Early Report - Estes Park CO As A Destination
For folks interested in coming up to Estes Park this year, a few things of note, that may be of interest:
1 - I started checking on reservations for both Moraine Park as well as Glacier Basin inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Sites are already starting to fill up, earlier than in the past. 180 day window, goes through July and some of the sites that I've had my eye on, are already completely booked for most weekend dates. There's still availability during the week. Of course, there's first come/first served sites, so if that interests anyone, make sure you arrive early.
2 - The two Estes Park Campgrounds (Mary's Lake and East Portal) have changed hands this year. Formerly run by Larimer County Parks and Recreation Department, they've been taken over by the Estes Park Recreation and Parks District. Reservations will remain with ReserveAmerica.com.
I called them today, as their website said they were planning infrastructure changes, and wanted to know what they would be, specific to Mary's Lake. The full hookup sites will have upgraded electrical posts, to accommodate 50amp better. There will be some grading and leveling of some sites and access. The W/E only sites will be enhanced (lady I talked to didn't go into specifics) and new landscaping is planned, to include putting more green space in for visual appeal, and improving the basketball and horseshoe area. The office area is being remodeled and the store is being moved to the lower level. The office at East Portal will also be remodeled and enhanced. Prices have also gone up. FHU sites are now $45/night, W/E only sites are $40/night and no hookup/tent sites are $30/night. No mention of any discounts, and prime holiday weekends still require 3 night minimum. This is still the best deal price-wise, in Estes Park.
3 - Full access to Estes Park has been restored, with the completion of the construction on US 36 from Lyons to Estes Park, and the temporary roadway of US 34 from Loveland to Estes Park. US 34, as most know, was opened rather quickly after the 2013 flood, but was meant to be a temporary roadway. Current information, subject to change, is that reconstruction for permanent repairs will begin in the late summer/early fall of 2015, presumably going through the fall and winter as weather permits.
1 - I started checking on reservations for both Moraine Park as well as Glacier Basin inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Sites are already starting to fill up, earlier than in the past. 180 day window, goes through July and some of the sites that I've had my eye on, are already completely booked for most weekend dates. There's still availability during the week. Of course, there's first come/first served sites, so if that interests anyone, make sure you arrive early.
2 - The two Estes Park Campgrounds (Mary's Lake and East Portal) have changed hands this year. Formerly run by Larimer County Parks and Recreation Department, they've been taken over by the Estes Park Recreation and Parks District. Reservations will remain with ReserveAmerica.com.
I called them today, as their website said they were planning infrastructure changes, and wanted to know what they would be, specific to Mary's Lake. The full hookup sites will have upgraded electrical posts, to accommodate 50amp better. There will be some grading and leveling of some sites and access. The W/E only sites will be enhanced (lady I talked to didn't go into specifics) and new landscaping is planned, to include putting more green space in for visual appeal, and improving the basketball and horseshoe area. The office area is being remodeled and the store is being moved to the lower level. The office at East Portal will also be remodeled and enhanced. Prices have also gone up. FHU sites are now $45/night, W/E only sites are $40/night and no hookup/tent sites are $30/night. No mention of any discounts, and prime holiday weekends still require 3 night minimum. This is still the best deal price-wise, in Estes Park.
3 - Full access to Estes Park has been restored, with the completion of the construction on US 36 from Lyons to Estes Park, and the temporary roadway of US 34 from Loveland to Estes Park. US 34, as most know, was opened rather quickly after the 2013 flood, but was meant to be a temporary roadway. Current information, subject to change, is that reconstruction for permanent repairs will begin in the late summer/early fall of 2015, presumably going through the fall and winter as weather permits.
