Chad & Holly
Things To Do
Downtown Estes Park
From shopping, to outdoor activities and exceptional dining, downtown Estes Park delivers, year round. With the rise and fall of peaks as a backdrop, phenomenal views abound in every direction. Inside the village you can stop for ice cream, sink a line in Fall River, or mosey down the Riverwalk. During the summer months you will want to stop by one of many patios to enjoy a glass of wine or fine dining with a one-of-a-kind view. Stop by the shops for a gift or momento. Chain stores won’t be found in downtown Estes Park. All of the businesses are independently owned, which makes for a unique and memorable shopping experience.
Stanley Hotel
The Stanley hotel was built in 1909 and is most well known for its prominent role in the Hollywood thriller “The Shining” written by Stephen King. Due to the many stories of first hand encounters from Hotel staff and visitors alike, The Stanley Hotel has made many of America’s Most Haunted Hotels lists. The Stanley Hotel has daytime tours, as well as ghost tours after dark for the true adventurer. If you’re looking for Stanley Hotel tour deals, guests of the hotel receive a small break on both daytime and nighttime ghost tours. But be careful for what you ask for, when you stay overnight at the ominous Estes Park Stanley Hotel, you just might get more than you bargained for.
Rocky Mountain National Park
At 415 square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park contains some of the nation's most stunning mountain scenery. Hikers will feel right at home since the park includes more than 300 miles of trails. One of its most well-known areas, Trail Ridge Road, gives visitors a glimpse of the Rocky Mountains from 12,000 feet above sea level. With its spacious campgrounds, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great destination for solo travelers and families alike. Aside from hiking and scenic drives, visitors enjoy wildlife watching, fishing, horseback riding, and learning about Rocky Mountain National Park at the visitor's center.
Rock Cut Brewing
We highly recommend this brewery! The brewery and taproom are located near downtown Estes Park with expansive views of Lumpy Ridge and the Continental Divide. If the weather cooperates, post up on the patio and listen to the Big Thompson River as it meanders by. Otherwise, our bright and comfortable taproom is family-friendly and perfect for a game or good conversation. Often a food truck is on site, serving up delicious lunches and dinners, or outside food is always welcomed.
Elkins Distilling Company
They acknowledge and tip our hats to the men and women who have been making excellent whisky in the Rocky Mountains for hundreds of years. Elkins Distilling is honored to continue that tradition by founding the town’s first legal distillery. After a couple of years navigating the wild and menacing canyons of the distilled spirits manufacturing permit process, we opened on July 4, 2016, and began our whisky adventures in earnest. Our distillery and tasting room is in the eastern part of Estes Park, across the street from Lake Estes.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway dates back to 1955. Robert Herron, a renowned ski lift designer, pursued the tramway project after studying ski lift and tram design in Europe. The Herron family continues to operate the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, which takes more than 3 million passengers to the top of Prospect Mountain each year. The open air design of the tram allows visitors to take in the amazing views of the Rocky Mountains below. The tram runs from May to September, and tickets vary in price from $8 for kids to $12 for adults. Children under five ride for free.
Estes Park Marina
Lake Estes Marina is the place to be for aquatic fun on Lake Estes. The marina offers a variety of boat rentals, including kayaks and canoes and fishing, paddle, and pontoon boats. Fuel and life jackets are included with each boat rental. The marina also has a store that sells fishing licenses, fishing supplies, and snacks. Boat rentals are available from approximately the beginning of May through October. Access to the Estes Lake Trail can be found by the marina. The trail circles the lake and can be accessed on foot or by bicycle. Bicycle rentals are available at the marina.
Lily Mountain Trail
For most adventurers, hiking in Colorado is a must. If you are looking for a family or pet friendly hike that is relatively short (around 3.8 miles, round trip) Lily Mountain Trail is an ideal choice. It offers panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park, Twin Sisters Peak and Longs Peak, from the summit and has no shortage of stunning forest throughout. The hike begins at the Lily Mountain Trailhead, about 6 miles south of Estes Park. (You may want to arrive early as parking is limited.) With occasional rock outcroppings, the first mile of your journey will take you through pine forest and provide stunning views of the valley. Next, the trail steepens as it climbs the north side of Lily Mountain. The following portion of the trail is well defined and easy to follow, but the last .25 miles is not as well marked.
Snowy Peaks Winery
When you vacation Colorado, be sure to take some time to relax and visit the Snowy Peaks Winery and Tasting Room. Enjoy the view of the Colorado Rocky Mountains as you sample locally made, award-winning wines and gourmet cheese, chocolates and jams. Or let the friendly Snowy Peaks Winery staff pack some up for your trip to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Kids are welcome and will enjoy a juice tasting as well as having some fun in their playroom.
Open Air Adventure Park
Open Air Adventure Park is a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience in Estes Park. The park offers guests the chance to make their own adventure by participating in up to 32 different challenges in various levels of difficulty from easy to hard. Tightrope walking, crossing rope bridges, swinging above ground, and crossing moving platforms are just some of the obstacles guests will tackle. Safety gear is always used, and staff members are always nearby to assist. At only $35 for 90 minutes, Open Air Adventure Park offers one of the most affordable attractions in Estes Park.
Rapid Transit Rafting
Adventure enthusiasts can sign up for half- and full-day rafting trips offered by Rapid Transit Rafting. With more than 30 years of experience on Colorado's best rivers, Rapid Transit Rafting guarantees guests a fun, memorable trip. The company offers rafting adventures on the Colorado River as well as on the Cache La Poudre River. Prices and tour availability vary depending on the time of the year and the type of trip. Reservations can be made online or over-the-phone between Memorial and Labor Day.