The Northern Front Range Wanderers have the honor of being the host walking club for the 2003 AVA Convention walk in Estes Park, Colorado, on Sunday June 22, 2003. Estes Park is a resort community located 70 miles northwest of Denver, and about one mile from the east entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest surround Estes Park with spectacular mountain scenery, abundant wildlife habitat, miles of hiking trails and scenic drives including Trail Ridge Road over the Continental Divide and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. For over ten thousand years people have visited this valley called Estes Park named for Joel Estes, who camped here with his son during a hunting expedition in October 1859. In 1863, after establishing a home in a few rude buildings near the present Lake Estes, the family found themselves increasingly hosting visitors who came to hunt, prospect and vacation. Seasonal tourists continued to pour in, and by 1880, Estes Park was known as “the gem of the Rockies”. Its reputation for scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and moderate climate were further enhanced by the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park, in 1915. Some things never change -- come and see for yourself on this volksmarch!

The starting point for the 7 km and 11 km walks is located on the south side of Lake Estes, in the picnic pavilion. With the warming sun overhead, walkers head toward the lake where gentle breezes whisper across the water, just enough to cool you off. The 7 km walkers will parallel the lake on a paved trail, meander along the river walk, and enjoy the unique alpine atmosphere of the downtown area. The 11 km volksmarchers will complete a lap around beautiful manmade Lake Estes, before joining the 7 km trail on the downtown loop. The 7 km trail is rated 1 and the 11 km trail is rated a 1+ due to a small incline around Lake Estes’ dam.

On your walk around the lake you will see trout rising, beautiful mountain peaks, and fast moving clouds - and not only in the sky, look at the cloud reflections in the Lake Estes. Keep an eye open for elk, and if calving season is late, walkers may experience detours along the lake route.

Walkers will stroll along the shady riverwalk into town to experience an incredible variety of small unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants lining the main streets. Walkers can treat themselves to hot, fresh cookies from Grandma’s Mountain Cookies of Estes Park, open early to serve you. Notice the “Old Town Clock,” a giant glockenspiel, located at the end of town, where a combination of bells and spectacular animated focal points align to mark the time of day.

Estes Park’s elevation is 7,522 feet above sea level, the daytime temperatures can become quite warm in mid-June, and it is always wise to layer your clothing for high altitude walks. Sunscreen, hats and water are advisable. Tennis (athletic) shoes are the recommended walking shoe for this event.

Volkswalkers Reminder: A second walk is scheduled to follow the Estes Park walk, in downtown Denver. Distance to Denver is 54 miles (as the crow flies) or 70 miles by car. The downtown Denver walk starts at 4:00 pm.

Estes Park, the Northern Front Range Wanderers, and Rambling the Rockies await your arrival and hope to see you at the convention.