Staying at the YMCA of the Rockies 

Considering staying at the YMCA of the Rockies? This post has everything you need to know.

The last three summers, my family has stayed at the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center for summer vacation! 

This facility is located right by the Rocky Mountains and the town of Estes Park and is open year-round. I think it’s the best family resort in Colorado if you’re looking for an affordable stay for family vacation. 

Lodging Options

There are several types of lodging at the YMCA of the Rockies, but I’m going to go over the two most common.

Lodge Rooms: The lodge rooms are the most affordable option. They are effectively hotel-style rooms, most with private bathrooms. The lodge buildings tend to be more centrally located, just a short walk to most amenities and activities. But reports are that they can also be a bit noisy, so please keep that in mind.

Cabins: My family has always opted to stay in a 2-bedroom cabin so that we have separate bedrooms.

There are several different levels of cabins. We have stayed in the basic option, which was uncomfortably small for us so I cannot recommend it. We prefer the mid-size or “cabin with fireplace” options, which generally have full kitchens, a queen-sized bed, a large porch and a second bedroom with sets of bunk beds.

The cabins tend to be on the perimeter of the facility, so plan on a short drive or longer walk to the campus facilities. Some are dog friendly for an extra fee.

Additionally, there are large family retreat cabins available.

Lodging Reservations

If you’re thinking about reserving a cabin or a lodge room at the YMCA of the Rockies, there are a few things to understand about the reservation process:

1. Reservations for the summer season usually open up late March or early April. Make sure to get on their e-mail list and follow their Facebook page so you don’t miss the date.
2. Reservations are generally released early in the morning, and you will want to set an alarm to wake up and get in the queue the minute that they open. One year, I was about the 100th in the queue for booking opening the reservations page right when it opened. The next year, I accidentally slept in about 10 minutes and was over 1,000 in line in the queue and did not get a reservation.
3. Generally, I don’t think that you can choose your cabin. For example, we were placed in the Ozark cabin (2 bedroom with fireplace) our first year there. We’ve requested it every year since but have not been assigned to it.

If you are a member of the YMCA of the Rockies (annual fee), you will be able to bypass this process and place your request for a cabin and dates earlier in the year. We are members and feel like it’s been worth the investment since we go every year.

Members receive priority booking and also a discount on their stay. And you’re supporting an excellent mission!

Activities at the YMCA of the Rockies

One of the things that we love most about staying at this facility is all of the things that are available to us. It is good, wholesome fun! Here are some of our favorite activities:

1. Horseback Riding: There is a stable on-site with a wide variety of trail rides available.
2. Archery: There is an archery range where you can book an hour of time to practice. It includes a short lesson and all of the equipment!
3. Roller Rink: The roller rink is open for skating most evenings, skate rental is free!
4. Climbing Walls: There are several climbing walls and an aerial obstacle course that can be booked ahead of time.
5. Outdoor Activities: Basketball courts, horseshoes, gaga ball and mini golf are available in the main commons.
6. Camp: If your kiddo is interested in camp, they have overnight and day camps. My son has really enjoyed the day camps when we send him!
7. Hiking: There is a robust trail system within the campus, some of which let you hike straight into RMNP without timed entry!
8. Craft Center: The craft center is open all day and has a huge number of projects and classes to choose from! We love to tie-dye shirts when we visit.

When you check in, you’ll receive a calendar of events for the week. Check for concerts, cultural events and kiddo activities.

Amenities

I really like the on-site amenities, so that we don’t have to drive into town constantly! The general store has most of the toiletries and snack items you would need. There is strong, free wi-fi, a coffee shop, a cafeteria, and a grab-and-go pizza and deli stand.

Pros for YMCA of the Rockies

Obviously, I’m a fan of the YMCA of the Rockies since we’ve returned several times! Here is what I think is best:

• Scenic Views: Every cabin we’ve stayed in has been different, but most of them have beautiful views of the Rockies. The sunsets are incredible!
• Close to RMNP: It truly could not be closer to the park entrance! Just about a 5-minute drive, and you’re at the entrance gate.
• Affordable-ish: Considering all of the activities that are included, I think that this is an affordable stay. But the prices have gone up in recent years. I used to feel like it was a “steal,” but I do not feel that way anymore!
• Wholesome fun: If you love hiking, the outdoors, or just having fun without screens in your hand, there is so much to do.

Cons for the YMCA of the Rockies

Of course, like anywhere, there are some things about this facility that could be improved! In my opinion, they are:

• Cafeteria: The food in the cafeteria is not good. I know that’s blunt, but there’s really not anything more I can say! It’s just not good. Well, and it’s not affordable. Which feels like insult to injury!
• Facility Wear: Some of the facilities are showing their age. We have been lucky to stay in newer cabins, but noticed communal facilities like the Longhouse are looking a bit shabby.
• Booking: I have to admit that booking here can be stressful, especially if you don’t have a membership. There is such high demand for the rooms, that there is not a guarantee you’ll get one on the day reservations open for the summer.

If you’re considering a vacation at the YMCA of the Rockies, I hope this information has been helpful to you! If you have any questions at all, please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you!