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The Village of Estes Park is surrounded by nationally protected lands and mountain peaks ranging in elevation from 8,500 feet to over 14,000.  Visitors from around the world come to look at the majestic snowcapped peaks and experience outdoor activities – walks, hikes, photography,  fishing, mountain climbing, ice climbing and snowshoeing.  With Rocky Mountain National Park at our door, amazing beauty and recreation is just steps away.

Estes Park is a year round community with nearly 6,500 residents.  The downtown offers a delightful experience – unique shops and galleries, restaurants, and relaxation.  The Big Thompson and Fall Rivers meet at Riverside Plaza, an open park connecting to the Riverwalk, eight miles of improved hike and bike trails that traverse the valley floor past a bird sanctuary, golf courses and circle Lake Estes.

Festivals bring a variety of music and fun with visitors coming from far away to enjoy the fun. 

The climate is dry, both summer and winters, receiving an average of 14 inches of precipitation each year.  On average, the village receives only 34 inches of snow during a winter season.

Community Facts

Population:  6,543
Elevation: 7,522
Climate: Nearly 300 days of sunshine per year with an average of 14” of precipitation
Geography: Estes Park sits at an elevation of 7,522 feet on the front range of the Rocky Mountains at the eastern entrance of the Rocky Mountain National Park
Churches: Approximately 20 churches of varied denominations
Median Family Income: $51,400

Education

There are approximately 1,200 students, in grades Pre-kindergarten through 12 attending Estes Park schools and about 152 professional and para-professional staff members.  The staff is dedicated to helping children achieve his/her highest academic, physical, and social potential.  The mission of the district, as determined through our school improvement process, is to prepare all students to excel as citizens in a diverse and technological society.

Park School District R-3 follows the Colorado Department of Education curriculum standards for the CORE subjects as well as art, music, and physical education.  Special Education, English as a Second Language, gifted education, and Foreign Language are examples of additional curricular programs offered at Park School District.  In addition, there are numerous sports, clubs, and other activities that are available to students.

Recreation

Rocky Mountain National Park, rated the #1 Outdoor and Adventure Destination in the U>S> by Trip Advisor, is just 4 short miles west of Estes Park.  The park encompasses 415 square miles of mountain peaks with more than 350 miles of hiking, over 700 species of wildflowers, 150 names lakes, and Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s best known “14-ers.”Abundant wildlife can be seen year round.  The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is a mecca for peaceful majesty all year long. 

There are plenty of other things to do once you have visited the park….mini-amusements parks with bumper cars, miniature golf and go karts will thrill the younger set.  A ride on the Aerial Tramway to the top of 9,000 ft. Prospect Mountain is a thrill and the Lake Estes Marina rents boats and bikes.  Rafting, horseback riding, and golf  - there is something for everyone!

Health Care

The Estes Park Medical Center is a 25 bed critical access acute care facility with a 24 hour emergency department, 24 hour ambulance service, emergency air transport, medical/surgical services, obstetrics, home health care and hospice. 

Employment

Because of the large number of people who visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, most in-town jobs are in hospitality or supporting industries.   Real Estate/Construction is the second largest job provider. Many residents commute daily to Loveland, Fort Collins, and the Boulder area.

Map of Community