Outdoor World
Spike, crampon and pole rentals plus hiking boots on East Elkhorn
- (970) 586-2114
- rmconnection.com
- 156 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park · downtown
- Open now · closes 9pm
About
In the shoulder seasons, when the trails go icy, Outdoor World is where people rent microspikes, crampons and trekking poles for the day instead of buying a set they will use twice.
The shop is on East Elkhorn near the Riverwalk, a few doors from Macdonald Book Shop and The Phat Bear. Boots are the other big draw, alongside brand-name outerwear, hiking gear and hike sticks for anyone who left theirs at home. The business dates to 1914 and has run a mail-order side since 1949, now the Rocky Mountain Connection website, which ships Levi's, Dickies and Minnetonka worldwide.
But the real value is at the counter. Staff are generous with Rocky Mountain National Park recommendations, what to wear, where to go with the time left, and that help is what people remember most. Gear selection is broad for a downtown shop, and the rental counter means nobody has to buy spikes for one icy trail. Ask before buying anything for a single hike.
