Official Visitor Info

YMCA of the Rockies: Estes Park’s Best-Kept Secret

Bordered on three sides by the awe-inspiring natural landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park, YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park is far from your typical YMCA.

In the foreground is a stout, red, multi-leveled cabin somewhat hidden by sporadically grown dark green pine trees. In the background is a majestic image of the Rocky Mountains covered in snow towering over the cabin. The sky is blue and dotted with fluffy clouds.
Mountain views from a YMCA of the Rockies cabin
Lodging at YMCA Estes Park
Lodging at YMCA Estes Park
Two smiling hikers clad in outdoor gear stand on a large gray rock. Behind the rock is a flowing river speckled with other smaller rocks and illuminated by the sunlight. Behind the river is a patch of grassy land where a grove of tall, skinny, white aspen trees with yellow leaves sits beneath a blue sky.
Hiking by a Colorado river on a sunny day
A person strapped into a zipline and gear, including a bright red helmet and sunglasses, smiles widely as they glide through the air. Behind them are an array of green pine trees and wispy clouds in a blue sky.
Ziplining through the Rockies
A photograph of a large rectangle of sand. In the sand stands two volleyball nets, although one of them is not fully visible. The boundaries are marked by blue rope in the sand. There are about 30 people in the sand playing volleyball on both courts. Someone hits the ball up in the air and it hangs there as the picture was taken. In the background are the snowcapped Rocky Mountains and other smaller hills covered with trees a little closer to the subjects. The sky is cloudy other than a sliver of blue.
Lively volleyball matches at the YMCA
Someone in climbing gear has is scaling a tall dark-red-wood climbing wall outside. The person has both feet secured onto two of the notches and is grabbing two more with both of their hands. In the background is blue sky and a few tall pine trees.
Scaling the climbing wall
A night shot of a short but long cabin lit up by warm outdoor lights sits at the end of a path that curves to the right. Along the path are plants, pine trees, green grass and two or three short path lights that light up the ground in a circular shape. The sky is a dark blue after sunset.
The Longs Peak Lodge at YMCA of the Rockies
A tall fireplace adorned with stone reaches to the top of the photograph on the righthand side. Around it are several wooden-framed chairs and loveseats with a few dark brown circular tables in the mix. In the background is a grand staircase leading to a second floor.
Fireplace and lounge area inside the cozy Longs Peak Lodge
One person stands in the middle of the photograph with their arms stretched out wide to their sides. They are wearing a beanie, sunglasses, winter coat, gloves, leggings and ice skates. They're smiling as they skate along a frozen pond. Another person behind them has their eyes on the ground, trying to focus as they skate. There are pine trees and sunshine in the background.
Ice skating on a frozen pond
By: YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park
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The expansive property has comfortable yet affordable accommodations and a long list of crowd-pleasing programs — just two of many reasons to book a stay at YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park.

Discover YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park activities

There's so much to do on-site — and a variety of activities are included in the price of lodging. Whether you want to survey local trails on two wheels or unwind by the pool, the activities at 860-acre YMCA of the Rockies are unmatched. Guided hiking excursions in Rocky Mountain National Park, swimming in the indoor pool, yoga, miniature golfing, roller skating and catch-and-release fishing (fishing licenses required for anglers age 16 and older) are just a handful of ways to fill your days.

There’s also a game room, biking and hiking equipment rentals, the Dorsey Museum, which showcases the history of the YMCA and surrounding area in a historic 1924 guest lodge. Other things to do that require a small fee include a climbing wall, archery range and the craft and design center. 

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

With idyllic mountain views, epic wildlife-watching and unparalleled hiking opportunities, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado’s most iconic natural treasures — and this retreat is an ideal basecamp to experience everything the 265,873-acre beauty has to offer.

Climb more than 4,000 feet in altitude in your car in a matter of minutes while you cruise from dense aspen and ponderosa pine forests to vast alpine tundra on Trail Ridge Road, the park’s “highway to the sky,” which stretches 48 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake. While the drive has plenty of stop-offs for spotting the state’s famous wild residents, visitors can catch glimpses of animals all over the park, including bighorn sheep, moose, bats, mule deer, elk and more.

Bring the whole family

Affordable accommodations make YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park perfect for groups and families. From two- to five-bedroom cabins to lodge rooms that sleep up to six and plenty of space for large groups, an assortment of lodging options cater to parties of all sizes. Plus, amenities like select dog-friendly cabins, fully equipped kitchens and cozy fireplaces facilitate comfort and convenience.

Dive into outdoor excursions

An extensive menu of special excursions allows visitors to experience all of the outdoor adventures Colorado is known for — without the hassle. Planning is a cinch with YMCA of the Rockies’ off-site excursions and activities. Take in the area’s alpine grandeur on horseback with Jackson Stables, which is located right on the property and offers trail rides for all levels. Or book a half- or full-day whitewater-rafting trip on the Cache La Poudre River or Colorado River with Rapid Transit Rafting. If you’re dying to reel in the catch of a lifetime, an array of guided fly-fishing outings is available through Sasquatch Fly Fishing, including half-day jaunts and overnight expeditions.

Disconnect to reconnect

In our increasingly hyperconnected world, YMCA of the Rockies encourages guests to unplug, enjoy one another’s company and revel in Mother Nature’s magic. In fact, most of the property's cabins and lodges don’t have TVs — but there are tons of family programs to appreciate instead, including movie and game nights, classes on topics like local wildlife and fire building, and chances to roast marshmallows by the campfire. Meanwhile, the Little Explorers program exposes pint-sized adventurers to the wonderful wilds through nature walks, parachute games, sports and other just-for-kids entertainment. 

Have fun year-round

Considering a fall or winter getaway? YMCA of the Rockies is open year-round! While summer is a delightful time to visit, there are many perks to planning a trip in the fall or winter months. Autumn in Estes Park is characterized by the sounds of bugling elk, who roam woodlands bathed in eye-catching gold, red and orange hues, while those visiting in winter can go ice skating on an outdoor pond or snowshoe through whimsical, snow-draped backdrops. 

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