Sophia May
Things To Do In Estes Park Colorado – A walkable, charming downtown, river views, great restaurants and breweries, towering Rocky Mountains, gorgeous views, and lots to see in Estes Park make it one of my favorite places to visit in Colorado!
As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park should be famous, but it’s also a beautiful town with many interesting attractions and an atmosphere you can’t help but love.
Things To Do In Estes Park Colorado
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Epic Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park (+ Itinerary)
Just a three-and-a-half-minute ride on Estes Park’s charming red tram will take you to the top of Prospect Mountain, where you’ll find stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
The trolley is one of Estes Park’s most popular attractions, so consider visiting outside of peak times to avoid the crowds!
Open daily from May to September, then weekends only (weather permitting of course) in September.
Despite its small size, Estes Park has one of the nicest small town neighborhoods we’ve visited in the United States.
Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park
With charming architecture, beautiful river views, and plenty of restaurants and shops selling everything from standard souvenirs and homemade goodies to local art, walking around (in our case, every morning with a cup of coffee in hand) is a joy).
If you enjoy browsing through historic treasures, don’t miss Fall River Jewelry & Antiques, one of the best antique stores we’ve ever visited!
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or a letter (seriously) written by George Washington, you’re bound to find something memorable.
Built in 1913, the landmark Park Theater is one of the most famous buildings in Estes Park and a must-see in the city (walk along the riverfront downtown and you’ll find it).
Estes Park Colorado Summer Guide 2021
If the weather fails you during your vacation, you can also add watching a movie here to your Estes Park to-do list.
To see the beautiful night sky near Estes Park, all you have to do is step outside and look up!
Estes Park has several breweries to choose from (plus a winery that offers a little variety), so you’ll have no problem finding tasty burgers and local beers after a long hike.
The Estes Park Boardwalk, which runs through downtown paralleling the Big Thompson/Fall River, is one of my favorite places in the city.
Why Estes Park, Colorado Should Be Your Next Nature Filled Getaway
Combining all the attractions of the city (and therefore easy access to dining and shopping) with all the beauty that people come to Colorado to see, this is one of the best places to visit in Estes Park, Colorado.
While there are many ways to enjoy the majestic peaks and sweeping valleys of the Rocky Mountains while visiting Estes Park, horseback riding is one of the best!
You can see elk everywhere in Estes Park, from the visitor center to the golf course to the river.
This is one of the most interesting things to visit in Estes Park, but be careful and keep a safe distance (minimum of 25 yards recommended), as elk have been known to charge visitors who get too close.
Cool Things To Do In Estes Park, Colorado
One of the most interesting (but also dangerous) times to observe the shelter is the spawning period, which usually begins in mid-September and lasts about a month.
This local museum dedicated to the history of Estes Park features everything from historic cabins from the early 20th century to oral histories detailing events in the area.
Estes Park, RMNP’s Trail Ridge Road to Evergreen Peak to the Peak Scenic Byway – Colorado’s oldest scenic byway – located next to some of America’s most amazing scenic byways!
One of the most unique things to do in Estes Park is to visit the beautiful 19th century log cabin built in 1885 by Enos Mills, “the father of Rocky Mountain National Park.”
Easy Waterfall Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park
Tours are by appointment only, so plan ahead if you want to visit during your Estes Park vacation!
The luxurious Stanley Hotel, perched high above Estes Park, was the inspiration for Stephen King’s film The Shining.
King was inspired to write the book based on his experience staying at The Stanley Hotel, where he and his wife were the only guests staying at the hotel at the end of the season.
We had never read or seen The Shining before visiting Estes Park, so while we were there we took the opportunity to see Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film – and it definitely made our Stanley Kubrick experience more interesting. Although the film was shot there).
Estes Park Things To Do During A Spring Journey
A drink in a historic whiskey bar is the perfect way to end a short visit.
If you want to stay longer, consider booking a tour – the hotel offers both historical tours during the day and spooky paranormal tours at night.
Several whitewater rafting companies based in Estes Park will take you out on the Poudre River or the Colorado River for an exhilarating adventure on the water.
Peaceful, scenic Lake Estes is just a short walk from downtown and is the perfect spot for a quiet morning stroll.
Beautiful Estes Park With Kids: Awesome Escape To Rocky Mountain Np
For those traveling to Estes Park with dogs, across the street from Lake Estes you will also find the Estes Valley Dog Park where pups can have access to water!
With classic family activities like boating and go-karting, as well as Colorado-themed fun like rock crawling, Fun City is a great place to spend a day as a family.
A guide to eating out in the city could be its own post on the Estes Park blog, but you need a post! deserves a special mention.
This homemade pie shop has been attracting customers since 2006 (they’ve since moved to Estes Park), and their fruit pies are some of my favorite in the world.
Things To Do In Estes Park, Colorado Including Travel Tips
Breakfast is served all day and their lunch is delicious, but seriously – don’t miss the pies (I personally love the fruit pies).
In fact, if you’re renting a cabin or a unit with a kitchen, do yourself a favor and eat a whole cake on your first day in town when you get home from each hike.
Of course, no list of things to do in Estes Park would be complete without mentioning the reason everyone visits in the first place: Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)!
Known for its breathtaking lakes, wildlife viewing opportunities, stunning mountain peaks, scenic hikes, and of course, its famous rock climbers, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the top five most visited national parks in the country for a reason. incredibly beautiful. And everyone will find something for themselves.
Free Things To Do In Estes Park
Estes Park is about a 10-minute drive from the nearest national park entrance, making it one of the best places to stop by on your way to RMNP.
Estes Park has no shortage of places to stay, from luxurious log cabins to cozy riverside cabins and even the most famous haunted hotel in America (according to The Shining, anyway).
Whatever your taste in accommodations, this classic Colorado mountain town has plenty of options for you.
Given the limited parking downtown and its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s a perfect choice for us — and all the properties we recommend here are within walking distance of downtown Estes Park.
Estes Park Archives • Finding Family Adventures
Discovery Lodge – We recently decided to stay at this property first for one big reason: our ranger dog was waiting!
However, we would book it again for a second visit: it was a great place to stay, with a great location within a 10-minute walk of downtown and a great view of the many elk that gather at the nearby Estes Park Golf Course, such as being .
Nikki’s Resort – Nikki’s Resort in Estes Park features beautiful architecture, including a mostly glass wall in the lobby to better enjoy the mountain views, great service, and cozy touches like stone fireplaces in some rooms. This is a wonderful place to relax.
While the resort is within walking distance of Estes Park, there is also an on-site restaurant for easy and delicious dining.
Estes Park, Co: Best Things To Do, See, And Eat
The Stanley Hotel – You can’t beat the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, an absolute classic, the perfect place to stay in luxury and filled with ghost stories.
Be careful when booking though – there are several buildings on the property, so you’ll want to make sure the room you book is the one you mean!
If you want to stay in the main building, for example, don’t book a room at the (even nicer next door) Aspire Residences.
While downtown Estes Park is walkable, and you can probably walk to food and shopping, if you choose a hotel close to downtown, you’ll definitely need your own car to efficiently travel around Estes- Park and surroundings.
Fun Things To Do In Estes Park With Kids (for 2023)
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