Estes Park News, Inc.

09/04/2026

Open Burning RESTRICTION (Stage 1)

Due to slightly improved conditions, cooler temperatures, and occasional moisture, the danger of wildland fire, forest, and grass fires has improved, but is still high in the Estes Valley. To support the Stage 2 restrictions in Rocky Mountain National Park, and Stage 1 restrictions in Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests, we are enacting the following:
Pursuant to International Fire Code Section 307.1.1, I hereby issue an open burning RESTRICTION (Stage 1) within the Estes Valley Fire Protection District effective 08:00, September 4, 2026.

Open burning that is not allowed under this restriction includes:
- Wood burning recreational fires NOT in a permanent enclosure or portable device designed to contain fire
- Pile burning and other prescribed fire

Open burning that is allowed includes:
- Wood burning fires in a device designed to contain fire (NOT permitted in short-term rentals)
- Charcoal and pellet fuel BBQs (NOT permitted in short-term rentals)
- Gas-burning recreational fires
- Smoking (with proper discard device)

Please visit https://www.estesvalleyfire.org/fire-restrictions-bans for the most current fire restriction information, including an informational sheet showing what is permitted during Restrictions.

These restrictions are dependent on the current fire danger and will be evaluated regularly. This restriction shall be effective until otherwise lifted or changed by the Fire Chief or his designee. To learn more on preparing your property for the risk of wildfire, please visit our website at: www.estesvalleyfire.org/wildfire.

Kevin Nunn
Fire Chief
Estes Valley Fire Protection District

Please refer to each agency's website for the most current information. If you are covered by two districts with differing restrictions (e.g. Estes…

09/04/2026

Lots of "Things To Do" this holiday weekend! The Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show is in Bond Park Sat, Sun, and Mon. Tons of live music around town, including the Community Minded Music Series at the Mountain Shop on Monday. Enjoy the Labor Day weekend and hope to see you in EP!

09/03/2026

Happy Labor Day weekend! And happy September! And happy start of the elk rut! This is one of our favorite months in Estes 🥰

This week's virtual edition is ready for your enjoyment: https://tinyurl.com/4nk4dph6. Thank you to Brad Manard for his sparring bulls photo for the front page!

Labor Day news, events and things to do in Estes Park, Colorado — updates from Rocky Mountain National Park and local community. Detailed local coverage including festival and parade schedules, conce

08/28/2026

Colorado Parks and Wildlife investigating bear attack in Estes Park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a bear attack after an adult bear entered an Estes Park home Thursday morning. Around 4:30 a.m., a bear broke into a house on the western side of town through an unlocked, closed window on the first floor. The homeowner, a woman in her 80s, reported to CPW officers she awoke to the bear in the kitchen on the second floor. The bear charged the woman, scratched her across the stomach and knocked her to the ground, according to the victim. She told officers the bear then left the house through the first floor window.

The victim called 911 and Larimer County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene. No bear was found. She sought medical treatment for her abdominal injuries.

CPW has requested the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in locating the bear involved.

Heavy bear activity has been reported in the area, with multiple bears breaking into occupied homes and vehicles over the past few days. CPW officers have set traps to remove bears posing an immediate public safety risk.

“As we continue to navigate this extraordinary bear year, please continue to be vigilant in removing food and trash that may attract bears to your property,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch. “Wildlife officers are working tirelessly to respond to an unprecedented number of bear reports, and we are counting on the community to help mitigate conflict."

Colorado is experiencing an unprecedented bear conflict year, largely due to drought conditions depleting natural food sources for bears. As they begin to enter hyperphagia, bear activity is expected to increase while they search for 20,000 calories per day before denning. Bears can take greater risks in seeking out food during this time, driving them into neighborhoods and populated areas.

To prevent bear conflicts and encourage them to find food away from humans, keep trash secured at all times. Lock windows, doors and vehicles to discourage break-ins. Take down bird feeders until Thanksgiving. Never feed or leave out food for bears, as feeding wildlife is illegal and contributes to their habituation towards humans. Report bear activity and conflicts to CPW.

08/28/2026

If this is your front porch view, you might live in Estes Park! Gives new meaning to "make yourselves at home!"

08/28/2026

Lots to do this weekend! Run Like The Wind in Allenspark (including a dog show!), live music all about town, and Handmade in Colorado in Bond Park. The rut is starting, there was a herd downtown this morning, so get out and enjoy the beautiful Estes Valley!

08/27/2026

Virtual edition is ready! Big thanks to Chris Barnard for his amazing bear image, featured on this week's front page. Grab your coffee and enjoy the latest news from Estes Park!

Estes Park news — August 26, 2026: local headlines, events, weather and Rocky Mountain National Park updates. Daily edition with community updates, town council decisions, road and trail conditions,

08/21/2026

Check out this week's Things To Do! Lots going on around town this weekend and the weather looks wonderful!

08/20/2026

Thank you to Cheryl Bemis for the use of her osprey image for this week's front page! Such a magnificent moment to "catch!"

Also pictured: Plein Air artists! This popular annual event kicks off this weekend and continues over the coming weeks. August is Arts Month in Estes Park, so much amazing creativity to enjoy!

Estes Park News — August 21, 2026: latest Estes Park news, events, and Rocky Mountain National Park updates. Daily roundup for locals and visitors: community updates, town council decisions, event ca

08/19/2026

Alfonso, Norma, & Megan shared this video of the most adorable Mama & Baby Bear moment with us. Go, buddy, go! You can do it!! 🥹🤩