The first rodeo in Estes Park, Colorado, took place in 1908, ties to the community’s Western heritage. Rooftop Rodeo will celebrate its 98th year this July but not without recognizing its history. In this image, Rooftop Rodeo Queen Suzanne Thompson poses in the arena in 1963.
(PHOTO wm_2006.013.316 COURTESY OF ESTES PARK MUSEUM)

 

Rooftop will celebrate its 98th year during six-day festival in July

ESTES PARK, Colo. – For most of Colorado’s existence, Rooftop Rodeo has been a fixture in Estes Park.

The Centennial State celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2026. That’s 150 years of history, and much of it has involved cowboys. The heritage will be honored during the 98th year of Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Monday, July 6-Saturday, July 11, at Granny May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds.

Roping and riding expertise existed in this mountainous terrain long before that August 1876 day. Vaqueros once corralled stray livestock in what was then the Mexican Territory. Their handiwork was passed on to settlers who were making their way west as the country expanded from shore to shore.

In fact, the first recognized rodeo took place in Deer Creek, Colorado, in 1869, seven years before statehood. By that time, cattle operations were growing. Colorado ranches were formed and transformed. Whether on the Plains toward the east or high in the Rocky Mountains, the cowboy way of life was integral in what has become modern day.

The legacy remains, and the Western way of life is still important to that.

“Estes Park is a vibrant community with a lot of diversity,” said Rob Hinkle, the Town’s Director of Events & Visitor Services. “The history of ranches in Estes Park goes back to the 1800s. Even as we have grown and become a major attraction for tourists, we have held on to that Western heritage.

“Because of our history, Rooftop Rodeo is an important part of who we are as a town.”

Rodeo first hit the Estes Valley in 1908, and Rooftop Rodeo made its debut two decades later. The early days featured a makeshift arena, where horse-drawn wagons, stagecoaches and vehicles formed in a circle to make the “pen.” That was a tale of the times; most roundups took place in temporary housing, of sorts.

Granny May Arena, the existing home of Rooftop Rodeo, was built in the 1950s and has been host to many festivities, from equestrian shows to horseraces to skijoring and rodeo. The grandstands were rebuilt in 2010, and the grounds and footing were redeveloped in 2017.

“Estes Park has one of the best rodeo facilities in the state of Colorado,” said Cindy Schonholtz, the Rooftop Rodeo coordinator. “The Town of Estes Park has invested in making this a great venue for everyone. It’s great for contestants and offers amazing views for the fans. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

For 98 years, rodeo history has been made in Larimer County, Colorado. It continues to thrive because of it, which is why the town is ready for picturesque summer nights at Granny May Arena.

 

Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Monday, July 6-Saturday, July 11, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.