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
Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalist
Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976
-----------------
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/
-----------------
Sources Used in Episode:
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
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.