Things To Do
The Stanley Hotel
This historic hotel is one of oldest (and most grand) in the Estes Valley, plus it’s situated in a prime spot for the maximum panoramic Rocky Mountain views. The Stanley Hotel was built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley (known for the Stanley Steamer) as an upscale resort and wellness destination. The Stanley also has plenty of pop-culture history. Stephen King spent one winter night there snowed in, and was inspired to write “The Shining.” The subsequent film starring Jack Nicholson wasn’t filmed here in Estes – but popular comedy Dumb and Dumber was.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park is a town, not a park, next to Rocky Mountain National Park. The town is best known as “the gateway to the Rockies,” as well as the National Park. The park’s east entrance is located on Highway 36, 3.5 miles west of Estes Park. This is the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. This station is usually the most popular, receiving the highest volume of visitors each year. Plus, just 19 miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7 is the Wild Basin Entrance Station, known as one of the more remote areas of the park.