We really encourage you to stay in Estes. While there are a couple of towns 35 minutes + outside of town, staying in Estes Park will make your trip a lot easier. For all you flat landers, driving through these mountains may be initially intimidating, especially at night and even more if it's raining. Keep in mind if you plan on drinking at the wedding, you need to have a safe way to get back. Ubers and Lyfts are NOT, I repeat NOT available in Estes Park, so please plan accordingly. If you need help finding affordable accommodations, please feel free to reach out to us!
We are hoping for sunny weather but afternoon rain showers are always a possibility in the mountains. It will also be a little chilly once the sun goes down, which will be around 9pm.
Through Loveland, it's worth the extra 15 minutes!
YES! All visitors need timed entry passes before 2pm to enter the national park. After 2pm you just need to pay to get in. Passes sell out in advance but they drop more passes at 5:30pm the night before. https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910