Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the reasons we fell in love with Colorado is the stunning Rocky Mountains. We hope that during your visit, you’ll get a chance to experience the beauty and charm that made us call this place home! There are so many beautiful hike options throughout the park for all different skill levels. We’d also recommend just driving through the park and stopping to take photos along the way! One of our favorite hikes in the park is the 4 lakes trail from Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. If you’re looking for a moderately challenging hike that leads you to Gatorade-blue waters, we highly recommend Lake Hiyaha (& don’t forget to take a dip while you’re there)! We recommend the AllTrails app to choose from the many options in the park. Please note, a Park Site Pass AND a Timed Entry is required to gain access to the Bear Lake Trailhead. For the Timed Entry, reservations for August will open on July 1 at 10AM MST (12PM EST) through the attached link.
The Stanley Hotel
Take some time to explore the iconic Stanley Hotel, best known as the inspiration for Stephen King's “The Shining”. The daytime history tour shares the story of founder F.O. Stanley, the hotel's famous guests, and its pop culture legacy. For something a little spookier, the Spirited Night Tour takes you through the hotel's darker corners and dives into its haunted history. Don’t forget to walk through the hedge maze, enjoy a meal at Cascades, and grab a drink at the 217 Wine Bar before you go!
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
This is a fun option for scenic views without having to hike! For less crowds, better photography, and calmer weather, ride early morning or late afternoon.
Horseback Riding - National Park Gateway Stables
This is another fun way to explore Rocky Mountain National Park!
Downtown Estes Park
Explore the western charm of downtown Estes Park! The attached link provides a great overview of places to shop, eat, and drink. Here are a few of our favorites: - Coffee on The Rocks: a quaint coffee shop with a tranquil outdoor setting around a duck pond. - Snowy Peaks Winery: savor award-winning wines made from Colorado grapes! Enjoy a glass or sample different varieties with a wine flight! -Estes Park Brewery: the oldest brewery in town! -Full Throttle Tap House: a modern tap house with indoor and outdoor seating, and gorgeous mountain views! -Rooftop bars/restaurants: Sole Rooftop Cantina & Tequila Bar, Antlers Rooftop Tavern
Backbone Adventures
Backbone Adventures is an exciting way to explore the Rocky Mountains! Whether you’re cruising scenic highways or heading off the beaten path, they offer on-road and off-road ATV rentals, Jeeps, Slingshots, and e-bikes for an unforgettable mountain adventure.