Estes Park News, Inc.

09/19/2026

Happy Homecoming Saturday! This amazing rainbow at EPHS this morning must be in honor of the awesome win our football team pulled out over Lyons last night! Woohoo!! GO BOBCATS!

09/18/2026

From CDOT:

Single-lane closures expected week of September 21 on US 36

As crews continue work on traffic camera installation along US 36, a single-lane closure is necessary at certain mileposts to keep the workers and traveling public safe. Closures will happen on the eastern end of the project closer to Lyons. Flaggers will be positioned to alternate traffic. Please keep speeds down and use extra caution in the work zone.

The following is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with up to 15-minute delays:
Tuesday, September 22: eastbound lane closure at MP 19.21
Wednesday, September 23: westbound lane closure at MP 17.64
Thursday, September 24: eastbound lane closure at MP 16.64

Traffic Camera Benefits:
Helps to get first responders to the scene faster since they are monitored by CDOT Operation Centers 24 hours a day
Assists the public and snowplows in understanding road conditions before going out
Keeps an eye on a challenging canyon corridor, which has a history of flood, fire, heavy snow and strong winds
Assists authorities in managing traffic flow in real time
Encourages safer driving behavior with visible cameras
Collects data for future planning

As we move in to the colder months, don't forget to check road conditions and construction impacts before you travel by using the CDOT app or visiting http://COTrip.org. Once the cameras are installed on US 36, they will also be viewable by the public on the same platforms.

*Schedules are subject to change based on weather, unforeseen circumstances and available resources. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow posted signage and use extra caution around the work zone.

09/18/2026

From Rocky Mountain National Park:

Complete Fire Ban lifted in Rocky Mountain National Park - Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Continue

The complete fire ban that was put in place in Rocky Mountain National Park on June 29, 2026, has been lifted due to current conditions.

Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place where campfires are prohibited throughout the park, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and frontcountry campgrounds. The use of portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves and propane/butane-fueled gas stoves is allowed. Fireworks are always prohibited within the park.

Park visitors are urged to use caution and vigilance regarding the use of fire in authorized locations. To learn more, visit

Current Fire Information & Regulations

09/18/2026

This week's Things To Do! Fall is in the air!

09/17/2026

***Update: 3:50p - papers are here! Woohoo! 

For those who like to swing by the EP News office on Thursday afternoon and grab your paper, FYI that our delivery is delayed today! We don't have an ETA yet but will update here when we do. 🗞️

09/17/2026

This week's virtual edition is up! Fine Arts & Crafts Fest this weekend, Bobcats Homecoming, Community Wildfire Mitigation Day & Hazardous Waste Dropoff on Saturday... and more, of course! Grab your morning bev and read up!

Many thanks to Brad Manard for his image of Frank the Tank for the front page! 🫎

Estes Park News: Local news, events & things to do in Estes Park, CO and Rocky Mountain National Park — September 18, 2026 edition. Weekly roundup of community stories, weekend events, festival listi

09/11/2026

Grab your kilts and head to the Estes Valley for so much Scottish-Irish fun this weekend!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪

09/11/2026

A moving & touching memorial morning at the Estes Valley 9/11 Stair Climb & 5K. We are honored to sponsor & support this important event.

09/10/2026

Big weekend coming up in Estes Park: the 4th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & 5k at the parking garage on Friday, Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival at Stanley Park Friday-Sunday, elk rut and fall colors happening all the time throughout the valley... hope to see you around for these fall activities!

Amber with Story Maker Photography took amazing photos of last year's Stair Climb event, we were honored to use one for the top half of this week's front page!

Estes Park news & events, Rocky Mountain National Park updates — event guide to the Scottish‑Irish Highland Festival and 9/11 anniversary observance. Monthly edition covering local happenings in Este

09/07/2026

Our friend Terry Rustin captured this image of a Red-Tailed Hawk today in Estes Park. Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend, especially if you spent it up in the mountains with us!!