Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Vacation Rentals

02/08/2024

Planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in August? This video covers what you can expect during your visit. From hiking to wildlife spotting, we'll g...

11/07/2024

11/07/2024

Lots of TLC goes into keeping the coaster in tip-top shape! 💪 It's time for a fashion update with a belt replacement on Monday. We will be CLOSING EARLY at 4PM, resuming regular hours on Tuesday.

⏰ Monday July 15th: 9-4
⏰ Regular Hours: 9-6

www.MustangMountainCoaster.com

11/07/2024

Join me on my first backcountry photography outing of the summer as I head up into the mountains on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. We'll expe...

11/07/2024

Interested in working in emergency services? Rocky Mountain National Park is now hiring for two Public Safety Dispatcher positions.

These positions will provide public safety dispatch services in an emergency communications center setting. Rocky's Public Safety Dispatchers are responsible for a wide variety of duties, including performing dispatch and call taking services for public safety related incidents, utilizing radios and multi-line phone system to coordinate park communications, and more!

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/798338100.

Image Credits: NPS Photo

11/07/2024

This we are highlighting Old Man of the Mountain (Hymenoxys grandiflora)!

With bright yellow flower heads that are 2-3 inches in diameter, these are the largest flowers that grow on the alpine tundra. Think they look similar to sunflowers? Old Man of the Mountain are in the sunflower, or Asteraceae, family.

To help protect their flower heads from the strong winds found above treeline, this flower has a unique adaptation. The flower heads all face east, away from the prevailing westerly winds that can blow with gusts over 50 mph.

While Old Man of the Mountain can withstand harsh cold winters, these plants are very fragile and take a long time to grow. For 10 to 20 years, this plant will only grow their roots and leaves until conditions are just right to produce their bright yellow flowers and seed followed by senescence, or the plant's death.

As you visit the alpine tundra, keep an eye out. They are currently in bloom! When exploring the tundra, help protect fragile tundra plants by staying on hardened surfaces and designated trails.

Image Credit: NPS

11/07/2024

Experience the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park with 5 easy yet breathtaking hikes that are ideal for the entire family. Let an experienced guide sho...

11/07/2024

Explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park's Trail Ridge Road in July with this visitor's guide. From summer snow to breathtaking views, this video h...

18/06/2024

Cowboy Brad dropped by today to pick up a couple of fresh boxes that he will hand out at his show in Bond Park tomorrow night, Tuesday June 18th starting at 7:00 p.m. It's the first of several Cowboy sing-a-longs we are sponsoring this summer, and it's a little sweeter with a giveaway we think 😉

Join in and singalong or just listenalong and smile, Brad Fitch does a great job as an Estes Park ambassador and we are pleased to support these events.

Sing-alongs are every Sunday Monday and Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. in Bond Park with different sponsors each night, this free entertainment continues through August 13th.

18/06/2024

18/06/2024

The moon has inspired people for hundreds of years. It's earth's only natural satellite.

Would you like to learn more about the moon and stars? join us at Moraine Park Discover Center tomorrow night, on Tuesday, June 18 at 8:30 pm for the program "Stories of the Moon and Stars."

Park rangers and volunteers will share several stories featuring the night sky. This family-friendly program is great for visitors of all ages.

This program will take place outside in front of Moraine Park Discover Center. Parking is limited. Dress warmly and remember to bring a flashlight with a red light or a red-light filter to help protect your night vision.

To see the schedule of upcoming night sky programs, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/astronomy_programs.htm.

Image Credit: NPS Photo

18/06/2024

Pony up cowboys and cowgirls! Our sister business Sombrero Stables is open for the season led by the fearless Ruth Walker.

1/2 hour - 2 hour trail rides perfect for anyone ages 6 and up!

www.sombrero.com

18/06/2024

Looking West From The Lake Estes Dam Area At Around Noon Today

11/06/2024

Yesterday morning we had breaking clouds over Longs Peak at sunrise and I couldn't resist photographing them. As we move into the summer season, we generally have clear skies in the morning and so I wanted to make the most of the clouds. I headed to a patch of golden banner (thermopsis montana) that are in bloom to serve as the foreground. They seemed to almost glow. Such beauty seems to speak to our very soul, if we take the time to slow down and listen.

"Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don't claim them. Feel the artistry moving through, and be silent." - Rumi
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If you visit Estes Park this summer, be sure to stop by my gallery Images of RMNP. 203 Park Lane. We'd love to see you!
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11/06/2024

Temperatures are warming up and mountain streams, rivers and waterfalls are moving swift and dangerous. Even a few inches of swift-moving water can knock an adult off their feet.

For Your Safety:

💧 Hike on designated trails and enjoy the water from a distance. Don't hike off trail and wander down to the water's edge.

💧 Rocks near water can be deceptively slippery. Stay at least one body length back from the edge of riverbanks and waterfalls. All bodies of moving water have a strong current. The current of even shallow water can knock a person off their feet.

💧 Always keep an eye on children and make sure they stay away from the water's edge.

💧 If water is flowing across a trail, stop. Don't try to cross. Turn back and complete your hike another day.

💧 If you see someone slip and fall into moving water, take the following steps: stay calm and try to keep the person in sight, do not enter the water and attempt to rescue them (this would worsen the situation as you could then be in a life-threatening situation as well), look around and see if a branch, rope, throw bag, etc., can be used to help rescue the person(s) in distress, call 911 and report the location and that someone has fallen into swift-moving water.

Image Credit: NPS Photo - Roaring River near the Alluvial Fan Trail

11/06/2024

RMNP QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Flowers and butterflies drift in color, illuminating spring.
- Author Unknown (NPS image of Black Swallow Butterfly by K. Daugherty)

11/06/2024

11/06/2024

Longs Peak peeks through breaking clouds above spring aspen in Rocky Mountain National Park.

29/05/2024

Ready to reel in a good time? 🎣⁠
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This Saturday, June 1st, join residents and visitors alike from 7am-2pm during the annual Lake Estes Fishing Derby! With prizes available for biggest fish, best fishing outfit, and more, this event is fun for the whole family and a great way to engage with the community. ⁠
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And the best part? For this event only, fishing licenses are not required to fish on Lake Estes! Registration fees are $15 for ages 16+, and $10 for 15 and under. You do need to bring your own fishing gear, so stop by the shop before the derby to pick up a rod, worms, sunscreen, or whatever else you may need to participate in this friendly competition! ⁠
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For more information on the derby or to register, visit: tinyurl.com/dedf7m5x

26/05/2024

26/05/2024

Didn't get a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation? The Hiker Shuttle offers service from the Estes Park Visitor Center in the town of Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park's Park & Ride Transit Hub.

Hiker Shuttle reservations are required to ride. To make a reservation, visit Recreation.gov at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088647, use the Recreation.gov mobile app, or call 1-877-444-6777.

When making your Hiker Shuttle reservation, remember to reserve tickets for the total number of people in your party. One reservation is valid for 1 to 4 tickets. If there are more than 4 people in your party, a second person with a second Recreation.gov account will need to make a second Hiker Shuttle reservation.

Additional Hiker Shuttle reservations are released daily on Recreation.gov beginning at 7 p.m. MDT the night before the day you'd like to ride.

All passengers need to be fully prepared to spend their day outside. If heading to Bear Lake, wear layers of clothing and footwear good for walking on ice and snow. Traction devices are advised. Pack water and snacks. There are no food services available at RMNP's Park & Ride or at the Estes Park Visitor Center.

For additional information and a list of Questions & Answers, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses-and-public-transit.htm.

Image Credit: NPS Photo - a Hiker Shuttle bus is ready to pick up passengers at the Estes Park Visitor Center