Things To Do
Stargazing in the National Park - Guided
Step into the quiet magic of the park once the sun goes down. Guided only by headlamps and moonlight, we’ll wander along gentle trails and soak in the sights, sounds, and stillness of the alpine night. You’ll hear the wind in the pines, watch the stars emerge overhead, and feel the mountain air come alive in a whole new way. At our stargazing point, we’ll brew fresh coffee and hot chocolate on portable stoves—our treat—so you can settle in and simply enjoy the night sky. This trip's physical activity is rated Low. Everyone should be capable of walking between 1-2 miles carrying a water bottle or backpack weighing less than 5lbs. At higher elevations, it is common to become short of breath walking.
Snowshoeing Tour in RMNP
Embark on an enchanting custom built snowshoe expedition with our Alpine Wonderland Tour, a custom-crafted journey through the winter wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you're seeking tranquility or a snowy photo paradise, this tailored snowshoe experience is designed to immerse you in the magical winter charm of Colorado's wilderness. Snowshoes are included in tour cost. We will get you fitted before we hit the trail!
Day Hike to Area of Your Choice - RMNP - Guided
Our pricing is per person, and children aged 16 and under tour at no additional cost. All tours take place in Rocky Mountain National Park. We avoid the busy areas of the park such as Emerald Lake. You can expect a minimum of 3–4 hours touring inside RMNP on our guided trips. Total distance covered and trip length on tour will vary based on physical fitness of your group. If you’d like a longer trip, please contact us before booking. We’re happy to accommodate custom trip lengths. Your enjoyment visiting RMNP & Estes Park are our top priorities. We tailor each route and plan to suit your group—whether it’s all adults, families with kids, corporate outings, or a mix. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all excursion. Personalization is at the heart of everything we do. This means all ages and capabilities are welcome on our tours. All tours are private unless weather has caused a reschedule for another group.
Guided Jeep Tour - Winter Safari
Our most popular winter tour! During the course of this tour, we will guide you through the majestic wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park. There are multiple stops along the way. This tour captures the most scenery and gives you the most opportunities to spot wildlife.
ATV Rentals
Renting an ATV from Estes Park ATV Rentals is simple and fast. You choose your ATV, review safety instructions, and get fitted with required gear. Staff explain the controls, trail rules, and local riding tips. You load up and head straight to approved mountain trails near Estes Park. Riders enjoy flexible rental times, clear guidance, and a smooth checkout process. The experience keeps everything easy so you can focus on the ride and the views.
Gear Rentals for Exploring on your Own!
Rental gear like snowshoes, trek poles or shoe spikes can be a great addition to exploring on your own! Delivered to your hotel, and picked up after you're finished, they make it easy.
World Famous Stanley Hotel - Tour On Your Own
Perched above Estes Park with sweeping views of Rocky Mountain National Park, The Stanley Hotel is one of Colorado’s most iconic and mysterious destinations. Opened in 1909, by FO Stanley, inventory of the Stanley Steamer Vehicle, the grand hotel is best known today as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining after his stay in Room 217. The Stanley’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted hotels includes stories of ghostly piano music, unexplained footsteps, and the lingering presence of founders F.O. and Flora Stanley. Its cinematic legacy adds to the allure. The hotel served as the primary filming location for Stephen King’s The Shining (1997 TV miniseries) and has appeared in films such as Dumb and Dumber (1994), as well as numerous paranormal TV shows and documentaries. With its elegant Colonial Revival architecture, cultural events, film festival, and legendary lore, the Stanley offers visitors a rare blend of beauty, history, and spine-tingling intrigue.
Stanley Hotel - Ghost Tour
Explore the history of the spirits at The Stanley Hotel after dark. The Stanley Ghost tour is a 60-minute walking tour that will take you to spiritaully active locations with an experienced storyteller who will explore the documented hauntings around the grounds along with the folklore of these haunts. Each tour offers you opportunities to explore, ask questions, and perhaps leave with a few stories of your own.
Estes Foodie Tour
Welcome to Estes Park Food Tours, where we invite you to savor the flavors of downtown Estes Park in a unique culinary adventure. Our guided tours offer an immersive experience, combining delicious food and drink with the charm of this picturesque mountain town. Embark on a 4 hour journey starting at the center of Town. From there, we'll take you on a leisurely stroll through downtown, stopping at carefully selected eateries and establishments along the way. From artisanal coffee and handcrafted taffy to savory bites from local food trucks and breweries. Along the route, you'll have the opportunity to meet the passionate owners behind these culinary gems, learning about their craft and the stories behind their establishments. All food and beverage cost is included! What to wear: dress like you are in the mountains…yoga pants, walking shoes/hiking boots, hoodie, long sleeve shirts, hat DONT Wear: cowboy boots, flip flops, heels/wedges, slippers What else to bring: Photo ID
Fly Fishing - Guided (weather permitting)
We offer guided fly fishing trips in Estes Park on the Big Thompson River, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the surrounding Estes Valley year-round. Each of our Estes Park fly fishing trips can be tailored to your desired fishing experience. From drive-up hot spots to long hikes on the backcountry to our secret honey holes, with over 20+ years of experience guiding fly fishing in Estes Park, we know the area well and guarantee that you will catch fish with our Estes Park fly fishing guides.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife is abundant in Estes Park - you will see them everywhere! This video link contains safety tips. Go to this link https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/wildlife-watching/ for the best areas to see a variety of wildlife!
Ski or Snowboard - Nearest Ski Area - Eldora (1.5 hours from Estes)
With 40 kilometers of trails for classic skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing, plus a full rental service, various instructional opportunities, and an on-site retail store, the Eldora Nordic Center offers something for snow lovers of every kind.
Pikas in the Park Scavenger Hunt
A fun new downtown activity for all ages! Pikas in the Park is a scavenger hunt throughout Estes Park, offering a wonderful tour of the village along with historical facts in honor of the Estes Park Centennial. This new activity includes 12 bronze sculptures of Pikas, the small mountain-dwelling relatives of rabbit, placed throughout downtown. Download an activity guide to begin your Pika Hunt! Once you've found all 12, head over to the Estes Park Visitor Center to claim your Pika Finder Button!
Spa Day! Qi Lounge & Spa
Leave your worries aside and prepare to be pampered during the lush experience of a lifetime at The Qi Lounge & Wellness Spa in beautiful Estes Park, CO. Enjoy an enchanting setting, warm and inviting staff and explore all the amazing spa & wellness treatments available. Offerings include Massage Therapy, Facials, Acupuncture, Couples Massage and more! The Qi Lounge is a place of true relaxation, and our entire team is devoted to calming your mind, body and soul. Guests can enjoy spa amenities at The Qi Lounge such as dry saunas, zen den relaxation room, plush robes & sandals to change into, and mens/women's lockers & showers. The Qi Lounge Wellness Spa is nestled on Lake Estes at The Estes Park Resort, with views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide.
Aiden Sinclair's Underground Magic Show - Daily
Hidden beneath the original carriage house of the historic stanley hotel, there is a subterranean lounge, where the greatest magicians in the world perform. Behind a secret bookcase door, there exists a world of illusion and mystery. A place outside of time, where the rules of reality no longer apply. Enter if you dare, for an unforgettable experience that will inspire your imagination is waiting for you.
Bull Pin - Bowling, Sports Bar, Billiards, Restaurant & Arcade (indoors)
Fun family entertainment! Bowling lanes, full bar, 6 big screen TVs for watching sports, arcade and chef curated bites! A great way to spend the afternoon!
Craft Beer Breweries - Various Around Town
Colorado has more craft beer breweries per capita than any place in the US, and Estes Park is no exception. Here are our favorites: Rock Cut Brewing Co - https://www.rockcutbrewing.com The Barrel - https://thebarrel.beer The Estes Park Brewery - https://www.theestesparkbrewery.com Avante Garde Aleworks - https://avantgardealeworks.com Lumpy Ridgehttps://www.lumpyridgebrewing.com Lumpy Ridge Publik House - https://www.lumpyridgebrewing.com
Whiskey Tasting
Estes Park is home to several whisky and moonshine distilleries. Most have tasting rooms! The Vault - Stanley Hotel Whisky Tasting - https://www.stanleyhotel.com/activities/the-vault-at-the-stanley Full Throttle Distilling & Estes Park Distillery - https://fullthrottledistillery.com/estes-park-distilling-company-co Elkins Whisky (Tasting Room Downtown) - 137 E. Elkhorn Ave Hogback Distillery - https://www.hogbackdistillery.com
Estes Park Museum
Wednesday - Saturday, 10-4 Estes Park has one of Colorado's longest histories as a destination community, which continues today. From its naming and widespread publicity in the 1864 Rocky Mountain News to today's millions of annual visitors, the allure and enjoyment of Estes Park remains across generations. Nestled at the foot of iconic Longs Peak, Estes Park's story of Native American tribes, homesteaders, entrepreneurs, and artists is unique to Colorado. With the formation of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915 and the incorporation of the Town in 1917, Estes Park hosted a number of notable individuals such as Isabella Bird, Enos Mills, Eleanor Hondius, and F.O. Stanley. Often remarked as a "paradise" by visitors, Estes Park experiences its own trials of floods and fires, lending to a strong sense of community by those who live here. Through interactive displays and in-depth exhibits, explore the place many have come to love - make the Estes Park Museum your destination today!
Holiday Events! Driving Lights Tour, Light Show Downtown, Sleigh the Games & More!
Estes Park offers tons of activities for the holidays. Visit this website to see schedules! Sleigh the Games is an interactive obstacle course the weekend of December 12-14. Participate or watch! The Yuletide driving tour is a map around Estes to see beautifully decorated homes and businesses! Bond Park downtown boasts the only 25' pixel tree that shows an interactive light show set to music every evening. Festival of Trees shows 30 decorated mini trees in the lobby of a local hotel. Video here: https://youtu.be/stVeELqFmcQ
Ice Skating - at the YMCA of the Rockies
Established in 1907, the YMCA of the Rockies has long been entertaining visitors to the Rocky Mountains. It boasts a seasonal winter ice rink in Estes Park, Colorado. Outdoor ice skating is available at Dorsey Lake and skate rentals are provided at the Sweet Memorial Program Building. Skating is available every day during the season, usually from early December to early February, weather permitting.
Mustang Mountain Coaster - an Alpine Coaster!
The Mustang Mountain Coaster, the freshest alpine coaster in all of Colorado, stands as a proud creation of the Walker family. They envisioned a way to open their historic ranch to the public, safeguard the land, and adapt to changing economic times. For over six decades, the ranch offered horse and wagon tours, but the demand for outdoor adventures inspired the Walkers to diversify. They faced pressure to develop condos but remained steadfast in their commitment to preserving the land. The result was a thrilling, horseless "trail ride" known as the Mustang Mountain Coaster.
The Stanley Chocolate Factory - Make your own custom chocolate bar!
Estes Park's newest attraction - the Stanley Chocolate Factory Downtown boasts a hands on chocolate experience led by a world renown chocolatier. You'll learn all about chocolate making and even make your own custom bar! The Factory has a rooftop lounge, coffee shop, and touring kitchen as well.
Restaurant Recommendations
Restaurant Recommendations: Breakfast: Village Bagel, Mountain Home Cafe, The Egg of Estes Burgers/Pizza/Casual: Poppy's Pizza, Penelope's Burgers, Burgers & Gyros Casual American: The Hive at EP Brewery, Smokin' Daves BBQ Mexican: La Cocina de Mama Italian: Sweet Basilico, Mama Roses, Dessert: The Taffy Shop, The Chocolate Factory, Laura's Fine Candies
