Need some input on fun/unique activities in Estes Park and Boulder. Any help? Thanks.

nic!!!! You're coming to Colorado!?!?!? YEAH!!! OOOOOoooohh and Estes Park too!! It's soooo beautiful there. Well, first of all, to give you a little heads up before you come out here......a warning....Boulder people, well, the "Peoples Republic of Boulder" are different. They're not really like anybody else in the state. Let's say, they're the "French' version of Colorado! And Boulder is a lot more expensive then most places. As is Estes Park. I think because it's probably the most touristy park in Colorado. But for good reason. Breathtakingly beautiful.

Okay, as for things to do. Are you outdoorsy? Do you like camping? I can suggest several very nice campgrounds in and around the Estes Park area. I would defintely suggest a bike ride through the mountains.

Before I give you more suggestions, let me find out a little more about you. How long will you be here? Pleasure or business? Do you like outdoor activites? I'll be able to give you some more personal suggestions if you let me know a little bit more about what you like to do.

Wow thanks, Jenny.

We'll be there about 8 days, pure pleasure, no business. We love the outdoors, and would love some tips on trails or other sites to see, I know there's many, plus, we love the nightlife - restaurants or club tips would be great. Thanks.

All right-e-o nic....

Let's see....Boulder & Estes Park....Hmmmmm....as for food and things there's the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. I've never been there but I've heard good things about it. I believe the teahouse was a gift from Boulder's sister city in Tajikistan. You can check it out here:

Boulder Teahouse

If teas not your thing, and perhaps want something with more of an adult kick, I'd suggest touring some of the winerys. Colorado has many fine winerys and many of them are along the front range in and around the Boulder area. Try this:

Colorado wine

As for sightseeing, I'd suggest Boulder Falls in Boulder. (I'll get to Estes in a little bit!)

[URL=http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/openspace/nature/scenery.htm#Boulder Falls]Boulder Falls[/URL]

If you like biking, and believe me when I say mountain biking is the most fun, here is a great link for trails in and around Boulder. Of course you could always use these trails for hiking as well as biking.

Boulder Biking

I hate to bring up tea again, but I just thought about Celestial Seasonings. They're based in Boulder and make such wonderful teas. I've heard when you take their tour, you either get to mix you own tea, or something like that, I'm not too sure. This is one place I've always wanted to visit and just haven't made the time yet. Coloradoans are addicted this tea. They say, You know your from Colorado when your real Y2K fear is running out of Celestial Seasonings and trail mix. hee hee hee...Trust me, it's good stuff. MMMmmmm Orange Mango.....Mmmmmmm Lemon Zinger.....oooooooo, making me thirsty.....

Celstial Seasonings

Chutauqua Park and Dining Hall is a pretty famous restaurant in Boulder. I've seen it featured on foodtv many times. However, I have never eaten there. But here's a link:

Chautauqua

Well, there's some interesting sites and things to do for you in Boulder. Let me think a little while longer for Estes Park. There are many things to see and do there, so I want to make sure I think of some really great ones for you.

Wow, thanks so much. These are all things I wouldn't find on just one Colorado visitors site. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on Estes.

Okay nic, Estes Park

Estes Park is beautiful. It is very touristy though. You will most likely encounter many people on your trip. BTW, when are you going to be here?

The Rockies are a place of adventure. Hiking, camping, horses, rafting, kayaking, biking, climbing.....take advantage of it. There are some incredible views here that will literally take your breath away...(if not from the view, then from the elevation.) Remember it is very easy to get altitude sickness. Whatever outdoor activity you do, be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen. And TAKE IT EASY!!! Living in the higher elevation you adapt to the thin air, but many out of staters over do it. Please, please please heed my advice!!!!!


One thing I highly suggest is hike the Continental Divide. It's not too incredibly high in some spots. It's not like summiting one of the fourteeners. But you will get an eyeful of mountains, and you can say, "I stood atop the Continental Divide." In Colorado, you will hear the term fourteener a lot. A fourteener is in reference to one of the 54 14,000 foot mountains we have here.

Will you be camping at all. If you can, and want to see something amazing, do it. Or stay out late one night in the mountains. I look forward to camping just for this reason.....the milky way. Only high atop those peak in the darkest of dark, is it truly seen. Breathtaking.

I'd tell you to go rafting, but you're not going to be in the best parts of the state for rafting. If ever you go back and you anywhere near the Arkansas (my watersource!) or the Colorado....go rafting. Shawn would shoot me if he heard me suggest this to you because he is a kayaker...or paddler. But paddling takes a lot of practice and isn't something you can do first hand in the white water. Take a raft...ride the rapids...you will become addicted. I'm sure there is rafting on the Poudre, but I would wait for the Colorado if I were you.

The Estes-Park homepage is probably the best link I can give you. It's really going to depend on what types of things you like to do.
Please feel free to write me any time for any more suggestion. Meanwhile, here is that link:

Estes Park

Have fun. Remember the Colorado State Park motto.....Play Hard, Rest Easy. Please don't hesitate if you have any questions. I hope this helps. Enjoy the views nic.

Awesome again gogenni, thanks. We leave the last week of July. Good stuff.