Vacation Rentals in Estes Park

Within the town of Estes Park itself, you will find a wide choice of self-catering accommodation that ranges from quaint cottages with period features to stunning contemporary apartments constructed in local wood. Whether you choose vintage or modern, every holiday cottage and apartment is fully equipped, giving you a comfortable home from home.

Nestling close to the Rocky Mountain National Park, are a choice of small rustic cabins and architect-designed wood-clad homes. Many have terraces or large picture windows giving magnificent scenic views while some also offer log-burning stoves and hot tubs. When you pick a forest or mountain cabin a whole host of outdoor activities is right on your doorstep.

Estes Park lies on the Big Thompson River in Larimer County, Colorado. It is a popular resort town and also home to the headquarters of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a perfect base for exploring the park with its high-altitude activities. Estes Park is not far from Longs Peak, known as the 'Monarch of the Front Range' and one of the fourteen mountains in Colorado that top 14,000 feet.

Estes Park takes its name from an early settler, Joel Estes. Like many others, he tried his hand at farming but harsh winters meant successful farming was always going to be difficult. The ever-resourceful residents turned to tourism instead which has been the town's main source of income since the late 19th-century. The stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains is the headline attraction, drawing serious backcountry explorers as well as day trippers. Three main highways converge on Estes Park. One is seasonal, however, open only in the summer. The nearest airport is at Denver, approximately 90 miles away.

Most visitors come to Estes Park for the awesome scenery and outdoor activities on its doorstep. Fishing, horseback riding, climbing, hiking, rafting, cycling, and bird watching are all catered for. Popular hiking trails include Twin Owls and the shores of Lake Estes. Increasingly popular is geocaching using GPS coordinates.

Whether your style is a gentle meander or serious 4x4 driving, you will find plenty of routes near Estes Park. Look out for native flowers and trees and, if you are lucky, a glimpse of larger wildlife such as elk or even bears. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway offers magnificent views of Mount Meeker and the Twin Sisters as it takes you past massive walls of rock, bubbling rivers, and flower-filled meadows.

Pikas in the Park is an organized scavenger hunt that is great fun for families. Created in honor of the Estes Park Centennial, it takes you on a town tour of history while you locate 12 bronze sculptures of Pikas or mountain-dwelling rabbits. Once you have found all 12, claim a prize from the Estes Park Visitor Center.

At the Open Air Adventure Park you can try your skill at 32 energetic challenges that include jumping from platforms and swinging through the air.

Take the aerial tram for breathtaking views of the town and valley. Look out for the peaks of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

If you have always wanted to try your hand at rock climbing, now is the time. Estes Park is home to one of the highest rock-climbing walls in Colorado. Expert climbers refine their skills here but the center also welcomes beginners.

From Rocky Mountain wildlife to ranching history and pioneer stories to recreated homesteads, this interactive museum takes you on a fascinating journey back in time.

The Dancing Pines Distillery is just one of the distilleries in the area that craft artisan whiskey, bourbon, rum, and specialty liqueurs. Many are made from local ingredients.

Winters are long in Estes Park so make sure to pack the right outdoor gear. It is a period, however, when there are fewer tourists around letting you really enjoy the Rocky Mountain tranquility. It is also a chance to try your hand at snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing. During the short summer season, temperatures can peak at around 90 °F or 32 °C but if you are heading up the mountains, remember that temperatures decrease rapidly at altitude. Rain can fall all year round.

This 'rodeo with attitude' takes place over six days in early July and is when cowboys and cowgirls show off their riding, ranching, and lassoing skills.

Warm up in this chilly season with the Estes Park Winter Festival in mid-January. Tuck into award-winning chili while trying craft beers and local liqueurs. Live entertainment accompanies the eating and drinking.