Estes Park, Colorado

Many believe the Stanley Hotel to be haunted. The hotel offers ghost hunts and tours that explore the hotel's history, including its paranormal history. Interesting fact: this hotel served as the basis for Stephen King's novel "The Shining," and he wrote the book while staying at the Stanley Hotel.

Cabins, RV, and tent camping are available at this 1,352-acre open park located just outside of Estes Park. If you're looking for an exciting night outdoors, this is the place to stay. Enjoy some stargazing as you drift off to sleep.

The Fall River Hydroplant was built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley to produce electricity for the Stanley Hotel and surrounding areas. It was restored from flood damage resulting from a 1982 flood and opened to the public in 2002. It is generally open only in the summer.

The MacGregor Ranch is the only working cattle ranch in Estes Park. It features a museum that aims to preserve the area's ranching heritage. Educational activities and a museum tour help teach about cattle ranching and the area.

Trail Ridge Road is probably the most well-know route for a scenic drive through the Rocky Mountain National Park. Locals also recommend several other trails, such as Devil's Gulch Road, Dry Gulch Road and Colorado Highway 7. Guided bus excursions are offered by the Rocky Mountain Nature Association.

The villagers of Estes Park seeks to minimize their impact on wildlife. Animals have been known to meander through downtown, but don't sit in the town your whole vacation waiting for them. Whether seeking out one of the 282 species of birds or hundreds of other species of animals, the Rocky Mountain National Park website has information on getting a glimpse of the local wildlife.

Over 25,000 items are on-hand to teach visitors about the area's pioneer history at Estes Park Museum. Some artifacts date all the way back to the Ice Age. History tours are available.

While there are many lakes in the area, not all of them permit boating. Motorized boating is not permitted at all in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Lake Estes is one of the most popular locations for non-motor boating, and boats, canoes and kayaks can be rented from the Lake Estes Marina. Lake Estes Marina 1770 Big Thompson Avenue +1 970 586 2011 evrpd.com/marina/marina-info Several companies also offer whitewater rafting trips on the Poudre or Colorado Rivers: Rapid Transit Rafting 161 Virginia Avenue +1 970 586 8852 www.rapidtransitrafting.com A1 Wildwater 215 Park Lane +1 970 224 3379 www.a1wildwater.com

All terrains are available for every skill levels. Lessons, guides, and an indoor climbing wall in town are available to learn more about the sport. Get started learning how to rock climb today because the mountains are even more beautiful when you climb them yourself. Estes Park Mountain Shop 2050 Big Thompson Avenue +1 970 586 6548 estesparkmountainshop.com Kent Mountain Adventure Center 170 Elm Road +1 970 586 5990 kmaconline.com Colorado Mountain School 341 Moraine Avenue +1 303 447 2804 www.totalclimbing.com

The village's two golf courses take advantage of the area's natural landscape. Both offer holes that can challenge golfers of any skill level. Call ahead to reserve a tee time. Lake Estes Executive 9 Hole Golf Course 690 Big Thompson Avenue +1 970 586 8176 evrpd.com Estes Park Golf Course and Pro Shop 18 Hole Course 1480 Golf Course Road +1 970 586 8146