YMCA of the Rockies Guestbook Comments
Please take a moment to post a memory from your stay at the YMCA of the Rockies.
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Want to come back
My mom used to take us to the Y of the Rockies every summer as children. We loved it. I decided to take my family the summer of 2004 (our kids are teenagers). We have taken many vacations in the past, this was the first place they were asking to come back to before we left! This summer, 2005, they each brought a friend. And, once again, they ALL are planning next summer's visit. That should tell you about how great of an experience it is for everyone.
posted by: Bob and Natasha B
posted by: Melissa and Kevin Sherlock, Omaha, NE
When I was four or so, my mother, 2 sisters, and mother went on a gigantic vacation from our home (Topeka, Kansas) all the way through Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, and eventually into Canada. We stayed at the YMCA in Estes Park and I specifically remember being so excited that there was a Mini-golf course in the "back yard" of our cabin. Anyways, the four of us really enjoyed our stay even though it was only for a few days.
Three years ago my mom had an idea to go back to Estes Park and stay at the same YMCA, this time bringing my father along. Everyone in the family thought that sounded like an excellent vacation so that's what we did. We stayed in the exact same cabin as when I was four, but this time we spent a week there. It was great. Everyone enjoys the planned activites that the YMCA provides. While my older sister(18), twin sister(14), and myself(14) are substantially older these days, you can never be too old to play good, old-fashined BINGO or bird banding.
Two years ago, my mother's brother passed away from a heart-attack. It is my belief that The scenery and friendliness surrounding the YMCA at Estes Park helped her get through one of the toughest times of her life. If she could figure out this darned internet thing, I'm sure she'd submit a page-long abstract on how she got through it, but I think this paragraph will do fine.
I will go to the YMCA of the Rockies as much as I can throughout my life and I hope to take my children and family there some day. My father's side of our family is having a family reunion there in a few years. We'll be making good use of the new reunion cabins, which looks spectacular. I would just like to get the word out to anyone who is deciding to visit, DO IT. It's a great family experience.
posted by: Ben Goering
posted by: Dale Caracci
posted by: Adriane, 16, KS
posted by: Natalie, 15, Washington D.C.
posted by: Kristen Manning, Texas
Fun Place to Work
I am from NYC I worked at SMR in 87 It was one of the best things I did Its good to meet new people from all over the world I would to come back soon some day.
posted by: John Benedetto
Heaven on earth!
In 1991 we stayed at YMCA of the Rockies for about a week with our two children and it was heaven on earth. I just got off the phone and we have a long-overdue reservation for this year! It will be just my husband and self but it is something we have been dreaming of since we left our "dream vacation" in 1991. Thank you, Lord!
posted by: Karen
Another rave review
I just got back from a few days at the Y of the Rockies. We attended a conference there with Youth a Mission. My husband and I met in Estes while working on staff at the YMCA of the Rockies in '78. We still have friends on staff, and had a great time catching up with them. The grounds are beautiful, well-cared for, and we rejoice at the generosity of so many faithful donors who have given finances to maintain and improve the facilities. We hope that many, many future generations have the joy of falling in love or vacationing there, being refreshed in this wonderful place, where God's presence permeates.
posted by: Marcia Zimmermann
Enjoyable class get-together
Last year in September a number of my highschool classmates got together to spend an enjoyable and refreshing weekend at YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center. We had a four bedroom vacation cabin. The cabin itself was well worth the money spent for accomadations. The view was spectacular and awesome. It was so peaceful and serene in the mountains. There was so much to see in Estes Park. The places where we ate, the food was good. It was a most wonderful weekend. The class is planning another trip this September(2004) to Snow Mountain Ranch, and I am hoping I will be coming along with them to spend another awesome weekend in the lovely Rocky Mountains.
posted by: Mary Long
Best Family Vacation Ever
Well, the secret is out...I have heard how awesome this place was for years from friends who had stayed there and they are so right! We just returned from staying there for a week over fourth of July and had an amazing time! From a guided tour through the montains, to horse back riding to all of us falling in love with frisbee golf, we never were bored or wanting to leave. In fact, we all had tears in our eyes the day we Had to leave. We came home and have already told many friends and family how awesome this is and we intend on being back next year. We probably shouldn't tell too many though as you fill up so fast. We were so impressed of how NICE and helpful everyone on staff was and how it was so peaceful to be in the mountains and surrounding areas. Thank you for providing such an affordable place to unwind, be with our family and renew our spirits. This will definately remain in our minds as one of our top family getaways forever and we will be back as soon as our schedule allows!!
posted by: The Sikes Family. Overland Park, Kansas
Generations of memories
The YMCA of the Rockies has provided 35 years of family memories for me. I’ve been here as a child and now I experience the pleasure with my own children. Most importantly, the YMCA of the Rockies provides 1 to 2 weeks of a break from the hustle and bustle of life and makes us enjoy our family without technology. Being from southern Texas, I guess we must throw in the fact that we love the cool weather in July!
Eagerly anticipating third consecutive year at the Y!!!!
When my family heard about this place, it was referred to as "Colorado's best-kept secret," and whoever told us about it was right. In August, we're returning for our third consecutive year, and I can't wait. The scenery/cabins/food/activities are all amazing, especially the trail rides (my personal favorite) and the craft area. My family's favorite thing is the hiking, both guided out of the Y and whenever we take our own trips. Truly a fantastic place in a breathtaking setting that everyone will love, no matter their age or interests.
My Favorite Vacation
In 2001, about 20 families from my church went to the YMCA, including my family. We stayed there for about a week. It was one of the best weeks of my life! The church is going back there next summer, and I already can't stand the wait. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, the accomodations great, and the atmosphere so laid back and relaxing. My friends and I spent a whole afternoon on the Administration Lodge porch one day just talking and enjoying the view. I also did one of the trail rides, which was one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you so much for such a wonderful place to relax and have fun!
2004 Family reunion
We had the joy of spending 5 days together as a family from all over the country this Aug in the most beautiful setting and lovely accommodations. From the first phone call last year until check out you made the task of organizing easy and enjoyable. The staff is outstanding and goes the extra mile to make everyone feel included. The craft center was a favorite with both young and old, the riding stables a true delight and the food terrific. God willing we will return some day but the memories will live a lifetime.
Thank you!
Great Family Place
~Just as a word of warning, this is coming from a 14 year old. Bare with my bad grammar and possible spelling mistakes~
The perfect family vacation!
June, 2005. We just returned from a very memorable week with you. Our children ages 5 and 7 will remember the fishing and trail rides the most. The wildlife was unbelievable, especially all the elk, deer and hummingbirds just outside our cabin (Aspen). Our children LOVED the roller skating rink where they skated for the first time. Unfortunately, we only visited the Crafts center the day before we left, so we only had time for one craft. My husband and I both agreed it was the most impressive Craft Center we'd ever seen. Whomever runs it should be commended! There are many more things I could say, but we just loved everything about it and will try to return with extended family someday.