Estes Park Mountain Shop calls itself the premier outdoor retailer in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and it has been at it since 1986. The 18,000-square-foot store at 2050 Big Thompson Ave. sells gear and apparel from the major brands, keeps a Bargain Basement of closeouts, and rents summer, camping, winter and adaptive equipment, which makes it the practical stop for anyone who drove up without the right layer or the right boots. The staff’s own description: people who love the outdoors and spend as much time as they can living fully active lifestyles.
The gym and the guides
The surprise inside is an indoor climbing gym the shop describes as one of the finest small gyms in the country, with more than 4,500 square feet of climbing terrain, open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. year-round. A day pass is $15 ($7 for kids), a harness, shoes and belay device rent for $10, and a three-climbs-for-$30 option covers a first visit. Guided rock climbing, snowshoe and hiking tours run with Kent Mountain Adventure Center; the six-hour Intro to Rock Climbing is $396 for one person or $600 for two, ages 14 and up.
Good to know
- 2050 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park; 970-586-6548. Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.
- The shop pledges 1 percent of sales to Estes Valley nonprofits and has run a scholarship for Estes Park High School seniors since 2010.
- Heading up for the rut? Elk Fest is Oct. 3-4 in Bond Park.
More like this: Estes Park · Local Business Spotlights · Places to Visit · Watch: the Estes Park elk rut explained
