A study of visitation for the months of July, August and September showed more than half of the day visitors to the Estes Park Valley came for the first time, and 42% of the overnight visitors were also first timers. Included in the study are spending trends, the demographics of the visitors, and a rating of their overall experience satisfaction.

The results were compiled from online surveys completed by nearly 3,300 visitors. The surveys show 38% of respondents possessed a college degree and another 38% a Master’s or Doctorate degree.

The household income for almost half of the visitors (43%) exceeded $100,000/year.

The most exciting result came under the category of overall satisfaction with their experience where a whopping 94% rated their visit as “excellent”; the highest ranking from five choices. Again and again, Estes Park has proved to be an unparalleled vacation destination.

90% of the visitors chose Estes Park because they desired a “relaxing mountain getaway”. The proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and the easy availability of wildlife viewing opportunities were also cited as predominant reasons for visiting the area. When asked what other destinations they considered before Estes Park, 64% responded they did not consider any other location for their trip. 25% indicated considering other popular Colorado vacation spots like Breckenridge, Vail, Boulder and Denver.