Rentals : Available at Snow Mountain Ranch
Eldora Mountain Resort is located an hour away from the Estes Park Center, along the scenic Peak to Peak Byway. Eldora Mountain offers 680 acres of skiable terrain and is ski, snowboard, AT, XC and snowshoe friendly. Rentals and classes offered on-site at Eldora. Food and drink offered in their dining areas.
Snow Mountain Sports is your one-stop shop for ski and snowboard rentals. Rent all the gear you need to hit the hill at Winter Park Resort and Granby Ranch Resort! Located on-site at Snow Mountain Ranch next to the library, Snow Mountain Sports is steps away from your accommodations. For more information, call 970-887-2554 or visit the Snow Mountain Sports website.
Archery sessions allow beginners to learn the basics, while experienced archers get a chance to practice honing their skills. Archery is available year-round! Year-round sessions between an outdoor and indoor range. Registration available two weeks in advance. Private group sessions available.
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$12/person
Hit the mark with an archery session. Archery is available year-round with both indoor and outdoor ranges. Sessions are $10 per session with a limit of 10 guests per session. Participants must be 5 or older.
$10/person
Included at Estes Park Center
Included
Rentals : Available at Estes Park Center
During the summer season, experience the rush of axe throwing! During each session learn how to safely throw a two-pound hatchet at a target and get it to stick. Great experience for both first time and veteran axe throwers. The range is located in a perfect wooded area with plenty of shade from towering Ponderosa Pines. Register online two weeks in advance.
$10/Person
Located at the program building, you can rent a mountain bike or e-bike! Snow Mountain Ranch has miles of mountain bike trails for the beginner to advanced rider.
$15 - $50/Person
Rentals : Available at Estes Park Center & Snow Mountain Ranch
Enjoy the cool Colorado nights huddled around a warm campfire. To reserve a campfire ring, please call 970-586-3341 ext. 1104. The campfire reservation fee is $25 for a two hour reservation which includes two bundles of fire wood. You must have a lodging reservation at the YMCA of the Rockies to book a fire ring. Campfires can accomodate from 4-200 people. Please note campfires are subject to any current fire bans or weather conditions.
$25 for a two hour session
Warm your boots and enjoy the cool Colorado nights huddled by the toasty campfire. Campfire reservations are $60 for groups of up to 20, $120 for up to 40, and $180 for up to 80. Please note, campfires are subject to any current fire bans or weather conditions. For more information, contact the programs departments at 970-887-2152 ext. 4135.
$60
Team building elements for private groups are at ground level and consist of a fixed obstacle. The YMCA facilitator presents a problem or task and the group works together to solve it. There is no right or wrong way to solve the task as long as the group follows the given guidelines. Team Building focuses on the entire group.
By working together through these tasks, group characteristics such as communication, cooperation, trust and leadership are enhanced. The ideal group size is 8-15 participants per course. Groups must book 3 weeks in advance. Call 970-586-3341 x1118 to book.
Prices Vary
Challenge yourself with one of our high ropes courses. Get out of your comfort zone while suspended 55 feet in the air and push your limits with the help of highly trained staff. Group sizes can accommodate up to 40 participants per course. Groups must book 3 weeks in advance. Prices vary per group size.
$150 - $600/Group
The indoor climbing wall at the Boone Family Mountain Center is modeled to look and feel like real rock! Climb to the top of the 25-foot wall, or stay low to the ground on the bouldering wall. Climbing shoes and harnesses are provided and all participants will be given an introduction to the equipment and beginner climbing technique.
Cost is $10/person for an hour. The three-sided outdoor rock climbing tower at offers enough diversity and usability to suit the needs of beginner and intermediate rock climbers. The Outdoor Climbing Wall is offered between the summer months of June – August where climbers can enjoy the sunshine and the sounds of Glacier Creek!
Cost is $10/person for a 1.5 hour session. Group rates available, call to inquire.
Join us for a session of climbing on our three-story indoor climbing wall, located in the Kiva building. During a 45 minute session, guests will learn the safe and proper way to rock climb. We have easy, moderate and difficult routes for all abilities. Guests must be 40-250lbs to use the climbing wall.
$10Person
The Mootz Family Craft and Design Center offers a wide variety of projects for kids ages 2 to 102. Enjoy wood and leather crafts, the jewelry area with thousands of beads, glazed and painted ceramics, mosaic and tie dye.
Seasonal crafts include silk painting, glass fusing & basket making which are open during the summer.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
$5 - $85/Project
Bring your ideas and inspiration to the table at the Snow Mountain Ranch Craft Shop. With a large assortment of crafts options, kids & adults can make and take home handcrafted memories. The Snow Mountain Ranch Craft Shop is open daily with projects available for all ages and abilities. Projects range from $1 to $25.
$1 - $25/Project
Give your children a camp experience to remember-horseback riding in the mountains, hiking and exploring trails, developing archery skills, splashing and playing in the pool, singing to their hearts content, creating crafts and more – all under the care of specially trained staff who bring attention to the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. Learn more.
Offered during the summer months only. We are proud to have our Day Camp Programs accredited by the American Camp Association which we earn by meeting or exceeding current camp industry standards. If you have questions you can reach the Day Camp Office at: 970-586-3341 x1280.
$40 a day
Our Day Camp will offer 1-week camp sessions starting June 5h. Day camp runs Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, for children 5 years to 13 years old. Our day camp is now hosted through Camp Chief Ouray (CCO) our resident summer camp at Snow Mountain Ranch. Visit the Camp Chief Ouray website for more information.
$120 members $140 non-members
Included at Estes Park Center & Snow Mountain Ranch
Murphy’s Mountain Dog Park is centrally located and has many great amenities for dogs and their humans. The 150’ x 150’ fenced dog park offers two agility stations, water fountains for those with two and four legs, seating and a shade shelter. Pets are welcome at YMCA of the Rockies in the 2-5 bedroom cabins only.
Enjoy the large fenced dog park located across from the summer tubing hill.
Do you dream of yelling “Mush!” to your team of huskies in the blinding snow while on the trail of the Iditarod? Live out a scaled-down version of your dream by dog sledding at Snow Mountain Ranch this winter! Please note that we have limited availability for this activity and advance reservations are required. We recommend reserving your ride online or by phone (970-887-2152 x4135). Click here for more information on dog sledding including ride options, prices, and to book a ride.
$35/Short Ride$125/Long Ride
The 18-hole disc golf course will take you around the YMCA property while testing your skills! Beginners and experts will enjoy the incredible and unique views available as you toss your way around the Y. Disc golf discs can be rented at the Sweet Memorial Building for a $10 cash deposit.
18 holes of disc flipping fun, with a scenic walk as a bonus. Disc Golf discs can be rented at the Program Building for a refundable deposit of $10/disc.
Family Programs offer a variety of special events and classes for families to participate in together led by a trained and enthusiastic staff member. From ecology and navigation experiences, trivia and movie nights, to classes about fire building and local wildlife— our family programs are guaranteed to create lifelong memories. We also have activities catered to our little learners!
These programs allow young children time to experience the outdoors with their family, while learning something new in the process. Some of these activities include ball play, parachute games, and our most popular “little explorers” program, where children will have the opportunity to go on a short nature walk and embrace their natural wonder of the world around them.
Trying to get your kids outside and away from the T.V.? Our “Little Explorers” program offers a variety of classes that will peak any kids interest level this summer! From fort building and leaf stenciling to classes about bugs and ecology, we give kids the chance to get dirty and explore their surroundings, all while learning something along the way.
At Snow Mountain Ranch, our outdoor adventures are open to all ages. Adults are welcome to participate in the “Little Explorers” programs, but we really want this to be about kids making their own choices and building their own things without parents giving them directions. It’s a great opportunity for kids to grow independently and experience things that they normally can’t in the city.
Fishing at Dorsey Lake, located at the YMCA is only catch-and-release, meaning any fish that are caught must be released back into the water. Dorsey Lake is located at the entrance to the YMCA, parking is limited. Nearby Rocky Mountain National park is home to world-class fly-fishing opportunities. Located at YMCA of the Rockies, Sasquatch Fly Fishing offers a variety of guided fly fishing trips so you can get the most out of your experience. Trips include rod, reel, line, waders, leader, tippet and flies. Sasquatch Fly Fishing generally opens on Memorial Day and closes for the season on Labor Day. The Sasquatch Fly Fishing info and registration desk is located in the Boone Family Mountain Center Building. Visit www.sasquatchflyfishing.com to learn more and book your trip.
Trout fishing is available at the Gaylord Reservoir (no license required). Please bring your own equipment.
The game room includes ping pong, billiards, foosball, table shuffleboard, and more! The game room is located in the basement of the Sweet Memorial Building and open whenever Sweet Memorial is. Board game rentals are located on the main floor.
The Kiva Center is home to all things sports, with indoor activities every day of the week. Check this week’s Activity Guide to see what team sports you can join during your stay! Sports Included: Air hockey, Foosball, Ping pong, and Pool."
Included at Snow Mountain Ranch
Join us in our dog park Saturday mornings at 9 AM and 10 AM mid-June to mid-August for Hanging with Huskies. Meet a few of the dogs from our dog sled team and play with them in our three-acre dog park. Make sure to check the weekly Activity Guide to see if this program is running during your stay!
Looking for beautiful and educational hikes in or near Rocky Mountain National Park? We have a variety of on-property hiking trails to explore on your own or register for a guided hikes online or at the Boone Family Mountain Center! Our expert Hikemasters lead hikes of varying difficulty to many different locations in the area. From strolling around the “Y” grounds to climbing peaks and trekking around beautiful alpine lakes, there are hikes available for everyone. Each week’s hikes are listed in the Activity Guide. Learn More
Stop by the Program Building to learn about our hiking trails. Head out on your own or join our Adventure Staff as they lead you on a day hike to discover the beautiful peaks, wildflowers, lakes and waterfalls of the Rocky Mountains. Our two most popular hiking trails are the Waterfall Trail and the 9-Mile Mountain Trail.
Founded in 1907, the Estes Park Center is steeped in history. Our staff historians offer a variety of staff guided and self-guided options to explore the many historical buildings and sites located throughout our 860 acres. We encourage you to stop by the Lula Dorsey Museum to learn more and start your history adventure!
The Just Ranch and Rowley Homestead let you experience the way life was as a Rocky Mountain Rancher in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Take a guided tour of the Rowley Homestead, play dress-up in period costumes, try doing laundry on a washboard and make your very own walking stick. Tours available during the summer.
Jackson Stables located on the YMCA property offers a variety of rides from one-hour rides to all day rides, pony rides, hayrides and more. Rides weave through Rocky Mountain National Park and YMCA of the Rockies property. All horseback trail rides and hayrides are booked through Jackson Stables.
Learn more and view schedules at jacksonstables.com or call 970-586-3341, x1440.
Rocky Mountain Stables is a third-party horseback riding company located on the Snow Mountain Ranch property and offers a horseback riding experience through the Rocky Mountains. Prices vary depending on the experience. All rides are booked through the Rocky Mountain Stables website. Learn more at rockymountainstables.com.
*Ice skating is closed for the season, we will see you again for skating during the 2023/2024 season! Free ice skate rental available at the Sweet Memorial Program Building. Size range from children to adult. Conditions allowed for ice skating are generally early December through early February, weather depending. A day pass is required for non-lodging guests who would like to participate in this activity.
Strap on some skates and glide across the ice rink. Free ice skate rentals are available at the Winter Pavillion. Ice skating is a weather-dependent activity.
From fiction to non-fiction, adventure and a special Colorado section, you are sure to find a book that peaks your interest! Enjoy special library programs including poetry readings, guest authors, music and more. Children can enjoy the special children’s library located in the lower level of the Maude Jellison Library. Learn more about all the services offered, events and more about the library here.
The library at Snow Mountain Ranch offers hundreds of books to check out and enjoy while enjoying our scenic surroundings, from your cabin or lodge room, or anywhere you please. Boasting books of all genres, you're sure to find a book that interests you.
Therapeutic massage is offered in a serene mountain cabin on the grounds of the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center through Homegrown Yoga and Massage. A full list of services and prices can be found at homegrownyoga.com. To schedule your massage email laura@homegrownyoga.com, or text Laura at 720-218-1953. For your massage, please go to Birch Cabin located at the corner of Association Drive and Friendship Lane. If you are driving to Birch please take Program Way off of Association Drive and go to the end. Birch is the last cabin on the right.
The 18-hole and children’s’ 9-hole course, with larger holes are available year-round, weather permitting. Mini golf is free to guests. No registration required. During summer months equipment can be picked up at the Duncan Family Clubhouse next to the courses. Fall, winter, spring, equipment can be picked up at the Sweet Memorial Program Building.
One of Snow Mountain Ranch’s most popular activities. Our 27 hole miniature golf course is relaxing fun for the whole family. Equipment available at the mini golf course.
Welcome to the Dorsey Museum. Housed in a 1924 guest lodge, and open year-round, the museum features several period room settings and exhibition galleries and restful museum grounds. During the summer months, we offer programming, including historical walking tours of the property focusing on the rich history of YMCA of the Rockies and family programs.
Learn More
Snow Mountain Ranch’s Nordic Center has more than 120 kilometers of world-class terrain for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking in the Colorado Rockies for everyone from first-time recreational participants to elite racers. Beginners can ski on short easy loops around the Nordic Center while the experienced racer can train on longer expert trails with steeper climbs.
Schedule a professional photo sitting with Sky Pond Photography on location at YMCA of the Rockies. Portrait sessions are affordable, fun, stress free, with no obligation to buy. Prints or digital options available. For more information visit, skypondphotovideo.com or call 970-480-7877.
Schedule a professional photo sitting with Michael Brian Creative photography on location at YMCA of the Rockies. Portrait sessions are affordable, fun, stress free, with no obligation to buy. Prints or digital options available. For more information visit Michael Brian Creative online or call 970.308.9385
Various playgrounds located throughout Estes Park Center offer a casual play experience for kids.
Various playgrounds located throughout Snow Mountain Ranch offer a casual play experience for kids.
The roller-skating rink is located in the upper-level of the Longhouse Building. Skate rentals are free. Personally-owned stakes and rollerblades are welcome. No registration required.
Show off your skills at the Snow Mountain Ranch Roller Skating Rink. Located indoors at the Kiva Recreation Center, roller skating is the perfect activity option no matter the weather. Traditional roller skates are provided at the Kiva Recreation Center, free for on grounds guests, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Enjoy sand volleyball with views of the Rocky Mountains! Our sand volleyball courts are located in front of the Administration Building. Volleyball courts are free for on-grounds guests. Volleyballs are available to check out at the Sweet Memorial Program Building.
The perfect activity for a warm summer day. Our sand volleyball courts are located near the Administration Building and the reunion cabins. Volleyball courts are free for on-grounds guests. Volleyballs are available through the program department.
Learn how to skijour with the help of the Snow Mountain Ranch Sled Dog Team! Let our dogs guide you while our instructors teach you the basic commands. These 45-minute classes are offered on Mondays at 9:30 March 7 – 28. Pre-registration is required. Limited to 5 participants per session. Participants must possess an intermediate cross country ski level. Skis are available to rent at the Nordic Center and absolutely no personal dogs allowed.
$40
Sledding is permitted on our sledding hill, located south of Dorsey Lake near the entrance of the YMCA of the Rockies. Bring your own sled or check one out from the Sweet Memorial Program Building. The sledding hill is open from dawn to dusk. A day pass is required for non-lodging guests who would like to participate in this activity.
Experience Coloradoʼs backcountry like you never have before with Grand Adventures guided tours and unguided snowmobile rentals. Ride along with Grand Adventures professional tour guides on nice wide-groomed trails, single track through the trees, powder play meadows and maybe even catch a glimpse of some wildlife. Tour options for all ages and abilities, from beginner to advanced. For more information or to reserve your rental today, visit www.grandadventures.com or call us at 970.726.9247. Tours take place off Snow Mountain Ranch property.
Explore snowy trails on your own. Snowshoe and microspike rentals are available at the Boone Family Mountain Center Building. Adult rentals, ages 13+ is a $10 rental fee, children 12 and younger rent for $5 rental fee.
Our hiking staff can help you find the perfect trail for your wants and ability. Guided snowshoe hikes are available during the winter months. Our guides will take you into Rocky Mountain National Park, where you’ll be able to experience a wide variety of terrain.
No fee for rental if registered for a Hikemaster guided snowshoe hike.
$10 Adults$5 Children
Strap on snowshoes and set out on an adventure through snow-frosted pine trees. Whether you’re a beginner or a snowshoe pro, Snow Mountain Ranch has trails to spark wonder and awe in every member of your group. Hikes are available for all levels of adventurers. Snowshoe rentals are available at the Nordic Center. Free and Public guided hikes are listed on the weekly Activity Guide. Private guided hikes are available for $40/ guide with a limit of 15 guests per guide. (Snowshoe rentals not included in cost).
To schedule a hike, call the Programs Department at 970-887-2152 x 4135
Things To Know:
View the Snowshoe Trail Map.
$16 - $22/Rental
Join us for a non-denominational church service every Sunday at 10:00am. We worship in Hyde Chapel during the summer months, as well as during the season of advent and on special holidays such as Easter. During the rest of the year we worship in Ponder Chapel, located in the Legett Christian Center. In addition to weekly services, the Chapel Ministry also hosts bible studies, worship hikes, campfire sing-a-longs, special interest classes, and many other opportunities that are spiritually engaging. Learn more & view special chapel ministry events.
On Sunday mornings Snow Mountain Chaplain’s Department will host a public worship service at Whispering Pines Chapel at 10:30 am. Online worship will also be available on our Facebook Page, YMCA of the Rockies, at 10:30 am every Sunday.
Whether you’re looking to play the classics like basketball, volleyball, and tennis or itching to try something new like Gaga or Pickleball, we’ve got what you need! We also have equipment for kickball, wiffle ball, soccer, football, croquet, bocce ball, Frisbee, and more!
Equipment available for check out and use from the Sweet Memorial Building (Labor Day – Memorial Day) and at the Duncan Family Clubhouse (Memorial Day – Labor Day).
Our outdoor fields and courts are always available and the Longhouse Gym boasts two indoor basketball/volleyball courts, typically available from Labor Day to Memorial Day. YMCA staff also facilitate a variety of sport activities, so check the Activity Guide for information on games for all to join!
Visit the Kiva Center, home to all things sports, with indoor activities every day of the week. Check this week’s Activity Guide to see what team sports you can join during your stay! Price: Free for guests and members
Sports:
Snow Mountain Ranch has expanded the traditional winter activity of tubing throughout the summer from Memorial Day Weekend through October 1, weather depending, with the inclusion of a designed and built Snowflex® tubing slope from Briton Engineering Developments Ltd. Overnight guests receive a free tubing hill session! Additional guest tubing sessions can be reserved in the Programs Building the day of for FREE (depending on availability).
*Members of YMCA of the Rockies (with proof of membership) can use the tubing hill for $15 per person.
Reservation, rules and amenities information:
NOTE: Estes Park Center swimming pool will be closed from May 22 - 26 for staff training. Heated to 83 degrees and at a length of 25 yards, you are sure to find room for relaxation and fun. Please note the following pool rules: Children 12 years old and under must have an adult in the pool and children 17 and under must have an adult in the building. Our swimming pool offers water exercise classes, lap swims and open swim times.
Take a dip in the pool or relax in the sauna after an adventure-filled day. Snow Mountain Ranch offers a 25-yard indoor swimming pool for both lap and recreational swimming, a perfect refresher in any season.
Please note the following pool rules:
Please call the program office at 970-887-2152 x4135 2 weeks in advance if you plan to bring a large group so we can plan accordingly.
Enjoy a game of tennis with some of the best views of the Rocky Mountains! Tennis equipment is available through the Sweet Memorial Building or the Duncan Family Clubhouse.
Enjoy a game of tennis at the “Sweet Spot,” our two tennis courts. Tennis equipment available through the Program Building.
Our friends over at MAD Adventures can set you up on a white water adventure, whether you are looking for an easy half-day, a vigorous full-day or all out MAD overnight river rafting trip for yourself, your family or best buddies. MAD Adventures has the trip for you. To book your trip, visit the Program Building at Snow Mountain Ranch, call 800-451-4844 or visit www.madadventures.com. When booking, don’t forget to mention that you are staying at Snow Mountain Ranch.
Feel the rush of the wind on your face as you zoom down the mountain on the tubing hill. Tubes are available at the Winter Pavilion Only tubes provided by Snow Mountain Ranch are allowed on the hill – No outside tubes or sleds are permitted. Tubing availability is always weather permitting. Please note that we do not have a tow rope or moving platform to return to the top of the hill.
Relax and unwind with a guided yoga class offered during the summer months. All ages and ability welcome, geared for ages 12+, parents can decide whether to bring younger children based on interest and ability. View the Activity Guide for class schedules. Registration required. Private group and individual yoga classes also available. Find more information at homegrownyoga.com or email laura@homegrownyoga.com.
Soar through the sky on one of our zip lines! Our well trained staff will help guide you through this amazing experience. Sign up online or at the Programs building. Must be 8 or older (no exceptions) and under 250 pounds. Each participant will receive one turn on the zip line per session.
$14
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