The Naming of Estes Park
The word “Park,” in the parlance of the mountains, means upland valley. The name “Estes Park” (or “Este’s Park” as it was first known), was bestowed on the valley by William Byers, founding editor of the Rocky Mountain News, in honor of its first permanent Anglo residents, Kentuckian Joel Estes and his wife Patsy. Byers, and his party, on their way to a failed attempt to climb Longs Peak in 1864, stayed with the Estes family, paying his hosts $2.20 for food and lodging. Writing of the experience for the News, Byers predicted that “eventually this park will become a favorite pleasure resort.”
The Estes family did not stay, leaving in 1866, in search for a more temperate place in which to ranch their cattle. Others, however, soon arrived, and by 1874, the valley had been opened for settlement under the terms of the Homestead Act. Though the first pioneer families (the MacGregors, Spragues, Jameses, Hupps, Fergusons, and Lambs among them) came to ranch and farm, most soon discovered that a more profitable living could be made by taking care of the needs of the summer visitors who arrived, and in ever-increasing numbers, to recreate and rest among scenery that many described as rivaling Switzerland itself. Learn More >>
Estes Park
Allenspark
Glenn Haven
Looking to Invest or Call Estes Park your Home?
Contact Heidi to learn more about the area. As a long time visitor and resident, Heidi Riedesel can assist you with your search to find the right property for you!
About Estes Park
With a population of approximately 6,ooo full time residents, Estes Park hosts over 4 million visitors per year with the Rocky Mountain National Park as the anchor for entertainment and adventure.
- Statistics About Estes Park
- Population 6,310
- Median Age 58.5
- Average Household Income $70,477
- Median Home Price $ 452,000
- Snowfall averages 82″ per year
About Allenspark
Allenspark sits along the beautiful Peak to Peak Scenic Highway. Twelve miles south of Estes Park, this small town provides more than just easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park. Allenspark resides in Boulder County (with a small percentage in Larimer County) at 8,504 feet of elevation.
About Glen Haven
Glen Haven is a unique town situated in a narrow valley along the Big Thompson River just outside of Estes Park, Colorado.
