Hundreds Gather Early in Estes Park for No Kings Protest

Hours before the No Kings protest began in Denver today, October 18, more than 500 demonstrators lined Elkhorn Avenue in Estes Park for what might have been the largest demonstration in the mountain town’s history.

The No Kings Day protest — part of a national movement opposing authoritarianism and calling for renewed commitment to democratic principles, and one of dozens across Colorado — drew a mix of residents and visitors, from retirees and young families to costumed participants braving the mountain wind.

A 7-8-year-old man dressed as Kenny from South Park became an instant crowd favorite. “Nothing says Colorado more than South Park,” he said, his orange inflatable hood rippling in the gusts. “If I’m going to protest in Estes Park, I might as well do it as Kenny. We’ve got to work together — there are no kings in America, or at least there shouldn’t be.”

The atmosphere was loud but peaceful. Cars honked in support as protesters waved signs reading “No Kings, Protect Democracy” and “Refuse Unlawful Orders.” A few skeptical onlookers passed by, shaking their heads, but there was no organized counter-protest.

Among the attendees were Chris and Eleanor Stewart, who had driven up from Denver with their four daughters. “It’s sad to see women’s rights being rolled back as our daughters come of age,” Chris said. “They have fewer rights now than we did when we were their age.” Added Eleanor, “We’re here to support democracy. We want our kids to see that it’s worth showing up for.”

This was the Stewarts’ first protest as a family. “We’ve been watching what’s happening the last nine months,” Chris said. “When we saw this movement spreading to towns across the country, we realized we couldn’t just sit this one out.”

A small group of younger locals — climbers, guides and freelance outdoor journalists — also joined the crowd. “I mostly cover climbing and conservation,” one writer said, “but this matters too. Journalism matters.” Another added, “A lot of my friends are federal employees. They’re not getting paid during the shutdown, but they’re still showing up for work. The least I could do was show up for them.

The event remained orderly throughout the duration. Estes Park Police maintained a light presence, and several participants praised the town’s cooperative spirit. “It’s different here,” said a protester dressed in an eagle costume. “Peaceful. And with all the tourists coming through, it’s a great place to get maximum exposure for the movement.”

Even the history-minded found ways to link the day’s message to Colorado’s past. One man held a sign reading honoring Captain Silas Soule and Lieutenant Joseph Cramer — the officers who defied commands during the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre. “They followed conscience over command,” he explained. “That’s what this moment feels like — a test of conscience. When power starts demanding immoral things, it comes down to the individual to refuse.”

By early afternoon, snow flurries swirled through the wind as the crowd thinned and the honking slowed. The protest may not have matched the scale of rallies in Denver or Fort Collins, but for this small town tucked against the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, it was a remarkable show of civic engagement.

“Estes Park has spoken,” one participant said as the group dispersed. “Not in anger — in resolve.”

Watch for our report on the Denver protest; in the meantime, see Bennito L. Kelty’s video on the Westword Instagram.