Be a Good Traveler

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park have more than four million visitors during the summer and fall months.

It’s fun to feel the energy and see the excitement of folks who come here to hike, explore, and see this beautiful area.

One difference we face in this mountain community is the lack of some conveniences that larger cities have. There is no rail service, so everything needs to be trucked either up or down a canyon. Traffic and weather can really affect when supplies and employees can arrive, or when trash can leave.

And, with the amount of wildlife here, we need to care and protect them as well.

How we travel and impact areas like Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are really important. Thinking about being sustainable however we can does help. 

Sustainable tourism is based on action, and action is based on values. Things may be a bit tougher or not as convenient while traveling, but these small extra steps will help. A sustainable vacation is one that generates a minimum impact on the environment and the community.

Sustainable travel is crucial and studies show that more and more people want to be mindful and sustainable when traveling. 

This means taking full account of current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts. Also, behave and make choices that minimize negative impacts and maximize positive ones. The more good habits we can develop, even when traveling, the better off we will all be.

Here Are Some Ideas:

• Reduce the use or need for single-use plastics. An easy way to help is to bring your own shampoo and even soap. This will help hotels reduce the need to supply them.
• Reuse your towel. Lodging properties have reduced the amount of daily maid service. The air is dry here so hanging your towel after each use will allow it to dry nicely.
• The water here tastes wonderful and is free of chemicals. Instead of buying bottled water, buy a water bottle and carry it around with you. If you need to buy bottled water, buy larger containers.
• Park in the parking garage and reduce driving around. The paved paths are really nice to walk. Take the town’s trolley when possible. 
• Be aware of wildlife on the roads. Elk can literally swarm an intersection, or an entire herd can cross the road stopping traffic. This is all part of the personality of Estes Park. Just sit back and enjoy the “elk jam.”
• Bring your own bags. Colorado law requires all variety of stores to charge for bags.
   

When Camping or Hiking

Dispose of all food scraps in the trash. Carry it out if there is not a trash bin near you. Food scraps, even really small ones, hurt the fragile environment and wildlife.

Carry out all used toilet paper.

When camping, you can skip using toothpaste. The act of brushing alone is what cleans your teeth. Spitting out toothpaste onto the ground is harmful to plants and animals.

Doing Our Part

GuestGuide Publications is dedicated to being a green company.

• Printed material comes from a renewable resource. Paper is the most recycled material in North America. 
• We print using soy-based ink which is low in VOC.
• The paper we use is chlorine-free.
• We recycle the shrink wrap that comes on the pallets. 
• We take our empty boxes to local stores who use them for shipping.
• We recycle unused books (if any are left), and any extra materials.
• We use a printer who follows, and exceeds, environmental practices.
• If you don’t want to keep this guide, please place it back in a rack.