Sophia May
Best Things To Do In Estes Park Colorado – The fresh mountain air and stunning views of Estes Park, Colorado make new and returning visitors never want to leave. This, and the many fun things to do in Estes Park, provide fun, learning and discovery for all types of travelers.
I am a Colorado resident and can attest that Estes Park is one of the best mountain towns in the state. Its accessibility to urban areas makes for a quick day trip, but the hustle and bustle of the city is far away.
Best Things To Do In Estes Park Colorado
From Rocky Mountain National Parks to historic sites, local flavors and hidden gems, you’re sure to fall in love with this mountain town.
Best Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park
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📍 Google Map | Phone: (970) 586-1206 Website | Admission: $30 Car Day Pass, $80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass | 👉 Find RMNP tours on Viator
Estes Park is known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the best places to visit in Colorado. When you enter the nearby Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities.
Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Meanwhile, summer brings licenses for camping, fishing, rock climbing, and of course, hiking. The route starts with a short paved road to expert peaks like Longs Peak, one of the 14 most impressive peaks in Colorado.
The Perfect 3 Day Weekend Road Trip Itinerary To Estes Park, Colorado
While exploring in the summer, be sure to take a scenic drive on the Ridge Trail, named one of Colorado’s best hikes. You will travel through National Parks, cross the Continental Divide and end your trip at the Great Lakes. It is the largest and deepest natural body of water in the state, popular for boating, swimming and other water activities.
👉 Pro Tip: RMNP Temporary Entry Permit is required until October 11, 2022. Plan ahead and book your appointment early!
, the Stanley Hotel is described as very beautiful. The Victorian-era architecture and decor take you back to the opening of this historic hotel in 1909. It has a luxurious atmosphere with outdoor gardens, fine dining, and the largest selection of the best Colorado whiskey (more on that below).
Those looking for new things to do in Estes Park will appreciate the movie memorabilia. There are also ghost visits and psychic readings from the medium, Madame Vera. Stay the night or just explore the lobby and grounds. Either way, the Stanley Hotel is one of the best things to do in Estes Park, Colorado, and one of the best places to stay in Colorado.
Things To Do In Estes Park To See Colorado Like A Real Local
If you enter Estes Park, Colorado from the east, as many do when taking one of Denver’s most popular tours, you will drive past beautiful Lake Estes. This is one of the best things to do in Estes Park during the summer months, as it is the best place for water activities in town. Lake Estes Marina rents everything from kayaks and paddleboards to pontoon boats and fishing gear.
Those who like to stay on the ground can enjoy the view from the Estes Lake Trail. It is 4 miles long and easily accommodates strollers and wheelchairs. Estes Park Dog Park and Stanley Park Ball Field are two other places to enjoy the beautiful mountain lakes.
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📍 Google Map | Phone: (970) 586-6256 Website | Hours: 10.00 – 16.00 Wednesday – Saturday, closed Sunday – Tuesday | Admission: Free, donation suggested
Where To Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park, Co (areas & Hotels)
Although small, visitors will be amazed by the vast collection of information found at the Estes Park Museum. Free to the public (although a small donation is required), the museum features exhibits that tell the story of the local area. This includes the house, Rocky Mountain National Park, and
At Moraine and Elkhorn Ave., visitors can browse more than 200 stores. These include boutiques, candy stores, galleries, restaurants, and more. The great thing about downtown Estes Park is that each of these places has its own owner. This means that the treasures you find will be unique to your visit.
Elk often roam the heart of Estes Park, Colorado, and community events are frequent. Jazz festivals, street performers and wine tasting add to the excitement.
🛎️ Need a hotel? Find the best Estes Park hotels. On Booking.com you’ll find luxury accommodations, budget accommodations, and everything in between.
Best Hotels In Estes Park, Colorado
The Peak To Peak Scenic Byway runs from Estes Park, CO to the southern mountain town of Black Hawk. Although the journey is an adventure, there are many great stops along the way. Consider fishing on Lily Lake or paddling on Brainard Lake.
Find some of the best hiking trails near Boulder in Holland and Indian Peaks. In the winter, ski or snowboard at Mount Eldora, one of the many attractions near Denver; or visit the indoor casinos in Central City and Black Hawk.
📍 Google Map | Phone: (970) 586-5668 Website | Hours: 19:00 – 21:30 Thursday – Monday, Closed Tuesday – Thursday | Admission: Free, donation suggested | 👉 Book a night photography tour with Viator
See the planets, galaxies and shooting stars through the telescope at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory. Managed by local volunteers, the observatory is located at a height, which allows for the best viewing on a clear night.
Best Things To Do In Estes Park In Winter
Although free, a small donation is suggested to help fund the science scholarship. Be sure to book your tour before you visit, because you don’t want to miss out on one of the most unique things to do in Estes Park, CO.
📍 Google Map | Phone: (970) 586-3749 Website | Hours: 9 am – 3 pm Monday – Saturday, closed Sunday Admission: $10 per person
Established in 1873, the Macgregor Farm Museum tells the story of the lives of three generations of Macgregors. They are a homesteading family that helped develop Estes Park, and the museum is scattered throughout the ranch.
Visitors are allowed to visit the cellar, the dairy and other buildings that served the life of these pioneers. With the interactive experience, the volunteers really help to explain the local history.
Unforgettable Things To Do In Estes Park In Winter
📍 Google Map | Phone: (970) 586-3341 ext. 1440 | Website | Hours: 7:15 – 18:00 every day | Admission: The price varies depending on the length of the visit and the location
Horseback riding in Rocky Mountain National Park is a true Colorado experience. For knowledgeable and friendly guides, head to Jackson Stables, where tours last 1-5 hours. We rode through beautiful valleys and pine forests on horseback to Beaver Meadows. Along the way there are sweeping views of the mountains. There are also train rides for children, as well as animal rides where you can see marshmallows rolling around the fire.
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best things to do in Colorado. But Estes Park also offers beautiful trails outside the park. If you want to get away from the crowds, visit Hermit Park Open Space. Alternatively, find your way back through the Indian Peaks Wilderness area, home to some of the best trails in Colorado.
📍 Google Map | Phone: (970) 577-7238 | Website | Opening hours: 09.00 – 17.00 every day until September 5 | Admission: Prices vary by tour date, length and location 👉 Find the nearest walking tour on Viator
The Top 10 Things To Do In Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park staff at Rapid Transit Rafting will accompany and guide you on the half-day trip. Take a half-hour cruise on the Cache la Poudre River, an experience rated one of the best things to do in Fort Collins. The full day trip includes a scenic drive along the Trail Ridge Trail, followed by a scenic drive along the Colorado River.
📍 Google Map | Phone: (970) 577-7400 Website | Hours: 8am – 7pm daily Check-in: Prices vary depending on length of rental and vehicle | 👉 Booking RMNP Jeep Tour with Viator
Estes Park ATV Rentals offers an exciting and fun way to experience Estes Park, Colorado. Without a guide, renters can explore on their own, exploring the mountain landscape on 4×4 tracks. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with the area. Their friendly staff will show you how to use the GPS mapping system and give you route tips so you have a safe and enjoyable time.
📍 Google Map | Phone: (970) 586-8146 Website | Hours: 09.00 – 13.00 Monday-Friday Admission: Prices vary by day, year and accommodation
Hikes In Estes Park That Feature Stunning Mountain Scenery
Golf enthusiasts should not miss Estes Park’s 18-hole golf course. In the morning, you are likely to see a herd of deer as you pass by. Be careful to adjust your game, because it goes down to Fish Creek, and interestingly, the golf ball flies higher.
Beginning at the Estes Park Visitor Center, the Riverwalk follows the Fall River and the Big Thompson River. One of the best things to do in Estes Park during your stay
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