Estes Park, Colorado: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Why It’s a Gem
Estes Park, located at the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a charming mountain town known for its breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and wildlife. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park is a year-round destination, perfect for hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and exploring the historic town. It’s an ideal base for exploring one of America’s most iconic national parks, while also offering a quaint downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
3 Day Itinerary for Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park
How to Get There
- By Air: The closest major airport is Denver International Airport (DEN), located about 75 miles southeast of Estes Park. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle, or use rideshare services.
- Transportation from Denver: The Estes Park Shuttle offers regular service from Denver International Airport to Estes Park. Alternatively, you can rent a car and take US-36 W, which provides a scenic drive through the foothills and into the mountains.
- By Car: Estes Park is easily accessible by car via US-36 from Boulder or Denver. The drive takes approximately 90 minutes from Denver and 45 minutes from Boulder.
When to Visit
- Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Estes Park are during the summer (June to September) and fall (September to November). In the summer, the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, while fall brings cooler temperatures and the stunning transformation of autumn foliage.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Estes Park can be cold and snowy, but it’s a great time for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and cozying up in a mountain cabin. Rocky Mountain National Park is less crowded, and you can enjoy peaceful, snow-covered trails.
- Spring (March to May): Spring brings wildflowers and baby wildlife, but it can still be chilly with occasional snowstorms. It’s a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds.
Top Things to Do
- Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
- Overview: The crown jewel of Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, scenic drives, and wildlife watching.
- Highlights:
- Trail Ridge Road: Drive along the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. for sweeping views of the Continental Divide.
- Bear Lake Loop: An easy, picturesque trail around Bear Lake, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
- Wildlife Watching: Look out for elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer, especially in the fall during the elk rut (mating season).
- Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds, especially in summer. Entry into the park requires a timed reservation during peak season (May-October), so be sure to book in advance.
- Hike to Emerald Lake
- Overview: One of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to Emerald Lake takes you past two other scenic lakes—Nymph Lake and Dream Lake—before arriving at the breathtaking Emerald Lake, framed by towering peaks.
- Difficulty: Moderate; 3.5 miles round trip.
- Tip: Start early to find parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead and enjoy the trail before it gets crowded.
- Stroll Through Downtown Estes Park
- Overview: Downtown Estes Park is a charming, walkable area filled with boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Stroll along Elkhorn Avenue, explore local craft stores, and enjoy the scenic views along the Big Thompson River.
- Tip: Don’t miss a visit to the Estes Park Riverwalk, where you can find riverside cafés, and take a relaxing stroll along the water.
- Visit The Stanley Hotel
- Overview: Famous for its role in inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining, the historic Stanley Hotel is a landmark in Estes Park. Whether you’re a fan of paranormal activity or just love history, the Stanley Hotel offers guided tours that explore its haunted reputation and its role in cinematic history.
- Tip: Book a ghost tour or stay overnight for a spooky experience, or simply enjoy a drink at the hotel’s Whiskey Bar.
- Take a Scenic Drive on Peak to Peak Highway
- Overview: The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, offering stunning views of the Rockies. The drive takes you from Estes Park to Nederland, passing through Allenspark and Ward. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the aspens turn golden.
- Tip: Plan a picnic or stop for a meal at one of the small mountain towns along the way.
- Go Horseback Riding
- Overview: Estes Park is known for its rich history of horseback riding. Several local stables offer guided rides through the surrounding wilderness, giving you the chance to experience the Rockies like the early settlers did.
- Best Stables: Sombrero Ranches and Cowpoke Corner Corral offer rides for all skill levels, from short, scenic rides to multi-hour adventures.
Where to Eat: Local Favorites
- Bird & Jim
- Why It’s a Favorite: A modern mountain bistro offering locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine. The menu features Colorado-inspired dishes with an emphasis on sustainability and seasonality.
- What to Try: The Colorado trout and bison short ribs are local specialties.
- Twin Owls Steakhouse
- Why It’s a Favorite: Located in a rustic log cabin, Twin Owls Steakhouse is known for its high-quality steaks and elegant ambiance. It’s perfect for a special night out.
- What to Try: The elk filet and Colorado rack of lamb are must-tries.
- Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse
- Why It’s a Favorite: This local favorite serves up hearty portions of slow-smoked BBQ in a laid-back setting. With a wide selection of craft beers, it’s a great place to relax after a day of hiking.
- What to Try: The pulled pork and baby back ribs are crowd-pleasers.
- You Need Pie! Diner & Bakery
- Why It’s a Favorite: For a sweet treat, head to You Need Pie! for some of the best pies in town. They offer classic American pies and hearty breakfast options.
- What to Try: The cherry pie and coconut cream pie are fan favorites.
Where to Stay: Accommodations in Estes Park
- The Stanley Hotel
- Why Stay Here: A historic, luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Rockies, The Stanley Hotel is best known for its haunted history and as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. The hotel offers upscale accommodations with old-world charm.
- Highlights: Ghost tours, fine dining, and a whiskey bar.
- The Estes Park Resort
- Why Stay Here: Located on the shores of Lake Estes, this resort offers stunning lake and mountain views, modern rooms, and easy access to outdoor activities.
- Highlights: Lakefront location, on-site spa, and cozy fire pits.
- YMCA of the Rockies
- Why Stay Here: This family-friendly, budget-friendly option offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, mini-golf, and arts and crafts. It’s located just a short drive from Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Highlights: Affordable accommodations, numerous on-site activities, and mountain views.
- Mountain Village at Lake Estes
- Why Stay Here: These luxury cabins offer a rustic but modern experience with private hot tubs, full kitchens, and lakefront views. Perfect for a more secluded and peaceful stay.
- Highlights: Private cabins, full amenities, and lakefront access.
Events in Estes Park
- Elk Fest (October)
- Overview: Each fall, Estes Park celebrates the annual elk rut with Elk Fest, a weekend-long event featuring live music, wildlife exhibits, and guided elk-viewing tours.
- Tip: Visit during early morning or late evening for the best chances of seeing elk in action.
- Scandinavian Midsummer Festival (June)
- Overview: This annual festival celebrates Scandinavian heritage with traditional food, music, dancing, and crafts. It’s a fun cultural event for the whole family.
- Tip: Don’t miss the Viking reenactments and the raising of the Midsummer Pole.
- Estes Park Wool Market (June)
- Overview: A unique event dedicated to wool and fiber arts, featuring sheep-shearing demonstrations, spinning competitions, and a marketplace for wool and craft products.
- Tip: Take a class to learn the basics of weaving, knitting, or felting.
Historical and Fun Facts about Estes Park
1.Gateway to the Rockies: Estes Park is often called the “Gateway to the Rocky Mountains” because of its close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It’s been a base for explorers, settlers, and travelers since the late 1800s.
- F.O. Stanley’s Legacy: The famous Stanley Hotel was built by Freelan Oscar Stanley, co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile. Stanley first came to Estes Park in 1903 to recover from tuberculosis and fell in love with the area, deciding to build the hotel in 1909 to boost tourism.
- Elk Population: Estes Park is famous for its elk population. Each fall, during the elk rut (mating season), hundreds of elk can be seen wandering through town and in nearby meadows, making Estes Park a prime location for wildlife viewing.
- Oldest Operating Theater: The Park Theatre, located in downtown Estes Park, is one of the oldest operating movie theaters in the country, built in 1913. Its iconic clock tower is a beloved feature of the downtown skyline.
- Flood of 1982: In 1982, the collapse of the Lawn Lake Dam caused a massive flood that destroyed much of Estes Park’s downtown area. The town rebuilt and strengthened its infrastructure, and today, there are plaques and exhibits that tell the story of this dramatic event.
Final Tips
- Altitude Adjustment: Estes Park sits at an elevation of over 7,500 feet, so be sure to acclimate to the altitude by drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activity on your first day if you’re not used to high elevations.
- Pack Layers: The weather in Estes Park can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly from morning to afternoon, and bring rain gear in case of sudden showers.
- Wildlife Safety: While seeing elk and other wildlife is one of the highlights of visiting Estes Park, it’s important to maintain a safe distance. Never approach or feed wild animals.
- Reservations Required: During the summer and fall, Rocky Mountain National Park requires timed entry reservations. Be sure to secure your spot in advance, especially if you plan on visiting during peak season.
Estes Park is a gateway to adventure, offering stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a rich cultural history. Whether you’re hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoying a stroll through downtown, or learning about the area’s history, Estes Park promises an unforgettable mountain experience.
