Explore the Stars at Estes Park Memorial Observatory

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car within Rocky Mountain National Park, start from the Beaver Meadows Entrance. Drive along Bear Lake Road for about 6 miles until you reach the junction with Highway 36. Turn right onto Highway 36 and continue for approximately 5 miles until you reach the town of Estes Park. Once in Estes Park, turn left onto Manford Avenue. The Estes Park Memorial Observatory will be on your left at 1600 Manford Ave.

• Public Transportation

  If you are using public transportation, check if the Rocky Mountain National Park's shuttle service is running during your visit. You can take the shuttle to the Estes Park Visitor Center, which is located in downtown Estes Park. From the Visitor Center, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to the Estes Park Memorial Observatory. Head east on Elkhorn Avenue and turn onto Manford Avenue. Continue walking until you reach 1600 Manford Ave.

• Walking

  If you are already in Estes Park, you can walk to the observatory. From downtown Estes Park, walk east on Elkhorn Avenue for about 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Manford Avenue, and continue walking for about another 0.3 miles. The observatory will be on your left at 1600 Manford Ave. Make sure to check the observatory's schedule as it operates only during certain hours in the evening.

• Bicycle

  For those who prefer cycling, you can rent a bike in Estes Park and ride to the observatory. From downtown, head east on Elkhorn Avenue, then take a left onto Manford Avenue. The observatory is about a 1-mile ride from downtown. Be cautious of traffic, especially during peak tourist season.