Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP is the reason we love to come here. Dani's family has been coming here during the summer for generations. Dani and Mason's favorite hikes : Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trailhead (Hard) Chasm Lake via Longs Peak Trailhead (Hard) Lake Haiyaha via Bear Lake Trailhead (Moderate) Loch Vale via Glacier Gorge (Moderate) Dream Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead (Easy) Sprague lake and Bear Lake are flat easy walks rather than hikes. Both are beautiful. Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles of paved scenic highway in the park. It is the highest continuously paved road in the United States. It has stunning views at high elevation and diverse wildlife sightings. I would highly recommend doing this drive if you have the time. RMNP requires timed entry to the park during the summer season. Most of the hikes above required the Timed Entry Plus with Bear Lake Corridor. I will update the website with instructions to secure reservations in advance once the National Park Service has released it dates for 2027.
Estes Park Town
Great for shopping and hanging out by the river. We have included some of our favorites below. If you have a sweet tooth: Laura's Fine Candies If you are in need of a post hike beer: The Barrel Estes Park Brewery If you are a fan of a dive bar: The Wheel Bar Lonigans If you need a lunch spot: The Hive at The Brewery Ed's Cantina Antonio's Real New York Pizza The Post at The Stanley If you need a dinner spot: The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern Twin Owls Steakhouse Ember at The Estes Park Resort If you are craving a diner breakfast: The Bighorn If you want coffee with a view: Coffee on the Rocks If you are overwhelmed by the number of souvenir shops and are looking for a deal: Brownfield's
The Stanley Hotel
Not only is The Stanley Hotel the location of our wedding, it is also a wonderful place for entertainment. It has a rich history with historical importance to the town and rumors of haunted hallways. It was also the inspiration to Stephen King's The Shining after he spent an evening in the building as it was being shut down for the winter season. The Stanley offers historical tours, magic shows, spa services and whiskey tastings. My recommendation would be to take a ghost tour in the evening hours which is something we have enjoyed doing over the years.
YMCA of the Rockies
This is not your typical YMCA. This 860-acre campus is situated on the border of RMNP. It offers guided hikes, horseback riding, an arts and craft design center, mini golf, lodges and recreational sports areas. Generations of Ostos kids spent their summers attending day camp here.