You know you’ve struck gold when you’re interviewing someone who opens by correcting you with a grin and a one-liner. That’s Cowboy Brad for you. Raised in Estes Park (but, as he says, still not grown up), Brad is one of those rare locals whose life story is so deeply intertwined with this town and its mountains that you can’t tell one without the other.
We caught up with him on the Knoll, looking out over downtown Estes Park, and what followed was part storytelling, part history lesson, and all heart.
Growing Up Estes (Kinda)
Brad remembers Estes Park in the 20th century as a quieter place, with fewer people and more elbow room. It was the kind of town where you knew everyone—and they knew you. “My mom used to say, ‘It’s no sooner done than said,’” Brad recalled, referring to the kind of small-town grapevine that runs faster than a trail runner on caffeine.
Back then, the best kind of teenage rebellion was skipping out early from school to go rock climbing or skiing at Hidden Valley. Adults might’ve seen you out there, but nobody ever tattled. Maybe they figured, hey—there are worse ways for a kid to get in trouble.
Ranger Brad: Mountains, Mishaps, and PSAR
Brad didn’t just grow up in Estes. He grew into the park—Rocky Mountain National Park, that is. For 14 years, Brad worked as a wilderness ranger, patrolling trails, keeping hikers safe, and participating in search and rescue missions.
He spent a good chunk of that time at Longs Peak, which he affectionately called his "base of operations." His job? Talking people off the trail—literally.
See, a big part of his role was something the rangers call “Preventative Search and Rescue” (PSAR for short). It’s where you meet someone at the trailhead, eye their gear—or lack thereof—and gently break it to them that their shorts, sandals, and single granola bar might not be enough to summit a 14er.
“You’d see elite triathletes going down with altitude sickness,” Brad said, “while couch potatoes from the Midwest just kept slowly plugging along. You never can tell how someone will react to elevation.”
Estes Through Brad’s Eyes
What makes talking to Cowboy Brad such a treat is that you’re not just hearing stories—you’re hearing Estes Park itself speak. His childhood mischief, his ranger days, and his sharp wit all come from a life lived here, on the trails and in the community.
And that’s what makes Estes Park so special. It’s not just the elk traffic jams or the postcard views of Longs Peak. It’s the people. Folks like Cowboy Brad, who remind us that you can live here a lifetime and still not be done growing up.
Want to read more stories from the locals who make Estes Park what it is?
Check out more interviews and tales on our blog:
https://estesparkluxuryrealestate.com/blog
And if you’re thinking about calling Estes Park home—or want to know what life’s really like here beyond the souvenir shops—reach out to us at Estes Park Team Realty. We live here. We get it. We’ll help you find your place in the story.
