Estes Park is a popular resort town and the doorstep to Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in Larimer County, Colorado, along the Big Thompson River, Estes Park has average population of 6,286. The town is named after Missouri native Joel Estes, who founded Estes Park in 1859. Estes Park is known worldwide for its spectacular mountain scenery, wide variety of abundant wildlife, moderate climate, miles of hiking trails and scenic drives. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous highway in the United States, runs from Estes Park westward through Rocky Mountain National Park, reaching Grand Lake over the continental divide.