I am frequently asked what outdoor activities are there in the winter in and around Estes.  Besides snowshoeing anywhere in the park, sledding at Hidden Valley which is just 10 minutes from the Overlook, there is skating at the YMCA.  The YMCA is just 1 mile down the road and actually has lots of activities for visitors, even if you aren't staying there!  Be sure to visit their website and look for the visitor day pass.  Here are a couple of pictures from December 31st, 2017.  The temperature is only in the 30s but with our powerful sun (due to our elevation) it feels like 60 degrees.

Here are some of the things we have done to help insure your vacation is worry free....

• ​Fire Extinguishers in the home, gazebo, fire pit and bar
• Carbon and Smoke Detectors throughout the home
  
• Emergency Kit in the home
  
• Emergency Lights in the home
  
• Temporary Backup Power to furnace
  
• Deadbolts on all doors
  
• Single level home with no steps out to the yard and deck
  
• Fenced property with lockable gates
  
• Flood lights surrounding the property
  
• Well lit parking, stairs, ramp, etc.
  
• This is a LEGAL vacation rental home which requires the home meet certain codes
  
  • Legal bedrooms with egress
    
  • Legal bathrooms
    
  • Dark sky outdoor lighting
    
  • Sufficient parking for home
    
  • Commercial insurance, utilities and paying local taxes
    

Many people ask what is behind The Overlook.  To be clear...nothing but the forest of RMNP.  How long does it take to get to the RMNP from The Overlook? A few seconds!  Walk out the back door.  The first trailhead is about 1/2 mile away.  From this trailhead you can reach the outdoor Amphitheater, Moraine Park Discovery Center, RMNP Bus Service, etc. within about a 20 minute easy hike.  Why rent a house surrounded by other tract homes, next to highways, etc. when you can enjoy Estes and the RMNP from the most convenient location imaginable.  Plus, you have your own entertainment sanctuary, AKA yard, with gazebo, outdoor bar, horseshoes, gas grill, fire pit, romantic swing, picnic table for 14, grassed lawn, fenced yard, etc.  Compare that!

As you know from a previous post, I have several projects planned for the Overlook in 2018.

​Upgrade Spare Bedroom TVs - I replaced the 19" LCD TVs with 32" LCD TVs in the two spare bedrooms.  We have 50-60" LCD TVs in the Living Room, Master Bedroom and Outdoor Bar.  You gotta love Cyber Monday!

​Hot Tub In Gazebo - The new hot tub is ordered and in route.  This will take a couple months to complete.  We need to pour a concrete pad, run electric, and figure out how the heck to get it up the mountain to the Gazebo!  Stay tuned.

​Sauna in Repurposed Water Tank - This will take a while.  We need to complete the repurposing of the water tank which includes building a roof before installing a sauna.  We will be luck to have this complete before the middle of 2018 summer since it depends on good weather.  Stay tuned.

​NOTE:  Now is a good time to reserve the Overlook.  Once these enhancements are complete, prices will go up to match other vacation rentals in the area.