The town of Estes Park, Colorado, is just over an hour and a half due north of Denver, and it provides a welcome respite from the city’s activity. It makes for an excellent travel destination during both winter and summer. It would be impossible to get bored at Estes Park, Colorado. This town will keep you coming back with its parks, picturesque roadways, and breathtaking views. So sit tight as we journey you through the best things to do in Estes Park, Colorado.
Try out the Estes Park Aerial Tramway!
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway, which dates back more than six decades, is a fantastic attraction and one of the must-dos in Estes Park.
Take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, which departs from 420 East Riverside Drive and takes you to a vantage point above the town. Those who take the tram can reach the peak of Prospect Mountain. Views of the surrounding area and its mountains can be enjoyed by travellers at every point along the route. Stunning panoramas of Longs Peak, the Rocky Mountains, and the Continental Divide can be seen from the peak of Prospect Mountain.
From May through September, you can ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway at a reasonable price. Atop the mountain, visitors will find a cafe and access to a couple of paths.
Come check out the Open Air Adventure Park.
If you’re looking for some excitement, the Open Air Adventure Park is a great option among the things to do in Estes Park. Over 30 diverse, moderate-to-difficult, and extreme activities are available to guests of this adventure park.
Participating in the many park activities is a fantastic way to get some exercise while on a day trip. There are a ton of fun things to do there that you should try, like tightrope walking or trying out an extreme sport like obstacle course racing. In addition to providing fun activities, the park places a high priority on visitor safety. They supply the necessary protective equipment, and a staff member is always close by to help out if something goes wrong.
Spend some time window shopping around the city.
Despite its modest size, Estes Park’s historic downtown centre is among the best in small towns across the United States.
It’s a pleasure to stroll around because of the town’s picturesque architecture, breathtaking river vistas, and a vast selection of restaurants and stores selling everything from basic souvenirs to homemade fudge to local art.
If you’re a fan of browsing old artefacts, you should definitely check out Fall River Jewelry and Antiques, one of the most interesting antique shops in the region. There’s literally no limit to what you can find here, whether it’s a one-of-a-kind memento or a letter written by George Washington.
You can’t possibly enjoy your time in downtown Estes Park without sampling the delicious handcrafted treats. Make sure to pick up a large container of Laura’s homemade toffee and some of Hayley’s homemade ice cream.
Go on an adventure in Rocky Mountain Park.
Spend time at one of the most popular national parks in the United States, where you may explore mountains, woods, and alpine lakes. Covering an area of 415 square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to more than 300 miles of trails that are enjoyable for hikers of all ages and skill levels.
Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing are two activities that can be enjoyed during the winter season. Meanwhile, summertime is when many people start planning outdoor activities like camping, fishing, rock climbing, and hiking. There is a wide variety of trails, from easy strolls on paved routes to challenging hikes to the top of Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s most recognizable 14ers.
The beautiful mountain scenery makes the park a wonderful destination for a day trip or a camping trip.
A stay at the Stanley Hotel
Check out the hotel that served as a model for “The Shining” and learn about its eerie past and present-day ghost stories.
The Stanley Hotel, which served as the basis for The Shining by Steven King, is a beautifully gorgeous and reportedly haunted establishment. The hotel was opened in 1909, but the Victorian-era architecture and furnishings make guests feel like they’ve stepped back in time. The outdoor gardens, gourmet cuisine, and the state’s largest assortment of excellent whiskeys create an opulent atmosphere.
The movie memorabilia on display is a great alternative for those looking for something different to do in Estes Park. Madame Vera, the in-house medium, is available for psychic readings and ghost tours. You can either spend the night here or just take a look around the lobby and the gardens. In either case, touring or staying at the Stanley Hotel is guaranteed to be a memorable experience in beautiful Estes Park.
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Check out the Estes Park Memorial Observatory.
The Estes Park Memorial Observatory is the best site in Colorado to take advantage of the state’s clear night skies and enjoy some breathtaking stargazing. The observatory can be visited by individuals or small groups at 1500 Manford Avenue in Estes Park. And the best part, admission to the observatory is completely free!
Volunteers play a vital role in making sure the observatory is a learning environment for visitors of all ages.
Also, they collaborate extensively with local elementary, middle, and high schools to spread astronomical knowledge.
Have a good time at Lake Estes.
About 185 acres of land are devoted to the reservoir known as Lake Estes on the Big Thompson River. Lake Estes has around four miles of shoreline and is a nice area to go fishing or hiking on the Lake Estes Loop Trail.
The Lake Estes Marina is the place to go if you’re itching for some water time. Everything you need for a fun day on the water can be found at the Lake Estes Marina. You can have a fun and relaxing day on the water in Estes Park by renting anything from a kayak to a pontoon boat.
Go on the Peak To Peak Scenic Byway
This scenic drive takes you into the mountains, where you can find ski slopes, hiking paths, and quaint little towns.
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway covers a distance from Estes Park to Black Hawk, Colorado, and back again. In addition to the excitement of the journey itself, there are many exciting places to see along the way. You’ll discover the trails of Nederland and the Indian Peaks Wilderness, which are home to some of the best hikes in Boulder. During the winter, you’ll definitely see people downhill skiing or snowboarding at Eldora Mountain, one of the several ski resorts in the Denver area. You can also make a stop at Black Hawk or Central City and head to an indoor casino for some fun.
Stop by the Macgregor Ranch Museum.
The Macgregor Ranch Museum, which dates back to 1873, features exhibits detailing the family’s history across three generations. The family was instrumental in Estes Park’s early development as homesteaders, and their property now houses a sprawling museum.
The pioneers’ homes, including the root cellar, milking shed, and other structures, are open for tours. Volunteers are knowledgeable about the area’s past and complement the interactive exhibits by providing insightful commentary.
Go on a horseback ride.
Discovering Rocky Mountain National Park’s beautiful meadows and woodlands on horseback is a thrilling activity.
In fact, a horseback ride through Rocky Mountain National Park should be an integral part of every trip to Colorado. Jackson Stables provides excursions lasting between one and five hours with guides who are both informed and personable. Beaver Meadows is a great place to go horseback riding, with trails that will take you through picturesque aspen groves and through rolling valleys. The route is surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. Pony rides and hayrides with a marshmallow roast by the campfire are offered for the little ones.
Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting.
Adventurers can enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting on scenic mountain rivers. Rapid Transit Rafting is an outfitter in Estes Park that can take you on a half-day or full-day rafting adventure and help you along the way. This whitewater rafting trip down the Cache la Poudre River takes place over the course of half a day and is often considered one of the finest activities available in Colorado. Daylong excursions provide both a breathtaking drive down Trail Ridge Road and a rafter-slapping raft tour on the Colorado River.
Enjoy a Round of Golf at the Estes Park Course
Those of you who enjoy golf will be pleased to know that Estes Park is home to several stunning courses.
There is a notable 18-hole course in Estes Park. In fact, you wouldn’t want to miss playing a round of golf on their immaculately kept grounds with the stunning Rocky Mountains in the distance.
There’s a good chance that some of the wildlife will accompany you on the course. Deer and elk are the most prevalent and hence the most likely to be spotted.
Explore the Beaver Meadows Visitor Centre
Before venturing into Rocky Mountain National Park, a stop at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is in order. The structure itself is a stunning work of architecture. Since it was built in a Frank Lloyd Wright design, it harmonizes beautifully with its natural setting.
Here you can take advantage of the park’s many interactive maps, books, and games, as well as watch an informative short film about the area.
When you exit the tourist centre, be sure to take in the beautiful scenery, which includes Longs Peak and Eagle Cliff.
Pay a Visit to Elkins Distilling Co.
Get yourself to Elkins Distilling Co. if you’re in the mood for some booze.
Elkins Distilling Co. is a local business in the middle of historic downtown Estes Park where whiskey is distilled and bottled.
Liquor and other goods are sold in their storefront on Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park’s main drag. However, if you want the real deal, authentic experience, visit their distillery on Lake Avenue in Estes Park.
If you’re not sure what you prefer, you can get a flight and try it out here. In addition to the relaxed vibe, they serve creative cocktails. The Colorado Rye and the Winter Whisky are local favourites because of their fantastic flavours. This distillery is one of Estes Park’s best-kept secrets!
Experience the thrill on a quad bike
Renting an ATV from Estes Park ATV Rentals is a thrilling and entertaining way to see the Colorado town of Estes Park. You get to enjoy the scenery while you rumble across the dirt in an ATV. Renters are free to roam at their own leisure along thrilling 4×4 trails in the mountains. Don’t worry if you don’t know your way around. To make sure you have a fun and safe trip, the helpful staff will explain to you how to use the GPS mapping system and recommend routes.
It is now time for us to hear from you. Let us know in the comments which fun activity piqued your interest the most. And, for those who have vacationed in Estes Park, Colorada, what was the most memorable aspect of your experience? Remember to show your support by liking this video and subscribing to the channel. Enabling post notifications will ensure that you don’t miss any of our daily uploads. Catch you in the next one.