Gateway to the Rocky Mountains
Estes Park is a community near the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is encapsulated by vast natural forests that make the city a major attraction. “We are the gateway to the Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park,” Kate Miller, the Public Information Officer with the city, says. Estes Park is around 90 miles northwest of Denver and features a population of about 5,400 people. The area is a year-round attraction with the adventures and amenities of a Colorado mountain town. Most other cities and larger communities are several miles away, and Estes Park residents embrace that. “You get a great sense of community; people take this opportunity to connect with their neighbors,” Miller says.
Adventures at Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the main reasons Estes Park is a popular place to visit is the easy access to outdoor recreation activities. The city is a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, a vast natural terrain spanning the Continental Divide surrounded by mountains and forests. Known for the Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road, which pass large aspen trees and rivers, the park encompasses more than 415 square miles of mountainous terrain and wildlife. The park has more than 300 miles of hiking trails, more than 140 lakes and over 70 mountains that top 12,000 feet, with non-stop opportunities to explore nature.
When the weather is warm, locals can hit the water for fishing, swimming, boating and white-water rafting. During the colder months, visitors and residents can head to the mountains for skiing or snowshoeing. “We have all types of activities around here,” Miller says. “People love the open lands and beauty of the park.” People will find several options for a more traditional park experience, including the popular Riverside or Baldwin Park. The park includes classic amenities like swings, picnic tables, the Riverwalk, a fishing bridge, and beautiful views of the natural mountain backdrop. The Estes Valley Dog Park is a highly rated local park where people can take their furry friends to run off some excess energy.
Stroll along the Riverwalk downtown
With Estes Park being a popular vacation destination, the community offers many shopping and restaurant options with several types of cuisine. “It is a full-service town; we are not close to other cities, so we have what we need here,” Miller says. Downtown has welcomed visitors and locals for over 100 years and is the hotspot for eateries, shops, and boutiques along the bustling Riverwalk. Residents taking a stroll downtown will find Earthwood Artisans, which features artwork from over 200 artists, including paintings, metal, photography, jewelry and much more.
Four-season destination in the Rockies
Estes Park is a year-round attraction because of its access to nature and mild and dry climate. The area can get bustling when people vacation there, and the locals understand that and relish it. “Those who live here know how busy it can get, especially in the summer,” Miller says. “The community and local economy are supported by the visitors.”
Premium price to live in Estes Park
The cost of living in Estes Park is about 20% higher than the national average. The average home selling price is around $465,000, and condos are around $318,000, higher than the national average. “Home values have gone up around here,” Miller says. “We definitely have a workforce housing challenge, but we are working on fixing that.” Large retailers are several miles away, so transportation costs can also add up for those who regularly travel to the larger cities. Transportation in town offers a free shuttle service that runs in the busier months and has several walking trails for people during the warmer months.
Favorable student-teacher ratios in Estes Park
Estes Park School District receives a C-plus grade from Niche, with a student-to-teacher ratio of around 13-to-1. Estes Park High School receives the highest grade of the schools with a B, and track and field team members brought home gold medals from the state championships in 2023. Students looking to attend other schools must be prepared to commute, with most other schools being several miles out of town. The University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Northern Colorado, and Colorado State University are about an hour’s drive away from Estes Park.
Keep an eye out for vandalism
Crime in Estes Park receives a C from CrimeGrade and ranks in the 43rd percentile, meaning 43% of cities report more incidents. The crime rate is 36 incidents reported per 1,000 people, with violent crime being a C-plus while property crime is at a B-plus; however, other crimes receive a D-plus. “Overall, I would say we have very little crime,” Miller says.
