Articles

One of the first known white men to see the Estes Valley (or "park" in parlance of the mountains) was Joel Estes, a Kentuckian, who camped here with his son Milton during a hunting expedition in mid-October of 1859. By the next summer Estes had decided to use the park to make a living hunting, fishing and raising cattle. He built several crude buildings (on a site now covered by the smaller arm of Lake Estes) and in 1863 moved his wife, Patsy, and their family from the South Platte to live year-round.

Read more: History of the Estes Area

Estes Park has a unique history that has been well preserved in the area's many wonderful museums.

Read more: Museum Experiences in Estes Park

The diversity of downtown Estes Park is amazing! Whether it’s picnicking in a park, checking out the wonderful library, enjoying one of the many free outdoor concerts, or strolling along the beautifully landscaped Riverwalk —downtown has it all.

Read more: Exploring Downtown Estes Park

A hike on one of the paths in and around Estes offers spectacular scenery and a chance to get to know the town up close and personal. Over the past two decades, the town's trail system was created to afford everyone, from the casual stroller to the exercise enthusiast, a way to get about. Most of these paths are fully accessible and will take one as easily to a favorite bookstore, gallery, or restaurant, as to a tour around Lake Estes. Let your feet and your imagination wander as you explore.

Read more: Take a Hike Around Town