How far is this from Denver?

Estes park is only about an hour and a half from downtown Denver and the international airport.

When is the best time to visit?

It's really a question of what you want to do. Climbing around Estes Park has several different seasons depending on your goals:

• Rock and Alpine Season: this usually starts around May with snow becoming consolidated in the high country and the south facing rock melting out at lower elevations. Later into the summer the higher terrain melts out and the whole park is an alpine rock climbing playground.

• Ice Season: this is usually around late October or November. Depending on storm patterns the ice may form early or we may have an early ski season. As the season gets colder and snowier objectives are still there they just may be more difficult to get to.

• Ski/Board Season: this starts with similar timing to the ice season. Once it's cold enough the snow starts to fall. While we can backcountry ski/board starting usually in December it tends to be much better in the late winter and early spring when overlapping snow storms and consistent cold yield more stable avalanche conditions and deeper powder. Once we get into April thru June it's time to harvest some corn as the snow changes.

When is the least crowded time to visit?

Generally the shoulder seasons around November/December and April/May have the fewest people. Conditions can be variable so if you're picking a visiting time based on the crowds you might also have to pick objectives based on the current conditions.

What kind of fees can I expect when visiting the park.

One of the great things about hiring a guide is we can take care of sone of the logistics. While entrance fees to the park are still required, including Lily Lake and Lumpy Ridge trailheads, we will take care of any timed entry and backcountry reservations during your days with us. For more info on the park entrance fees or timed entry beyond your climbs with us check out the National Park Service Fees.