Mountainbrooks Ranch Area Guidebook

Mark
Mountainbrooks Ranch Area Guidebook

Parks, Nature, & Sightseeing

Most of these recommendations involve casual walks or easy hikes not too far from modern transportation. Guests who are interested in backpacking and other mountain sports probably get their information from other sources. Please check the websites for recreation dot gov, Rocky Mountain National Park, and other recreation areas for the latest information about entry passes, daily reservation requirements, and entry times. - Mark
An America the Beautiful pass or National Park pass and is now required to visit this nearby section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Depending on the time of day, an online reservation may also be required. The trail which loops around Lily Lake is an easy stroll - wheelchair accessible. The extended loop trail on the Lily Lake side of Lily Mountain leads up to some nice views of Longs Peak and Lily Lake and gives visitors a taste of hiking in the mountains. When you don't have time to drive into the other areas of the National Park, these trails are a very nice alternative.
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Lily Lake Trailhead
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An America the Beautiful pass or National Park pass and is now required to visit this nearby section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Depending on the time of day, an online reservation may also be required. The trail which loops around Lily Lake is an easy stroll - wheelchair accessible. The extended loop trail on the Lily Lake side of Lily Mountain leads up to some nice views of Longs Peak and Lily Lake and gives visitors a taste of hiking in the mountains. When you don't have time to drive into the other areas of the National Park, these trails are a very nice alternative.
Sprague Lake is just off Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is one of three easy and level trails which loop around a mountain lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake is named for Abner Sprague, who ran a guest lodge in this area. views of the mountains reflecting in the lake in the morning are great.
Sprague Lake Trail
Sprague Lake Trail
Sprague Lake is just off Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is one of three easy and level trails which loop around a mountain lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake is named for Abner Sprague, who ran a guest lodge in this area. views of the mountains reflecting in the lake in the morning are great.
The Bear Lake Loop trail is the best of the three easy level trails around a mountain lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located at the end of Bear Lake Road, it is also the highest, the busiest, and the most difficult for parking. I suggest you use the free RMNP shuttle from the large parking area at a lower elevation on Bear Lake Road. Once you arrive at the lake, you really know that you are in the mountains! I have heard that this is the most photographed lake in RMNP. For more hiking, there are excellent trails which begin here and climb as far as you can go into the mountains.
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Bear Lake Trailhead
Bear Lake Road
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The Bear Lake Loop trail is the best of the three easy level trails around a mountain lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located at the end of Bear Lake Road, it is also the highest, the busiest, and the most difficult for parking. I suggest you use the free RMNP shuttle from the large parking area at a lower elevation on Bear Lake Road. Once you arrive at the lake, you really know that you are in the mountains! I have heard that this is the most photographed lake in RMNP. For more hiking, there are excellent trails which begin here and climb as far as you can go into the mountains.
Opened in 1920, Old Fall River Road was the first auto route in Rocky Mountain National Park to access the park's high country. This gravel road is a one-way uphill motor nature trail with safe but narrow turns. Its 15 mph speed limit slowly leads from Horseshoe Park (west of the Fall River Entrance) through forested wilderness to the alpine tundra at Fall River Pass, 11,796 feet above sea level. There are incredible views and many opportunities to get out of the car to explore. The road is like an 11-mile long hike into the high country--but your passenger car does all the hard work for you! Return to Estes Park via the modern Trail Ridge Road. Open in summer only starting in July.
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Old Fall River Road
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Opened in 1920, Old Fall River Road was the first auto route in Rocky Mountain National Park to access the park's high country. This gravel road is a one-way uphill motor nature trail with safe but narrow turns. Its 15 mph speed limit slowly leads from Horseshoe Park (west of the Fall River Entrance) through forested wilderness to the alpine tundra at Fall River Pass, 11,796 feet above sea level. There are incredible views and many opportunities to get out of the car to explore. The road is like an 11-mile long hike into the high country--but your passenger car does all the hard work for you! Return to Estes Park via the modern Trail Ridge Road. Open in summer only starting in July.
Wild Basin is the area of Rocky Mountain National Park which is closest to Mountainbrooks Ranch. It features many streams, lakes, trails, and picnic areas. The easiest trail is from the Wild Basin Trailhead along the North St. Vrain Creek to Copeland Falls. First is the lower falls, and then the upper Copeland Falls which is about half a mile from the trailhead. This is a beautiful walk through pristine subalpine forest. For the more energetic, there are farther destinations including Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls, Ouzel Lake and Bluebird Lake.
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Wild Basin Trailhead
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Wild Basin is the area of Rocky Mountain National Park which is closest to Mountainbrooks Ranch. It features many streams, lakes, trails, and picnic areas. The easiest trail is from the Wild Basin Trailhead along the North St. Vrain Creek to Copeland Falls. First is the lower falls, and then the upper Copeland Falls which is about half a mile from the trailhead. This is a beautiful walk through pristine subalpine forest. For the more energetic, there are farther destinations including Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls, Ouzel Lake and Bluebird Lake.
Call970-295-6600 This dog-friendly Wilderness Area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. They require all visitors to obtain daily reservations and parking passes online in advance. They accept the America the Beautiful pass for discounted parking. Please call or check online for current requirements. Unlike the National Parks, here they allow dogs on a hand-held leash on the trails! This area is very busy, but not usually as crowded as Rocky Mountain National Park--although the area's lakes, forests, and mountains are just as nice. Be prepared for high elevation! The highest parking areas are above 10,000 feet and the trails go even higher. According to the U.S. Forest Service website about the Brainard Lake Recreation Area: A parking reservation is required to park in Brainard Lake Recreation Area. There is no fee to park at the Gateway Trailhead and enter Brainard Lake Recreation Area by foot/bike (about two miles down the road from Brainard Lake). Please see recreation dot gov for all fees and additional information. Visitors with an agency pass receive a discount on parking reservations during checkout at recreation dot gov, but they still must purchase a reservation. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times.
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Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Brainard Lake Road
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Call970-295-6600 This dog-friendly Wilderness Area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. They require all visitors to obtain daily reservations and parking passes online in advance. They accept the America the Beautiful pass for discounted parking. Please call or check online for current requirements. Unlike the National Parks, here they allow dogs on a hand-held leash on the trails! This area is very busy, but not usually as crowded as Rocky Mountain National Park--although the area's lakes, forests, and mountains are just as nice. Be prepared for high elevation! The highest parking areas are above 10,000 feet and the trails go even higher. According to the U.S. Forest Service website about the Brainard Lake Recreation Area: A parking reservation is required to park in Brainard Lake Recreation Area. There is no fee to park at the Gateway Trailhead and enter Brainard Lake Recreation Area by foot/bike (about two miles down the road from Brainard Lake). Please see recreation dot gov for all fees and additional information. Visitors with an agency pass receive a discount on parking reservations during checkout at recreation dot gov, but they still must purchase a reservation. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times.
This first part of the Taylor Mountain Trail is moderately easy hiking and a great place to take your dog on a leash! Officially part of Trail 932 in the Roosevelt National Forest, the trail starts generally near mile marker 15 on Colorado State Highway 7 just downhill from the intersection with the Business Route 7 turnoff into downtown Allenspark. Park on the North side of Highway 7 just uphill from the 15001 address marker. Do not drive up or park on the private driveway! Walk up the driveway to the TRAIL sign and then carefully watch for and follow the Trail 932 marker signs. The trail begins by going uphill, but once you reach the top of the first ridge, it goes downhill. So, please remember that you will have to walk back up to the top of the ridge on your way back to the car. The trail is well maintained and crosses through forested areas and open meadows. It gets hot in the summer, so consider a morning start time. The trail has broad views of distant mountains and glaciers. The trail is used by horseback riders from the stable in Allenspark. About a mile down the trail, there is an abandoned wooden structure on a pile of rocks that was once part of a failed mine. The mine shaft has since been filled in with rocks. There is a great view of Mount Meeker in the distance. Although this trail is not as spectacular as the trails in the Rocky Mountain National Park, it is a very nice and uncrowded place to take your dog for a walk since dogs are not allowed on the trails within the National Park. As far as I can tell, this area is completely free of charge for day use.
15001 Peak To Peak Hwy
15001 Peak to Peak Highway
This first part of the Taylor Mountain Trail is moderately easy hiking and a great place to take your dog on a leash! Officially part of Trail 932 in the Roosevelt National Forest, the trail starts generally near mile marker 15 on Colorado State Highway 7 just downhill from the intersection with the Business Route 7 turnoff into downtown Allenspark. Park on the North side of Highway 7 just uphill from the 15001 address marker. Do not drive up or park on the private driveway! Walk up the driveway to the TRAIL sign and then carefully watch for and follow the Trail 932 marker signs. The trail begins by going uphill, but once you reach the top of the first ridge, it goes downhill. So, please remember that you will have to walk back up to the top of the ridge on your way back to the car. The trail is well maintained and crosses through forested areas and open meadows. It gets hot in the summer, so consider a morning start time. The trail has broad views of distant mountains and glaciers. The trail is used by horseback riders from the stable in Allenspark. About a mile down the trail, there is an abandoned wooden structure on a pile of rocks that was once part of a failed mine. The mine shaft has since been filled in with rocks. There is a great view of Mount Meeker in the distance. Although this trail is not as spectacular as the trails in the Rocky Mountain National Park, it is a very nice and uncrowded place to take your dog for a walk since dogs are not allowed on the trails within the National Park. As far as I can tell, this area is completely free of charge for day use.
The Knoll-Willows Open Space is a 20-acre natural park located to the north of (above and behind) the Estes Park town hall and library complex. The open space has no admission fee and is a nice place for a picnic. There are great views of Lake Estes and the entire town of Estes Park and its surrounding distant mountains. It is an easy walk from the parking lot to the ruins of a stone bungalow that burned in 1907. The north trailhead and parking area is just south off East Wonderview Avenue between the entrance to the Stanley Historic District and MacGregor Avenue.
Knoll-Willows Open Space
The Knoll-Willows Open Space is a 20-acre natural park located to the north of (above and behind) the Estes Park town hall and library complex. The open space has no admission fee and is a nice place for a picnic. There are great views of Lake Estes and the entire town of Estes Park and its surrounding distant mountains. It is an easy walk from the parking lot to the ruins of a stone bungalow that burned in 1907. The north trailhead and parking area is just south off East Wonderview Avenue between the entrance to the Stanley Historic District and MacGregor Avenue.
For experienced and hardy mountaineers, this is the place to start to climb the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. People who expect to reach the summit of Longs Peak via the Keyhole route usually begin hiking at 3 AM. The weather can be unpredictable, but in the summer, it is a good idea to leave the summit before afternoon clouds arrive. It is a long and arduous hike with the reward of high country vistas.
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Longs Peak Trailhead
1398 Longs Peak Road
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For experienced and hardy mountaineers, this is the place to start to climb the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. People who expect to reach the summit of Longs Peak via the Keyhole route usually begin hiking at 3 AM. The weather can be unpredictable, but in the summer, it is a good idea to leave the summit before afternoon clouds arrive. It is a long and arduous hike with the reward of high country vistas.
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a collection of Colorado mountain highways spanning about 55 miles from Central City north to Estes Park. It was the first Scenic Byway designated by the state of Colorado over 100 years ago. Although you can drive on the byway any time of year, the views are especially spectacular when the fall foliage colors the mountains. Even if you don't choose to drive the entire route, the mountain views of Mount Meeker and Longs Peak between Mountainbrooks Ranch and Estes Park are some of the best in the country!
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Peak To Peak Scenic Byway
72 CO-7
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The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a collection of Colorado mountain highways spanning about 55 miles from Central City north to Estes Park. It was the first Scenic Byway designated by the state of Colorado over 100 years ago. Although you can drive on the byway any time of year, the views are especially spectacular when the fall foliage colors the mountains. Even if you don't choose to drive the entire route, the mountain views of Mount Meeker and Longs Peak between Mountainbrooks Ranch and Estes Park are some of the best in the country!

Restaurants in Estes Park

These are the restaurants I prefer in Estes Park. I know that there are many other great restaurants in town, but these are a little less expensive and so we return more often. - Mark
970-577-7427 Serving barbecue is difficult because of regional variations. For example, Texas barbecue is distinctly different from barbecue in Tennessee. Having said that, Smokin' Dave's does a very good job of providing different styles of barbecue and lots of different sauces. I like the beef brisket. But I also enjoy sampling lots of different choices. You can probably find your favorite here too.
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Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Tap House
820 Moraine Ave
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970-577-7427 Serving barbecue is difficult because of regional variations. For example, Texas barbecue is distinctly different from barbecue in Tennessee. Having said that, Smokin' Dave's does a very good job of providing different styles of barbecue and lots of different sauces. I like the beef brisket. But I also enjoy sampling lots of different choices. You can probably find your favorite here too.
970-586-3137 Boss Burgers and Gyros makes good old-fashioned hamburgers! I like to order a double cheeseburger, fries, and a shake to go and then drive into the National Park for a picnic. My wife enjoys the chicken gyros.
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Boss Burgers and Gyros
861 Moraine Ave
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970-586-3137 Boss Burgers and Gyros makes good old-fashioned hamburgers! I like to order a double cheeseburger, fries, and a shake to go and then drive into the National Park for a picnic. My wife enjoys the chicken gyros.
970-586-2919 It's not easy for a restaurant to last for many years in Estes Park since it is a tourist area mainly in the summer. Ed's Cantina has managed to remain in business for a long time because they serve great Fresh-Mex food for reasonable prices. They sometimes have live music too.
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Ed's Cantina & Grill
390 E Elkhorn Ave
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970-586-2919 It's not easy for a restaurant to last for many years in Estes Park since it is a tourist area mainly in the summer. Ed's Cantina has managed to remain in business for a long time because they serve great Fresh-Mex food for reasonable prices. They sometimes have live music too.
970-586-3434 Except for Subway and Domino's, McDonald's is pretty much the only fast food place in town. And one of the very few which has a drive through.
McDonald's
501 Big Thompson Ave
970-586-3434 Except for Subway and Domino's, McDonald's is pretty much the only fast food place in town. And one of the very few which has a drive through.
Call970-586-7275 My wife likes the pizza here. They have indoor and outdoor seating.
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Antonio's Real New York Pizza
1560 Big Thompson Ave
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Call970-586-7275 My wife likes the pizza here. They have indoor and outdoor seating.

Restaurants in Allenspark

Allenspark is a small mountain town where things go slower than the city. These are not fast-food restaurants. Relax the pace and enjoy the great food! - Mark
303-747-2541 This quaint family cafe in a mountain cabin in Allenspark is open only for breakfast and lunch. Don't be in a hurry - their sign says: "THIS IS NOT FAST FOOD PLEASE! REST - RELAX". The food is delicious and well worth the reasonable prices which are a bit higher than chain restaurants. Take the time for an authentic mountain cafe experience!
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Meadow Mountain Cafe
441 CO-7 BUS
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303-747-2541 This quaint family cafe in a mountain cabin in Allenspark is open only for breakfast and lunch. Don't be in a hurry - their sign says: "THIS IS NOT FAST FOOD PLEASE! REST - RELAX". The food is delicious and well worth the reasonable prices which are a bit higher than chain restaurants. Take the time for an authentic mountain cafe experience!
Call303-747-9000 Rock Creek Tavern & Pizzeria is a locally owned restaurant open for lunch and dinner. They serve pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. They are now open in their new location - the red roof building at 357 Business Highway 7 (Main Street in Allenspark). This is our favorite pizza in the mountains!
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Rock Creek Tavern & Pizzeria
357 Ski Rd E
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Call303-747-9000 Rock Creek Tavern & Pizzeria is a locally owned restaurant open for lunch and dinner. They serve pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. They are now open in their new location - the red roof building at 357 Business Highway 7 (Main Street in Allenspark). This is our favorite pizza in the mountains!
Call303-747-2786 The Tahosa Coffee House is located inside the St. William Lodge at Camp Saint Malo at the foot of Mount Meeker at 10758 CO-7, Allenspark, CO 80510. I am not a coffee drinker, but I am told that the OZO Coffee that they serve is a very good coffee from a local company in Boulder. Although it is not really a restaurant, this coffee shop represents a significant new addition to the Allenspark area. It is about 4.5 miles north of Allenspark and only .5 miles north of Mountainbrooks Ranch.
Tahosa Coffee House
Call303-747-2786 The Tahosa Coffee House is located inside the St. William Lodge at Camp Saint Malo at the foot of Mount Meeker at 10758 CO-7, Allenspark, CO 80510. I am not a coffee drinker, but I am told that the OZO Coffee that they serve is a very good coffee from a local company in Boulder. Although it is not really a restaurant, this coffee shop represents a significant new addition to the Allenspark area. It is about 4.5 miles north of Allenspark and only .5 miles north of Mountainbrooks Ranch.

History, Arts, & Culture

Visiting these places gives guests a deeper understanding of life in a mountain community. - Mark
303-747-2861 Established in 1917, this historic trading post specializes in the art and crafts of the American Indian. The trading post is also a museum containing the Charles Eagle Plume Collection of Native American Indian art. The collection includes over one thousand historic and prehistoric pieces. Even if you can't afford to buy some jewelry, it is fascinating to see the collection. Call ahead for operating hours or an appointment.
Eagle Plume Trading Post
9853 CO-7
303-747-2861 Established in 1917, this historic trading post specializes in the art and crafts of the American Indian. The trading post is also a museum containing the Charles Eagle Plume Collection of Native American Indian art. The collection includes over one thousand historic and prehistoric pieces. Even if you can't afford to buy some jewelry, it is fascinating to see the collection. Call ahead for operating hours or an appointment.
970-586-6256 The Estes Park Museum showcases the history of the Estes Park area and has no admission fee. The collection includes a 1909 Stanley Steamer automobile, recorded stories of pioneers, and vintage films. Outside, visitors can enter the 1908 Cobb-Macdonald cabin which is filled with historical furniture, fixtures, and supplies. Also, the 1915-1923 National Park Service Headquarters Building--which used to be downtown--now hosts other museum exhibits.
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Muzeum Estes
200 4th St
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970-586-6256 The Estes Park Museum showcases the history of the Estes Park area and has no admission fee. The collection includes a 1909 Stanley Steamer automobile, recorded stories of pioneers, and vintage films. Outside, visitors can enter the 1908 Cobb-Macdonald cabin which is filled with historical furniture, fixtures, and supplies. Also, the 1915-1923 National Park Service Headquarters Building--which used to be downtown--now hosts other museum exhibits.
970-586-4706 As an adult, Enos Mills was considered the father of the Rocky Mountain National Park because as a naturalist and author, he lead the fight to protect and preserve the area surrounding Longs Peak. He moved to this area as a teen and built this cabin in 1885. In later years, when he operated the Longs Peak Inn, he would use this cabin as a quiet place to do his writing. His descendants offer paid guided tours of the cabin and nature walks by appointment.
Enos Mills Cabin Museum
970-586-4706 As an adult, Enos Mills was considered the father of the Rocky Mountain National Park because as a naturalist and author, he lead the fight to protect and preserve the area surrounding Longs Peak. He moved to this area as a teen and built this cabin in 1885. In later years, when he operated the Longs Peak Inn, he would use this cabin as a quiet place to do his writing. His descendants offer paid guided tours of the cabin and nature walks by appointment.
970-586-3749 The MacGregor family started their ranch in 1873. This museum allows visitors to glimpse the past by visiting the main ranch house and seeing old-fashioned ranch equipment and operations. The ranch is surrounded by scenic mountain landscape. The ranch was closed due to Covid-19 but hopes to reopen in 2021.
MacGregor Ranch Museum
180 MacGregor Ave
970-586-3749 The MacGregor family started their ranch in 1873. This museum allows visitors to glimpse the past by visiting the main ranch house and seeing old-fashioned ranch equipment and operations. The ranch is surrounded by scenic mountain landscape. The ranch was closed due to Covid-19 but hopes to reopen in 2021.
970-586-5397 Now under new management and the new name of Seven Keys Lodge, the former Baldpate Inn is a historic mountain lodge which features the world's largest key collection and is famous for its mountain stick architecture. Visit the Seven Keys Tasting Room for coffee in the morning or a cocktail at night while you inspect the 30,000 keys that hang from the beams and walls.
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The Baldpate Inn
4900 CO-7
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970-586-5397 Now under new management and the new name of Seven Keys Lodge, the former Baldpate Inn is a historic mountain lodge which features the world's largest key collection and is famous for its mountain stick architecture. Visit the Seven Keys Tasting Room for coffee in the morning or a cocktail at night while you inspect the 30,000 keys that hang from the beams and walls.
Call303-747-2786 According to CampStMalo dot org, the property is open to visitors from 10 am - 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. But you can stop on Highway 7 to admire the exterior of the chapel and the beautiful view of Mount Meeker behind it at any time. The chapel was constructed in 1935. In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the chapel and hiked around Camp Saint Malo and then greeted the crowd lined up on the highway. In 2013, the chapel was untouched by the severe flooding throughout the area. The nearby Tahosa Coffee House is open mornings and afternoons (closed on Mondays).
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Saint Catherine Chapel
10758 CO-7
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Call303-747-2786 According to CampStMalo dot org, the property is open to visitors from 10 am - 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. But you can stop on Highway 7 to admire the exterior of the chapel and the beautiful view of Mount Meeker behind it at any time. The chapel was constructed in 1935. In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the chapel and hiked around Camp Saint Malo and then greeted the crowd lined up on the highway. In 2013, the chapel was untouched by the severe flooding throughout the area. The nearby Tahosa Coffee House is open mornings and afternoons (closed on Mondays).
303-747-2906 This pet-friendly nonprofit community center provides a place for local artists to display and sell their creations and much more. TOG also has special events, live music, parties, classes, clubs, yoga, bingo, visitor information, free coffee, and free WiFi. In addition, TOG houses a Rocky Mountain Conservancy Store just like the ones inside Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor Centers where they sell official RMNP books, tee-shirts, and gift items.
The Old Gallery Allenspark
14863 CO-7
303-747-2906 This pet-friendly nonprofit community center provides a place for local artists to display and sell their creations and much more. TOG also has special events, live music, parties, classes, clubs, yoga, bingo, visitor information, free coffee, and free WiFi. In addition, TOG houses a Rocky Mountain Conservancy Store just like the ones inside Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor Centers where they sell official RMNP books, tee-shirts, and gift items.
Call970-577-4000 The Stanley Hotel opened July 4, 1909. Built by F. O. Stanley, an inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile. The hotel inspired Stephen King's 1977 bestseller, The Shining, which was later a movie and then a miniseries. The historic main building is open to the public. There is a Stanley Steamer and also a new hedge maze inspired by the movie. The Stanley offers historic and "ghost" tours which are fascinating and entertaining. Advance purchase is strongly recommended. Tickets are sold on a space-available basis. Parking is free for all guests with tour reservations who bring a confirmation email or booking reference number. Otherwise, parking is at least $10 during the summer season.
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The Stanley Hotel
333 E Wonderview Ave
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Call970-577-4000 The Stanley Hotel opened July 4, 1909. Built by F. O. Stanley, an inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile. The hotel inspired Stephen King's 1977 bestseller, The Shining, which was later a movie and then a miniseries. The historic main building is open to the public. There is a Stanley Steamer and also a new hedge maze inspired by the movie. The Stanley offers historic and "ghost" tours which are fascinating and entertaining. Advance purchase is strongly recommended. Tickets are sold on a space-available basis. Parking is free for all guests with tour reservations who bring a confirmation email or booking reference number. Otherwise, parking is at least $10 during the summer season.

Entertainment & Activities

There are lots of things to do in this mountain area besides enjoying nature! - Mark
Unfortunately the family who owns the Aerial Tramway is no longer able to run it. So, the Aerial Tramway is closed until a new buyer can be found. The following old information will be updated if the Tramway goes back into operation: Call970-475-4094 Estes Park Aerial Tramway is owned and operated by the Heron family since it was opened in 1955. Since then it has safely carried more than three million people to the summit of Prospect Mountain overlooking Estes Park. The entire length of the cable is a free span with no support towers between the bottom and the top stations. This design affords a very smooth ride. There are lots of chipmunks and ground squirrels to meet you at the top as well as stunning views of Estes Park and the surrounding mountains. Call or visit their website for hours and rates.
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Estes Park Aerial Tramway Top Terminal
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Unfortunately the family who owns the Aerial Tramway is no longer able to run it. So, the Aerial Tramway is closed until a new buyer can be found. The following old information will be updated if the Tramway goes back into operation: Call970-475-4094 Estes Park Aerial Tramway is owned and operated by the Heron family since it was opened in 1955. Since then it has safely carried more than three million people to the summit of Prospect Mountain overlooking Estes Park. The entire length of the cable is a free span with no support towers between the bottom and the top stations. This design affords a very smooth ride. There are lots of chipmunks and ground squirrels to meet you at the top as well as stunning views of Estes Park and the surrounding mountains. Call or visit their website for hours and rates.
970-577-9900 Estes Park Performance Park is the location of a series of free summer season concerts. This outdoor amphitheater features a large covered stage for performers and an open grassy hillside for concertgoers to lounge on blankets or in folding chairs, while enjoying picnics, great music, and fresh mountain air. Check the Visit Estes Park website for the concert schedule.
Performance Park
435 West Elkhorn Avenue
970-577-9900 Estes Park Performance Park is the location of a series of free summer season concerts. This outdoor amphitheater features a large covered stage for performers and an open grassy hillside for concertgoers to lounge on blankets or in folding chairs, while enjoying picnics, great music, and fresh mountain air. Check the Visit Estes Park website for the concert schedule.
970-586-3129 Lake Estes is a mountain lake in the town of Estes Park with great views of the mountains in the distance surrounding the Estes Valley. Rent a kayak, canoe, paddle boat, or a pontoon boat. This is not white-water rafting, but it is a great way to enjoy the lake. There is also a small beach area for sand play, volleyball, horseshoes, and picnic facilities.
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Lake Estes Marina
1770 Big Thompson Ave
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970-586-3129 Lake Estes is a mountain lake in the town of Estes Park with great views of the mountains in the distance surrounding the Estes Valley. Rent a kayak, canoe, paddle boat, or a pontoon boat. This is not white-water rafting, but it is a great way to enjoy the lake. There is also a small beach area for sand play, volleyball, horseshoes, and picnic facilities.
970-586-8191 The Estes Valley Community Center is a public recreation facility offering indoor pools, an indoor running track, weight room with free weights and machines, cardio equipment and group fitness room, multi-court gymnasium, golf simulator, game room, and drop-in child care while using the facility. Their Aquatics Center has an indoor leisure pool (opened in 2018) with zero-depth entry pool with water play features of Rocky Mountain animals, a lazy river, a spiral slide, and a hot tub with views of the Rocky Mountains. There is also an indoor 75-foot lap pool with six lanes, a diving well, an Aqua Climb wall, and a diving board. The pool temperature is comfortable in the low 80's.
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Estes Valley Community Center
660 Community Dr
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970-586-8191 The Estes Valley Community Center is a public recreation facility offering indoor pools, an indoor running track, weight room with free weights and machines, cardio equipment and group fitness room, multi-court gymnasium, golf simulator, game room, and drop-in child care while using the facility. Their Aquatics Center has an indoor leisure pool (opened in 2018) with zero-depth entry pool with water play features of Rocky Mountain animals, a lazy river, a spiral slide, and a hot tub with views of the Rocky Mountains. There is also an indoor 75-foot lap pool with six lanes, a diving well, an Aqua Climb wall, and a diving board. The pool temperature is comfortable in the low 80's.
970-586-6548 Estes Park Mountain Shop has been in operation since 1986 and has good prices on lots of outdoor gear and clothing. Enjoy an indoor climbing gym, or rent gear for fishing, camping, climbing, or biking. They have an extensive collection of mountain bikes for fun or serious cyclists.
26 polecane przez mieszkańców
Estes Park Mountain Shop
2050 Big Thompson Ave
26 polecane przez mieszkańców
970-586-6548 Estes Park Mountain Shop has been in operation since 1986 and has good prices on lots of outdoor gear and clothing. Enjoy an indoor climbing gym, or rent gear for fishing, camping, climbing, or biking. They have an extensive collection of mountain bikes for fun or serious cyclists.
970-586-8191 The dog park is on the south side of Lake Estes at the intersection of Highway 36 and Community Drive. The intersection is just west of where Highway 36 (also known as N. St. Vrain Ave.) crosses over the lake. Park in the lot next to the gun/archery club building. The dog park is a nice place to let your dog run around off leash. There is a separate smaller area for little dogs. Some of the photos provided by Airbnb show a recreation area closer to the lake--not the fenced dog park.
Estes Valley Dog Park
970-586-8191 The dog park is on the south side of Lake Estes at the intersection of Highway 36 and Community Drive. The intersection is just west of where Highway 36 (also known as N. St. Vrain Ave.) crosses over the lake. Park in the lot next to the gun/archery club building. The dog park is a nice place to let your dog run around off leash. There is a separate smaller area for little dogs. Some of the photos provided by Airbnb show a recreation area closer to the lake--not the fenced dog park.
970-672-1829 I recommend viewing the "Mustang Mountain Coaster Soft Opening Ride" on YouTube to see what it is like. I might or might not ride it, but I thought it would be of interest to some guests.
12 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mustang Mountain Coaster
1180 Dry Gulch Rd
12 polecane przez mieszkańców
970-672-1829 I recommend viewing the "Mustang Mountain Coaster Soft Opening Ride" on YouTube to see what it is like. I might or might not ride it, but I thought it would be of interest to some guests.
Call970-586-6118 The American Legion Post in Estes Park serves veterans and also welcomes all people to their tavern, kitchen, music concerts, and other events. Check them out at EstesLegion dot org.
Circle 119: home of American Legion Post 119
Call970-586-6118 The American Legion Post in Estes Park serves veterans and also welcomes all people to their tavern, kitchen, music concerts, and other events. Check them out at EstesLegion dot org.
Call970-586-4346 This old-fashioned saloon often offers live music or karaoke and is a fun place to get a drink if you can find parking nearby.
8 polecane przez mieszkańców
Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, An Irish Pub
106 W Elkhorn Ave
8 polecane przez mieszkańców
Call970-586-4346 This old-fashioned saloon often offers live music or karaoke and is a fun place to get a drink if you can find parking nearby.

Essentials

These are the places we go for essentials. - Mark
Call970-577-9274 Village Laundry is a full service and self service laundry with lots of high-capacity washers and dryers, a friendly attendant, and plenty of places to sit and relax while the clothes finish. Village Laundry is in a strip shopping center on the east side of Highway 7 just as you drive into the heart of Estes Park near the intersection with US-36. There is parking on the street in front of the building and a large parking lot behind the building. We recommend Village Laundry but we often also use the closer laundromat at Ferncliff in Allenspark. Or, if you only have a small load, Meeker Park Lodge (very close to our cabins) has a very small laundry room behind the main lodge which operates for limited hours during the week.
Village Laundry Inc
172 S St Vrain Ave
Call970-577-9274 Village Laundry is a full service and self service laundry with lots of high-capacity washers and dryers, a friendly attendant, and plenty of places to sit and relax while the clothes finish. Village Laundry is in a strip shopping center on the east side of Highway 7 just as you drive into the heart of Estes Park near the intersection with US-36. There is parking on the street in front of the building and a large parking lot behind the building. We recommend Village Laundry but we often also use the closer laundromat at Ferncliff in Allenspark. Or, if you only have a small load, Meeker Park Lodge (very close to our cabins) has a very small laundry room behind the main lodge which operates for limited hours during the week.
970-586-4447 Safeway is the only supermarket in Estes Park. It is always crowded but it has ten choices of everything and the prices are reasonable. Safeway also has a gas station on Highway 34 downhill from the store. The Safeway gas station usually has the best prices on gas in town--especially if you have a Safeway rewards card.
77 polecane przez mieszkańców
Safeway
451 E Wonderview Ave
77 polecane przez mieszkańców
970-586-4447 Safeway is the only supermarket in Estes Park. It is always crowded but it has ten choices of everything and the prices are reasonable. Safeway also has a gas station on Highway 34 downhill from the store. The Safeway gas station usually has the best prices on gas in town--especially if you have a Safeway rewards card.
970-480-5400 The Dollar General store has some groceries and lots of household items. Dollar General is usually not crowded and it has very inexpensive prices. This is a good place to go to quickly buy a bag of chips, a can of soup, or a bottle of shampoo.
6 polecane przez mieszkańców
Dollar General
451 Stanley Ave
6 polecane przez mieszkańców
970-480-5400 The Dollar General store has some groceries and lots of household items. Dollar General is usually not crowded and it has very inexpensive prices. This is a good place to go to quickly buy a bag of chips, a can of soup, or a bottle of shampoo.
970-586-2702 The Country Market is a well-stocked grocery store with reasonable prices. It is not a supermarket, but it is usually not crowded like Safeway on the other side of town.
28 polecane przez mieszkańców
The Country Market of Estes Park
900 Moraine Ave
28 polecane przez mieszkańców
970-586-2702 The Country Market is a well-stocked grocery store with reasonable prices. It is not a supermarket, but it is usually not crowded like Safeway on the other side of town.
303-747-2107 The Allenspark Waste Transfer Station and Recycling Center accepts garbage for a fee and recycling materials free of charge. Call or visit the website for hours and days of operation (usually closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and other details: https://www.bouldercounty.org/environment/trash/allenspark-transfer-and-recycle/ The fees in 2021 were $4 for a 33-gallon black trash bag or $2 for a 13-gallon white kitchen trash bag.
Boulder County Waste Transfer
14857 Colorado 7
303-747-2107 The Allenspark Waste Transfer Station and Recycling Center accepts garbage for a fee and recycling materials free of charge. Call or visit the website for hours and days of operation (usually closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and other details: https://www.bouldercounty.org/environment/trash/allenspark-transfer-and-recycle/ The fees in 2021 were $4 for a 33-gallon black trash bag or $2 for a 13-gallon white kitchen trash bag.
Call303-823-5480 Gas prices here in Lyons are almost always less expensive than the prices in Allenspark or Estes Park.
Circle K
Call303-823-5480 Gas prices here in Lyons are almost always less expensive than the prices in Allenspark or Estes Park.
Call303-774-7513 If you want a Walmart, this one is the closest to one to Mountainbrooks Ranch. We usually shop at this Walmart Supercenter at the corner of Colorado State Highway 66 and Main Street in Longmont to stock up on our way to our cabins.
13 polecane przez mieszkańców
Walmart Supercenter
2514 Main St
13 polecane przez mieszkańców
Call303-774-7513 If you want a Walmart, this one is the closest to one to Mountainbrooks Ranch. We usually shop at this Walmart Supercenter at the corner of Colorado State Highway 66 and Main Street in Longmont to stock up on our way to our cabins.

Everything Else

Meeker Park Lodge is a historic wonder, a small convenience store, a small laundry, a horse stable, an event center, and a great place to feed a chipmunk. - Mark
303-747-2266 This mountain business has been run by the Dever family from 1922-2021. The new owners are continuing the tradition. Visiting the log lodge building is like going back in time. Their small convenience store is the closest place to get a few essential grocery items. They also have a small laundry which is best if you have only one or two loads to wash. Meeker Park Stables is a great place to take a trail ride on horseback to see our wonderful area. This is an authentic old west stable.
Meeker Park Lodge
11733 CO-7
303-747-2266 This mountain business has been run by the Dever family from 1922-2021. The new owners are continuing the tradition. Visiting the log lodge building is like going back in time. Their small convenience store is the closest place to get a few essential grocery items. They also have a small laundry which is best if you have only one or two loads to wash. Meeker Park Stables is a great place to take a trail ride on horseback to see our wonderful area. This is an authentic old west stable.