Kirsti & Kevin's Wedding Weekend
Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is an incredible park to go on hikes, picnic, or drive through. Trail Ridge road is the highest paved road in Colorado and passes over the Continental Divide. You can drive this road and get magnificent views. There are also a series of gorgeous hikes of varying levels. The fee to enter any national park is $20, and you can either drive and park, or take a shuttle from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Dream Lake, Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake, Sky Pond and Bear Lake are all ones we've done personally, and as you might guess, they get really busy - especially in the heart of the summer. RMNP is requiring timed entry reservations over the summer months. Make reservations here: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
Stanley Hotel
Best known for it's landmark role in Stephen King's The Shining, The Stanley has a lot of history to it. It also was featured in Dumb and Dumber, although it was called Danbury Hotel and was dubbed as Aspen in that movie. While we will likely organize some sort of tour while we're in town, you should check out the old whiskey bar or one of its restaurants while you are here!
Lake Estes Water Activities
This lake is hard to miss as you drive into town. There are rental properties surrounding the lake, with various restaurants closeby. The marina rents speed boats, pontoon boats, paddle boards, kayaks, etc. We will definitely be organizing a day on the water over the weekend, but please feel free to hit the lake activities more than once!
Snowy Peaks Winery
This winery is (perhaps unexpectedly) quite good! It's no Sonoma winery...but we've been before and really enjoyed not only the very relaxed atmosphere, but the multitude of affordable wines. They usually have live music on Fridays as well. https://www.snowypeakswinery.com/music-schedule.html Check it out!
Elkins Distilling Co.
The first and only distillery in Estes Park! They have both a tasting room downtown as well as a distillery/outdoor tasting room right off of Lake Estes that has more of a brewery feel. They have great cocktails!
Estes Park Breweries
There are several breweries in Estes Park if you want to go brewery-hopping: The Barrel - https://thebarrel.beer/ Estes Park Brewery - https://www.epbrewery.com/ Rock Cut Brewery - https://www.rockcutbrewing.com/ Lumpy Ridge Brewing - http://www.lumpyridgebrewing.com/ Avante Garde Aleworks - https://avantgardealeworks.com/
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway opened to the public in July, 1955 and takes visitors to Prospect Mountain's summit, where there are panoramic views, trails & a cafe. For less crowds, better photography, and calmer weather, ride early morning or late afternoon. No reservations required. Pets are not allowed on the tram cars. The schedule may vary due to weather conditions or when maximum capacity is reached.
George Hix Riverside Plaza + Riverwalk
The Big Thompson River and Fall River wind through the heart of downtown Estes Park. Wandering down the Riverwalk is a fun way to spend a few hours. With shops, restaurants, bars and more all along, it is the perfect way to experience the serenity of the river and all Estes Park has to offer. George Hix Riverside Plaza is the heart of the Riverwalk, and the confluence of the Big Thompson and Fall River. Statues, bridges, fountains and places to sit and enjoy downtown Estes are all located in the plaza. https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/attractions/riverwalk/
Art Galleries + Shopping
Downtown Estes Park is sort of like Gatlinburg - there are more than 200 retailers, galleries, restaurants and attractions line the downtown along Elkhorn and Moraine avenues if you're interested in perusing. https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/shopping/art-galleries/
Sombrero Stables
Want to go horseback riding in the mountains!?!! Go for it!
Kirks Flyshop and Mountain Adventures
They offer guided fly fishing trips throughout scenic Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area.
Green Jeep Tour
Looking for a fun tour? Elk-viewing, waterfall tours, RMNP tours, etc. This company has tons of options in town.
Open Air Adventure Park + Axe Throwing
Want to play in an aerial adventure park or throw axes for fun???
Estes Park Golf Course
18-hole, 9-hole and disc golf https://evrpd.colorado.gov/golf-courses
Miniature Golf
Looking for a more chill game of mini-golf? There are a couple of options: Meadow Mini Golf - https://trouthavenresorts.com/miniature-golf Cascade Creek Mini Golf - http://www.rideakart.com/activities.html
Bumper Boats & Golf Karts
Ride-a-Kart Right by the lake; also has mini golf on site and is really close to the distillery!
Whitewater Rafting
We are hoping to schedule a group whitewater rafting trip for anyone interested on the Sunday after our wedding. However if you want to go independent of the wedding party, there are several companies out of Fort Collins who do different levels of rafting trips. A1 Wildwater Rafting - http://www.a1wildwater.com/ Mountain Whitewater -https://www.raftmw.com/ Rapid Transit Rafting - https://rapidtransitrafting.com/