Sophia May
What To Do In Estes Park Colorado – The crisp mountain air and stunning scenery of Estes Park, Colorado means new and returning visitors never want to leave. Along with Estes Park’s many fun activities, this offers entertainment, learning and exploration for all types of travelers.
I live in Colorado and can attest that Estes Park is absolutely one of the best mountain towns in the state. Access to urban areas allows for quick day trips, yet the hustle and bustle of the city seems far away.
What To Do In Estes Park Colorado
From Rocky Mountain National Park to historic sites, local flavors, and hidden gems, you’re sure to fall in love with this mountain village.
The Best Things To Do In Estes Park In The Winter
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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 586-1206 |: Site |: Entry: $30 Vehicle Day Pass, $80 America The Beautiful Annual Pass |: 👉 Browse RMNP tours on Viator
Estes Park is best known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the best places to visit in Colorado. When you enter the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in the next town over, you’ll discover plenty of outdoor activities.
Winter activities include skiing and snowmobiling. Meanwhile, summer encourages collecting permits for camping, fishing, rock climbing and, of course, hiking. Trails range from short, paved trails to challenging peaks like Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s most popular 14-seaters.
What To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park With Kids — Big Brave Nomad
If you’re exploring in the summer, be sure to drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road, hailed as one of Colorado’s best drives. You will travel through the National Park, across the Continental Divide and end your trip at Grand Lake. It is the largest and deepest natural body of water in the state and is popular for boating, swimming and other water activities.
👉 Professional tip. Access to RMNP requires a time permit until October 11, 2022. Plan ahead and reserve your time in advance.
The Stanley Hotel is said to be haunted and breathtakingly beautiful. Victorian-era architecture and decor transport guests back to the historic hotel’s opening in 1909. It feels luxurious, with outdoor gardens, great restaurants, and the largest selection of great whiskeys in Colorado (more on that below).
Those looking for new things to do in Estes Park will appreciate the movie memorabilia on display. Ghost tours and psychic readings by resident Madame Vera are also available. Stay the night or just wander the lobby and courtyard. Either way, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado is one of the most unique places to stay in Colorado.
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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 475-4094 |: Site |: Opening hours: daily from May 28 to September 6 from 9 to 6; From 9 to 18 on Saturday and Sunday from September 6 to 25 | Admission: Adults $16, Seniors 60+ $14, Ages 6-11 $10, Children 6 & Under Free
Since 1955, the Estes Park Cable Car has transported more than 3 million people to the top of Prospect Mountain overlooking Estes Park, CO. It was built by Robert Heron, who was inspired by the “open span” design of European trams during his service during World War II. With no towers supporting the wire ropes between the upper and lower stations, visitors can expect a smooth and scenic ride.
Interestingly, Heron then became a major influence in the United States ski industry. He’s built lifts all over the country, including in Aspen, where you’ll find some of Colorado’s best skiing.
If you drive east to Estes Park, Colorado, as many do on one of the most popular day trips from Denver, you’ll pass 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 in town for water activities. Lake Estes Marina rents everything from kayaks and paddle boats to pontoon boats and fishing equipment.
Best Things To Do In Estes Park
Those who prefer to stay on land can enjoy the view from the hiking trail along Lake Estes. It’s an easy 4 mile loop that accommodates both strollers and wheelchairs. Estes Park Dog Park and Stanley Park Ball Field are two other places to admire the scenic mountain lake.
🚗 Taking a day trip from Denver? Get a quote when reserving your rental car through Discover Cars. Our preferred partner allows you to easily search for agencies and compare prices.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 586-6256 |: Site |: Opening hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00, Sunday – Tuesday closed | Admission: Free, donation possible
Although small, visitors will be amazed by the wide range of information available at the Estes Park Museum. The museum is free to the public (although a small donation is encouraged) and features exhibits related to local history. These include homesteading, Rocky Mountain National Park, and
Estes Park Things To Do During A Spring Journey
Moraine and Elkhorn Ave. visitors can explore more than 200 providers. These include boutiques, cake shops, art galleries, restaurants and more. What’s unique about Downtown Estes Park is that each of these attractions is independently owned. That means the treasures you find will be unique to your visit.
Moose can often be seen in the heart of Estes Park, Colorado, and it’s just as common to encounter them at community events. Jazz festivals, street performers and wine tastings add to the excitement.
🛎️ Do you need a hotel? Browse the top rated hotels in Estes Park. Find luxury real estate, affordable accommodation and everything on Booking.com.
The Peak To Peak Scenic Byway runs from Estes Park, CO to the southern mountain town of Black Hawk. While the route itself is an adventure, there are plenty of worthwhile stops along the way. Are you thinking of fishing at Lily Lake or paddling at Brainard Lake?
The Best Time To Visit Estes Park According To Locals
Explore Holland’s hiking trails and Indian Peaks Wilderness for the best hiking near Boulder. In the winter, ski or snowboard at Mount Eldora, one of the many ski areas near Denver; or visit the indoor casinos in Central City and Black Hawk.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 586-5668 |: Site |: Opening hours: Friday – Monday 19:00 – 21:30, Tuesday – Thursday closed | Admission is free, a donation is recommended 👉 Book a night photography tour with Viator
View planets, galaxies and bursting stars through the telescopes at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory. Run by passionate local volunteers, the observatory is at a high elevation, allowing for optimal viewing on a clear night.
Although free, a small donation is encouraged to fund science education scholarships. Be sure to book a tour before you visit because you won’t want to miss out on one of the most unique things to do in Estes Park, CO.
Best Things To Do In Estes Park, Colorado
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 586-3749 |: Site |: Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00-15:00, closed on Sunday Admission: $10 per person
Founded in 1873, the Macgregor Ranch Museum showcases the lives of three generations of Macgregors. They are the owning family that helped grow Estes Park and the museum is spread throughout the ranch.
Visitors are allowed to tour the root cellar, dairy and other facilities that served these pioneers. Along with interactive experiences, volunteers help explain local history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 586-3341 ext 1440 |: Site |: Working hours: every day from 7:15 to 18:00 Entry: Prices vary depending on tour length and location
Best Estes Park Hikes For Kids
Horseback riding in Rocky Mountain National Park is a quintessential Colorado experience. Look for professional and friendly guides at Jackson Stables, where tours last 1-5 hours. On our way to Beaver Meadows, we hiked through valleys and browsed through beautiful aspen forests. On the way, there were endless views of the mountains. Pony rides are available for the kids, as well as hay wagon rides with marshmallow roasting.
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best things to do in Colorado. But Estes Park also offers beautiful hiking trails outside the national park boundaries. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit Hermit Park Open Space. Or explore the backcountry trails of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, home to some of Colorado’s best hiking trails.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 577-7238 |: Site |: Working hours: every day until September 5 from 9:00 to 17:00 The entrance. Prices vary by tour date, duration and location 👉 Check out nearby rafting tours with Viator
Estes Park outfitters at Rapid Transit Rafting will transport and escort you on half-day or full-day excursions. A half-day excursion cruises the Cache la Poudre River, an experience considered one of the best things to do in Fort Collins. Day trips include a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, followed by a drive along the Colorado River.
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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 577-7400 |: Site |: Working hours: every day from 8:00 to 19:00 Entry: Prices vary depending on the rental period and the vehicle 👉 Book RMNP Jeep Tour with Viator
Estes Park ATV Rentals offers an exciting and fun way to experience Estes Park, Colorado. Unguided, tenants can explore and go at their own pace
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