Things To Do
Estes Park
Situated about 90 miles northwest of Denver, at 7,522 feet above sea level, Estes Park sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Majestic views span in every direction along with the majestic scenes you expect from a Colorado mountain town: gold-medal fishing rivers, iconic peaks, fertile valleys dotted with wildlife plus one unexpected treasure - a national park. Rocky Mountain National Park, home to 300 miles of hiking trails within 415 square miles of protected mountain wilds, borders Estes Park at its eastern entrance. In the town and along its edges, merchants, restaurants and accommodations acknowledge their Colorado surroundings by selling locally made products, serving regional fare and decorating in ranch, Western or lodge styles. Affordable, accessible and open year-round, downtown exudes a casual feel in which jeans and cowboy boots are as common as sundresses and flip-flops. That said, some restaurants also cater to travelers seeking an upscale night out.
The Town of Lyons
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Lyons is a hip little town that’s the perfect place to stay — and play — for a while. This small, intimate community is known as the Double Gateway to the Rockies for its dual highways that take you up the North and South St. Vrain Canyons to Rocky Mountain National Park (just 20 miles west) and beyond. The gentle rapids of the St. Vrain River are ideal for both fly-fishing and tubing fun. For a little more excitement, Lyons Whitewater Park boasts a quarter-mile of features like pools and eddies to delight tubers and kayakers. You’ll find the area’s trail network offers myriad possibilities for hiking and mountain biking, with popular spots including Heil Valley Ranch and Rabbit Mountain. Marvel at the skills of world-class trail runners, kayakers and mountain bikers.