Estes Park - Whatcha Think?

[skygazer 0]

Hubby and I are planning a vacation (first one in about 12 years). Estes Park Colorado was recommended to me by someone at work. We will be driving from Chicago, along with our dog. Anybody have any thoughts on the place? I was told it is a really picturesque - we are looking for the back to nature thing and need somewhere to stay that will let us have our pooch there (4 year old Border Collie, very well trained). It's so hard to plan to go somewhere without knowing firsthand about the place. I have hit the websites but was really hopeful for someone's personal observations. Also, any good DZ's along the way?

Hey, thanks to all...have a great weekend!

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[JoeyRamone 0]

Very nice area. When do you plan on going? All the seasons in Colorado are great. We have a place 9 miles out side of Breckenridge.

[skygazer 0]

Not sure yet, I was told Spring may be tricky with a lot of snow. I love all seasons, though. Probably mid June is what we are thinking of. I am really excited - I have been east noth and south of Chicago but never west of St. Louis.

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[JoeyRamone 0]

Summer is a great time.....Hit the white water for sure....

[RoadRash 0]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!! I have been vacationing with my family in Estes Park since I was a kid!! Go, go, go!!!(Good grief I sound like a cheerleader!) There is a place there that you have to go to...its called Dick's Rocks!!!(SERIOUSLY!!!) They have some beautiful pieces and cheap, but quality amber. My parents went out to EP in September. I'm not sure if the visitors center at the Top of the Continent(I'm not sure what they call it now, my parents have always called it that)is open, and the elevation is 11grand when you walk up a small trail. Tons of hikes that are great fun. We usually stayed at a place called Machins Cottages in the Pines. Wonderful and right on the edge of the park and I mean literally!! Like you walk three feet and there you are!
P.S. If you want anymore info, PM me...man, this makes me want to pack up and go to CO...

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Fly the friendly skies...^_^...})ii({...^_~...

[flyangel2 2]

I live fairly close to Estes Park, but can't tell you what hotels take pets or not. I've done lots of camping and climbing in the park itself.

I would suggest either calling some of the hotels or continue to check them out on line for the pet situation. Remember to bring a leash, as all dogs need to be on a leash in the National Park.

When are you planning on heading out? There are tons of things to do if you enjoy the great big wonderful outdoors.

If you are heading down I-76 from Chicago, you'll drive right by Denver Skydivers in Brush Colorado. Can't miss it, right off the Interstate. Mile-Hi is in Longmont, off of I-25. Make sure to bring a bigger canopy for the fast landings out here.
P.M. me if you want to meet up and do some jumps and dinner.

Edit to add: Wow, you all are fast. I just read the post a bit ago, and no one had replied yet. I see you are thinking June. That's a great time, nice and cool up there. As for White Water, the level is pretty low by then.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[DJatLarge 0]

I went to Estes Park on my Honeymoon about 8 years ago in June. Probably a lot better in the winter, but nice little town. Lots of nice cabins to stay in, etc. It is really close to Rocky Mt. National Park too. Nice place to visit, but no DZ's nearby

[flyangel2 2]

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Nice place to visit, but no DZ's nearby

Mile-Hi Skydiving Center in Longmont is only about an hour away. To me an hour drive isn't that far.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[skygazer 0]

I am gonna do some calling around for somewhere to stay - we don't need anything fancy - but I really want it to be quiet. So may places that rent cabins seem to be more family oriented for kids and such.
The last vacation we took in Wisconsin was a nightmare - the cabin we rented turned out to be like the Bates Motel in Pyscho. We couldn't turn around fast enough! Yikes!!!

Since I have only three tandem jumps so far I won't be doing any jumping. Planning on going thru AFF at Skydive Chicago in summer but too much of a "rookie" to jump away from home!!!

I'll keep in touch - love meeting fellow jumpers!!!!

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[flyangel2 2]

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I'll keep in touch - love meeting fellow jumpers!!!!

Yes, please keep me posted. Kelli (skycat) and myself could do some climbing with you and your husband.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[skygazer 0]

Thanks for the thumbs up! I love to hear when someone is really excited about somewhere you are hoping to visit. All the pics I have seen are like postcards!

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[lawrocket 3]

I just spent a few days there after Christmas. Every year, m family gets a cabin at te YMCA center there (go ahead and laugh but the place is legit!)

Colorado in MArch is typically when the worst of the snow hits.

Estes Park is a nice place. The Stanley Hotel (the hotel in "The Shining") is nice, too. I was also quite pleased at the Estes PArk Brewery. Their beers were great!

Other than that, enjoy it!

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[WFFC 1]

On the drive out, once you hit Colorado, there's Denver Skydivers in Brush just I-76. Mile Hi Skydiving is in Longmont about 45-50 minutes from Estes Park. Estes is best during the summer months so you can actually take the entire drive up and through Rocky Mountain National Park. Toss a couple sweatshirts and possibly a heavier coat in your suitcase as it can get cold at 10-12k MSL. If you looking for a place to stay, I can only recommend one Bed and Breakfast Gilded Pine Meadows. They do have a dog there, Maggie (picture on their website - not sure what she is), and not sure if they take outside pets. The innkeepers Eric and Caprissa were wonderful and a little spoofed that we left sub 5:00 A.M. on our last night there to go jump out of a balloon. Will definately visit again if given the chance.

~Michael

[WFFC 1]

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Estes Park is a nice place. The Stanley Hotel (the hotel in "The Shining") is nice, too.

The TV version of The Shining. The movie wasn't filmed there as the producers didn't think it would be believable enough that the people couldn't get to help/safety with the town that close, so they moved it to a hotel in England somewhere. Parts of Dumb and Dumber were also filmed there (The Danbury from the film) as well as several other movies.
The Pool room in the hotel apparently was Mr. Stanley's favorite room and his ghost is known to frequent the room. As for the hotel itself, the third floor where the staff used to quarter is recognized as the most haunted. It's a cool place to check out any time of the year. Call ahead as they sometimes do have special events that are open to all.