Whimsadoodle Inc. is stepping in to guide the future of the Historic Park Theatre in Estes Park, preserving one of America’s most beloved cinematic landmarks.

Opened in 1913, the Park Theatre is the nation’s oldest continuously operating, purpose-built movie house.

The iconic 1929 tower still graces downtown, a testament to decades of careful stewardship by the Stanger family.

Their passion ensured the theatre remained a lively space for movies, performances, and treasured community gatherings.

This spring, Whimsadoodle will launch sensitive renovations, blending modern upgrades with respect for the building’s historic spirit and boosting accessibility for all.

As a nonprofit, Whimsadoodle encourages local support and donations to keep the Park Theatre thriving for future generations.

Meanwhile, Estes Park looks forward to hosting the First Peoples Festival in January 2026, promising vivid celebrations of Indigenous culture and the arts.

Estes Park will bring back the electrifying sport of skijoring from January 23–25, 2026, hosting the action-packed event at the Estes Park Events Complex.

This high-speed spectacle pairs skiers with horseback riders, challenging them to race through a demanding course lined with obstacles, gates, and jumps.

Blending Colorado’s storied skiing history with wild west cowboy flair, the event guarantees excitement for both competitors and the crowd.

Athletes will go head-to-head for impressive cash prizes, wowing spectators with their skill and boldness.

Visitors can also explore the Warming Hut Expo with local vendors, tasty food trucks, and the Education Foundation’s Fun Zone packed with interactive children’s activities.

Experience the unique rush of skijoring in the Rocky Mountains for a weekend filled with community and adventure.

Long before synchronized light displays, Estes Park’s Christmas spirit shined through the creativity of Buel Porter.

Arriving in the early 1950s, Porter, a skilled sign painter and commercial illustrator, brought his talents to the community after years designing billboards and movie slides.

After purchasing Estes Park Signs in 1951, he soon began painting whimsical holiday scenes, starting in his own yard and then expanding to public displays by 1957.

For a decade, Porter’s vibrant panels transformed the town, featuring everything from towering shepherds to playful depictions like Christmas in Bugville and a stunning 22-foot Risen Jesus.

Crafted on classic plywood, these pieces were meant to fade and be replaced—yet their seasonal return became an anticipated tradition.

Though Porter passed in 1969, his spirit lingers each year, celebrating not just Christmas, but the heartfelt presence of a close-knit community.

Recent mild weather has resulted in challenging sledding conditions at Hidden Valley within Rocky Mountain National Park.

Limited snowfall has left rocks and vegetation exposed on the sledding hill, while icy, hard-packed snow increases the risk of accidents.

Visitors are encouraged to plan carefully, sled only feet-first, and have safe strategies for stopping.

Hidden Valley remains the park’s only designated sledding area, located just seven miles from both Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances on Trail Ridge Road.

The site offers flush restrooms and a warming hut on weekends, but no staff, tow ropes, or equipment rentals—so bring your own plastic sleds or tubes, as metal runners aren’t allowed.

With unsatisfactory sledding, consider snowshoeing or cross-country skiing around Bear Lake.

Dress warmly, use traction on icy paths, and always check weather updates before heading out.

Powerful windstorms battered Colorado’s Front Range this week, forcing widespread disruptions as gusts soared above 100 mph.

The Colorado Department of Transportation shut down major highways, including US 36 between Lyons and Boulder, while Boulder Valley School District canceled classes on December 18 due to persistent power outages and safety issues.

Xcel Energy preemptively cut electricity to tens of thousands in Boulder, Jefferson, Weld, Larimer, Gilpin, and Clear Creek counties to reduce wildfire risk from downed lines, and warned that restoration could take through the weekend.

Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser condemned the lengthy outages and criticized Xcel’s communication.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is now collecting feedback from residents as they consider next steps. The National Weather Service urges locals to stay alert for updates as strong winds and outage risks may persist.

Intense high winds are causing widespread power outages in Estes Park, with Estes Park Power & Communications crews working through hazardous conditions to restore electricity.

Crews are inspecting lines and making repairs, but extreme gusts are slowing recovery efforts, especially in areas where bucket trucks can't be used safely.

Outages have been reported from the southwest and south sides of town along Colorado Highway 7 to Allenspark, as well as neighborhoods on U.S. Highways 34 and 36 east of Estes Park.

Residents should call 911 if they see downed power lines and follow safety warnings—no need to report outages already shown on the outage map.

The wildfire risk is especially high, and the town strongly advises against outdoor burning or any spark-producing activities.

Locals are urged to charge medical devices, stock batteries, set refrigerators cold, and unplug electronics to stay safe during the outages.

Estes Park is experiencing powerful winter winds this season, with gusts climbing up to 90 miles per hour.

Despite the blustery weather, the town is bustling with holiday spirit.

Brilliant lights illuminate downtown, and Bond Park glows with festive displays, fostering a cozy atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Locals are making the most of the quieter streets, savoring the town’s winter beauty.

Excitement is building for upcoming events like the first-ever Sleigh the Games festival, featuring winter sports, the spirited Chase the Glow race, and a sweet stroll through downtown from December 12–14.

The Estes Park Holiday Wine Festival returns November 29, showcasing local wines and handcrafted treats.

As the wind persists, residents are urged to secure outdoor items and bundle up.

Enjoy the magic and community warmth that define winter in Estes Park.

Starting January 1, 2026, Rocky Mountain National Park will implement new entrance fees impacting international visitors and motorcyclists.

International visitors will face a $100 per-person entrance fee in addition to the regular vehicle charge, reflecting a nationwide effort among 11 popular parks to ensure fair preservation funding.

The America the Beautiful annual pass for non-U.S. residents will rise to $250, while the cost remains $80 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Motorcyclists benefit as the pass will now cover up to two bikes, making park access more affordable for groups.

These changes support much-needed infrastructure improvements and maintenance at Rocky Mountain and other national parks, aiming to enhance future visits for everyone.

Travelers should review these new fees and prepare accordingly for a smooth trip.

Rocky Mountain National Park is launching an effort to restore endangered wetlands and address the growing impact of moose on these fragile habitats.

Park officials are inviting community input to help shape future management strategies.

A virtual information session is planned for Monday, December 8, 6–7:15 p.m. MT.

The event will outline the importance of wetlands, answer public questions, and guide participants on providing feedback through the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website.

Recent years have seen dramatic changes, with thriving willow-beaver wetlands in areas like Moraine Park turning into moose-elk-grasslands.

Park efforts now focus on protecting plants from grazing, restoring native species, and managing moose and elk numbers.

Residents can register for the virtual session and share their comments online or by mail through January 8, 2026, helping shape the future of the park’s wetlands.

Goodnight Estes Park is a vibrant new children’s book created by locals Patrick and Andria Martchink and illustrated by Andria.

This charming board book celebrates Estes Park’s scenic trails, beloved landmarks, and friendly downtown spirit, offering families a keepsake that reflects true community love.

The official launch happens Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10 a.m., hosted by Macdonald Book Shop at the Estes Park Mountain Shop on Big Thompson Avenue.

The free event welcomes everyone, featuring a meet-and-greet with the authors, a lively reading, light treats, and fun activities like a scavenger hunt and raffles for kids.

Ideal for young readers yet appealing as a meaningful memento for adults, the book is available for pre-order and will be sold at select Estes Valley retailers for $19.99.

Howdy, neighbors! Buck Timber here, shaking off the Thanksgiving haze and counting the days until mashed potatoes officially become a food group.

If you attended the Catch the Glow Parade along Elkhorn Avenue, you might've witnessed dazzling handmade floats — and maybe even Santa sneaking a wink under those cold November winds.

With turkey leftovers gone, Estes Park bursts into holiday mode. Twinkling lights, vanishing cookies, and a jam-packed town calendar signal festive excitement ahead.

This December, don’t miss the debut Sleigh the Games - Holiday Adventure Fest from December 12-14 at Estes Park Events Complex, featuring winter sports, live music, food trucks, indoor snow tubing, human curling, and winter cocktails for all ages.

For festive décor lovers, the Festival of Trees at Estes Park Resort dazzles with 50 uniquely decorated trees, raffles, and free admission through December 14 — all supporting local charity.

Music fans can gather for the Holiday Sing-Along at Lula Dorsey Museum on December 6 for a morning of classic tunes and community cheer.

Bundle up, savor the spirit, and join neighbors in making this holiday season in Estes Park truly magical.

Estes Park police have launched a groundbreaking initiative to improve interactions with residents who have disabilities through

Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park has transformed from a tranquil, clear retreat to a dazzling spectacle after a major June 2024 landslide in Chaos Canyon.

This event washed fine rock particles—known as rock flour—into the lake, creating a stunning milky, bright green color that now draws crowds of curious visitors.

The landslide's origin on the southern slope of Hallett Peak has been confirmed by park officials, but preliminary studies report the ecosystem remains stable, with no serious impact on local fish or plants.

Reaching Lake Haiyaha requires a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead, passing scenic highlights like Nymph Lake and Dream Lake.

With the surge in popularity, early arrival and preparation for rocky terrain are smart moves.

The lake’s luminous waters continue to awe hikers and photographers visiting Estes Park and beyond.

As autumn arrives in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park’s renowned elk rut captivates visitors with the sights and sounds of bull elk competing for mates.

To protect the elk during this sensitive time, meadows in key areas — including Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow, and Holzwarth Meadow — are closed daily from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. through October 31.

During closure hours, visitors cannot enter these meadows or fish along the Fall River, Thompson River, or Colorado River.

Officials urge everyone to keep at least 75 feet away from elk and prohibit spotlighting, elk calling, and using headlights to view wildlife.

These guidelines ensure a respectful, safe environment, allowing guests to enjoy this autumn tradition while preserving the well-being of the park’s treasured elk.

The 18th Annual Handmade in Colorado Expo is set to return to Bond Park in downtown Estes Park from August 22 to 24.

This celebrated event brings together more than 100 talented Colorado artisans, highlighting original pieces in metal, glass, fiber, clay, and more.

Bond Park, located at MacGregor and Elkhorn Avenues, creates a scenic gathering spot surrounded by mountains and close to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Visitors can meet both emerging and seasoned artists, discover unique crafts, and enjoy diverse live music performances—all with free admission.

Expo hours run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Experience Colorado’s vibrant creative spirit while supporting local artists in one of the region’s most picturesque locations.

Rocky Mountain National Park, at the heart of Colorado’s Rockies, features spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.

Trail Ridge Road stands out as a highlight, stretching 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake, and reaching 12,183 feet above sea level.

As the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., it offers panoramic alpine views and remarkable access across the Continental Divide.

Typically open late May through early October, the 2025 season began on May 30, with visitors advised to prepare for changing weather and reserve timed entry during peak hours.

Must-see stops include Many Parks Curve Overlook for glacier-carved vistas, Rainbow Curve for sunrise hues, and the Alpine Visitor Center—the highest in the National Park System.

The Tundra Communities Trail showcases delicate alpine life and unique windswept rock formations.

Nearby, Estes Park and Grand Lake provide lodging—ranging from campsites to historic stays like The Stanley Hotel.

Trail Ridge Road promises an unforgettable exploration into Colorado’s wild beauty and heritage.