Much Needed Getaway: YMCA of The Rockies

A weekend getaway at the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Colorado, allows families of all types to enjoy a weekend filled with exploration, learning and fun!

Disclosure: In return for our honest review my family and I were guests at YMCA of The Rockies for a weekend of fun. All opinions are our own.

Much Needed Getaway: YMCA of The Rockies

Hard to believe that one year ago life was pretty “normal”, the kids and I went on our annual trip to the YMCA of the Rockies with out any new rules or health guidelines. Taking our normal winter getaway was so needed, even with the extra guidelines and precautions. Over the last several years we have spent a lot of time at both YMCA locations here in Colorado, we are so lucky to have these great getaway options in our beautiful Colorado backyard!

The weekend we visited it happened to be SO COLD!!! So, we did not spend very much extended time outside but we certainly enjoyed the escape from home to the mountain air and gorgeous views.

WELCOME TO THE YMCA OF THE ROCKIES

YMCA of the Rockies, located near the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, is an ideal vacation, reunion, wedding and conference destination. The best part about this weekend getaway is how easy of a drive it is, even in the winter.

You can fill your day and nights at YMCA of the Rockies with so many programs and activities. Every season brings fun and excitement for the entire family. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing stroll, you will be entertained. For this stay we enjoyed a lot of relaxing time in our cozy cabin, swimming, crafting, playing games, doing puzzles, learning about animals, rec room fun and all of the great activities offered for Mountaineering Weekend.

There are a number of different options for lodging when you begin planning your trip to YMCA of the Rockies. We stayed in a 3 bedroom cabin with a fireplace. This was a great cabin that was cozy but had plenty of room for us all. Keep in mind that well-behaved pets are allowed in 2 to 5 bedroom cabins, campgrounds and yurts and but be leashed at all times when outdoors. We are not a dog owning family but I do know how important that option is for those that do have dogs!

From the minute you step onto the YMCA of the Rockies property you are greeted with friendly and helpful waiting to help you and your family have an enjoyable stay. Once you check in, you are provided with a folder full of maps, scheduled and helpful printouts to make sure you maximize your stay. I keep this handy as we go around the center just so we know exactly what is available at certain times. No matter what you are looking to do, there will be something to keep everyone entertained and having fun!

WHAT YMCA OF THE ROCKIES IS DOING FOR YOUR HEALTH:

Current orders require the use of face coverings inside any business. This includes all buildings at the YMCA of the Rockies with the exception of your lodging unit. We also request guests follow appropriate social distancing practices, maintaining a six-foot distance from other guests and staff. We encourage guests to bring their own hand sanitizer and use it after contact with high-touch areas.

Staff members are following social distancing requirements, wearing face coverings and gloves as mandated, telecommuting whenever possible, practicing appropriate personal hygiene, and passing a daily temperature and symptom assessment.

All staff members are required to wear masks when working within 6-feet of others, and guests are required to wear masks when entering buildings or when in outdoor situations where a 6-foot distance is not possible. All staff members must pass a health screening before reporting to their shifts each day.

All public areas of YMCA of the Rockies buildings are deeply sanitized on a regular basis using hospital-grade EPA approved agents and virus eliminating chemicals. High-touch areas are sanitized multiple times per day with CDC-recommended cleaning materials.

Check In/Out procedures have changed a little as well. You will receive a pre-arrival email allowing you to complete part of the registration process online. Upon arrival, one member of your party may enter the Administration building to complete check-in process. For your safety, we are taking extra precautions to clean and disinfect your rooms before arrival. In order to minimize the possibility of spreading COVID-19 between our staff and guests, once you check into your lodging, our Housekeeping staff will not re-enter your room until you checkout.

***Keep in mind that these precautions are changing daily.

Tips For Joining Activities:

Prior to the pandemic, it was pretty easy to get into every single activity or program you and your family wanted to attend. For obvious reasons the YMCA has had to put limits on how many people can attend the programs and activities. In order to get the most out of your stay please make sure you reserve your spots two weeks prior to your visit.

The following activities/programs do not have a reservation list:

Swimming – call before making the trip to the pool and see if you can be added to the waitlist.
Arts & Crafts – no waitlist and no reservation list. First come first serve. Was told that the afternoons are the slowest time.
Ice Skating Rink – pick up skates at the Sweet Memorial Building
Sledding – pick up sleds at Sweet Memorial Building
Roller skating – first come first serve
Open Gym

Make Online/App Reservations For The Following Programs/Activities:

Archery
Wall Climbing
Rec Room
Escape Room
Any of the YMCA’s guided tours or lessons

TIP – if there is a free program that you want to attend, it isn’t a bad idea to show up even if it says it is full – there are a lot of no shows!

GENERAL INFORMATION TO KEEP IN MIND WITH VISITING YMCA OF THE ROCKIES

Food

You can bring food with you to prepare for your family or you can take advantage of the food in the dining hall. If you are staying in a cabin you will have a kitchen with essentials you might need to prepare your meals – plates, silverware, glasses, pots and pans. You will also have a refrigerator, stove, oven and microwave. If you are in a lodge room you will have a microwave and a small refrigerator.

We typically bring up snacks and drinks to keep in the cabin and then head to the dining hall for main meals. The kids LOVE the dining hall. It is your typical cafeteria food line but they really do try to create meals and options that are healthier and allergy friendly. The food staff work really hard to make your dining experience delicious. Make sure you check out the times that the dining hall is open so you make sure you do not miss your meal.

***Dining has changed due to COVID-19 precautions. You may still eat in the dining room but the food is individually packaged for your safety. Hours have also been limited.

What To Pack

If visiting in the winter months please pack for snow and cold! It is always windy in Estes Park so keep that in mind as well. Pack snow gear; snow coats, snow boots, snow pants, hats and gloves so you can play and enjoy the snow and winter activities. If visiting in the summer, keep in mind it can get hot in the afternoon and chilly in the evening. Sunscreen is a must no matter the season.

The cabins and lodge rooms do have soap/shampoo in the bathrooms. Towels and bedding are provided. The lodge rooms do have hair dryers – cabins do not. Keep in mind that lodge rooms and cabins do not have TVs – time to unplug! There is WIFI available if needed. The Vacation homes do have TVs. I suggest books and lots of puzzles and games for the evenings.

Great for Multi-Generational Travel

While is not a resort; it certainly has similarities in that it can be a perfect vacation location for multi-generational families. There is literally something for everyone here. Reserve a cabin or vacation home to have a place to meet and mingle with your family but then utilize the many programs, events and activities together or separate. Whatever is needed for your family.

Memories Made – Traditions Continue

I love traditions and I love traveling. Heading the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park is one of those travel traditions I hope to continue with the kids for years to come. It truly is a great place for families of all types, sizes, ages and abilities. As a single mom, this is a space I feel comfortable and excited to explore with my kids.

While the pandemic has changed some parts of our experience we still had a great time. Mask up, wash your hands and enjoy the adventure! But, be kind, be flexible and be okay with having some parts of the experience be different or low staffed. It really is a difficult time right now but YMCA has done everything in their power to make it the very best time!!

Start planning your family trip to YMCA of the Rockies Today!