Here is the view from the Moraine Park Amphitheater.  This shot was taken just as you exit the forest and reach the amphitheater.  This is the perfect spot for a picnic or even a wedding.  It is one of the many hidden jewels of the park that are seldom used but offer spectacular views. There are even rest rooms, an indoor sitting area, museum and visitor center right next to the amphitheater.  There is also a large parking area where you can catch the park shuttle to all the best hiking spots within the park.  This shuttle is completely FREE.

From the Overlook, you can hike directly into the Rocky Mountain National Park.  It is a 20 minute hike to the Moraine Park Amphitheater and Museum.  This trail is very remote and isolated.  We are always alone on this trail. It is the perfect trail for a picnic.  Or, take your picnic to the amphitheater. It is a spectacular spot to look upon Moraine Park.  The trail goes along the edge of Eagle Cliff Mountain and has the mountain on the left and a small river on the right.  You will hike a relatively flat trail that winds in and out of the forest.  In the summer, the RMNP shuttle will pick you up at the amphitheater and take you to all of the best hike trials in the park.  Why drive...when you can simply hike into the park (NO ENTRANCE FEE) and take the shuttle for FREE.  The Amphitheater is occasionally used for weddings.  In 10 years, we have only seen one wedding at this location.  However, it would be a perfect place for a wedding.  I'm not certain what it costs to hold a wedding today.  However, it was $150 a few years ago.  What a perfect place to get married...in the park and you can stay at the Overlook which is a short hike away!

You requested, we responded. Our guests have asked for a fire pit.  Here it is.  This is somewhat temporary.  Stay tuned for the final stone fire pit.  Bring the chocolate, marshmallows and gram crackers.  We'll supply the wood, matches and lighter fluid. We even have hot dog cookers, and pie makers for the fire.  

One of the things you have to get used to in Estes are the road blocks.  This isn't usually construction.  Its the stubborn animals.  This Bull Elk decided to block the road for about 30 minutes.  He seemed to be daring anyone to pass.  Would you?

Aspen Gold - The trees are beautiful in Estes Park right NOW.  This won't last long.  Book your get away now to enjoy all that Estes Park has to offer.  This picture was taken near the Estes Park East Portal. Many don't know of this secret spot.  It is just past the YMCA on HW 66.  This road dead ends at the Estes Park East Portal.  You will find picnic tables, trails, a small lake, and a campground.  This is one of the hidden treasures of Estes Park.  Karen and I frequently take a picnic lunch to this location and we are usually completely alone.  Why fight the RMNP crowd when this special place is free, seldom used and conveniently located down the road from the Overlook.  

Although we have three bedrooms, a couple will find the Overlook extremely private and comfortable.  We have designed the home to be flexible for a variety of types of groups.  As a couple, you will enjoy the comfort of the Master Bedroom and the lavish furnishings.  A family will enjoy the extra bedrooms and open floor plan.  Larger groups enjoy the variety of seating arrangements inside and outside the home.  We have a private patio off the Master Bedroom that is very private and secluded.  We have a table on the back hill that easily accommodates four people and overlooks the entire Estes Valley.  We also have a custom picnic table in the fenced yard that accommodates 14 people.  Inside we have a formal dinning table which easily accommodates six.  We have a breakfast bar that easily accommodates three.  The open format allows people to sit in the living room and feel like they are part of the group at the formal dining room table and breakfast bar.  So, no matter what your group looks like, if Estes Park is your destination, the Overlook might be your perfect accommodation.  

This video was taken October 7, 2015 in the field in front of the Overlook.  The mountains in the background include Longs Peak.  This morning there were Elk all over the area.  There were several feeding on the grass behind the Overlook, and about 50 on the road to the Overlook.

October is finally here.  This is the time of year when the leaves are at their most colorful in Estes.  Most of the leaves have already fallen at higher elevations.  This year, we didn't have any snow in Estes in September.  We had a couple days of snow on the top of the mountains.  However, this melted quickly.  In October, we will have snow.  It is simply a matter of time.  The evenings have gotten cooler and there is definitely a feel of winter on its way.  My tomatoes are still growing and haven't suffered a severe freeze.  The changing trees and the bugling of the Elk will attract a lot of tourists.  The last of the Farmer's Market was held yesterday.  These are held every Thursday morning throughout the summer.  They are really fantastic.  Towards the end of the month is Halloween.  Every year there is an exciting and haunted Halloween spectacular at the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for the horror movie the Shining.  This includes a costume contest, murder mystery theater, the Shining Ball, special haunted tours, and other scary events.  These activities sell out quickly and are frequented by people from all over the world. This is also the month of great shopping deals in Estes.  They will be holding sidewalk sales throughout Estes with most merchandise marked down 50%.

Here is a list of some of the exciting events in an around Estes this October:

• October 3 & 4 - Elk Fest
• October 3 - Rut Run 5K
• October 10 & 11 - Surprise Sidewalk Sale
• October 17 - Pumpkin and Pilsner Festival
• October 23 - Mystery Dinner Theater at the Stanley
• October 24 - Film Showing Chasing Shadows
• October 24 - The Shining Ball at the Stanley
• October 31 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Historic Park Theater
• October 31 - BooGrass Halloween Party at the Rock Inn
• October 31 - Fall Back Beer Festival
• October 31 - Halloween Masquerade Party at the Stanley

Press the button below to reserve the Overlook for your next visit to Estes Park.

This is Eagle Cliff Road. This Bull and his Harem. I had to wait for these Elk to cross the road.  Just to the right of the road were another 30 females.  You can see the top of Eagle Cliff Mountain in the background straight ahead.  

The Bull wasn't too comfortable with me getting so close to his Harem.  He snorted at me several times until I got past the group.  You can see part of the Overlook in this picture.  It is the house furthest up the mountain.  You can just see the edge of the house behind and to the left of the green shed in this picture.

One of our many pets visited tonight.  She even likes to be petted. She brings two young deer with her. One still looks like Bambi with spots. She would follow us into our house if we let her. She will stand on the deck and look into the windows. Her favorite food is animal crackers. Seems like cannibalism to me. LOL  This is Karen feeding her dinner.