Frequently Asked Questions: Table of Contents

1. How early should I  reserve a cabin ?
2. How close are you to local attractions ?
3. What is there to do in Estes Park for a family?
4. What should I expect for weather?
5. How far are you from other Colorado Attractions ?
6. What do I need to bring with me for my stay at Cliffside Cottages... ?

How early should I reserve a cabin?

The quicker you call Cliffside Cottages, the better the selection of dates will be available to you.  Many returning guests of Cliffside Cottages reserve up to a year in advance, and sometime even farther out.  Bottom line, reserve as soon as you can. 

The fastest way to reserve a cabin at Cliffside Cottages is to call us at 1-970-586-4839.  We can check availability on a cabin and also let you know what periods the cabin is unreserved.  If you don't have a preference on dates, we can let you know what dates are open, and you can plan your vacation around our available dates.

Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July, the 1st week in August and Labor day are very busy periods in Estes Park.  If you are considering a visit to Estes Park during those dates, do not wait to make your reservation.

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How close are you to local Estes Park attractions?

Town of Estes Park:       

    The City Limits of Estes Park are about 1 1/2 miles away, but that center of town and the  main shopping area  is about 4 miles away from Cliffside.

Rocky Mountain National Park  (RMNP):

    The main entrance to RMNP is the Beaver Meadows Entrance, and it is about 2 miles away.  However, there is a walk in entrance to the RMNP, which is within walking distance from your cabin front door.  Please Note: dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails or the walk in entrance into RMNP.

YMCA of the Rockies:

    The YMCA is about a 1/2 mile drive, however it is about a 1/4 mile hike on established trails.

Trail Ridge Road

   Trail Ridge Road is a paved highway that runs from Estes Park to Grand Lake, Colorado  Trail Ridge is the highest paved continuous highway in the nation.  Trail Ridge road is about 60 mile long and reaches altitudes above 10,000 feet.

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What is there to do in Estes Park for a family?

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Shopping
• Museums
• Viewing wildlife such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, to name a few. 
• Camping
• Arial tram rides to the top of Prospect Mountain
• Mountain bike tours
• Horseback rides
• Old western dinner theaters
• White water rafting on the Colorado and Pouder River

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What should I expect for weather?

One hard and fast rule for summer weather in the Rocky Mountains, prepare for the extremes.  Days can be hot (low humidity) and nights can be chilly.

May:

    Overnight temperatures can drop into the 30's and day time temp average in the 40s to 50's.  The chance of snow is very real in early to mid May.  May can sometimes see the heaviest snowfall of the year in Estes Park.  If you are coming to Estes Park this time of the year, prepare for cold and snow.  A lot of the local attractions have not yet opened for the season, but many restaurants are open as is Rocky Mountain National Park.  Expect areas in Rocky Mountain National Park to be covered in deep snow.  Trail Ridge Road is closed typically until Memorial Day Weekend.

June:

    Early June can see snow, but it is unlikely.  Overnight temps might dip into the 30's, but the average is in the 40's.  Day time temps can run into the high 70's.  We often tell our guests to bring warm sweaters and jackets with them, as the June night are cool and crisp.  Be prepared for an afternoon rain, but it usually will not last more than a few minutes.

July and August

    Summer in the Rockies:  40's and 50's overnight and 70's and 80's during the day.  The Rockies often see afternoon rain showers around 3pm, but they usually don't last more than a few minutes.  Just long enough to cool the hot dry air.  Humidity is low to non-existent year around.   Tee shirts and shorts are the norm, with sweaters or light jackets needed in the early morning and at dusk.

September:

    A Local Favorite.   September nights can drop into the 30's, and the days are often in the high 60's to low 70's.  Sunshine is the norm, with a chance of snow.  Snow does not stick around long during September, so you might wake up to a blanket of white, but by noon, it will be a memory.  If wildlife viewing is a priority on your vacation, September is the month to spend in Estes Park.  99% of Estes Park and it's attractions are open well into late September.  The third week in September is usually the best time to view the fall colors.  September is also considered the best time to view wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding Estes Park Valley.

October

    By October, temps at night are often below freezing, and day time temps average in the 50's.  The crowds have left Estes Park, and a lot of the local attractions are closed for the season.  Cliffside often closes in early October.  Rocky Mountain National Park stays open year around, so with a visit to Estes Park in October, you often find yourself at peace in Rocky.  Trail Ridge Road is typically still open through mid-October, but there is no guarantee.   Bring warm, layered clothing.

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How far are you from other Colorado Attractions?

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What do I need to bring with me for my stay at Cliffside Cottages... ?

    All you need to bring with you is clothing and food.  The Cabins at Cliffside come complete with sheets, blankets and towels, dishes, pots and pans.  If the outdoor fire conditions allow, we have charcoal grills at each cabin for use by our gusts.

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