There are many little roads that wrap around the village and the outlying valley, any of them are fun to explore, but there are three beauties that shouldn’t be missed. The first is the Fall River Road Scenic Drive.

This is an easy half day trip; take US 34 west into the Park’s entrance to Fall River Road. Built in 1920, you’ll see evidence of glaciers, cold pools and waterfalls, forests of bold color and vast mountain views.

Then there’s the Trail Ridge Road which is the highest paved road in the United States, and connects Estes Park to charming Grand Lake on the back side. Now is your last chance to enjoy this drive as it is only open until the first of the heavy snowfalls arrive, somewhere around late October to mid-November.

The route climbs from about 7,800 feet elevation at the Park headquarters to higher than 12,000 feet at the summit. The alpine tundra is a fragile environment with plants and animals who have uniquely adapted to the highest elevations. Set aside four to six hours for this drive, and take your time on the way up to absorb the truly epic views.

In contrast to the sweeping views of the two scenic routes listed above is the intimate winding mountain road that leads to a hidden hamlet in the woods, Glen Haven. Just under a half day trip, Glen Haven is nestled between sheer mountain walls and the North Fork rushing river, with picnic tables tucked here and there for a leisurely lunch under the pines. This is where you could be lucky and spot Bighorn Sheep climbing the rocks next to the road.

Reserve your comfortable room now and allow our friendly staff to get you off on the right track!

Ed’s Cantina
Located in downtown Estes Park, Ed’s Cantina & Grill has been locally owned and operated since 1985. Freshened and remodeled recently, there’s a separate bar and an event room for parties.

Other Side Restaurant
Nestled by the Big Thompson River near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, The Other Side Restaurant invites you to enjoy traditional all-American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner: choice steaks, prime rib, lobster, crab, pasta, salads and daily Chef’s Specials.

Mama Rose’s Italian Restaurant
Mama Rose’s offers a casually elegant atmosphere without elegant prices, and a menu of traditional Italian favorites. Easy to find location downtown on the Riverwalk offers a wonderful, natural view of the Big Thompson River.

Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant
Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant specializes in the authentic Mexican dishes taught to us by our Grandmothers from central Mexico. The Gonzales Family started this restaurant in the early 90′s. Downtown on the river, stop in for a memorable margarita!

The Grubsteak Restaurant
In downtown Estes Park, the Grubsteak Restaurant has been a long-time tradition in the Rocky Mountains for locals and visitors alike. The menu features their famous hand-cut steaks, wild game, tender BBQ Ribs, and fantastic burgers. They also have a large selection of local microbrews.

See an entire list at the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

The Elk Festival is free for everyone, but the competitions require a small entry fee. At 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon join the Elk Bugling Contest just for the fun of it. You get your chance to bugle, hoping to sound just like a bull rounding up his harem. Professional (yes there are professional elk buglers) and beginners alike compete to see who has the most realistic elk bugle.

Here’s a look at the 2010 Elk Bugling Contest:

The festival is jam packed with contests, Native American music, dancing, elk seminars, a Mountain Man Rendezvous, exhibits like the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, and elk viewing bus tours heading out in the afternoon from Bond Park, downtown. The tours are $5.00 for everyone over 3. The tour buses depart from noon to 5 pm. Experienced and knowledgeable guides drive the tour buses and take visitors to the best places to see and hear the elk call.

Artisans display one-of-a-kind elk antler jewelry pieces, chefs offer delicious cuisine prepared with elk meat, and the Mountain Man Rendezvous brings in mountain men from all over the country to compete and demonstrate their special skills.

The scenery is spectacular with the trees turning to gold and red and orange. Don’t miss this event when love truly is in the air. Just remember to keep a very respectful distance.

Elk look small from a distance but up close they are quite large and can charge if disturbed. Turn off your engine and lights, get out of your vehicle speaking softly, and stay way, way back. Use your binoculars or telephoto lens to get a close up view of these majestic creatures. If your presence causes the elk to move away, then you are too close.

This event is Free! For more information of questions about the Elk Festival call 970-586-6104. Make your reservations now! And start practicing your bugling.

Also, be sure to consider the ‘Elk Expeditions: Educational Adventures by Bus’ from the folks at Rocky Mountain Nature Association. Bus tours start at 5 pm and end at 7-7:30 pm on Sept. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29. Please call 970-586-3262 or visit online at www.rmna.org and click on the seminars/calendar tab to purchase tickets.

The Tattoo kicks off Thursday at 7:30pm at the Stanley Park Fairgrounds Arena. The word ‘Tattoo’ means an evening drum, bugle, or piper signal that recalls soldiers to their quarters. The earliest form of the word is from the Dutch “tap toe” which literally means to “close the tap” of the cask in the barrooms. The modern version of the tattoo is a parade ground concert of military bands. Don’t miss this extremely moving event.

The 2012 Tattoo at the Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Highland Festival is a tribute to World War I veterans and includes performances by the US Air Force Drill Team, the Texas Camel Corps, the Scottish Power Pipe Band and many more. The Tattoos are performed every evening at 7:30pm and there is free parking for all evening events.

On Saturday at 9:30am the largest all Celtic parade in North America dances and pipes its way along Elkhorn Ave. in downtown Estes Park. Kids and grown ups love this parade which is a unique experience not found any where else in the United States.

All the revelry, all the competitions, all the bands and dancers transform Estes Park into a highland village where color, sight and sound are truly majestic. Make reservations today to take part in this original and memorable event.
More information can be found at http://www.scotfest.com

There is always something new to see at the Arts and Crafts Festival. With Christmas right around the corner, driving on up the hill for the Art Fair makes sense. How wonderful to give loved ones presents from the art market like pottery, jewelry, handcrafted toys and dolls, custom blended spice rubs, leather goods, stationary, hand bags, textiles, or one of a kind hand blown art glass.

Rocky Mountain National Park is awesome in early Fall. The rivers and lakes have a bright blue spectacular quality and the Aspens and Birch trees are showing off their changing colors. The weather is beautiful, the air is crisp and clear and there is abundant wildlife viewing. Let our staff share their knowledge of the best places to go to for photography, hiking, or a comfortable and scenic picnic spot.

The Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival is on Saturday, Sept. 1 and Sunday, Sept. 2 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Monday, Sept. 3 the hours are 9 am to 3 pm. If you would like more information about the fair go to estesparkartsandcrafts.com or call 303-956-4685. The event is free to all. The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary sponsors the festival.

Make reservations and pick out which suite or room accommodation suits you. Come on up to the top of the world, stroll the Art Fair, wander around Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoy our selection of savory restaurants and grills, and then relax after a long day here at the Silver Moon Inn. We look forward to your visit.

Six days of festivities begin with the traditional Rooftop Rodeo Parade, 10:30 a.m. July 10th, in downtown Estes Park. The 2012 parade theme is ‘Color our Rodeo – Red, White & Blue’. There are over 70 entries including floats, covered wagons, and bands to entertain all.

Don’t miss other events like the Golf Tournament Benefit on Wednesday, July 11, 8:00 am at the Estes Park 18 Hole Golf Course, 1080 S St Vrain Ave. It’s a great opportunity to play a few rounds for a worthwhile charity, the Estes Park Western Heritage Inc. (Rooftop Rodeo) Youth Scholarship Fund. Get more information about entering http://www.rooftoprodeo.com/golf.htm

Kids get to join the fun in the center arena with Mutton Bustin’ and Calf Scramblin’. Kids can rustle up sheep and calves in a fun and safe environment. It’s always a big hit with spectators.

Each evening the rodeo performances begin at 7:30 pm, gates opening at 5:30. Friday, the 13th, the Rooftop Rodeo presents ‘Patriots Night at the Rodeo’ dedicated to the men and women who protect and serve us all. On Sunday, the 16th, please feel welcome to join the Cowboy Church Service at the Fairgrounds grandstands, 10:00 am, open to everyone.

Make your reservation now and come on up to the high country for some authentic western atmosphere and cowboy (or girl) fun! For more info go to rooftoprodeo.com

5 -24th Annual Estes Park Duck Race, begins at Nicky’s Resort on the Fall River at 12 noon, duck drop at 1 pm, ends at Riverside Plaza in downtown Estes Park, $20. Contact 970-586-9519 or epduckrace.org.

5 – Spring Sidewalk Sale, Elkhorn Ave. downtown, 10 am, free. Contact 970-577-9900; 800-443-7837.

11 – Behind the Scenes at Rocky Mountain National Park, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, 1000 Hwy 36, 9 am to 12:30 pm, tickets $35. Contact 970-586-3262, rmna.org.

19-20 – Jazz Fest and Artwalk, Performance Park Amphitheater, 417 W Elkhorn Ave., Jazz Performances from noon to 5 pm, Artwalk 10 am to 5 pm, free. Contact 970-577-9900; 800-443-7837.

26-28 – Art Market, Bond Park, Downtown Estes Park, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 6 pm; Monday 9 am to 3 pm, free. Contact 970-586-5882.

26-28 – Estes Park Western Art & Antiques Show, Barn W-Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 10 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday; 10 am to 3 pm on Monday. Contact 970-577-9900; 800-443-7837.

27 – Barlow Plaza Concerts, on Elkhorn Avenue & the Riverwalk, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, free. Contact 970-577-9900; 800-443-7837.

JUNE
2 – 24th Annual Fishing Derby, Lake Estes Marina, 1770 Big Thompson Ave, Registration at 6:30 am; event begins at 8 am, Registration is $4 per person on the day of the event, pre-registration $3. Contact 970-586-8191.

7-8 – Wool Market Workshops, Estes Park High School, 1600 Manford Ave., 9 am. Contact 970-586-6104.

9-10 – Wool Market, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 9 am to 4 pm, free. Contact 970-577-9900; 800-443-7837.

10 – Rocky Ridge Music Center Faculty Concert, Rocky Ridge Music Center, 465 Longs Peak Road, 3 pm, $20 general admission, seniors $18, under 12 free. Contact 970-586-4031.

10, 21, 23, 24 – Miniature Horse Show, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9 am, free. Contact 970-586-6104.

15-17 – Bird Camp: An Aviary Adventure for Adults, Rocky Mountain Nature Assoc. Field Seminars Center and YMCA of the Rockies, 1895 Fall River Road, 8:30 am leave, return 12 pm Sunday, seminar cost $450. Contact 970-586-3262, or rmna.org.

16-17 – Coda Coffee Estes Park Marathon weekend; Kids Fun Run 16th, Bond Park downtown, 2 pm, free, Marathon 17th, Estes Park High School Student Center, 1600 Brodie Avenue, staggered race times start at 7 am. Contact 970-586-8191 for registration information, or epmarathon.org.

21 – Giddy-up Kitty Bluegrass Band, Hempel Family Program Building, YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center, 7:30 pm, free. Contact 970-586-3341.

23-24 – Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, Bond Park downtown, Saturday 9:30 am to 5 pm; Sunday 9:30 to 4 pm; raising of the Maypole at 9:30 am Saturday, followed at 10 am with a Parade of Flags and costumes. Free.

27 – Wayward Vessel Performance, Performance Park, 417 W Elkhorn Ave., 7 pm, free. Contact 970-577-9900; 800-443-7837.

JULY
1 – 50 Years, 50 Flowers, Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar & Conference Center, 1895 Fall River Road, Estes Park, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, ticket $70. Contact 970-586-3262, www.rmna.org.

4 – The Coolest Car Show in Colorado, Bond Park downtown, 9 am to 2 pm, tickets: individuals $5, family of 4 $10, additional family member $2 each, children 5 or younger free. Contact 970-577-3766 or estesparkmuseumfriends.org.

4 – Fireworks Over Lake Estes, Between Highways 34 and 36, 9:30 pm, free.

10-15 – Rooftop Rodeo and Parade, Rodeo Arena, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, midway activities begin at 5:30 pm with the rodeo starting at 7:30 pm; downtown parade on the 10th, 10:30 am. Contact 970-586-6104.

11 – Queen City Jazz Band in Concert, Rocky Ridge Music Center, 465 Longs Peak Road, 6 pm, tickets include dinner and dancing $50/person. Contact 970-586-4031.

12 – Campfire Ghost Stories: Living History Tales of the West, YMCA of the Rockies main campfire ring directly in front of the Administration Building, 2515 Tunnel Road, 7:30 to 9 pm. $10 adults and big kids; kids 5 and under free. Contact 970-586-3262 and rmna.org.

13 – Legends & Lore VI exhibit opening, Cultural Arts Council Fine Arts Gallery, 423 W Elkhorn Ave., 5-8 pm, free. Exhibits through July 29. Contact 970-586-9203.

15 – Youth Orchestra Concert, Rocky Ridge Music Center Young Artist Concert, Performance Park, 400 W Elkhorn Ave, 7 pm, free. Contact 970-586-9203.

17 – Cheley Camp Tour, 3960 Fish Creek Rd., 10 am – Noon, $5.00. Reservations are required by calling Elaine Hunt-Downey, directly at 970-577-3766.

18 – Kings of Swing, Performance Park, 417 W Elkhorn Ave., 7 pm, free. Contact 970-577-9900; 800-443-7837.

18-19 – Hunter Jumper Half Penny Show, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9am ’til done. Free. Contact 970-586-6104.

20-22 – Hunter Jumper Copper Penny Show, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9am ’til done. Free. Contact 970-586-6104.

21 – Summer Harmony Barbershop Kids, Hempel Family Program Building, YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center, 7:30 pm, free. Contact 970-586-3341.

25-29 – Hunter Jumper Festival, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9am ’til done. Free. Contact 970-586-6104.

AUGUST
3-5 – Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S St Vrain Ave., 4 pm on Friday; 9 am on Saturday; 11 am on Sunday, 8 pm on Friday; 5 pm on Saturday; 4 pm on Sunday, free. Contact 970-586-8116 or estesvalleylibrary.org.

4-5 – Schoolhouse Rock!, Estes Park High School Auditorium, 1600 Manford Ave., 7:30 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday, tickets: adults $8; under 18: $4, family of 4: $20. Contact 970-586-3450 or fineartsguild.org.

6-10 – Hunter Jumper Festival III, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9am ’til done. Free. Contact 970-586-6104.

6-19 – Dressage Horse Show, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9am ’til done. Free. Contact 970-586-6104.

17-18 – Senior Pro Charity Rodeo, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 7 to 10 pm, buy tickets at the gate, $12 to 20.00, children under 8 are free. Contact 303.330.0216 or coloradoseniorprocharityrodeo.org.

18-19 – Heritage Festival, Bond Park downtown, 9 am, free.

19 – Draft Horse Show, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 9 am, free. Contact 970-586-6104.

The Estes Valley is fortunate to have an excellent Library, one that is gearing up for two very popular sales.

The all-volunteer Friends of the Library raises the majority of its money from the two annual used book sales. Both sales take hundreds of volunteer hours to sort, table, transport, display and sell thousands of titles. But the hard work pays off to the benefit of the library and its patrons. Last year the summer sale earned $27,900 while the holiday sale topped $5,690, a new record.

The Estes Valley Library started from humble beginnings. In 1914 members of the Woman’s Club began the collection with just 262 books, housed in one room of the Estes Park School, which was located at the corner of Park Lane and MacGregor Avenue. Open two afternoons a week, the library was run by Florence Bond. Her salary was $1.50 per week.

Fast forward to 1990 when the library came into the tech age. A FAX machine, IBM typewriter, and three CARL terminals with a multiplexer and modem were added. Staff also started re-registration of 9,000 plus library card holders for conversion to the CARL System in March, 1991. During this time the new library was built, books were moved with forklifts, and the current library building was opened in June, 1991. The Library offered the first public access internet station in 1991.

By 2005, the staff consisted of 9 full time employees with 8 part time or substitute workers. The collection contained approximately 45,710 volumes, 200 magazine subscriptions, 15 newspaper subscriptions and 5,886 books on tape or CD, music CDs, videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMS.

Ninety seven years since its modest beginnings, the Estes Valley Library has become the cultural hub of the valley, bringing together people, ideas and opportunities with quality information, resources and services.

For more information on either of the sales call (970) 586-8116.
Estes Valley Library, 335 East Elkhorn Avenue

OCTOBER
1 – 2: Elk Fest, Saturday 10 to 5pm, Sunday 10 to 4 pm, Bond Park Downtown, 970-586-6104, Free.
8 – 9: Surprise Sidewalk Sale, Downtown Estes Park, Free.

NOVEMBER
20: Bridal Show, 10 to 4pm, Estes Park Conference Center, 970-584-9771, $5 online, $7 at door.
25: Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration and Parade, 5:30pm, Downtown Estes Park, Free.
25 thru Dec.31: 9th Annual Holiday Art Exhibition & Sale, 12 to 3pm, Cultural Arts Center Fine Art Gallery, 970-586-9203, Free.
26: Holiday House Christmas Bazaar, 9 to 3pm, Estes Park Conference Center, 970-586-7205,$1.00 at the door.

DECEMBER
2 – 3: Friends of the Library Holiday Book Sale, 10 to 4pm, Estes Valley Library, 970-586-8116, Free.
9 – 10, 16 – 17; Miracle on 34th Street, 7:30pm, Hempel Auditorium, YMCA of the Rockies, 970-586-3450, Adults $13, Youth 18 and under $7.
10: Fantasy Ball, 6:30pm, Stanley Hotel, 970-586-9519, $85.00.

Most female mountain lions give birth every two or three years between April and July, bearing an average of two to four kittens. The birth place may be a secluded spot beneath an uprooted tree or in a rocky depression. The kittens are born blind and completely dependent on their mothers. At six weeks old they will begin to accompany their mother out into the world.

There is also excellent viewing of wildlife youngsters near the Endovalley picnic area of Rocky Mountain National Park, where people commonly see elk calves and sometimes hiding in the tall grasses mule deer fawns. Female mule deer give birth to one or two fawns in late spring. The newborn fawns are golden brown with mottled spots that act as camouflage.

Black bear cubs are born in dens during winter dormancy and emerge with their mothers in spring. The cubs will grow to be about 500 pounds for males, 200 pounds for females. A black bear’s home range can extend anywhere from 10 to 250 square miles.

Sometimes in spring visitors have to be patient as a busy duck mom holds up traffic crossing with her chicks in tow. Make your reservations now to come up to the nursery. Spring babies are out and about all around the Estes Valley. Come on up and enjoy the view!

PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE WILD ANIMALS! Keep your distance and proceed with caution and respect while viewing any of these awesome but sometimes dangerous creatures.