As soon as it stops raining, the floodwaters in Estes Park and the east side of RMNP will quickly recede. Next week is supposed to be sunny, warm and dry. September is prime time for Estes Park. The town will work very hard to get businesses cleaned up and operating as soon as possible. As you know, parts of Estes Park are on higher ground so not all businesses have been flooded. Elkhorn Avenue through downtown is a river right now. Trail Ridge Road and the western side of RMNP have not been impacted by the flooding. Currently, it is unclear what roads into Estes Park will be open. Highway 34 through Big Thompson Canyon has been breached (washed away) in places. It will take a long time to repair the damage to that road. There are questions about highway 36. Boulder and Lyons were hard hit by floodwaters. It appears the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway may be the best option. Authorities will have to evaluate this after the water recedes. http://www.cotrip.org will be your best source for road condition information.
This would be a good year to split your time between Grand Lake and Estes Park. Spend some time on the west side of RMNP and then go Estes Park for the second half of your trip or delay your trip.
With good weather, I think Estes Park will be "ready" for visitors within a few days after the water recedes. Depending on location, not all businesses will be back to normal.
There is no land line or cell service currently in Estes Park so do not think a business is flooded and closed just because you are unable to reach them.
rky, the other DE lives in Estes Park and I am sure will post information when able. I own property in Estes Park and will get updates from there when I can. Eventhough I live only an hour away, the only way to get to Estes Park right now is by way of Trail Ridge Road. Local news has crews in the area. Larimer County is posting information. The town of Estes Park and the rangers in RMNP are posting on Twitter when service is available.
https://twitter.com/TownofEstesPark
https://twitter.com/RMNPOfficial