Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you'd like to immerse yourself in the mountains, RMNP is the place to go. There are countless hikes, scenic drives, and stunning views in every direction. Rocky Mountain National Park is about a 30 minute drive from the wedding venue, and a quick 10 minutes from Estes Park. However, due to the park's popularity, please note that RMNP has a "timed entry" system through mid-October, so you will have to book tickets in advance. Find info here: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910?tab=booking. If you plan to leave a vehicle behind, or not have one altogether, tickets for the Hiker Shuttle are available here: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088647/ticket/10088648 Entry to Rocky Mountain National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, while a 1-day pass is $30. Timed entry tickets are an additional $2. If you're willing to navigate the logistics, you won't be disappointed by RMNP. If you want a sneak peak, take another look at our engagement pictures :)
Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park, often referred to as the "base camp" of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a bubbly, walkable, family-friendly town surrounded by mountains. You can expect to encounter wildlife (elk!) meandering through the town, with ample opportunities to check out any of their many restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, distilleries, or shops along the Riverwalk. There are also many hikes nearby, outdoor excursions, and of course, the historic Stanley Hotel (the inspiration for The Shining!). *Please note that this will be a holiday weekend, thus likely very busy. We encourage you to book any excursions in advance, and look into reservations when possible!*
Lyons, CO
If you want to get away from some of the crowds that might be in Estes Park, Lyons is a very cute mountain town between 30-40 minutes from Estes Park. It's a smaller town, but offers restaurants, shops, hikes, and mountain views.
Boulder
Boulder is a city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, about an hour from Estes Park. To the west, Boulder has the easily accessible trail-lined Flatirons; craggy rock formations overlooking the city. If you'd like to venture downtown, check out the pedestrian Pearl Street Mall, which includes art galleries, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Boulder is also home to The University of Colorado Boulder. There's plenty to do here!
Hiking!
If you'd like to spend time outside but don't want to navigate RMNP or aren't sure how to find a good hiking spot, we recommend the AllTrails app to find hiking near you! You can find anything from paved nature walks in town, to the well-known 14ers throughout Colorado. Just plug in your location, and read about what's around! Keep the altitude in mind, and don't forget your water!