During the summer, there are timed entry permit requirements, so there are a limited number of entries allowed into the park. These go fast at 5:00pm sharp the night before on recreation.gov (make sure you’re logged in and on the website at 4:55pm at the latest). There are also trailheads where they don’t rigorously check the entry permits, such as Lily Lake, Gem Lake, and Twin Sisters. The hiking is phenomenal in the park with a variety of difficulty levels. A less active (but very scenic & popular) option is to drive on Trail Ridge Rd to the Alpine Visitor Center.
One of our favorite places to grab coffee in downtown Estes Park, right on the river. Jess loves the cafe provencal!
A great place to grab coffee, breakfast, or a light lunch, right near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
A fun bar in Estes Park which is open late! We may stop by here for a bit after the reception wraps up ;)
A great beer garden which is easily walkable from downtown. We hope you join us here for welcome drinks! They sometimes have food trucks for an easy meal.
Great massages in a little house by the river. Make sure to get a reservation!
An outlet store with tons of outdoor gear. They also have an indoor climbing wall and have great guided outdoor rock climbing trips.
Amazing burgers and gyros, right near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Tom loves the gyro with feta, it's big enough to split! Unless you've just finished a big hike :)
Tasty sandwiches, salads, paninis, and boba tea next to the river and Estes Park’s historic cinema.
Really tasty Indian and Nepalese food right on the river in downtown Estes Park. Tom says you can't go wrong with anything on the menu!
Tom's family has been going to the Dunraven for years. Simple homestyle Italian food and the best thing on the menu is the Lasagna. The views of Lake Estes are incredible!
One of Jess's favorite places to shop in downtown Estes Park!
This place is always rockin (get it?). Good beer selection, local live music, and solid food. No reservations accepted but give them a call when you're on the way so you can get added to the list. This place gets packed out during the summer so we recommend going on the early side.
A beautiful bar inside the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King's The Shining. Good to stop in for a drink or two after exploring the grounds.
Good sandwiches right near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. They aren't cheap but they're tasty!
Tom and Jess did a guided half day fly fishing trip with these guys in summer 2022 and had a blast!
A great place to do guided horseback trail rides, no experience needed! Just be sure to wear long pants and closed toed shoes.
There's no shortage of candy/fudge/ice cream shops in Estes Park but this is one of our favorites!
Stop in for an ice cream cone on your way out of Rocky Mountain National Park!
An excellent steakhouse with great views! If you want to go you'll probably need a reservation.