The YMCA of the Rockies is over 860 acres and was founded in 1907, well before Rocky Mountain National Park was designated. This vast complex has many activities that are included with your stay. Some come with a minimal fee. As we get closer to the wedding date, we’ll let you know about some FUN activities for all to participate in. The activities on site include; archery ($12/p), astronomy, axe throwing ($10/p), climbing wall ($10/p), crafts ($ varies on project), disc golf, fishing, horseback riding (prices vary), massage (prices vary), miniature golf, museum, roller skating, sand volleyball, yoga. Also included: tennis, swimming pool, basketball, kick ball, wiffle ball, soccer, croquet, bocce ball, frisbee and so much more. The game room has a pool table, ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, and lots of board games.

The YMCA camp is surrounded on three sides by the Rocky Mountain National Park, https://www.nps.gov/romo/plan-your-summer-trip-to-rocky.htm

We highly recommend everyone explore this amazing piece of nature. From easy walks to adventurous hikes and drives to the Summit, this place is spectacular. The wildlife and views are second to none! An NPS pass per car is needed to enter. There is a $2/vehicle timed entry system which reduces the crowds. Reservations are available effective June 1 st . We recommend seeing Bear Lake, one of the most coveted spots in the park. Summer is peak season, so please consider reserving early.

If you’ve driven into Estes Park, you’ve driven by Lake Estes. Lake Estes is a hotspot for recreation with its surrounding 3.75 mile paved trail and the Marina is your go to place for water gear. There are so many options when it comes to the available fun on Lake Estes! Take your pick of biking, fishing, paddleboarding, pontooning, picnicking, bird-watching and more, or make a day out of it and do it all! Here’s a complete itinerary for spending the day on the lake.

Of course, we all know the stories about the historic Stanley Hotel and its connection to The Shining. But did you know a lot of other places in Estes have a haunted history like the Seven Keys Lodge (formerly the Baldpate Inn)? There are so many stories that we decided to put a few of them in an episode of our podcast, Exploring Estes Park: Myths and Mysteries.

To climb a via ferrata is to climb iron rungs bolted into the rock face while being tied into steel cables also bolted into the rockface. It’s a different and exhilarating way to rock climb, fun if you’re a climber and fun if you’ve never climbed. Kent Mountain Adventure Center (KMAC) takes out private groups to climb their two via ferrata routes. They provide all of the gear and guides. Views from the route look across the Estes Valley and into Rocky Mountain National Park here, too. It’s stunning. KMAC also offers cliff camping. If you’re into it, you have to try it! Learn more.

Bob Heron managed the tramway until his death in 1999. At that point, John Heron, Bob’s son was able to move to Estes Park and continue in his father’s footsteps. With John’s passing in 2022, we find ourselves unable to continue operating the Tramway as a family business. This decision did not come easily.

Unless a new owner comes forward to take over the business and operations, the Tramway will not be open for the 2023 season. We would like to see the heritage of the Tramway continue and we are open to all interested parties and ideas. Get more information on their website.