Iconic scenic ride set to reopen in Colorado after fears of permanent closure

It's been more than a year since the Heron family announced that they would be forced to close the iconic Estes Park Aerial Tramway attraction, built by Robert Heron in 1955 and considered to be the first scenic tramway of its type in the United States. In months before the closure was announced, the caretaker of the attraction, John Heron, had passed away, with the family no longer able to keep the scenic ride running.

"Unless a new owner comes forward to take over the business and operations, the Tramway will not be open for the 2023 season," said the family at the time. "We would like to see the heritage of the Tramway continue and we are open to all interested parties and ideas."

According to an announcement made on April 10, it sounds like the family found the deal they were looking for, with the tramway set to reopen to the public on May 25 of this year under new ownership.

When new owner Gondola Ventures, LLC starts operations, the historic ride will feature the same stunning views that have been admired by more than 3 million riders since 1955, also offering food at a summit cafe and opportunities to purchase merchandise. Some upgrades to the property are underway, including repaving and restriping the parking area and exterior and interior architectural improvements, along with signage and accessibility improvements. An online ticketing system with timed-entry access will also be made available.

"We're excited to breathe new life into the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, ensuring it remains a cherished destination for years to come," said Adrian Liddell, long time General Manager of the Estes Park Tramway. “Our goal is to blend the tramway’s storied past with modern enhancements that will elevate the guest experience.”

The ride travels to the top of 8,900-foot Prospect Mountain, climbing about 1,110 feet of vertical gain in about 3.5 minutes. What makes a tramway unique is its free-span design, meaning no support towers are needed. It's known for providing stunning views of the surrounding mountainous area.

Here's a look at what a ride on the Tramway was like prior to its closure in 2023:

New owner Gondola Ventures is a private equity firm that specializes in aerial ropeway tourism projects. They're also involved in the Might Argo Cable Car project in Idaho Springs.

Additional information can be found on the Estes Park Tramway website.

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