Update on Estes Park construction, parking and Christmas parade
EDITOR’S NOTES: We are offering this information on Estes Park as we find that many Lyons people have out-of-town visitors whom they like to take to downtown Estes, and/or the Rocky Mt National Park during the Holidays — as well, as stroll the streets looking for great gifts — or attend the Thanksgiving weekend sales and parade. And, with all the construction going on this year, we thought it would be helpful to know what to watch out for.
CHRISTMAS PARADE, November 24, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
The annual Christmas Parade, which has both lit up floats and walkers, is the Friday after Thanksgiving at 5:30 p.m. Be prepared to come early to find parking, as the access roads to the parking lots have been rearranged due to the construction on the main street, Elkhorn.
PARKING: Park at the Visitor Center garage and catch the trolley. It will take you on a 20 minute loop during the day. The trolley will suspend service at 5 p.m. to join the floats until the end of the parade. The Visitor Center is on Big Thompson, across the street from MacDonald’s. == A second shuttle will operate from the Events Complex Park-n-Ride at 1209 Manford Ave. to stops at the Estes Park Visitor Center -and- Bond Park at Virginia Drive to accommodate overflow parking. The second shuttle will operate from 3:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, contact the Estes Park Visitor Center at 970-577-9900 or visit Estes.org/shuttles.
PARADE ROUTE: The parade will begin in the 400-block of West Elkhorn Avenue (West Park Center) and continue east on Elkhorn Avenue. The parade will end at the US 34/US 36 intersection.
ROUNDABOUT Hwy 36, COMPLETED
Which roundabout do you prefer? The old-time photograph is of Casey and the Silver Streak, which was located on Elkhorn in the late 1950s and 1960s.
The construction of this project will improve the safety for all traffic in this intersection — traffic comes down Community Road and hits Hwy 36 — from three very busy venues: the high school, the recreation center, and the events center.
DOWNTOWN “LOOP” CONSTRUCTION
GOAL: The Downtown Estes Loop Project will implement one-way traffic patterns and a roundabout in strategic locations to improve traffic flow to and from the national park. Approximate Dates: From January 2023 through January 2024.
UPDATE: There is one-way traffic in four areas, mainly in the shopping/downtown streets of Elkhorn; also affected is Virginia Avenue, and changed access to the post office. Here is the LINK to EACH WEEK’s update and MAPS. General working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Night time work (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and Sunday work may occur.
DOWNTOWN TROLLEY
As of October 22, there is no longer free transportation downtown via the old-fashion trolley cars. — In the winter season, it will be used during special events, like the Christmas Parade.
PARKING
As of October 22, parking downtown is free, all day, every day, until spring.
ROCKY MT NATIONAL PARK – TIMED ENTRY
As of October 22, no entry pass is required.==== Trail Ridge Road, which is Hwy 34 through RMNP, is closed to through travel for the season. The road is closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side. ==== The Fall River Entrance is still under construction, and entry by Hwy 36 Beaver Meadows is recommended. ==== For more information, call 970-586-1222. or web site
Holiday Activities in Estes Park
QUOTA CLUB FESTIVAL OF TREES VIEWING
NOVEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 17
Estes Park Quota Festival of Trees. Over forty beautifully decorated holiday trees fill the lobby of the Estes Park Resort (on the lake) and Dunraven Restaurant. The trees are on display from November 15 – December 17. The resort is open from 7am to 9pm daily.
FIRST FRIDAY ART GROOVE
DECEMBER 1
Take a free tour of local art galleries! Various locations will be serving food & refreshments and hosting artist meet & greets, demonstrations, show opening and live music. Ride the free Estes Park Trolley to keep you warm between galleries. Check it out.
A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER
DECEMBER 1-3
The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies presents A Musical Christmas to Remember featuring a local troupe of musicians performing holiday favorites.
“CHRISTMAS STORIES IN SONG” THE ESTES PARK CHORALE CONCERT
DECEMBER 16
The Estes Park Chorale will present its annual Holiday Concert, “Christmas Stories in Song”. The concert will feature traditional carols and newer songs that are tied together by the stories of Christmas they represent.
December 8 & 9 = HANDEL’s MESSIAH
by the Oratorio Society of Estes Park. free. Friday at 7p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. at the YMCA Hyde Chapel / of the Rockies. (donations appreciated)
