Make yourself at home.

01

A warm welcome.

We're Amanda and Jay, Colorado natives who have been coming to Estes Park our whole lives. It's where we went on our very first date, so this town will always hold a special place in our hearts. We love everything about it, from wandering downtown and watching the elk to enjoying the festivals and all the beauty Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. The park has always been our happy place.

We love nothing more than helping our guests enjoy Estes as much as we do. If you have questions, need a recommendation, or just want to share a highlight from your trip, please reach out anytime at [email protected]. We hope this stay creates memories that bring you back again and again.

Leave the mountains better than you found them. Enjoy every moment.

Wishing you a great stay,
Amanda & Jay

02

Getting here & getting in.

Address

Provided after booking.

Check-in

4:00 PM. We'll send your door code the day before arrival. You'll use that same code each time you leave and come back. Early check-in may be available on request.

Check-out

10:00 AM.

Parking

No street parking. Additional parking is available on the side of the house. Estes Park enforces a strict 3-car limit for short-term rentals in this area. Please keep your group to 3 vehicles or fewer to avoid a ticket from the city.

Getting up the road

The driveway is steep, so please use caution. There's a flat area next to the house you can park in if you'd rather not drive up.

03

Wi-Fi, codes & controls.

Your Wi-Fi password and entry codes are provided prior to your arrival, and are also posted in the welcome book just inside the front door.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi reaches throughout the property. If it drops, the router lives near the TV in the basement. A quick restart usually sorts it out.

Door code

Your entry code is messaged to you the day before arrival. You'll use it each time you leave and return to the home.

Breaker panel

If a breaker trips, the panel is in the utility room. Message us at [email protected] and we'll send the access code. Flip the tripped breaker fully to “Off,” then back to “On.” If it keeps tripping, stop using that outlet and let us know.

04

How the house works.

Wood stove

The wood stove is perfect for cool mountain evenings. Before lighting, open the flue by pulling the handle toward you. Push the vent handle down to open it and increase the burn rate, up to reduce it. Crumble a few pieces of dry newspaper as a base, add kindling, then firewood, and keep the doors closed while it burns. Burn only newspaper, kindling, and dry firewood. Never burn wax-lined paper, garbage, or treated materials. Once the fire and coals are completely out, close the flue by pushing it back in. The exterior gets extremely hot in use, so keep children and pets at a safe distance.

TV & remotes

All remotes are by the entertainment center. Spare batteries are in the kitchen pantry.

Laundry

The washer and dryer are yours to use. Detergent and stain remover are in the laundry area. If you run a load during your stay, please remove it promptly. (Checkout laundry steps are under Departure.)

Water pressure

Tucked high in the mountains, one trade-off of our location is water pressure: it can run lower than you're used to at home. There's a pressure tank on-site to help, so don't be alarmed if you hear a pump kick on. If you turn on a tap and have no water at all, please contact us right away.

Garage & parking

To park in the garage, have someone hop out and go in through the side door of the garage (it uses the same code as the front door) and press the garage door buttons to open and close it.

Extra linens & towels

Additional blankets are in each bedroom closet and the basement closet. Extra towels are in the main-floor linen closet. Please don't take bath towels outdoors.

Windows

Please close and latch all windows before leaving or turning in for the night, especially in summer, when afternoon thunderstorms are common. For everyone's safety, also lock all ground-floor windows and doors at bedtime; bears in the area have been known to try to get into homes.

Games

Games are downstairs. Keeping them neat and organized when you're done is appreciated.

05

The short list.

Please review these before your stay. They keep this home and community safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.

• Drive 10 mph or under in the neighborhood. If you see dust trailing behind you, you're going too fast.
• Must be 25 or older to rent. No parties or events.
• No smoking or vaping anywhere on the property, including cannabis. Smoke remediation will be billed if this is violated.
• Quiet after dark. No loud music. Please be respectful of neighbors.
• Do not feed the wildlife.
• No littering. Don't leave trash or food outside; it attracts animals. Bears are very prevalent.
• Pets must be registered with your reservation. Pick up after your pet; doggy bags are in the pantry, and used bags go in the bear-proof trash can in the garage.
• Do not climb on the rocks. The terrain is uneven and climbing is at your own risk.
• No RV parking on the property, and no sleeping in an RV on the property.
• Close all windows and lock all doors before leaving. Bears are prevalent and will try to enter. They've been known to get into vehicles too, so lock your car.
• No outdoor fires, including charcoal grills. This is illegal in Estes Park and strictly enforced.
• Watch for cactus. There are cactus plants throughout Estes Park, so mind where you step.

06

The kitchen.

The kitchen is stocked with the basics for cooking and coffee. Spare batteries for the remotes and doggy bags are in the pantry. When you check out, please load and run the dishwasher before you head off.

07

The deck & the grounds.

Gas grill

The outdoor gas grill is on the lower area of the deck. Please move it away from the home before use. Open the propane valve (turn counter-clockwise), turn the burner knobs to “High” and press the igniter, then let it preheat 10–15 minutes with the lid closed. When you're done, turn all burners to “Off,” close the propane valve, and leave the grates clean. The brush and scraper are stored on the grill.

No outdoor fires

Charcoal grills and the fire pit may not be used: outdoor fires are illegal in Estes Park, year-round, and strictly enforced. The gas grill above is the one exception.

The rocks

The rock outcroppings are part of what makes this property special. Please enjoy the views, but don't climb on them. The terrain is uneven and climbing is at your own risk.

08

The pack.

We love that you brought the dog. A few things to keep everyone happy:

• Pets must be registered with your reservation before arrival. Unregistered pets aren't permitted.
• Please pick up after your pet, in the yard and anywhere on the property. Doggy bags are in the pantry; used bags go in the bear-proof trash can in the garage. Don't leave bags out around the property.
• Estes Park has a leash law: all pets must be leashed when outside.
• Please don't leave pets unattended in the home for extended periods.
• Keep dogs well away from elk, which will kick and can seriously injure a dog.

09

Safety & systems.

A first aid kit is in the drawers near the laundry machines. A few mountain-specific notes:

Bears

• Close and lock all first-floor windows and doors at bedtime.
• Keep grills clean and all trash in the bear-proof cans in the garage.
• Keep food out of your vehicles and lock them. Bears love cars.
• If you encounter a bear: stay calm, don't run, make yourself look large, speak firmly, and back away slowly.
• Bears are most active April through November.

Elk

• Stay at least 75 feet away. Never approach, feed, or try to touch them.
• Be especially cautious during fall rut (September–October) and spring calving (May–June).
• Elk can charge without warning, and will kick. Keep pets clear.
• Drive slowly and watch for elk on roads, especially at dawn and dusk.

Underfoot

Don't climb the rock outcroppings, and watch for cactus throughout the area. Mind where you step.

10

Where we send friends.

A few of our favorite spots around town. Hours change seasonally, so it's worth a quick call ahead.

Restaurants

• Bird & Jim · 915 Moraine Ave · (970) 586-9832
• Cascades at The Stanley Hotel · 333 E Wonderview Ave · (970) 577-4001
• Twin Owls Steakhouse · 3110 S St Vrain Ave · (970) 586-9344
• Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Tap House · 820 Moraine Ave · (970) 577-7427
• Big Horn Restaurant · 401 W Elkhorn Ave · (970) 586-2792
• The Egg of Estes · 393 E Elkhorn Ave · (970) 586-1173
• Notchtop Bakery & Café · 459 E Wonderview Ave #5 · (970) 586-0272
• Antonio's Real New York Pizza · 1560 Big Thompson Ave · (970) 586-7275
• Estes Thai · 401 E Elkhorn Ave · (970) 577-0032
• Ed's Cantina & Grill · 390 E Elkhorn Ave · (970) 586-2919
• La Cocina De Mama · 361 S St Vrain Ave · (970) 586-9001
• La Colina · 130 Stanley Ave · (970) 586-4471

Breweries

• The Hive at Estes Park Brewery · 470 Prospect Village Dr · (970) 586-5421
• Rock Cut Brewing · 390 W Riverside Dr · (970) 586-7300
• Lumpy Ridge Brewing · 531 S St Vrain Ave · (970) 235-1752
• Avant-Garde Aleworks · 920 Dunraven St · (970) 591-2700

Bars

• The Barrel · 251 Moraine Ave · (970) 616-2090
• The Wheel Bar · 132 E Elkhorn Ave · (970) 586-9381
• The Whiskey Bar at The Stanley · 333 E Wonderview Ave · (970) 577-4000
• Cousin Pat's Pub & Grill · 451 S St Vrain Ave · (970) 586-7287

Wine

• Snowy Peaks Winery · 292 Moraine Ave · (970) 586-2099

Grocery

• Safeway · 1535 Main St · (970) 586-4447
• The Country Market of Estes Park · 900 Moraine Ave · (970) 586-2702

Spa & massage

• Elements of Touch Wellness Spa · 477 Pine River Ln · (970) 586-6597
• Affinity Massage & Wellness · 312 E Elkhorn Ave · (970) 586-3401
• Estes Park Massage Therapy · 517 Big Thompson Ave #104 · (970) 586-4575
• Qi Lounge Wellness Spa · Estes Park Resort, 1700 Colorado Peaks Dr · (970) 235-0056

Golf

• Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course · 1480 Golf Course Rd · (970) 586-8146
• Lake Estes 9-Hole Golf Course · 690 Big Thompson Ave · (970) 586-8176

Things to do

• Estes Park Aerial Tramway: ride to the top of Prospect Mountain for panoramic views.
• Mustang Mountain Coaster at Walker Family Ranch: an alpine coaster up to 30 mph.
• Lake Estes Marina: boat rentals, paddleboards, and an easy lakeside path.
• Horseback riding: National Park Gateway Stables and Sombrero Ranch.
• Fly fishing & whitewater rafting: Cache la Poudre River and the local rivers.
• The Stanley Hotel: historic tours (and the inspiration for The Shining).
• Fun City Amusement Park: go-karts, mini golf, and slides for the kids.
• Scenic drives: Trail Ridge Road, the Peak to Peak Byway, and MacGregor Ranch Road.

Shopping

• Downtown Elkhorn Avenue: Patterson Glassworks, Thirty Below Leather, The Taffy Shop, and Purple Mountain Taffy Company.
• Parking downtown gets busy in summer, so use the free lots near the Visitor Center and walk to the shops.

11

Rocky Mountain National Park.

The crown jewel of the region: over 250,000 acres and 124 named peaks. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved through-road in the U.S., crosses the park above 12,000 feet. A timed-entry permit is required during peak season, so book ahead at recreation.gov.

Popular hikes

• Bear Lake Loop: easy, 0.8 mi
• Alberta Falls: easy–moderate, 1.7 mi
• Emerald Lake: moderate, 3.6 mi
• The Loch: moderate, 5.5 mi
• Sky Pond: strenuous, 9 mi
• Longs Peak: strenuous/advanced, ~15 mi round trip

Worth the drive

Plan at least one full day, ideally two. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass for views, exhibits, and a warm cup of soup at 11,796 feet. The Alluvial Fan, a dramatic formation from a 1982 dam failure, is an easy stop with kids.

Longs Peak

Colorado's northernmost 14er (14,259 ft) and the only 14er in the park. The Keyhole Route is strenuous but non-technical in summer. Attempt it only with proper experience and gear, and start before 3:00 AM to summit and return ahead of afternoon thunderstorms.

12

If something goes wrong.

13

Leaving us.

Check-out is 10:00 AM. Late check-out may be available on request for an additional fee; unapproved late check-outs will incur a charge. Before you head out, please:

• Strip all beds you used and bring the linens and towels to the laundry room. Start one load before you leave; detergent and stain remover are in the laundry area.
• Load and run the dishwasher.
• Take all trash to the can in the garage.
• Turn off all appliances.
• Close and lock all windows and doors, and lock the door behind you.

Thanks for taking great care of the place. Safe travels!