Estes Park050

The town of Estes Park is in a high mountain valley - 7,522 feet above sea level - and readily accessible by good roads year round. It is known as the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, and it's surrounded by snowcapped peaks ranging from 8,500 to more than 14,000 feet high.

The mountain village features downtown gardens and grassy picnic parks, playgrounds, aspen groves, beds of wildflowers, and riverwalks. Victorian lights and sidewalk benches add an old-fashioned note to the array of charming shops and restaurants.

Shopping and local restaurants are plentiful, making it a great day trip from Denver or Boulder.