Winter Trails Day
A great way to step into the world of snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Demo a variety of gear for free at this wonderful event in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Duck Race
Buy a ducky and watch it race down Fall River during the spring runoff! Winners get great prizes and it's great fun for the entire family!
Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Highlands Festival
The largest Highlands festival in the United States! It's a wonderful weekend full of traditional Scottish games, food and activities. Book a room early for this weekend as it typically is the first weekend to fill every year!!
Explore Colorado
The following links will provide planning information if you are looking to visit other parts of the great state of Colorado!
Yellow Wood Guiding
Yellow Wood Guiding offers Naturalist led Safaris and Tours through Rocky Mountain National Park. Each guided tour is customized for you; we'll hike as far as you want, try to find everything you want to see, and work around your schedule from sunrise to sunset. We provide all the equipment and expertise you need to have one of the most unforgettable nature experiences of your life. **An incredible offering! If you are at all interested in learning more about Rocky Mountain National Park, we highly recommend contacting Jared at Yellow Wood Guiding.
First Light Tours
Take advantage of Andy Long's years of photograhy experience and let him be your guide on one of his many photography workshops. He holds a few every year right here at McGregor Mountain Lodge, as well as others around the globe.
AroundColorado.com
A limitless resource. There is tons of information here about what to do in Colorado. Nature photographer Jesse Speer has put together THE web site for Colorado enthusiasts.
Colorado Directory
A good site for planning your Colorado vacation. Search through different areas, various activities, find packages and plan your trip!
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