Estes Park, CO Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Stay, & More
Last updated: May 2026
Estes Park, CO is a popular gateway for those visiting Rocky Mountain National Park as a charming mountain town bursting with natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. There is so much more to Estes Park than being a home base for epic RMNP hiking and scenic drives. This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your visit, from where to stay, where to eat, and things to do, offering a taste of everything that makes Estes Park such a beloved destination, perfect for a weekend getaway.
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When to Visit Estes Park & How Many Days
Estes Park is a year-round destination. Every season offers something different though July, August, and September are the most popular months to visit.
Spring (April - May): Snowmelt makes rivers and lakes full, perfect for fishing. Wildflowers bloom, and wildlife begins to return. Seasonal closures start to open again (weather-depending) for Spring/Summer and the weather is crisp for hiking and outdoor activities!
Summer (June - August): Summer is perfect for mild weather and water activities. It is also the best time of year for high-elevation hiking trails and scenic drives. This is peak tourism season but between the weather, activities, and events and festivals in town, it’s an ideal time to visit for many.
Fall (September - October): This is when we visited & it was magical! Autumn brings cooler weather, the trees begin to change colors to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, it is elk rut season, and high-elevation drives, activities, and hiking are typically still open until mid-late October.
Winter (November - March): A picturesque snowy destination with fewer crowds than the rest of the seasons. For outdoor adventurists, winter activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and backcountry skiing are now on the table. Be sure to check on road conditions and Colorado road laws in this time of the year!
(Note: Some activities listed in the “Things to Do” section are seasonal and close for winter).
How many days should I spend in Estes Park?
While a day trip to Estes Park is enough to experience some of the highlights this mountain town offers, I recommend sticking around for 2-3 days! The more time you can spend in Estes Park, the more time you have to soak up the charm and activities of Estes Park and venture into Rocky Mountain National Park.
Photo by Sharon Adams on Unsplash
How to Get to Estes Park
Most out-of-state visitors will likely be visiting Estes Park from Denver. The Denver International Airport is the closest international airport to Estes Park, CO. It is about 75 miles or 1.5 hours drive by car.
There are 3 ways to get from Denver to Estes Park; by car, shuttle, or bus.
Car
I highly, HIGHLY recommend a car so you have the freedom to explore! If you are flying into DIA, you can hitch a ridge with the airport shuttle that takes you to the airport rental car center to pick up your rental vehicle.
Shuttle
An Estes Park Shuttle can be booked year-round before you visit Estes Park (with limited operating hours during the winter months). Check out the website for all routes available for booking including one-way and round-trip routes from DIA, Union Station in Denver, Boulder, etc!
Bus
The Bustang bus is the most affordable option to get to and from Estes Park at $15/person round-trip from stations around Denver, Boulder, and surrounding smaller cities. This bus route is seasonal and operational on select days of the week.
How to Get Around Estes Park
As you will read below, there are multiple ways to get around Estes Park! The town has done an excellent job catering to anyone and everyone, regardless of how you wish to travel and navigate the area.
Car
You can get by in Estes Park without a car if you are comfortable walking on foot for short distances, or catching a shuttle! For much more freedom to explore the area and activities in this guide though, I’d recommend a car (which is also my personal preference).
Estes Park has a mix of free and paid parking. I recommend referring to the Estes Park website to map out parking lots, rates (if applicable), and their location to where you want to be. You can find all of that information here.
Walk
Estes Park is very walkable in the downtown area with a dense area of restaurants and shops all accessible by foot. In addition, pedestrian-focused measures like crosswalks, wide sidewalks, and boardwalks result in an enjoyable town to stroll!
Free Shuttle
You will likely see a cute red trolley around Estes Park! This is a free mode of transportation with multiple routes that connect many areas of Estes, making much of it accessible just by shuttle! Here’s the route and stop map.
Bike & E-bike Rentals
For a fun way to get around, check out the bike rental options available in Estes Park.
BONUS: Seasonal Estes Park Shuttle to RMNP
During a seasonal window (typically May through October), Estes Park has FREE shuttle routes from the Estes Park Visitor Center to Rocky Mountain National Park, specifically trailheads along the Bear Lake Corridor and Moraine Park Route. Check out the yearly schedule here!
Left: The sign for Silver Moon Inn; Right: Roasting marshmallows at Silver Moon Inn (complimentary every evening!)
Where to Stay in Estes Park
If you have the time to stay a night or two, I highly recommend it! Estes Park has many accommodations to fit your needs, whether you need an RV site, a room for two, or a vacation home to host a large group - most boasting views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Silver Moon Inn is located in Downtown Estes Park, a short walk from shopping and restaurants and a short drive to visitor centers entering Rocky Mountain National Park. Cozy rooms on the Fall River with fire pits for s’mores! (We stayed here and it was FANTASTIC 😊).
4 Seasons Inn on Fall River is a 2-star, rustic hotel beautifully located on the banks of Fall River and surrounded by trees and mountains.
Murphy’s Resort is a short walk from Lake Estes and has a range of suites, some with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and patios. The resort also has an outdoor heated pool.
Mountain Shadows Resort is a collection of cottages featuring an indoor, private hot tub and fireplace. If you are looking for something a little more private than a hotel room but with all the amenities and benefits of a hotel, this is a great option!
Boulder Brook on Fall River is located a little bit further out from the center of Estes Park and closer to the Fall River entrance. Rooms here are apartment suites with kitchenettes!
Are you looking for a place that would be roomy enough to host your large group? Check out some amazing vacation homes available in Estes Park on Booking.com!
Looking for a place to pitch a tent or park your RV? Check out some of these Estes Park campsites!
Left: Matcha latte from Kind Coffee; Right: Pizza from Bird’s Nest
Where to Eat in Estes Park
Estes Park has a surprisingly diverse mix of cuisine to choose from. From coffee shops to South Asian to Italian, and more. These are some of my favorite restaurants in Estes Park:
Bird’s Nest - Bird’s Nest is a cafe, bakery, and pizza spot rolled into one. Until 11am you can get breakfast items and coffee. Past 11 you can get pizza, salads, and soups. We stopped here after a big hike day in RMNP and ate their delicious pizza outside with a view.
📍Location: 1221 High Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ - A good spot in Estes for BBQ! Many folks rave about the pulled pork, brisket, and bison ribs here.
📍Location: 820 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Himalayan Curry & Kebob - Delicious Nepalese and Indian cuisine restaurant off the main road through Estes, with indoor and outdoor (scenic) seating.
📍Location: 101 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Kind Coffee - My favorite daily coffee spot! Other than an extensive coffee menu, you can grab a hearty breakfast or lunch here. Try their toasted bagels! Kind Coffee is located along the river walk so you can take your coffee and handheld to go and grab an outdoor bench or go for a walk.
📍Location: 470 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern- Popular American restaurant with a rustic mountain cabin vibe, featuring live music in the evenings and patio seating.
📍Location: 1675 CO-66, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
La Colina - La Colina is a Mexican-inspired, casual eatery at the Trailhead Lodge with a menu focusing on fresh ingredients from local Colorado farms and small businesses.
📍Location: 130 Stanley Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Boss Burgers and Gyros - The “must-try burgers in Estes Park.” Comfort food stop with customizable burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and gyros.
📍Location: 861 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Ember Restaurant & Bar - For a more upscale ambiance, check out Ember Restaurant & Bar. Ember overlooks Lake Estes, serving a refined American fare.
📍Location: 1700 Colorado Peaks Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Things to Do in Estes Park
Above: Pictures from Lake Estes Trail
Walk around, kayak, or fish at Lake Estes
Lake Estes is a large mountain lake with a mostly paved 4-mile path around its perimeter, perfect for walking or running. You can check out this path on AllTrails.
Lake Estes Marina offers a variety of rentals, including bikes, boats, kayaks, SUPs, and more, if you want to get out on the water.
💰Cost: Free to visit
📍Location (Lake Estes Marina): 1770 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Estes Park Aerial Tramway to Prospect Mountain
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway consists of two tramway cars that transport visitors up and down Prospect Mountain, a mountain located in the heart of Estes Park, offering some of the best views in Estes Park and a coffee shop at the summit.
💰Cost: Prices range from free to $39.95/person, depending on age/status and time of day you visit
📍Location: 420 E Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster
A newer adrenaline attraction in Estes Park that takes you twisting down and through the alpine mountains is the Mustang Mountain Coaster. Single coasters, speed-controlled by you, are a fun activity for anyone!
💰Cost: $25/one ride tickets; $40/three ride tickets; $25/unlimited passenger tickets
📍Location: 1180 Dry Gulch Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Shop the quaint local stores
Walking the picturesque downtown of Estes Park along Elkhorn Ave, you will find many local stores from souvenir shops, bookstores, to adventure apparel shops and art galleries (& more). But my favorite stores in Estes are the year-round Christmas stores stuffed to the brim with decor and holiday cheer! Check out Christmas Shoppe and Nana’s Christmas Cottage.
💰Cost: Free to walk around
📍Location: Downtown Estes Park - Browse the shops of Estes
Have a picnic at Mary’s Lake
A quick 9-minute drive from Downtown Estes Park is Mary’s Lake, a scenic lake and campground, and the perfect quiet spot for catch-and-release fishing or a picnic away from the crowds.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Marys Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Left: Laura’s Fine Candies shop window; Right: Laura’s Fine Candies fudge counter
Indulge in ice cream or taffy
There are many locally made ice cream shops and taffy makers in Estes Park. Some of which have been around fornearly 100 years to get your sweet treat fix. One of the oldest shops in town is The Taffy Shop, which was established in 1935 and has been producing its well-known taffy for generations.
My recommendation is just to walk around Downtown Estes and pop into shops that call to you! You have many options and can’t go wrong with any of them.
💰Cost: Free to walk around
📍Location: Downtown Estes Park - Browse the shops of Estes
Take an e-Bike tour around Estes Park
A fun and family-friendly way to get around Estes Park while also seeing much of the area in a shorter amount of time, is to take an e-Bike tour! Some options are guided, some are solo with recommendations of routes and stops.
Cost and location range depending on provider.
Photo by Falynne Rice on Unsplash
Take a haunted tour through the Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is a notorious, stately property and a 4-star hotel overlooking Estes Park - you can’t miss it. It is famous for its paranormal tales, activity, and alleged hauntings. Stephen King stayed here in 1974, the hotel itself sparking his idea to write “The Shining” after his odd experiences during his stay.
Today, you can stay the night in the hotel and even request (well in advance) to stay in the famously known haunted rooms (217, and many rooms on floor 4).
If you don’t have it in you to stay the night in the hotel, but the tales interest you, join a 60-minute ghost night tour of the estate!
💰Cost: $30/person (children under 8yo not permitted)
📍Location: 333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
An elk napping in the sun outside the Estes Park Visitor Center (police guarded foot traffic so it wouldn’t be bothered) 🥹
Visit the Estes Park Visitor Center
One of my favorite things to do when visiting a new town or destination is to visit the Visitor Center. The Estes Park Visitor Center, being on the cusp of Rocky Mountain National Park, is special. It’s a good place to get travel information, recommendations, and goodies for both Estes Park and RMNP. It is also good for the following:
✅ CLEAN public bathrooms
✅ Estes Park and RMNP memorabilia (stickers, pins, patches, t-shirts, etc)
✅ Water refill stations
✅ Free WiFi
✅ Informational pamphlets and helpful staff/locals you can get recommendations from and ask questions to
✅ Park for free and hitch a ride on the free trolley into town
✅ If you are lucky like we were, elk napping in the sun outside
💰Cost: Free to visit & use facilities
📍Location: 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Left: Paved Riverwalk in Estes Park; Right: Matcha latte from Kind Coffee being enjoyed on benches along the riverwalk
Stroll along the riverwalk
Along a stretch of the Big Thompson River, a paved riverwalk nestled between the river and a row of restaurants and shops - a relaxing and enjoyable place for a stroll in Estes Park. There are also benches!
Bonus: Stop by Kind Coffee for delicious organic coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches. Every morning, there is a line out the door! If you don’t want to wait, order online for pickup so you can pop in quickly for your order and be on your way.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: 470 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States (Riverwalk Park on Google Maps. Head west along the river from here!) - Get directions on Google Maps
Climb up to the Birch Ruins
The Birch Ruins, a historical landmark in town, is an easy and unique destination to explore in Estes Park. A stone property constructed by Al Birch (owner) and stone man Carl Piltz in 1904, later burned down from a fireplace fire in 1907. All around the ruins today are informational plaques to learn about the property, as it stands out above the town of Estes Park. From here, too, you get sweeping views of the surrounding town and mountains, including Long’s Peak and the Continental Divide.
Even if the history of this property isn’t of interest, for a short, good hike and for beautiful views in town, this is a neat destination.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: 300-396 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Left: The free trolley you can ride around Estes Park; Right: Mountain views from Estes Park streets
Ride the free Estes Park Trolley through town
A fun and free transportation option to get you around Estes Park, as well as seasonal routes into Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you want assistance getting from point A to point B, or you just want a stress-free joy ride around Estes Park, you can hop on and off this free resource at multiple stops around town.
💰Cost: Free
Left: Alpine Visitor Center on the Trail Ridge Drive; Right: Views from Horseshoe Park
BONUS! Take a guided day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
Remove the stress of logistics and planning, and enjoy a guided tour of Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the US, from one of the many tour providers starting in Estes Park.
Some tours have minimal physical activity, others offer excursions and day hikes. There are options for everyone and this is a great way to quickly get a glimpse of RMNP.
Viator is a simple way to find these awesome tours (affiliate).
Interested in going solo into Rocky Mountain National Park? I have some guides just for that!
Map
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