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tourist info

Here is a link to the Estes Park website so that you can explore the area before you come out for the wedding: www.estes-park.com.

Here are some maps of the area:
Map of Estes Park
Map of Rocky Mountain National Park

where to stay

The site of the wedding, Lake Shore Lodge, provides rooms, but there are many other options. We recommend you take some time going through the websites listed below to find the type of lodging that best fits your idea of a Colorado vacation. And don't wait long to make reservations. September is a very popular time to visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park because the Aspen leaves are gold, elk are everywhere, and (usually) the weather is nice.

Websites providing info and links on a wide range of hotels, motels, cabins, lodges, concos, and B&Bs:

The Stanley Hotel (800-976-1377) is about a mile west of Lake Shore Lodge on Wonderview Ave. (Hwy 34 bypass). This is an historic hotel, famous for (a) inspiring Stephen King to write "The Shining" and (b) being haunted.

Here are some options that we noticed were within 1/2 mile or so of Lake Shore Lodge on Rte 34 (Big Thompson Ave.) the last time we were in Estes Park. Most of these properties provide lake and mountain views with few trees, offering convenience of being in town and near the wedding site, but do not offer solitude or that wilderness experience.

Alternatively, you might try just west of Estes Park along Elkhorn Avenue or Fall River Road, about 10 minutes from Lake Shore Lodge. There are some nice motels and cabins in peaceful settings along Fall River. Here are some we noticed the last time we were there:

directions from the airport

Estes is an hour and a half from Denver International Airport.
Map of Directions
  1. North on Peña Blvd to terminal departures and airport exit
  2. Take Peña Blvd
  3. Take E-470 N, exit number 6B
  4. Merge onto E-470 N
  5. Merge onto I-25 N/US-87 N, towards Fort Collins
  6. Take the CO-66, exit number 243 to Lyons
  7. Turn left onto CO-66 to Estes Park. Continue to follow CO-66
  8. CO-66 becomes HWY 36 W
  9. Follow HWY 36 to Estes Park

As you get to Estes Park, you will cross over Lake Estes - if you look to the right you will see Lake Shore Lodge where the wedding will be.

visitor info (estes park and RMNP)

Events: 09/22/07 - 09/23/07
Autumn Gold - A Festival of Brats 'n Band
Where: Bond Park in the Center of Downtown Estes Park
When: 10 am - 5 pm
Details: Hear great music and enjoy the treats. It's an annual event heralding golden sights and sounds from a series of bands.
Contact Phone: 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES

Elevation: 7760 ft (roads in RMNP go much higher, up to 12,183 feet on Trail Ridge Road!)

Weather: September is our favorite weather month in Colorado!

Activities:

Erik Brechun & Robyn Sarafin