Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles and encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. Double check their website before you go, most trails will require a permit or are timed entry.
Explore Downtown Estes Park
Estes Park boasts a variety of unique dining establishments and local shops that offer an authentic experience beyond the typical tourist attractions. Here’s a list of unique restaurants and not-so-touristy shops to explore in Estes Park:
Dining
The Wapiti Pub is known for Colorado-inspired dishes and an extensive craft beer selection. Twin Owls Steakhouse offers upscale dining with a rustic mountain ambiance and excellent steak and seafood. Bird & Jim serves modern mountain cuisine, featuring locally sourced and innovative dishes. Antonio’s Real New York Pizza specializes in authentic New York-style pizza and Italian fare. The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern provides a cozy atmosphere with comfort food, live music, and a relaxed vibe. Himalayan Curry & Kebob delivers authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine in a charming downtown setting.
Shops
Earthwood Artisans features handmade pottery, jewelry, glasswork, and more from over 240 artists. Macdonald Book Shop is an independent bookstore with a great selection of local authors and nature-themed books. Brownfield’s offers high-quality outdoor gear and souvenirs that steer clear of typical touristy items. The Old Church Shops house a collection of unique shops in a historic church building. Patterson Glassworks Studio & Gallery showcases hand-blown glass art, perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts. Ore Cart Rock Shop boasts an impressive collection of rocks, minerals, fossils, and unique jewelry pieces. And you can't go wrong with any of the many fudge shops!
The Stanley Hotel
Visit the historic Stanley Hotel, known for its architecture and ghost stories. They offer history and ghost tours year-round. And have a great whiskey bar, restaurant and candy shop!
Horseback Riding
Explore scenic trails on horseback with National Park Gateway Stables, offering rides ranging from 30-minute pony experiences to full-day adventures within Rocky Mountain National Park. (Maggie Manning I'm looking at you ◡̈ )
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
Take a ride up Prospect Mountain on the unique Estes Park Aerial Tramway for amazing views of the Estes Valley! After a short scenic ride up the mountain, you can have a snack at the cafe or shop for souvenirs at the top of the mountain. The tramway usually operates from the end of May until September.
Ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster
An awesome experience and it’s open year-round! The Mustang Mountain Coaster is tucked away in the mountains in Estes Park. Their gravity mountain coaster offers a quick thrilling ride down the mountain. An experience that’s not to be missed!