EstesParking.com
park like you live here

strategies to get around

Living in a tourist community year-round is a privilege, we get to live and breathe in God's Country every day. Summer is a challenge for many locals, who swear off going downtown and don't leave their living room because it can be... challenging to get around.
Their loss... Downtown Estes Park has the sights, smells and sensation of an American small town, because it still is!

park and walk

The parking garage so far has proven to be largely unused-- way below the projections that sold the project. No matter, you should try it. The walk to downtown is pleasant, and your car wont get snowed on or melted by the sun. Cross the river to the Visitors Center and catch a free local shuttle around town if you're patient. Many locals walk from home or visit downtown after 5 when it quiets down. Plan your timing to improve your experience. Paid parking is enforced from 10am to 5pm 7 days a week in season. Off season, parking is free all over town.

Do everyone a favor and do not park near Safeway (Stanley Village shopping center) then walk downtown... Use the parking garage- same distance, less intersections, and there's no uphill on the way back to your car.

EXPRESS PASS = free to move

Although an express pass doesn't guarantee a parking space, it provides the freedom to come and go without the hassle of paying every time you turn the car off. With parking this year at $2/hr, you're paying for parking, but eliminating the hassle. So this is about convenience on consecutive days of use.

1 day: $12
2 days: $22
3 days: $30

Get a Permit here


PARKING AVAILABILITY

Not perfect, but gives you an idea of availability around town. Click to see the list

CONSTRUCTION WOES in '23

2023 is challenging everyones temper with these projects underway or coming soon:

-The Loop (Downtown)
-36/Community Roundabout
-Fall River Trail (Fall River Rd)
-Cleave Street Redesign (Downtown)

Yes, we agree that the Public Works scheduling department gets an "F" and locals are suffering as much as visitors. PLAN AHEAD, these projects will impact your drive time and frustration.

"secret" lots UPDATE

In the last couple of years there were a couple of gravel lots that were free to use, having previously been buildings that were acquired for "The Loop". That project is now underway and the 'secret' free lots are no more, being used for construction staging and ultimately, more highway. 

drive around traffic

Many visitors love the slow pace downtown, and enjoy watching a small town from their vehicle as they drive through. Head downtown!

On the other hand, you may want to bypass downtown:

South side to NW side of valley
(RMNP Visitors Ctr)
Marys Lake Road

South side to North side of downtown
Moccasin Bypass

East side to NW Side (RMNP Fall River)
Wonderview bypass (Hwy 34)

truly locals only

Two hours, free
The Town has offered a daily allotment of parking per day for residents within the Estes Park R3 School District boundaries. Get the Local Permit


RAISE YOUR VOICE

Don't like this paid parking scheme? Contact trustees to share your opinion- they decided to do this, and have plans to charge for every parking space in town in the coming years.

No thanks!

bet you didnt know

To enforce the parking rules and track violations, your vehicle license plate, GPS location and time of stay is collected and recorded every few minutes during enforcement, and at many other times by the little white parking car with cameras mounted on the roof. Of course your data is safe with the Town of Estes Park. Data may be shared with police for investigations or other official business.

Creepy or just the 'new normal'?

Read the Town policy on parking data collection, but be advised that Google docs tracks your access to most Town documents. DATA POLICY