Estes Park New Years Trip

[Clintk]

I searched through most of the old threads but didn’t find a lot of info on being there at the end of December. Wanted to see if anybody had any suggestions, tips on what there is to do or places to visit. Thanks In advance

[Shane]

There's a big fire going on up there right now. Hopefully that won't affect anything, but it's something to watch.

Some friends of ours that are originally from Abilene (Mark and Meredith Powell - he's a country singer) own the Seven Keys Lodge. I've not been, but it looks like a cool place to stay.

https://sevenkeyslodge.com/

EDIT: I see where it says they're closed for the winter now, so not an option for New Years. Sorry.

We stayed in a VRBO in the middle of town the last time we went. Lots of those all over that area.

[kae006]

If it were me I'd stay on the Granby side. Trail Ridge Road will be closed at higher elevation so you won't be able to drive from one end of the park to the other and I like that half better personally.

[Quackerbox]

2 of the last 3 times I've been there was end of December 1st of January. Stayed at Bear Paw inn

Bird and Jim's, utv rental, The Stanley Elkins distillery (if it's open),elk watch, at least half the park will be open, rock Inn, sledding, shops, big horn, dry gulch to devils gulch rd will have larger bulls.

Plenty to do and not leave for a few days. Love it there

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[Clintk]

Thanks for the replies

[kae006]

There’s actually a really good sledding hill in the park too if you’re taking your kids. It is on the Estes side.


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[Quackerbox]

From the last trip.


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[Clintk]

Ttt

[dustoffer]

The Seven Keys lodge is closed for the season---and those elk sure don't pay attention to the No Trespassing signs.

[Clintk]

Bump

[Lone_Wolf]

If it were me I'd stay on the Granby side. Trail Ridge Road will be closed at higher elevation so you won't be able to drive from one end of the park to the other and I like that half better personally.

It's beautiful up there, but is a bummer the road is closed usually mid to end of October, and alot of places are shutdown that time of year. Personally I think the quiet time a year is pretty neat compared to the busy tourist time.