the wandering chick
...Estes Park
gateway to Rocky Mtn Natl Park
EP Riverwalk

Estes Park, a town of less than 6000 residents, sits at an elevation of 7500 feet and is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The town lies in a valley surrounded by mountain peaks that range from 8500 to 14000 feet.

Lodging, of course, is plentiful, as are the shops and restaurants that line the town's Riverwalk, a nice stroll through the heart of the town.

EP statue along Riverwalk
Cowboy sculpture along Riverwalk
One of several sculptures that caught my eye along the Riverwalk was this one of the cowboy emptying water from his boot.
angler along Riverwalk
An angler attracts the attention of tourists walking the Riverwalk in downtown Estes Park.
Angler along Riverwalk
the Twin Owls Mountains
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel was built in 1909 by F. O. Stanley, also known for his Stanley Steamer, the early steam-engine cars. The hotel was made famous by Stephen King's "The Shining," and is known to be one of the most haunted hotels in the U.S.
This rock formation which sits just above the Stanley Hotel is called The Twin Owls and is part of the Lumpy Ridge. It's a popular area for rock climbing.
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel
the YMCA Administsration Building
We read that the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park had some interesting historical buildings, so we took a drive up there. We were surprised at how huge the complete complex is and that it seemed to be a pretty hopping lodging place. The administsration building was a charm, and I especially liked its porch.
YMCA administration building

If you'd like to see more of the Rocky Mountain Park area, click one of the links below. A link on each page will lead you to another page.

Rocky Mtn NP Trail Ridge Road

Rocky Mtn hikes

Route 7 south of Estes Park

Or, you may want to return to the Colorado home page

Or, to one of the destinations below

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This mountain has 'sisters' in its name
elk in the city limits
More than once we had to stop to let elk cross the road. At this time, early evening, I counted 32 elk grazing in the pastures on either side of the road.