Estes Park, Colorado is the popular gateway town to the Rocky Mountains and gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park. But it’s also a destination all by itself with plenty of Estes Park attractions to keep you busy.
I visited Estes Park as part of a Colorado road trip. I loved the vibe of this mountain town with its busy downtown, resident elk, and stunning natural beauty all around.
So in this guide, I’ve listed the best things to do in Estes Park to help you plan your trip to this fun and beautiful mountain town. Are you ready to explore Estes Park?
Where is Estes Park, Colorado?
Just less than 70 miles from Denver, Estes Park is a charming mountain town surrounded by the majestic views of the Rocky Mountains. This town is a hotspot for outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to fishing and wildlife viewing.
But the town of Estes Park isn’t just a launchpad for mountain adventures; it’s also a fantastic destination for family-friendly fun. The downtown area boasts an array of shops and eateries. For water enthusiasts, Lake Estes offers exciting water sports opportunities. And if you’re seeking a leisurely stroll, the Riverwalk offers a serene escape.
So, if you want to know more about the top things to do in Estes Park, keep reading!
10 Fun Things to Do in Estes Park Colorado
I love mountain towns. The air is fresh. The towering natural beauty of the mountains surrounds the town. Yet, the local attractions, shops, and restaurants give these towns a character all their own.
Estes Park has all of these things, plus it’s teeming with wildlife that can be seen in and around the town at any time. The town is a total win for outdoor enthusiasts and National Park lovers, who also happen to enjoy some local fun and good food and drink after a day outside.
Let’s get planning your trip to Estes Park, Colorado!
1. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park is the biggest draw for Estes Park visitors and for good reason! The National Park sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, with wildlife appearing around every turn, over 300 miles of hiking trails, the highest paved road in the U.S. offering stunning mountain panoramas, and even a National Historic Landmark Visitor Center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the National Park Service. Its 48-mile Trail Ridge Road is a famous stretch of U.S. highway that runs through the entire National Park connecting Grand Lake, CO to Estes Park, CO. It takes you up above the treeline to over 12,000 feet and across the Continental Divide!
If hiking is on your to-do list, you can’t miss the Bear Lake hike. This trail is super chill, less than a mile loop with barely any uphill grind. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. This hike will reward you with breathtaking views of a small mountain lake surrounded by the towering cliffs of Hallett Peak and Ponderosa Pines.
But if you’re ready for some more adventure, you’ve got to check out other lake hikes like Emerald Lake, Mills Lake, and Bluebird Lake. They all offer postcard-perfect views of the National Park.
No matter which trail you pick in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’re in for a wildlife treat. Along your hike, you might cross paths with chipmunks, catch sight of mule deer grazing in the distance, bighorn sheep, or even stumble upon a majestic herd of elk during their rutting season.
Although the park is open year-round, keep in mind that some parts of the park shut down for half the year because of some serious snow, especially from February to April. Make sure to check out their website for park advisories and purchase your America the Beautiful Pass before heading to the park for a hassle-free trip.
Whether you’re planning a day in Rocky Mountain National Park or more, this is a can’t-miss in Estes Park!
2. Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway.
From East Riverside Drive, the family-owned Estes Park Tram travels up about 9,000 feet to the top of Prospect Mountain. It may be a little touristy but I’m a sucker for amazing views, especially over the mountains!
The passenger car fits up to 10 people and reaches the top in just 5 minutes. But, it’s 5 minutes filled with amazing views! The Estes Park Gondola typically runs Monday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from late May to early September, and then through September on weekends only.
For the best views from inside the passenger car and the shortest lines, go first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. In summer, weekdays have fewer people than weekends.
Up at the top, walk around to photograph the awesome views from every angle!
3. Get Spooked at the Stanley Hotel.
The historic Stanley Hotel opened on July 4th, 1909. It was built by Freelan Oscar Stanley who happens to be the same guy who invented the steam-powered automobile (not vacuum), the Stanley Steamer. Given this, the hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.
But the Stanley Hotel’s claim to fame is its role in the Stanley Kubrick horror movie classic adapted from a Stephen King novel, “The Shining.” It played the scary Overlook Hotel where Jack Nicholson famously went bonkers and terrorized his whole family in the hotel.
Even with the sweeping views of Lake Estes and the Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel still has a spooky reputation. The hotel’s builder and owner died in 1940, yet he and his wife have reportedly been seen in the Billiards Room and near the piano in the Concert Hall. A former housekeeper seems to have never left room 217. And sightings and sounds coming from children, as well as dog and cat ghosts, have been reported by staff.
If you’re brave enough, visit the hotel after a day at Rocky Mountain National Park (just 5 miles away). Or take the Historic Stanley Night Tour to learn more about the Stanley’s eerie past. (There are other Stanley Hotel tours, too, if you prefer!)
But aside from its spooky reputation, you’ll surely appreciate the historic charm of this place with its traditional rooms surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.
4. Stroll Around Downtown Estes Park.
Surrounded by majestic natural beauty, Downtown Estes Park is the perfect complement after a day spent in the great outdoors. Estes Park is a classic mountain town lined with local, one-of-a-kind restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs. Plus, it has over 300 shops making it the perfect strip of souvenir shopping where you can find a unique souvenir from your Estes Park adventure.
Along East Elkhorn Avenue, the main street of downtown, there are hundreds of shops with handmade artisan items, outdoor gear and equipment, craft beer, and of course, delicious food. Summer is Estes Park’s peak season so downtown gets crowded, even more so when a weekend coincides with an outdoor festival or event.
Stroll through downtown and don’t forget to taste some of the famous salt-water taffy!
5. Unwind on the Riverwalk Around Estes Park.
While you’re strolling through downtown, tuck just behind the shops to the Estes Park Riverwalk. The Big Thompson River and Fall Rivers flow through downtown and you can stroll alongside them to enjoy the river views, eateries, and peaceful vibe.
The Riverwalk is just under 5 miles and no advanced hiking skills are needed here. It’s lined with trees, wall art, and murals painted by local artists making this scenic route even more interesting. Along the way, you can stop by mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and patio bars.
And if you’re bringing your furry friend, the path is dog-friendly but keep them on a leash. Wild animals don’t know the boundaries of the National Park. Elk, deer, ducks, and other animals have been spotted along the trail.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find the Performance Park where you can rest before returning to your starting point. If you happen to stop by on a weekend, you might be lucky enough to see some live music performed by local artists.
6. Explore Estes Park on an E-Bike Tour.
Estes Park tours led by local guides can help you maximize your experience and not worry about all the planning. If you want to enjoy the spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery without needing to drive or you want to visit all the best places in town, this Estes Park E-Bike Tour is a great way to explore.
Kick off your adventure on Big Thompson Avenue. From there, you’ll cruise over to the Chrysalis at Stanley Hotel for some historic exploration and maybe even catch a glimpse of a friendly ghost or two.
Next, head to the shores of Lake Estes Marina. Stop by for a photo op against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains and the serene waters of the lake. Lastly, you’ll follow the path to the charming Riverwalk in Downtown Estes Park before venturing into the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Whether you feel like pedaling or prefer to let the electric motor do all the work, the e-bike has you covered. And don’t worry about gear – the e-bike comes with a helmet to wear throughout the ride.
No matter your age or fitness level, this e-bike tour is a really fun thing to do in Estes Park!
7. Drive the Peak to the Peak Scenic Byway.
Not to be confused with the other scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Peak to Peak Byway is a separate stretch of beauty from Trail Ridge Road. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway was established in 1918, making it Colorado’s oldest scenic road.
Easily accessible from Estes Park, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is the perfect mountain drive in any season, but especially in Fall. The bursting golden yellow from the Aspen trees is absolutely spectacular!
On the north end of the Byway on CO-7 sits Estes Park. The drive becomes CO-72 and CO-119 as it travels south through Blackhawk and to I-70.
The Byway is 55 miles long and can take 2-3 hours to complete the drive. If you’re doing a Colorado road trip, it can be the route you take to or from Estes Park.
Whether you drive some or all of the Byway, enjoy the fabulous views through the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Along the way, stop and visit one of the former gold mines and pretend you’re on a gold rush adventure!
8. Enjoy Lake Estes.
In the mood for a relaxed lakeside stroll surrounded by the awesome Rocky Mountains? Lake Estes is the answer! The loop around the lake is just under 4 miles on a paved family-friendly, dog-friendly trail.
It’s also the perfect spot for a morning jog. But no matter if you’re walking or jogging, keep an eye out for elk herds that graze through the area! Especially during the fall elk rutting season, competing males spar for females.
On my visit to Estes Park, I was lucky to watch quite the elk herd drama early one morning. A large herd came through and the guy in charge had to charge a few younger males to remind them who was the boss.
You’re also not limited to the loop path around the lake. Lake Estes offers a variety of water sports, from kayaking and trout fishing to canoeing, fly fishing, and even paddleboarding or cruising on pontoon boats. The local marina is available for rentals.
For those who prefer to stay on land, biking around the trail is another popular option, offering a scenic way to explore the area. And if you’re simply looking to unwind, there are picnic areas by the lakeside, perfect for enjoying a bite with epic views.
9. Discover One of the Many Estes Park Hikes.
Rocky Mountain National Park steals the show with more than 300 miles of hiking trails. However, Estes Park trails outside the National Park still provide an incredible outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re camping or lodging, there are tons of day hikes that you can set out on away from the National Park crowds. Lace your hiking boots, check you have the important hiking essentials, and know what to wear depending on the season.
Lilly Mountain trail is one of the most popular choices in nearby Roosevelt National Forest. It’s a 3 1/2 mile moderate hike just a few miles south of Estes Park. It does climb upwards on rocky terrain but the views at the end are worth it. Better yet, dogs on a leash are welcome to join!
10. Taste Local Brews at Rock Cut Brewing Company.
You’ve done a lot of driving, walking, hiking, and spent hours upon hours outdoors. What’s the best way to cap off an amazing day of adventures?? Enjoy the local brews, of course! Colorado is known for many things, including its craft beer scene!
Rock Cut Brewing Company, which opened in 2015, is just the answer with a full beer menu of ales, IPAs, lagers, and more. The brewery is just near downtown Estes Park and the rivers flowing through town. Visitors are welcome to bring in outside food or enjoy some bites from a local food truck that parks just outside the brewery.
Where to Stay in Estes Park
I recommend the Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn along the main road in town. The hotel comes with breakfast, which makes it convenient to fuel up before a day of hiking and outdoor adventures. The hotel is close to everything in Estes Park, as well as about 3 miles from the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.
I also considered the Silver Moon Inn because of its location close to downtown Estes Park. From here, you can walk to several restaurants avoiding the hassle of having to find parking. The hotel offers free breakfast and also has riverfront access.
FAQs about Lake Estes Park
Absolutely! Nestled in the stunning Rocky Mountains, Estes Park has breathtaking scenery, incredible outdoor adventures, and a charming mountain town vibe. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, Estes Park is worth the visit.
Summer in Estes Park typically offers ideal warm weather perfect for all outdoor pursuits. In the fall, stunning foliage, fewer crowds, and excellent wildlife viewing make this another great time to visit.
Estes Park serves as the eastern gateway and the most direct entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Located less than a 10-minute drive away, they are right next to each other.
The distance from Denver to Estes Park is about 65 miles. The 1 1/2 hour drive is straightforward and can even be done on a day trip from Denver.
Colorado Springs is 130 miles from Estes Park. The majority of the 2 1/2 hour drive is heading north along major highway I-25.
Things to Do in Estes Park, Colorado Bottom Line
Estes Park, Colorado may be a small mountain town but it boasts tons of experiences for visitors. From thrilling outdoor adventures to fun downtown shopping and dining, there’s something to delight every traveler.
Whether you’re drawn to hiking and wildlife encounters or simply want to enjoy a mountain getaway, Estes Park promises an unforgettable stay.
What things to do in Estes Park are on your itinerary?
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