Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park
Sign up early for a park pass on the recreation.gov app. Upon entering the park, have the park pass QR code and your ID readily available. The person who bought the pass is the person who needs their ID. The cost is 30$ per car per day or 35$ per car for a seven days. You may need a timed entry pass depending on how busy the park is, so check this before planning your trip. Bear lake road needs a park + pass. Our favorite things to do: - Drive Trail Ridge Road up to Alpine Visitors Center - Visit Alluvial fan falls. If you're confident in your mountain driving skills then continue up Old Fall River Road to the Alpine Visitors Center (Beautiful drive. However, the road is very narrow and steep with multiple switch backs. We recommend a tough stomach and good weather for this one) - Drive to bear lake and then hike 1mi out to Alberta Falls - Drive to Wild Basin Trailhead and hike the following path -> Copeland falls -> Calypso Cascades -> Ouzel falls (It's our favorite hike!!)
The Barrel
An indoor/outdoor pet friendly beer garden in downtown Estes Park.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
Ride to the summit of Prospect Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Estes Park
The Stanley Hotel
Hotel where parts of "The Shining" were filmed. It's said to be haunted (particularly the fourth floor). There are many different tours you can take here: - 60min walking ghost tour - 5 hour ghost hunt - "The Shining Tour"
Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
There are many companies who offer riding tours into the park, this is just one of them. Good for individuals who are nervous about driving in the mountians, or for individuals who want to focus on the scenery instead of driving. Of note: there are many places in the park to pull your car over and enjoy the scenery.
Cinnamon's Bakery
Delicious warm cinnamon rolls baked fresh daily. They are open 7:30 AM to 10 AM (or until they sell out!!)
Open Air Adventure Park
An outdoor adventure park with varying aerial challenges...and axe throwing. You can also use this company to book guided hiking tours or kayaking tours through Rocky Mountain National Park.
Twin Owls Steakhouse
The views here are incredible! If you're going to eat here, go for lunch (request to be seated by a window). PSA: This is a wedding venue as well. Check availability, make a reservation in advance and if you're going to be here on a weekday, pick a weekday (it will likely be closed on the weekend for a wedding).
217 Wine Bar
A gorgeous wine bar located in the historic music room of the Stanley Hotel.
Walk around downtown Estes!
A little touristy but the river walk is beautiful, the shops are cute and there are lots of good eats along the way. Our favorite shops are: - The Old Fashion Candy and General Store: Very nostalgic. Has great taffy! Estes is known for its salt water taffy. You don't have to get it from here, but we recommend trying it from somewhere. - SockEm Emporium: Tons of hilarious socks. Any sock with a "SockEm Emporium" logo was a custom print created by the shop! - Colorado Games Company: We love this store! Lots of card games/wood puzzles/cool chess sets etc. - The Beef Jerky Experience: So many kinds of jerky, including exotic jerky. They let you sample here! - Once Upon a Hive: Amazing custom beeswax candles
Smokin' Dave's BBQ
Do we really need to sell you on this one? It's BBQ <3. The potato skins aren't worth it though
SereniTea's tea room and cafe
The cutest brunch/afternoon tea location. Delicious tea and food!
Tahosa Coffee House
Quaint little coffee house with good brews and beautiful views. Nestled right behind St. Malo Chapel (featured above) right off of route 7.
Bird & Jim
Popular restaurant in downtown Estes with handcrafted cocktails and beautiful views of Rocky Mountain National Park. The menu changes seasonally and the food is locally sourced from farmers and ranchers on the front range. Has alternative menu options including Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free.
Full Throttle Distillery & Grill
Jackson's Stables Inc
Horseback rides through Rocky Mountain national Park, ranging from 1-5 hours