ESTES PARK, Colo. — As Estes Park begins to recover from massive wildfires, the town is back open and welcoming visitors.
The evacuation orders that were implemented in Estes Park for the Cameron Peak Fire and the East Troublesome Fire's Thompson Zone have been lifted.
In addition, Rocky Mountain National Park announced Thursday that it would partially open on Friday. Roosevelt National Forest remains closed.
Smoke may still be visible in Estes Park, the town said.
In a press release, the Town of Estes Park said visitors can now experience much of the town and its businesses:
- The Pikas in the Park scavenger hunt; search for all 12 golden pikas statues downtown
- Kickstart your morning with coffee from Kind Coffee
- Buy a new book at Macdonald Bookshop
- Take a hike along the Lake Estes loop trail
- Enjoy a picnic at Performance Park
- Stroll along the downtown Riverwalk as it passes by restaurants and shops
- Visit Elkins Distilling and try the first and only spirits made (legally) in Estes Park
- Stay overnight in one of the town's many secluded cabins
To explore other things to do in Estes Park, visit the town's website here. Some businesses may not be operating at normal hours, the town said.
The Cameron Peak Fire, the biggest wildfire in state history, is 208,913 acres and 92% contained. The East Troublesome Fire's Thompson Zone is 4,889 acres and 48% contained. The East Troublesome Fire, which is mostly burning in Larimer County west of the Continental Divide, as a whole is 193,804 acres and 37% contained.
Both wildfires are still burning and are a potential threat to Estes Valley, though conditions are stable. All visitors should review Estes Park's fire information page before exploring Estes Valley, and should be prepared to evacuate at any time.
Text "LCEVAC" and "TFIRE," separately, to 888777 to receive text message alerts for the most up-to-date information regarding any future evacuations and road closures.
Both the East Troublesome Fire and Cameron Peak Fire are expected to burn into the winter, when snow will completely extinguish them.