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Estes Park is one of those rare mountain towns that works just as well as a destination in its own right as it does as a base camp for something bigger.
With a walkable downtown, a river running through it, a historic hotel with a great bar, and one of the largest free-roaming elk herds in the country wandering through town on a regular basis, this is the perfect base for exploring the nearby Rockies. But it also has plenty of fun activities of its own.
Whatever brings you to Estes Park, book your vacation rental through RentByOwner to have a comfortable home base in the mountains. Here are 11 of the best things to do in Estes Park, CO.
1. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
Photo Credit: Margaret.Wiktor
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
- Best time: Weekday mornings to beat crowds and secure parking
Rocky Mountain National Park is the reason most people come to Estes Park, and it lives up to every expectation.
The park covers over 415 square miles of alpine tundra, glacier-carved valleys, and jagged peaks, with more than 350 miles of trails ranging from flat lakeside walks to demanding summit routes.
The closest entrances, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are both about a 10-minute drive from downtown. A timed-entry permit system is in place during peak summer and fall seasons, so plan ahead and book your entry window before you arrive.
2. Drive Trail Ridge Road
- Location: Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park
- Best time: Late May through late October, when the full road is open
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved highway in the United States, cresting at 12,183 feet as it crosses through Rocky Mountain National Park. It runs from Estes Park to Grand Lake, tying together many of the best attractions in Estes Park.
The 48-mile drive takes you through dense pine forest, open subalpine meadows, and exposed alpine tundra, all at a pace you set yourself. Multiple pullouts along the route offer views that make it genuinely difficult to stay in the car.
The Alpine Visitor Center near the summit is a worthwhile stop, and on a clear day, you can see across vast stretches of the Continental Divide.
Trail Ridge Road typically opens in late May and closes by late October, depending on snowfall.
3. Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
- Location: 420 E Riverside Dr
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday crowds
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway has been carrying visitors to the top of Prospect Mountain since 1955, and the 5-minute ride in the iconic red gondolas remains one of the most popular experiences in town.
At the summit, you get a 360-degree panorama of the Estes Valley, the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, and on clear days, a view that stretches all the way to the Front Range.
The tramway runs from May through early November, and tickets can be purchased at the base station.
4. Watch Elk in Town
- Location: Various spots, Estes Park
- Best time: September and October during the rut, dawn and dusk year-round
Estes Park sits in the middle of one of the largest free-roaming elk herds in North America, and the animals move through town as if they own it. Elk are regularly spotted on the golf course, in the meadows around the visitor center, along the Riverwalk, and grazing in residential neighborhoods at dusk.
September and October bring the rut, when bull elk bugle loudly to attract mates and compete with their rivals. Horseshoe Park, just inside the RMNP boundary, is one of the best dedicated viewing spots, with open meadows that give you clear sightlines and the chance to hear the bugling echo off the surrounding peaks.
Always keep at least 25 yards of distance and never approach a bull during rut season. Elk gather in many of the quieter, hidden gem spots in Estes Park, so keep an eye out while exploring the area.
5. Stroll the Riverwalk
- Location: 470 E Elkhorn Ave
- Best time: Morning for quiet; evening for the golden light on the water
The Estes Park Riverwalk follows the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers through the heart of downtown, connecting the town’s main retail strip with riverside parks, outdoor dining, and the natural soundtrack of moving mountain water.
In fall, the cottonwoods along the bank go yellow, and the combination of the foliage, the water, and the peaks behind makes it one of the most photogenic stretches in any Colorado mountain town.
6. Visit the Stanley Hotel
Photo Credit: Kit Leong
- Location: 333 E Wonderview Ave
- Best time: Weekday afternoons for tours; evenings for the Whiskey Bar
The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 as a retreat for wealthy visitors from the East Coast, and it has defined Estes Park’s identity ever since.
Stephen King stayed here in 1974 during the hotel’s last week of the season, famously the only overnight guest, and the experience directly inspired The Shining.
The hotel is still very much operational, and the Whiskey Bar at Cascades Restaurant is the right place to have a drink with some history attached to it.
Daytime historical tours cover the hotel’s construction, its famous guests, and its role in the region’s development. Evening paranormal tours take a different, darker angle and aren’t for those who are easily spooked.
Tour times vary by season, so check the official website for up-to-date schedules.
7. Paddle or Walk Lake Estes
- Location: Lake Estes Marina, 1770 Big Thompson Ave
- Best time: Morning for calm water; any time for the trail
Lake Estes is a reservoir at the edge of town, and both the water and the shoreline trail around it are worth a visit. The 3.7-mile trail circles the reservoir and remains relatively flat, with views of the peaks and the wide-open water.
Lake Estes Marina rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards during the summer season. For a town where most people spend their days hiking steep terrain, a quiet hour or two on the water is a completely different kind of experience.
The dog park just across the road from the marina is also worth knowing about if you have a pet in tow.
8. Ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster
- Location: 1180 Dry Gulch Rd
- Best time: Weekday mornings for shorter wait times
The Mustang Mountain Coaster is an alpine coaster that sends riders down a winding track through the forested hillside above Estes Park at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
The adventure begins with a two-minute pull up the mountain before riders take over the controls for the descent. Riders go single or tandem, and can go as fast or as slow as they want within the speed limit. Multiple laps are common, so be sure to allocate plenty of time to this adrenaline-fueled activity.
9. Visit Local Breweries & Distilleries
- Location: Various spots in Estes Park
- Best time: Late afternoon after a day in the park
Estes Park has a solid craft beverage scene concentrated around downtown and the trail toward RMNP.
Rock Cut Brewing Company and Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company both have locations in or near downtown, with outdoor seating and mountain views. The classic Estes Park Brewery sits slightly farther along the road toward the park entrance.
All three spots offer something slightly different in atmosphere, but the common thread is good drinks, relaxed vibes, and the particular satisfaction of a cold beer after a long day at altitude.
If you’re staying in a vacation rental with a full kitchen and want to pick up a growler for the evening, most establishments are happy to fill one for you.
10. Go Horseback Riding in the Rockies
Photo Credit: Rexjaymes
- Location: National Park Gateway Stables, 4600 Fall River Rd
- Best time: Morning rides for cooler temperatures and better wildlife chances
Horseback riding in the mountains around Estes Park is one of those experiences that feels perfectly suited to the landscape.
Several outfitters offer guided trail rides both in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, covering terrain ranging from flat meadow rides to more challenging ridge routes with long views across the valley.
National Park Gateway Stables is among the most established operators in the area, offering rides from one hour to a full half-day that are suitable for all experience levels. Most rides are guided, require no prior experience, and are suitable for older children and adults.
11. Explore Downtown Elkhorn Avenue
- Location: Elkhorn Avenue
- Best time: Weekday mornings before tour groups arrive
Elkhorn Avenue is Estes Park’s main street, and it’s a must-visit destination rather than just a backdrop.
The walkable strip runs east to west through the center of town, flanked by the river on one side and the mountains directly ahead. It’s lined with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and local institutions that have been operating for decades.
Penelope’s World Famous Burgers serves fresh-made burgers and old-fashioned malts in a kitschy diner setting, and the Danish Cone Factory is the right stop for homemade ice cream in a freshly made waffle cone.
The Historic Park Theatre anchors the street’s architectural character and still screens films, while the Ore Cart Rock Shop is worth a stop for anyone with kids who wants to find a piece of Colorado to take home.
Ready to Plan Your Estes Park Trip?
Estes Park gives you Rocky Mountain National Park on one side and a charming mountain town on the other.
Whether you spend your days hiking to alpine lakes, watching elk bugle at dusk, or riding a coaster through the pines, there’s more here than most people expect from a single destination.
Ready to visit? Browse Estes Park vacation rentals to find the right home base for your trip.
