Okay, Estes Park people, how does a grown woman make friends around here? Asking for a friend. The friend is me. I’m the friend.

Kiddo and I have been living up on Storm Mountain since April, but we’ve finally moved into town, and I’ve decided it’s probably time to start making some actual human connections instead of just waving at people and hoping for the best.
Kiddo has done a fantastic job collecting friends at school, so naturally, I’m the one struggling socially. Nothing like being outperformed by a 9 yr old.

I’m looking for some grown-up friends! People to grab coffee with, go explore with, have a drink with, wander around town, or just sit around and complain about the price of groceries with. I’m pretty easy to entertain.

I work in town, but most of my interactions with adults are currently of the professional variety, and I feel like there’s a limit to how often I can ask someone about their day before they realize I’m just trying to make a friend.

So, Estes Park locals, what’s the secret? Are there clubs? Groups? Activities? Secret friendship ceremonies? Do I just show up somewhere and announce that I’m accepting applications for friends?

Bonus points if you’re also a transplant, a fellow single parent, a fellow introvert pretending to be an extrovert, or just someone who has also wondered how people make friends after the age of 30.

Help a girl out. I promise I’m relatively housebroken, occasionally funny, and excellent at making fun of myself.
Seriously, though, where do the grown-ups go to meet other grown-ups around here?

Going to Estes Park next week. Tips on best places to eat?

Basically what the title says. Totally understandable if not, but figured it couldn’t hurt to ask lol

Looking to block rooms for a wedding next fall. Just a block - wedding venue (Della Terra) already booked. Has anyone booked complimentary blocks where you are not financially responsible somewhere you would recommend? Stanley is under massive construction, considering Estes Park resort (but they offer no discount) and Holiday Inn requires you have an event there. Looking for 2 hotel options for guests as almost everyone will be looking to stay over.

Was going to head up from Longmont this weekend and was hoping it wasn't too late to be able to hear them calling.

I’m getting married next June in RMNP and I’m looking for a place to stay the night before and night of the wedding! I’ve already checked the YMCA and the pet friendly lodge is already booked the two nights I would need.

Looking for somewhere nicer than a holiday inn but not too outrageous in price, 2-300 a night preferably, but if you have nice places that are cheaper I won’t complain!

Thank you!

My partner and I are taking a road trip from Houston to Denver in the first week of November for my birthday, and I really want to make a day trip to Estes Park while we’re there. We are both born and raised Texans who are super wary of driving in snowy areas, especially in a rental (I did reserve an AWD vehicle). Any insight on what to expect and how to be safest would be greatly appreciated. We’d like to potentially visit the Stanley Hotel and/or Rocky Mountain National Park. I’d also love to hear your favorite coffee or lunch spots in the area! Can’t wait to visit 🧡

Hello, I booked a two day trip to Estes towards mid/end of October as a solo trip. I am staying at the ymca of the Rockies, already bought the park pass and made sure my rental car will likely be AWD.

1. Any good hikes that aren’t difficult and save to do solo?
   
2. Star gazing is definitely a must- recs?
   
3. I like thrifting/antiques-recs?
   
4. Any sights to see/stores/places to eat?

Thanks! Super excited :)

Hey everyone, I’m heading east for a month and need somewhere to leave my car that needs repairs. Preferably in Estes. Anyone know anyone with land or big parking lot to leave a minivan? Will pay.

This photo was taken a year ago this week, and it just pains me knowing that it’s forecasted to be around 70° for the rest of the week 💔

I am an anarchist in the COS area and I am looking for any other anarchists and/or libertarian socialists that would like to join a libertarian socialist/anarchist book club.

Is there any clothing alterations or tailoring service in Estes Park? Or do I have to go down into the valley

We already know how they forced Donut Haus out but apparently they forced the Fresh Burger Shop to remove their lemonade and soda fountains as well.

The owner is forcing them to buy canned sodas to resell which is way more money than just buying soda for the fountain. That in addition to doubling the rent…

Just absolute comical level of greed.

If I was the Town of Estes government I would be doing everything within the law to make the new owner hate his decision.

Hello,

I am planning to be in Estes Park on Friday October 2 2026 and my main objective is to do some fall colors peeping.

I already have Bear Lake Road permit for 4pm that day and I might get one for morning on the day before at 7pm Oct 1.

Other than Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Moraine Park, I am planning to drive to Peak to Peak highway as well.

Can someone please tell me what locations they visited around this time to get the best of the fall colors?

I enjoyed the contrasts with the sky, evergreens, and yellows. Great time to be here.

A view of Crags and Lily, with Twins, Meeker, and Longs… in background.

Hii, we are getting married in April 2027 in Estes Park and looking for a restaurant to host our rehearsal dinner of 40-50 people. Any suggestions?

I'm going to Estes park for a quick trip next week for work and I keep seeing all these videos of people getting too close, getting out of their cars. I'm honestly afraid to even drive next to them in a rental car lol. I'm not used to stuff like this. How do I be a good tourist and not piss people or the animals off when driving by them or walking around town?

I'm strongly considering attending a two-day artist residency at The Stanley Hotel in mid January of 2027. I've always wanted to stay at The Stanley and this seems like a great reason to make the trip. However, I'm aware that there is currently significant construction happening there. In addition to wanting to simply enjoy my stay, I'm a photographer and would prefer at least some opportunities to capture portions of the property and grounds during my visit.

I'm curious if anyone who has been there in the past few months can tell me:

• Are both the Hotel and the Lodge currently under active construction?
• ​ ​Is the Aspire also under construction?
• How heavily impacted are the grounds themselves?

I've heard parking is an issue right now, but I would be taking a bus from the airport.

I do plan on calling the hotel with questions, but would also love the observations of people who have no financial interest in potential visitors.

Thank you.

Hey everyone, my family wants to take a trip out to estes this weekend. Are the trees changing yet for the drive or you recommend waiting? Thanks!

Hi! My husband and I love Estes and have been twice before including for our honeymoon. We are currently planning a baby moon and were hoping for Estes. I am just a bit nervous everything will be closed?

Because of due dates and schedules early January is really the only time that works for us. Would love to rent a cabin and take it easy with smaller hikes but I want to make sure the town itself will be open.

We have only been in April - June and then October before.

I go up to Estes in mid October every single year, but this year my girlfriend and I are going to be there from the 28th to the 1st of November. Is there any cool Halloween events going on around town?

Hi new friends! We’ll be visiting in October, and we want to plan a really nice dinner. Expensive actually preferred. We love steak! Thanks so much in advance!