The 2026-2027 Estes Park Vacationland and Restaurant Guide is more than just a resource for tourists—it’s the definitive 148-page directory for anyone eager to experience all Estes Park has to offer. Whether you’re a resident seeking new adventures or a visitor looking for the best the area provides, this just-released guidebook has something for everyone.
If you’ve ever heard your adolescent complain about being “bored,” or if you’re hosting out-of-town guests, this guidebook is the perfect solution. Even long-time locals might be surprised at the variety of activities available in Estes Park.
The award-winning “official guide to Estes Park” covers everything from guided tours to getting in touch with your right brain at one of the town’s maker space studios to classic vacation fun like mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, and leisurely strolls through one of the area’s boutiques or art galleries.
Susie Masterson, editor, publisher, and owner of GuestGuide Publication, has switched printers and is thrilled with the paper stock, which gives the publication an enhanced high-end magazine feel and makes photos look luxurious.
In an interview with the Estes Valley Voice, Masterson highlighted a special four-page photo feature dedicated to dark skies, found on pages 88-91. This section offers tips on prime astro viewing locations, explains the Bortle scale, which is the system used to measure dark skies, and provides important dates for 2026 meteor showers, as well as low and full moons
If you’re hungry and looking for suggestions on eateries, the guide is chock-full of full-color ads that whet your appetite, as well as a directory that groups restaurants by cuisine.
The guidebook includes pages of high-altitude travel tips for visitors—like the importance of staying hydrated—and advice on being an environmentally responsible guest. There are also sections devoted to Estes Park’s history, details about Rocky Mountain National Park’s timed-entry system, and insights into the region’s diverse wildlife.
One very useful feature is Vacationland’s 12-page comprehensive calendar of events, which groups activities, events, and festivals by months and dates.
If you fondly remember flipping through the Sears and Roebuck Wish Book or Montgomery Ward’s holiday catalogs as a child, you’ll appreciate the guide’s inviting layout. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and settle in for a fun, informative read.
The guidebooks are available at the Estes Park Visitor Center, Colorado Welcome Centers, online, and at 160 locations throughout town. Last week, Masterson oversaw the delivery of 350 boxes and 23,000 copies in Estes Park alone. More than 75,000 are being distributed to welcome centers and other locations where visitors can read about the Estes Valley and plan their trip.