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Macaroni Review ~ YMCA of the Rockies' Estes Park Center

By Leslie Risley, Macaroni Kid Thornton-Northglenn-Brighton-E. Westminster August 28, 2014
My family of five (two adults, two kids, one dog) enjoyed an awesome weekend at The YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center. It was like all the best parts of camping - and more - without having to set-up a tent or haul a trailer to the “perfect spot.” We all had such a great time and were not ready to leave after spending just two nights in our cozy cabin (more on that later). Next time we go, we will plan to stay for a longer time!
 
The YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center was established in 1907. It is surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. You can actually walk into the park from the YMCA property, but you’ll have to leave your dog in the cabin if you do. While the YMCA of the Rockies property and trails are dog-friendly, dogs are NOT allowed on the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, even if they are on-leash. 
 
There is so much for families to do at YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center! Activities include:
  • mini golf
  • bike riding (bring your own or rent in town)
  • volleyball
  • tennis
  • horseshoes
  • basketball
  • archery
  • a climbing wall
  • bocce ball
  • gaga ball, which we learned is a dodge-ball-type of game where you can only use your hands to throw the ball and hit your opponents below the knees
  • ropes course
  • museum
  • natural and gas fire rings
  • individual and guided hiking tours into the park
  • horseback riding
  • indoor swimming pool
  • ice skating
  • fishing
  • a zip line
  • a family craft and design center where families can make things like mosaics, tie-dyes, painted pottery and more for a nominal fee
  • educational programs 
  • and more
Obviously, some activities are seasonal. No ice skating in summer, no tennis in winter. You get the idea.

Now you see why a two-night stay was not long enough for my family; there was just too much fun to be had! We managed to get in a couple rounds of mini golf, swimming, playground time, bike riding, hiking, a trip to town, and a visit to Rocky National Park on our way home. Whew! 
 
We stayed in a 3-bedroom/2.5 bathroom cabin near the top of Mountainside Drive. It was just so perfect! The cabin was donated by The Jones family from St. Joseph, MO {CLICK HERE for more information about donating and adopting cabins}. It was fully stocked with games and books, as well as dishes, sheets, and towels. It was so lovely to be able to shower after spending our days getting all grubby, and to be warm and cozy inside while it was raining outside. Sleeping in actual beds was very nice, as were the separate bedrooms. Cabins at YMCA of the Rockies do not have TVs, which we were totally fine with. There was plenty of exploring around the cabin for the kids to do while we were cooking breakfast and getting ready to head out for our adventures.
 
The beautiful view from our cabin - loved waking up to this!

 

The YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center property spans over 860 acres. I recommend staying in a cabin for your visit, but you can also stay in a vacation home (which is like a cabin but with TV) or a hotel-style lodge room. 


           Photo courtesey of YMCA of the Rockies
 

A stay at YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center makes for a great family vacation, without breaking the bank. We are so lucky to live so close to beautiful Estes Park - the drive to get there will take less than an hour and a half. Take advantage of the value and super-value rates now through next May, then visit again in the summer. Don't worry - the regular rates are a great deal, too.
 
For more information or to book your stay, visit YMCARockies.org or call 888.613.9622.
 
Here’s a peek at some upcoming family festivals at YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center, in case you need help deciding when to visit:
 
Family Adventure Weekend-Sept. 12-14th
Join us for a fun weekend of activities including a family mountain adventure race. Come learn about Outdoor Living Skills and Route Orienteering. For our adventure seekers going into 2nd grade and older join us on our climbing wall. Those participants going into 6th grade (tentative) 800 ft zipline (weight min 80 lbs max 220 lbs.) Climbing wall $12.00, Zipline $20.00. To participate on the Climbing wall or Zipline all participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent(s) or legal guardian to participate.
 
Digital Wildlife and Landscape Photography Sept. 26th-28th
Bring your camera and help us capture the beauty of the Rockies. We’ll take hikes around the YMCA and into Rocky Mountain National Park to take in the natural beauty that surrounds us.
  
Wildlife Adventure Weekend Oct 3rd-5th
Ever wanted to know about the wildlife that make up the Rocky Mountains? Come explore with us as we learn about the unique ecology of the Rockies as we embark on learning about Elk Rut. Take a creek walk and learn about Beavers and creek ecology. You’ll also find out what an elk dud is.
 
Autumn Fun Weekend(s)  October 24th-26th
Come join us for fall fun. We’ll have S’mores, fall crafts, a costume roller skating party and square dancing.


My family and I received complimentary lodging for the purpose of writing this review.