Estes Park, CO : Anyone close to there?

[Diggles]

ok, now i'm nervous. i have very little space for clothing so i'm going to have to plan this well. i have zero money to blow on the i didn't plan on this stuff. i appreciate the advice greatly.

i've been looking for camping spots too & EVERYTHING is really expensive. the cheapest i've found is $15 a night. http://www.nationalparkcampground.com/NPC-Rates.HTML (the primitive tent camping one)
$15/night by yourself is a lot. i'm a dirtbag climber! i'm wondering if i might be able to just park somewhere & sleep in the car w/out being bothered by the police.
anyone have any suggestions? i know i've asked a lot from you girls already...i'm sorry to be a pain...

-d

[Kathi]

Have you looked at Grand Lake? It's the other side of the park. Estes Park is like Gatlinburg, touristy and expensive.

[sarahkonamojo]

I'm not a climber, but I know the area a little. I know some people like to climb Lumpy Ridge, but don't think it is actually in the park. Point is, you don't need to stay in the Park. Like Kathi said look to Granby/Grand Lake. Or look south of Estes.

As far as climbing goes, are you going to climb Longs or are you a rock climber? Either way, opportinuties for climbing are wide spread and not limited to RMNP. The Taylor River Canyon near Gunnison has some great climbing and camping will be a lot cheaper. If you are looking to climb 14ers you might head to Buena Vista and climb the collegiates.

In general when looking at a map of Colorado lands, BLM land will have the cheapest, often free and unimproved, camping, US Forest Service land is next in expense, but will vary, National Parks are the most expensive. And if you use Reserve America, you often pay double due to a reservation fee.

Good luck,
sarah

[Susarific]

I spent the summer in Estes Park years ago while I was in college. I rode my bike all over the town and in the park. Trail Ridge Road is an awesome ride. I would ride up Trail Ridge Road to the Trail Ridge Store and then down Fall River Road back to Estes Park. There is also a nice bike shop there called Colorado Bicycling Adventures, they should be able to help you with anything that you need!! Have a great time and definitely eat at the Sweet Basilico Cafe, it's AWESOME!!