Estes Park, Colorado
Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park
Tours & Experiences from Estes Park
Estes Park offers easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park’s most famous highlights. Guided sightseeing tours take you along Trail Ridge Road to sweeping alpine vistas. Hiking guides lead you to Dream Lake, Sky Pond, or Glacier Gorge while explaining the park’s geology and ecology. Wildlife tours at dawn and dusk focus on elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Winter brings snowshoe trips to frozen waterfalls and quiet forests. With professional guides handling permits, logistics, and safety, it’s the best way to see the park without worry.
-
Rocky Mountain Experience
Glass-roof van tours through Rocky Mountain National Park.... More
- Half Day • Estes Park, CO
- Perfect for families & photographers
- Travel above 12,000 ft in comfort
- Stargazing and wildlife options available
-
Rocky Mountain National Park Private 4 Hour Tour
Private half-day SUV tour through Rocky Mountain National Park.... More
- Half Day • Estes Park, CO
- Perfect for families & groups
- Spot wildlife & enjoy short walks
- Private SUV transport & guide included
-
3 Hour National Park Gateway Trail Ride
3-hour guided horseback ride through scenic alpine landscapes.... More
- 3 Hours • Estes Park, CO
- Ideal for families & adventure seekers
- Choose from Deer Mountain or Horseshoe Park routes
- Stream crossings, mountain views, and wildlife spotting
-
2 Hour National Park Gateway Trail Ride
2-hour guided horseback ride through meadows & forests.... More
- 2 Hours • Estes Park, CO
- Perfect for families & beginners
- Ride scenic trails near Fall River
- Helmets & wrangler guides included
-
Rocky Mountain National Park Half Day Tour
Enjoy a 3–4 hour guided hike through Rocky Mountain National... More
- Half Day • Estes Park, CO
- Ideal for first-time visitors
- Short, scenic trails with local guides
- Includes park entry, snack, and water
-
Sunrise Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
Private 3-hour sunrise tour of Rocky Mountain National Park for... More
- 3 Hours • Estes Park, CO
- Ideal for photographers and wildlife lovers
- Witness the Rockies awaken in golden light
- Includes private guide, coffee, and transport
Things To Do in Estes Park
Scenic drives, winery tours, and local craft shops.
-
6-Hour Rock Climbing
6-hour guided outdoor climbing experience for beginners and... More
- 6 Hours • Estes Park, CO
- Real Rock Routes
- Professional Guides
- Family Friendly
-
Full-Day Rock Climbing
8-hour guided climbing day in Estes Park with professional... More
- 8 Hours • Estes Park, CO
- Real Rock Routes
- Professional Guides
- All Gear Included
-
Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing
8-hour guided multi-pitch climbing day in Estes Park and Rocky... More
- 8 Hours • Estes Park, CO
- Lumpy Ridge Routes
- Professional Guides
- Alpine Exposure
In Town Activities
- Downtown Estes Park & Riverwalk – Shop for souvenirs, grab a coffee, or stroll along the Big Thompson River.
- Stanley Hotel – Historic landmark overlooking town, famous for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining. Offers history and ghost tours.
- Estes Park Aerial Tramway – Seasonal gondola lifting you to the summit of Prospect Mountain for valley views.
- Lake Estes – Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or bikes to enjoy the 4-mile lakeshore trail.
Near Town
- Rocky Mountain National Park – Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, and Moraine Park are only minutes from downtown.
- Trail Ridge Road – Begin the 48-mile alpine highway right outside town.
- Lumpy Ridge & Twin Owls – Local climbing and hiking area just north of town.
Family Favorities
- Estes Park Museum – Family-friendly exhibits on local history.
- Fun City – Go-karts, mini golf, and slides for kids.
- Elk Watching – In fall, families gather to hear elk bugle across Moraine Park.
Cultural & Historical Experiences
- MacGregor Ranch Museum – Preserves pioneer ranching heritage.
- Stanley Hotel Events – Concerts, tours, and cultural programs year-round.
- Art Galleries & Festivals – Local artists showcase painting, photography, and crafts; events include Elk Fest (fall), Winter Festival, and Scandinavian Midsummer Festival.
Events & Festivals
- Elk Fest (October): Celebrates the fall elk rut with music, food, and wildlife education.
- Scandinavian Midsummer Festival (June): Folk dancing, costumes, and traditional food.
- Estes Park Winter Festival (January): Wine, beer, chili tastings, and snow fun.
- Longs Peak Scottish Festival (September): Bagpipes, Highland games, and cultural showcases.
Where to Eat
Estes Park’s dining scene blends casual mountain fare with creative Colorado cuisine. Enjoy elk burgers at a riverside grill, pizza and craft beer at a local brewery, or fine dining at the Stanley Hotel’s Cascades Restaurant. Don’t miss homemade fudge or ice cream on the Riverwalk.
Where to Stay
Options range from historic lodges and riverside cabins to boutique inns and modern hotels. Many accommodations offer fireplaces and mountain views. Lake Estes resorts and vacation rentals provide a quieter retreat, while downtown inns keep you steps from shops and dining.
Best Time to Visit Estes Park
Spring brings wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. Summer is warm and busy, with long daylight hours and open alpine roads. Fall is crisp and golden, with aspen leaves and elk rutting season. Winter quiets the town, offering snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cozy lodge stays.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Snow in the mountains, wildflowers downtown.
- Summer (Jul–Aug): Warmest weather, peak visitation, all roads open.
- Fall (Sep–Oct): Golden aspens, elk bugling, cool days.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Snowy, peaceful, with winter sports and fewer crowds.
Suggested Itinerary from Estes Park
1 Day Itinerary
Morning: Breakfast downtown, then head into the park for a hike to Dream Lake.
Afternoon: Explore Moraine Park for wildlife, then return to town for lunch and Riverwalk shopping.
Evening: Dinner with mountain views, followed by a stroll around Lake Estes or a ghost tour at the Stanley Hotel.
👉 Best for short stays and first-time visitors.
2-3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Hike in the Bear Lake corridor, then enjoy dinner and a brewery stop in town.
Day 2: Drive Trail Ridge Road, stopping at overlooks and the Alpine Visitor Center. Return for shopping and music in the evening.
Day 3: Kayak on Lake Estes or ride horseback into the foothills before departure.
👉 Great for a long weekend in the Rockies.
Weeklong Adventure
Split your time between town and the park. Spend three to four days exploring trails, lakes, and alpine routes, then enjoy a day trip to Boulder or Denver for urban culture. Add local climbing, fishing, or wildlife tours to round out the week.
👉 Perfect for travelers who want to balance outdoor adventure with town comforts.
Estes Park is more than a gateway — it’s a mountain town that can anchor your entire Colorado trip. Whether you’re flying into Denver, adding a day trip to Boulder, or planning a full week in the Rockies, we’ll help build a personalized itinerary that combines the best of the park and the comforts of town.
👉 Tell us your travel dates and favorite activities, and we’ll craft an Estes Park plan that fits your style.
Insider Tips
- Altitude hits fast — drink water and avoid alcohol your first night
- Elk wander through downtown in fall — give them space but keep your camera ready.
- Book lodging 6–9 months ahead for peak summer and fall foliage season.
- Start hikes early to beat crowds and avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
- Use the free Estes Park shuttle in summer to skip the hassle of parking.
- Pack layers — it can be 80°F in town and 40°F on Trail Ridge Road the same day.
Practical Travel Info
- Location: ~70 miles northwest of Denver, CO.
- Elevation: 7,500 feet — altitude adjustment may be needed.
- Airport Access: Denver International Airport (DEN) ~1.5 hours by car.
- Transport: Rental car recommended; seasonal free town shuttle connects to the park’s Hiker Shuttle.
Notable Features
- Closest gateway to the most popular Rocky Mountain NP attractions.
- Wildlife sightings (elk, deer, moose) often right in town.
- Historic Stanley Hotel and lively Riverwalk.
Town Highlights
- Downtown Riverwalk: A scenic path along the Big Thompson River lined with cafés, ice cream shops, and boutiques.
- Stanley Hotel: Historic landmark with tours, dining, and cultural events.
- Lake Estes: A 4-mile loop trail with water sports rentals and mountain views.
- Festivals: From Elk Fest in October to the Scottish Festival in September, the town celebrates year-round.
- Local Dining & Breweries: From elk burgers to craft beer, Estes delivers classic Colorado flavor.
Weather / Climate Overview
Estes Park experiences four true seasons with big shifts in temperature between valley floor and high alpine.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Snow melts, waterfalls surge, and wildflowers bloom. Temperatures 40–70°F; nights chilly.
- Summer (Jul–Aug): Warm days 70–85°F, cool nights in the 50s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Fall (Sep–Oct): Crisp air and golden aspens; 50–70°F days. Elk rut fills the meadows.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Snow blankets the town, with highs 30–45°F and lows often in the teens. Great for quiet getaways, snowshoeing, and cozy lodge stays.
Crowd Levels / Peak Times
Summer (July–August) and fall foliage season (September–October) are busiest. Winter is quiet, with fewer crowds and lower rates.
Accessibility Notes
- Downtown shops, hotels, and restaurants mostly wheelchair accessible.
- Paved Riverwalk is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
- Free town and park shuttles are ADA-compliant.
Shuttle / Transport Info
Free seasonal town shuttle (late May–early Oct) connects hotels, downtown, and the Estes Park Visitor Center.
Hiker Shuttle from the Visitor Center connects to Rocky’s Bear Lake corridor (reservation required).
What to Bring
Layered clothing (temperatures change quickly), sturdy shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, and camera. In winter, pack snow gear. Those planning to go horseback riding are required to wear closed-toed shoes and pants.
Safety Tips
Wildlife is common — observe from a safe distance. Altitude sickness is possible; take it slow, especially on hikes. Weather can change fast; carry rain gear even in summer.
Cell Service / WiFi
Reliable cell service in town; Wi-Fi available in most hotels and cafés. Signal weakens quickly once inside the park.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Support local businesses, use refillable bottles at water stations, and ride town shuttles instead of driving to reduce congestion and emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Estes Park from Denver?
About 1.5 hours by car from Denver International Airport.
Is Estes Park a good base for Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes — it’s the most convenient base for Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park, and Trail Ridge Road.
When is the best time to visit Estes Park?
Summer and fall are peak seasons. Spring offers wildflowers and fewer crowds, while winter brings a quiet mountain atmosphere.
Do I need a car in Estes Park?
A car is recommended, but the free town shuttle and Hiker Shuttle make it possible to get around without one in summer.
Is Estes Park family-friendly?
Absolutely. With outdoor activities, kid-friendly attractions, and plenty of family dining, it’s a great base for all ages.
Park Gateway Towns
Rocky Mountain’s two official entrances are flanked by mountain towns that make perfect bases. Estes Park anchors the lively east side, Grand Lake is the quieter west-side gateway, and nearby Boulder and Denver serve as arrival points with easy transfers to the park.
Grand Lake, CO
On the park’s quieter west side, this historic boardwalk town fronts Colorado’s largest natural lake. It’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, and moose watching in the Kawuneeche Valley.
Denver, CO
Colorado’s capital and the nearest major airport hub. Just 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Estes Park, Denver is where most long-distance travelers begin their Rocky Mountain adventure.
Boulder, CO
About 90 minutes from the park, Boulder pairs outdoor adventure with a vibrant dining and brewery scene. Many visitors stop here before or after their time in the mountains.
What Visitors Say About Estes Park
Plan Your Estes Park Adventure
Get Great Travel Tips, Ideas, and Deals Right To Your Inbox!
Subscribe to our Newsletter
CONTACT US
-
National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
