197. Mountain Towns, like Estes Park, Face an Uncertain Economic Future

Estes Park, Colorado, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, has long relied on its outdoor recreation economy.

In fact, just a few years ago, it was outpacing the rest of Colorado in tourism growth.

But in 2025, federal policy changes, including mass firings at federal agencies like the National Park Service, are raising questions:

Will communities like Estes Park be able to weather the storm?

In this episode, we visit Estes Park to speak directly with business owners and guides whose livelihoods are intertwined with the health of public lands.

Despite economic pressures and staffing cuts, visitation to Rocky Mountain National Park is up.

But will that be enough to sustain local businesses?

And what role do national policies really play in the day-to-day reality of a mountain town?

Featured Guests:

Melissa Strong – Climber and Owner of Bird & Jim Restaurant & Bird’s Nest Cafe

Thomas Pemberton – Owner of Estes Park Tour Guides

Reed Woodford – Owner of KMAC Guides

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KMAC Guides: https://kmacguides.com/

Estes Park Tour Guides: https://estesparktourguides.com/

Bird & Jim: https://www.birdandjim.com/

Visit Estes Park: https://www.visitestespark.com/

Turner PR: https://www.turnerpr.com/

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Sources Used in Episode:

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/layoffs-rocky-mountain-national-park-impact-estes-park-business-colorado/

https://estesvalleyvoice.com/2025/08/17/state-of-estes-park-business-climate-mixed/

https://www.visitestespark.com/transparency/dashboard-report-executive-summary/

https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/03/05/rocky-mountain-national-park-colorado-layoffs-trump

https://www.visitestespark.com/articles/post/new-data-shows-tourism-continues-to-positively-impact-economy-in-estes-park/

https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/estespark/Visit_Estes_Park_Annual_Report_2023_small_cfcacfba-3478-44b1-a422-d9938d7f17fa.pdf

https://www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/20250217/

https://www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/20250217/

https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/Park%20Specific%20Reports/Monthly%20Public%20Use?Park=ROMO