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Estes Park, Colorado facts for kids

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Estes Park, Colorado
Panorama of Estes Park as seen from Lumpy Ridge
Panorama of Estes Park as seen from Lumpy Ridge
Location of Estes Park in Larimer County, Colorado.
Location of Estes Park in Larimer County, Colorado.
Country United States
State Colorado
County Larimer
Founded 1859
Incorporated (town) April 17, 1917
Government
 • Type Statutory town
Area
 • Total 6.97 sq mi (18.04 km2)
 • Land 6.89 sq mi (17.85 km2)
 • Water 0.08 sq mi (0.20 km2)  0.85%
Elevation
7,522 ft (2,293 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 5,858
 • Estimate 
(2018)
6,352
 • Density 923.23/sq mi (356.49/km2)
Time zone UTC-7 (MST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-6 (MDT)
ZIP Codes
80517
Area code(s) 970 Exchanges: 577,586
FIPS code 08-25115
GNIS feature ID 0204674
Website estes.org

Estes Park is a beautiful town located in Larimer County, Colorado, in the United States. It's known as the main entrance to the famous Rocky Mountain National Park. Many people visit Estes Park each year to enjoy the stunning mountain views and outdoor adventures.

In 2010, about 5,858 people lived in Estes Park. The town is famous for landmarks like The Stanley Hotel and The Baldpate Inn. It's a great place to explore nature and learn about the mountains.

Exploring Estes Park

Estes Park sits high in the Rocky Mountains. It is surrounded by tall peaks and beautiful forests. The town is a popular spot for tourists. They come to hike, see wildlife, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park is often called the "Gateway to the Rockies." This is because it's right next to Rocky Mountain National Park. The park has amazing trails, lakes, and wildlife. You can see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep there. Many visitors start their park adventures from Estes Park.

Outdoor Activities and Fun

There are many fun things to do in Estes Park. You can go hiking on easy or challenging trails. Fishing in the clear mountain streams is also popular. In winter, people enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The town also has shops, restaurants, and a charming downtown area.

History of Estes Park

Estes Park has a rich history. It was first explored by Europeans in the mid-1800s. The town was named after Joel Estes, who settled there in 1859. He was one of the first people to build a home in the area.

Early Settlers and Growth

More settlers came to Estes Park over time. They were drawn by the beautiful scenery and opportunities. The town officially became a "statutory town" on April 17, 1917. This means it has a specific type of local government.

The Stanley Hotel's Story

One of the most famous buildings is The Stanley Hotel. It opened in 1909. A man named Freelan Oscar Stanley built it. He was the inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile. He came to Estes Park for his health. The hotel is known for its grand style. It also inspired a famous book by Stephen King.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Estes Park (Colorado) para niños

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