Estes Park, Colorado, is a beautiful destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and charming downtown area.
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Spending a day in Estes Park, Colorado is like stepping into a postcard-perfect mountain town nestled at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. With its charming downtown filled with local shops, cozy cafés, and scenic riverwalks, and its easy access to breathtaking alpine landscapes, wildlife sightings, and outdoor adventures, Estes Park offers the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re strolling along Elkhorn Avenue, spotting elk in the meadows, or heading into the park for a short hike or scenic drive, a day here is filled with natural beauty and small-town charm.
Getting There
Getting to Estes Park, Colorado, is a scenic journey that can be approached from various directions, primarily through the surrounding mountain ranges in the heart of Colorado. The nearest major city is Denver, located about 70 miles to the south, with the drive taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From Denver, you can take U.S. Highway 36, which leads directly to Estes Park, offering beautiful views as you ascend into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Alternatively, travelers coming from the north can access Estes Park via U.S. Highway 34, which leads through the stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park. For those flying in, Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest major airport, with various transportation options available, including rental cars, shuttles, and rideshares. Regardless of the route, the journey to Estes Park promises breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies and an exhilarating start to your adventure in this charming mountain town.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Estes Park, Colorado, varies by season and personal preferences.
Spring (March to May) offers mild weather and blooming flowers, ideal for hiking as trails start to open up, though higher elevations may still have snow.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season with warm weather, open trails, and plenty of outdoor activities, but it can be crowded and more expensive.
Fall (September to November) showcases stunning autumn foliage and mild weather, with fewer crowds, though some park services may start closing.
Winter (December to February) transforms the area into a snowy wonderland, perfect for winter sports and festive activities, but many trails may be closed, and temperatures can be quite cold. Overall, late spring through early fall is great for outdoor activities, while winter offers a quieter, magical experience.
Overall, the best time of year to visit Estes Park for outdoor activities is during late spring through early fall (May to October).
Day One
Downtown Estes Park
Head to downtown Estes Park. The downtown area is very cute, and I would love to plan a trip back there in the winter to see it decorated for the holidays. We found a parking area to leave the rental vehicle and walked around from there.
Historic Water Mill
One of the first places we stopped at was the historic water wheel. This is next to Twisted Griffin Pub and Restaurant on West Elkhorn Avenue where it intersects with the Fall River.
Ryan, Justin, and Tyler by the water mill
Historic Water Mill
Lunch at Sandwich Mafia
For lunch, Tyler and Ryan both wanted pizza, but Justin and I wanted other options. As we were walking along Elkhorn Avenue, perusing the various gift shops, we saw the sign for The Sandwich Mafia. When we looked up the menu, we saw they offer a variety of food, including pizza for the boys. Justin and I both got sandwiches and everything there was delicious.
The boys with their pizza from Sandwich Mafia
Dessert at Danish Cone Factory
Since we told the boys we would get dessert, we walked down the road to Danish Cone Factory so they could get some ice cream cones. We sat on some benches outside of the storefront for them to eat their ice cream so we could enjoy the gorgeous Colorado Fall weather.
https://www.estesparkinformation.com/the-danish-cone-factory/
Eating their ice cream outside of the parlour
Shopping
After lunch and dessert, we walked around a bunch of the shops in Downtown Estes Park. There are so many options for cute souveniers and momentos for your trip to the Colorado Rocky Mountain Area.
View down the main street in Estes Park
Wildlife Viewing
After shopping, we ended up near Bond Park, which is a small park in the middle of Estes Park. There was a whole herd of Elk just lounging in the grass. We aren’t used to that type of wildlife just roaming around town!
Large elk in the park
Catch the Sunset
If you have passes, drive just into Rocky Mountain National Park to watch the sunset at Moraine Park Overlook. Otherwise, some great places in Estes Park include Birch Ruins, Lake Estes Trail, or the Stanley Hotel front lawn. We happened to see the sunset over the mountains as we were driving back to our condo to have dinner.
Sun setting over the Rocky Mountains
Day One Map
Estes Park Itinerary Options
- Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
- Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway (seasonal, great views of the valley)
- Walk the Estes Park Riverwalk along the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers
- Sample taffy at The Taffy Shop or watch it being made at Laura’s Fine Candies
- Tour the historic Stanley Hotel (inspiration for The Shining)
- Paddle, kayak, or pedal boat on Lake Estes
- Rent a bike or walk the Lake Estes Trail
- Go horseback riding with local outfitters around town
- Play mini golf or visit Fun City amusement park (seasonal, great for kids)
- Sip local wine at Snowy Peaks Winery
- Try a flight of beer at Rock Cut Brewing or Lumpy Ridge Brewing
- Enjoy coffee and a view at Kind Coffee or Inkwell & Brew
- Dine with mountain views at restaurants like Bird & Jim or The Dunraven
- Visit the Estes Park Museum to learn about local history
- Catch a movie at the historic Park Theatre
- Attend a seasonal festival like Elk Fest, Autumn Gold, or the Winter Festival
- Ice skate at the Estes Park Ice Rink (in winter)
- Stop by the Art Center of Estes Park for local art and gifts
- Explore MacGregor Ranch Museum (historic homestead and working ranch)
Tips for Estes Park
- Be sure to check the weather before your trip, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Remember that Estes Park is at a high altitude, so stay hydrated and take it easy if you’re not used to it.
- Visiting in the fall, from September to October, is the prime season for elk rut mating. Always keep your distance from wild animals.
- If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, consider purchasing a park pass in advance to save time at the entrance.