Estes Park in Colorado is a quaint mountain town known as the base to Rocky Mountain National Park.
It’s located at the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and is less than a two hour drive from Denver.
This cute town has a lot to offer for all nature lovers and outdoorsy types! Whether you’re looking for hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or swimming, this place has you covered!
With spectacular mountain views surrounding the town and wildlife roaming pretty much everywhere, at all times, you may never want to leave!
Here are a few of the top things to do in Estes Park, Colorado.
Where to Stay
On my last trip to Estes Park, I stayed four nights at The Inn on Fall River in Estes Park.
The room I stayed in was right on the river and one of my favorite parts of the entire Colorado trip was sitting outside on the balcony to have my coffee as I enjoyed the sound of the river and the pretty views.
The hotel is very quiet and peaceful yet very close to downtown Estes Park and to the entrance to RMNP, making it a good base.
Address: 1660 Fall River Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517
Top Things to do in Estes Park, Colorado
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
The main reason that most people stay in Estes Park is because of its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. When I planned my visit to RMNP, I made Estes Park my home base because the town is near three of the main entrances to the park.
RMNP is one of the most visited national parks in the United States and for good reason: its incredible peaks, beautiful trees, stunning lakes, tons of wildlife, and endless trails to explore. It’s the premier destination for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching.
Address: Various entrances
For tips on visiting this popular park, check out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park!
2. Take a Stroll through downtown Estes Park
Downtown Estes Park along Elkhorn Avenue (the main street) is filled with souvenir stores, art galleries, sweet shops, boutiques, pubs, and restaurants. On the other side (the path parallel to the main street) you will find the Estes Park Riverwalk.
The stores offer access from their Riverwalk entrances, so you can pop inside the different shops while enjoying the relaxing sounds of the river and shade from the trees.
My recommendation is to start your walk by grabbing a delicious cup of coffee at Kind Coffee in downtown Estes Park. Enjoy your drink outside on a bench by the peaceful river.
After you’re done, or with coffee in hand, slowly make your way through all the shops lined up along the river.
Address: 470 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
3. Drive Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road, known as the “Highway to the Sky,” is the highest continuous paved road in North America. The 48-mile road is a scenic drive that stretches from Estes Park in the east of Rocky Mountain National Park all the way to Grand Lake on the west. Trail Ridge Road is generally open from the end of May through October, depending on weather conditions.
Along the road, you can stop at the many overlooks to see some incredible views, and you’ll probably even spot wildlife!
I will say though, that the drive can be scary. At times you’ll catch yourself gripping the steering wheel just a little too tightly! Although it is a safe road, going up and down a mountain with no guardrails is a bit unnerving.
Tip: Put aside at least half a day for this trip or more longer, if possible. Also, start your drive EARLY to avoid traffic and the afternoon thunderstorms, if you are visiting during the summer.
4. Ride an Aerial Tram to the Top of a Mountain
Even though the Estes Park Aerial Tramway is a bit touristy, riding the cable car to the top of Prospect Mountain will not disappoint!
It’s a quick and smooth ride to the top. There is a lot of area to explore at the top with some hiking trails, picnic areas, and there’s even a coffee shop where you can buy a snack or even some peanuts to feed the chunky chipmunks!
You can easily spend hours here marveling at the gorgeous mountains and incredible view of the town from every direction.
Tip: The line gets long fast and moves slowly, probably because there are only two cable cars (one going up while the other comes down) so arrive early, preferably before they open.
Address: 420 E Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517
6. See Wildlife
Always keep your eyes open because, in Estes Park, you are bound to catch wildlife in their natural habitat at every turn; especially really early in the mornings.
While visiting Estes Park in the summer, I saw chipmunks, squirrels, marmots, birds only found at high elevations, deer, elk, and a moose!
Tip: For a higher chance of a moose sighting, drive Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake and look for moose in the Kawuneeche Valley, which I was told is a favorite spot for moose. I saw a moose from far away at dusk. The best times to see them are at dawn and at dusk.
5. Take a tour of Stanley Hotel
If you’re a Stephen King fan and you’ve read his novel “The Shining” or seen the movie, then you MUST visit the Stanley Hotel.
The novel is based on a creepy night that King experienced when he and his wife stayed at the hotel in the 1970s. The movie was not filmed at the hotel though.
Today, you can still rent a room (even the infamous room 217 that King stayed in) at this historic hotel that many people claim is haunted by guests or employees that have checked in but never checked oooooout!
*cue suspenseful music*
Aside from its reputation for being haunted, the hotel has a lot of interesting history. There are historic day tours for those interested in history and architecture, and there are night tours for those interested in some fun ghost stories.
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, it’s a beautiful and interesting hotel that’s worth visiting!
Tip: If you want to see Room 217 you’ll have to book the historic day tour. Since it is an active hotel, the night tours avoid the guest floors out of respect to the guests.
Address: 333 Wonderview Ave Estes Park, Colorado 80517 USA
7. Rent a Kayak at Lake Estes Marina
If the weather is nice, head over to Lake Estes Marina to take a kayak out on the water for a fun day on the lake.
You can also rent canoes, pontoons, and stand-up paddleboards.
Address: 1770 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
8. Visit the Alpine Visitor Center
The Alpine Visitor Center is the highest visitor center in the United States! It is located 11,796 feet above sea level.
Alpine Visitor Center has a large gift shop where you can shop for Rocky Mountains-themed souvenirs and a cafe where you can order a drink or food, and enjoy the amazing views.
Head out onto the observation deck to marvel at the breathtaking views. There are park rangers around to answer any questions, and even have binoculars to help you spot elk roaming in the distance.
If you have the energy, hike the uphill trail that starts from the Alpine Visitor Center. The elevation makes the hike quite difficult. I felt the altitude, and had to stop a few times to catch my breath and rest. Once you reach the top, it is 12,005 feet above sea level. Be sure to drink plenty of water, listen to your body, and rest if you need to!
Address: Trail Ridge Rd, Grand Lake, CO 80447
9. Try an Elk or Bison Burger
If you’ve never had one before, why not try something different while you’re in Estes Park? Do as the locals do, and enjoy an elk or bison burger!
A good restaurant that serves elk and bison burgers is Big Horn Restaurant. It’s an old casual diner-type restaurant serving really good food!
Address: 401 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517-9030
10. Go for a Walk on Lake Estes Trail
Lake Estes Trail is an easy path you can spend time on while visiting Estes Park. You can walk, jog, and bike on Lake Estes Trail around Lake Estes while enjoying panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
Lake Estes is also a good fishing spot! If you didn’t bring your gear, not a problem! Head over to Lake Estes Marina where you can rent fishing equipment.
Address: 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 Start your walk at the Estes Park Visitor Center.
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