1. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hikers-rocky-mountains-national-park-estes-park.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Margaret.Wiktor<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> Weekday mornings to beat crowds and secure parking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Rocky Mountain National Park is the reason most people come to Estes Park, and it lives up to every expectation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Drive Trail Ridge Road<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> Late May through late October, when the full road is open<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Alpine Visitor Center<\/a> near the summit is a worthwhile stop, and on a clear day, you can see across vast stretches of the Continental Divide.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTrail Ridge Road typically opens in late May and closes by late October, depending on snowfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n3. Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> 420 E Riverside Dr<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> Early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday crowds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tramway runs from May through early November, and tickets can be purchased at the base station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n4. Watch Elk in Town<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> Various spots, Estes Park<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> September and October during the rut, dawn and dusk year-round<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
September and October bring the rut, when bull elk bugle loudly to attract mates and compete with their rivals. Horseshoe Park<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlways 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<\/a>, so keep an eye out while exploring the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n5. Stroll the Riverwalk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> 470 E Elkhorn Ave<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> Morning for quiet; evening for the golden light on the water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Estes Park Riverwalk follows the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers through the heart of downtown, connecting the town\u2019s main retail strip with riverside parks, outdoor dining, and the natural soundtrack of moving mountain water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n6. Visit the Stanley Hotel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/tourists-at-stanley-hotel-estes-park-colorado.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Kit Leong<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> 333 E Wonderview Ave<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> Weekday afternoons for tours; evenings for the Whiskey Bar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 as a retreat for wealthy visitors from the East Coast, and it has defined Estes Park\u2019s identity ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stephen King stayed here in 1974 during the hotel\u2019s last week of the season, famously the only overnight guest, and the experience directly inspired The Shining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Daytime historical tours cover the hotel\u2019s construction, its famous guests, and its role in the region\u2019s development. Evening paranormal tours take a different, darker angle and aren\u2019t for those who are easily spooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tour times vary by season, so check the official website<\/a> for up-to-date schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n7. Paddle or Walk Lake Estes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> Lake Estes Marina, 1770 Big Thompson Ave<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> Morning for calm water; any time for the trail<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog park<\/a> just across the road from the marina is also worth knowing about if you have a pet in tow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n8. Ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> 1180 Dry Gulch Rd<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> Weekday mornings for shorter wait times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n9. Visit Local Breweries & Distilleries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> Various spots in Estes Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> Late afternoon after a day in the park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Estes Park has a solid craft beverage scene concentrated around downtown and the trail toward RMNP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rock Cut Brewing Company<\/a> and Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company<\/a> both have locations in or near downtown, with outdoor seating and mountain views. The classic Estes Park Brewery<\/a> sits slightly farther along the road toward the park entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re staying in a vacation rental<\/a> with a full kitchen and want to pick up a growler for the evening, most establishments are happy to fill one for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n10. Go Horseback Riding in the Rockies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/tourists-horseback-riding-rocky-mountains-estes-park.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Rexjaymes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> National Park Gateway Stables, 4600 Fall River Rd<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time: <\/strong>Morning rides for cooler temperatures and better wildlife chances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Horseback riding in the mountains around Estes Park is one of those experiences that feels perfectly suited to the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n11. Explore Downtown Elkhorn Avenue<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Location:<\/strong> Elkhorn Avenue<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time:<\/strong> Weekday mornings before tour groups arrive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Elkhorn Avenue is Estes Park\u2019s main street, and it\u2019s a must-visit destination rather than just a backdrop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s lined with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and local institutions that have been operating for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Penelope\u2019s World Famous Burgers<\/a> serves fresh-made burgers and old-fashioned malts in a kitschy diner setting, and the Danish Cone Factory<\/a> is the right stop for homemade ice cream in a freshly made waffle cone.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Historic Park Theatre<\/a> anchors the street’s architectural character and still screens films, while the Ore Cart Rock Shop<\/a> is worth a stop for anyone with kids who wants to find a piece of Colorado to take home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Margaret.Wiktor<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rocky Mountain National Park is the reason most people come to Estes Park, and it lives up to every expectation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Alpine Visitor Center<\/a> near the summit is a worthwhile stop, and on a clear day, you can see across vast stretches of the Continental Divide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail Ridge Road typically opens in late May and closes by late October, depending on snowfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tramway runs from May through early November, and tickets can be purchased at the base station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n September and October bring the rut, when bull elk bugle loudly to attract mates and compete with their rivals. Horseshoe Park<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>, so keep an eye out while exploring the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Estes Park Riverwalk follows the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers through the heart of downtown, connecting the town\u2019s main retail strip with riverside parks, outdoor dining, and the natural soundtrack of moving mountain water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo Credit: Kit Leong<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 as a retreat for wealthy visitors from the East Coast, and it has defined Estes Park\u2019s identity ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephen King stayed here in 1974 during the hotel\u2019s last week of the season, famously the only overnight guest, and the experience directly inspired The Shining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Daytime historical tours cover the hotel\u2019s construction, its famous guests, and its role in the region\u2019s development. Evening paranormal tours take a different, darker angle and aren\u2019t for those who are easily spooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tour times vary by season, so check the official website<\/a> for up-to-date schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dog park<\/a> just across the road from the marina is also worth knowing about if you have a pet in tow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estes Park has a solid craft beverage scene concentrated around downtown and the trail toward RMNP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rock Cut Brewing Company<\/a> and Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company<\/a> both have locations in or near downtown, with outdoor seating and mountain views. The classic Estes Park Brewery<\/a> sits slightly farther along the road toward the park entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re staying in a vacation rental<\/a> with a full kitchen and want to pick up a growler for the evening, most establishments are happy to fill one for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo Credit: Rexjaymes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Horseback riding in the mountains around Estes Park is one of those experiences that feels perfectly suited to the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elkhorn Avenue is Estes Park\u2019s main street, and it\u2019s a must-visit destination rather than just a backdrop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s lined with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and local institutions that have been operating for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Penelope\u2019s World Famous Burgers<\/a> serves fresh-made burgers and old-fashioned malts in a kitschy diner setting, and the Danish Cone Factory<\/a> is the right stop for homemade ice cream in a freshly made waffle cone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Historic Park Theatre<\/a> anchors the street’s architectural character and still screens films, while the Ore Cart Rock Shop<\/a> is worth a stop for anyone with kids who wants to find a piece of Colorado to take home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
2. Drive Trail Ridge Road<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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4. Watch Elk in Town<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Stroll the Riverwalk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Visit the Stanley Hotel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
7. Paddle or Walk Lake Estes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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8. Ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Visit Local Breweries & Distilleries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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10. Go Horseback Riding in the Rockies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
11. Explore Downtown Elkhorn Avenue<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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