Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park-this is a MUST SEE!
Our first grand adventure together was in RMNP- it's so special to us! Be on the lookout for moose, elk & even bears! No doubt the park will have your heart before you leave like it has ours. Timed Entry Permits are REQUIRED during peak season, so MARK YOUR CALENDARS! This is a pass you buy months in advance for entrance into the park during a specific 2hr window on the day you plan to visit-you can then stay as long as you'd like. Permits will go on sale ($2, + entrance fee) on MAY 1, 2026 at 8am MDT! Set your alarms-these permits sell out within minutes! If you aren't able to obtain a permit on May 1st, don't worry! Permits also go on sale at 7pm the night before each following day. So, if you'd like to visit the park Sunday 6/21/26, you can purchase a permit at 7pm Saturday, 6/20/26-these sell out quickly as well! If all else fails, you may enter the park without a timed entry permit before 9am or after 2pm! We highly recommend buying the Timed Entry + Bear Lake Entrance.
The Stanley Hotel
For fans of The Shining, or anyone who just appreciates beautiful historical hotels, drive up the road to the most incredible hotel! It is gorgeous with stunning views and also has several on site restaurants (Brunch and Co. is a must for an incredible brunch-just make sure you have a reservation!). Tours of the hotel are offered including a new "The Shining" tour slated to be running by next summer, as well as the "13 Seance"- a theatrical, after hours seance for those 16yrs and older.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
For those of you who aren't afraid of heights! Or if you want to face your fears for an insane view of the entire city and Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park- this is so fun! We took Judah on this gondola ride this past June and we loved it! There is an adorable cafe and gift shop at the very top to reward yourself for your bravery!
Downtown Estes Park Shopping
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Estes Park's charming downtown area. You'll find tons of shops including art galleries, boutiques, outdoor gear and of course the obligatory souvenir shops! Our favorite thing is to wander through the Riverwalk which follows along the gorgeous Big Thompson River. Lots of cute bars, restaurants and breweries down here too! Our favorites are: Kind Coffee, River Walk Cafe, The Wheel Bar (fun dive bar!), Full Throttle Distillery and The Hive at Estes Brewery.
Ember Restaurant & Bar
We had our first ever Colorado dinner date at Ember and it remains a favorite place of ours. We love to have cocktails and some of their incredible food at sunset on the deck that overlooks Lake Estes (this is the only restaurant on the lake and views are dreamy). There is also a really lovely spa here if you know you deserve to treat yoself!
Jackson's Stables Inc
Yeehaw! SO many wonderful places to go horseback riding in and around Estes and such a great way to see the mountains while your horse does all the work!