20 Fun Things to do in Estes Park Colorado

If you are wondering what to do in Estes Park, Colorado, you are in the right place! 

The charming town of Estes Park is known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and is a great place to book a fun Colorado cabin to cozy up in while enjoying the beautiful park.

About an hour and a half northwest of Denver, Estes Park feels like a great escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. 

Don’t let the small size of the town fool you, though. There are so many things to do in Estes Park, Colorado, you won’t be bored.

Estes Park is one of the best summer mountain vacations you can take!

Well, that and Yellowstone National Park and Ruidoso, New Mexico! (Can you tell we like being outdoors in the summer?!)

From touring downtown Estes Park, riding the Estes Park aerial tramway, exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, gawking at the incredible mountain views, and eating at some of the best restaurants in Estes Park, this town will have you coming back time and time again.  I know we have!

So sit back, relax, get inspired with the best quotes about hiking, and come along with us as we show you all the things to do in Estes Park, CO.

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Things to do in Estes Park, Colorado

Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway

Dating back to more than six decades ago, the Estes Park Aerial Tramway is an awesome treat and one of the things to do at Estes Park that we recommend to everyone.

Board the Estes Park Aerial Tramway at 420 East Riverside Drive and allow the tram to transport you high above the town.  The tram takes passengers to the top of Prospect Mountain. 

Along the way, visitors are treated to unobstructed mountain views of the surrounding area. 

Once on Prospect Mountain, you have an amazing view of the 14,259-foot-high Longs Peak, the Rocky Mountains, and the Continental Divide.

The Estes Park Aerial Tramway runs from May to September and is relatively inexpensive. 

Once at the top, there is a cafe and a few hiking trails.

You can get more information by visiting the Estes Park Visitors Center at 500 Big Thompson Avenue.

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Visit the Open Air Adventure Park

The Open Air Adventure Park is one of the Estes Park things to do for adrenaline junkies. 

This adventure park allows visitors to participate in over 30 difficult challenges, from easy to hard.

The park activities are a great way to stay active while visiting.  

You can try one of the many exciting activities they offer. 

You may have wanted to walk a tightrope or participate in an obstacle course. 

If so, then Open Air Adventure Park has you covered.

Of course, guest safety is of the utmost importance to the park. 

They provide extensive safety gear, and a staff member is nearby to assist you if needed.

This is the perfect area to pair some great photos with our sunshine quotes for Instagram!

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

Of course, one of the most popular things to do in Estes Park, Colorado, is to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Rocky Mountain National Park is brimming with incredible scenery, diverse wildlife, and awesome hiking trails, so we recommend reserving several days in Estes Park to explore it!

If you haven’t spare several days, spend at least one day in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trust us! This is a must-do!

Rocky Mountain National Park, which encompasses 415 square miles, boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails suitable for all ages and ability levels. 

The gorgeous mountain scenery makes the park a great place to spend the day or enjoy camping.

If you are new to hiking, we recommend researching some hiking tips for beginners to ensure your preparedness for the hike!

Of course, there are many things to do inside the park.

Go hiking on one of the many trails that fit your ability level.

You can visit one of the many lakes and try catching a fish or two, or you can go on a scenic horseback ride through the park. 

There are even places that you can go rock climbing if you are into rock climbing!

Whatever you desire, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature, catch a glimpse of incredible wildlife, and see some amazing mountain views.

While in the park, drive the beautiful Trail Ridge Road as well. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continual highway in the United States, reaching 12,183 feet.

Trail Ridge Road is a beautiful 48-mile road that extends from Estes Park to Grand Lake.

If you plan to drive the entire route, you should plan on a full day.

Rocky Mountain is one of our favorite national parks and should be on your itinerary.

Estes Park Memorial Observatory

The wide-open skies of Colorado make for some incredible stargazing, and there is no better place to do this than the Estes Park Memorial Observatory.

Located at 1500 Manford Avenue in Estes Park, the observatory is open to the public for private or group viewings. 

Another great thing about it, the observatory is free! 

The observatory is staffed by volunteers who help to ensure that it is an educational experience for all.

We love that they work closely with K-12 schools in the area to help educate students about astronomy.

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Check Out the Iconic Stanley Hotel

One of Estes Park’s most iconic sites has to be the Stanley Hotel. 

The hotel inspired Stephen King to write The Shining and was later featured in The Shining mini-series, making the Stanley Hotel one of the most interesting things to do in Estes Park, CO.

Not only is the Stanley Hotel a grand beauty perched up on the hillside in Estes Park but it is said to be haunted! 

The Stanley Hotel, known for being one of America’s most haunted hotels, draws visitors from far and wide.

Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can still visit and see this grand masterpiece.  

The hotel offers hotel tours and ghost tours several times daily. 

In addition to these tours, there is the famous Stanley Steam Car Museum on site. 

The museum features exhibits of Stanley steam cars ranging from the 2-passenger models to 8-passenger wagons and even a steam-powered fire engine.

The Stanley Hotel is a must when you visit Estes Park, Colorado.

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Visit Enos Mills Cabin

Enos Mills is known to many as the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park.” 

For you see, Enos petitioned Congress to preserve some of America’s most beautiful land as a “National Park.”

Enos was famous throughout the United States. He was known for his photography and skills as a mountain guide, and he had called this area home since the 1880s.

Today, visitors can see his original homestead and cabin while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. 

A small museum is part of the National Registry of Historic Places that is devoted to Mills’ life. 

The museum also showcases the settlers’ lifestyle that first called Colorado home.

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Enjoy Lake Estes

Compared to the lakes in our great state of Texas, Estes Lake is more like a pond.  LOL! 

Despite that, don’t turn your nose up to Lake Estes.

Lake Estes, a reservoir on the Big Thompson River, has about 185 acres of surface area. 

Containing about four miles of shoreline, Lake Estes is a great place to try your hand at some fishing or to take a walk around the Lake Estes Loop Trail.

If you want to get out on the water, check out Lake Estes Marina.

It has exactly what you need to enjoy a day on the water. 

They rent everything from kayaks to pontoon boats, making this a relaxing day in Estes Park.

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Visit the Estes Park Museum

The Estes Park Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of Estes Park. 

This museum is very comprehensive, covering all of the area’s history. 

This history includes the formation of the mountains, the settling of Estes Park, and the founding of Rocky Mountain National Park. 

It is truly all-encompassing and one of the things to do in Estes Park, Colorado, for history lovers.

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Take a Photography Tour

Let’s face it: the terrain surrounding Estes Park is gorgeous! 

I don’t know about you, but we are all about capturing the beauty and essence of the places we visit to remember them for years.

A fabulous way to do this is to take a photography tour.

Since I knew we would do this, I brushed up on my wildlife photography tips beforehand!

We took an evening photography tour through Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Not only was our guide super nice, but he was also knowledgeable about the best photography spots in the area. 

He took us to all the great spots and even helped us find some of the park’s wildlife. 

It was truly one of the highlights of our Estes Park trip.

Take an Off-Road Tour

What is better than exploring the mountains with an off-road tour?  Nothing!

There are so many ways that you can make this happen. 

Of course, you could rent a 4×4 for a full day (or part of the day) and take off on your own, but I wouldn’t recommend this unless you are experienced driving off-road vehicles.

You can also join one of the many tour companies that offer off-road tours throughout this area. 

There are tours for adrenaline junkies and tours for those who like a slower pace but still want to get off of the beaten path and see the countryside.

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Downtown Estes Park-Shopping and Dining

You know that we always try to support local businesses. 

Luckily, this is extremely easy to do in downtown Estes Park as this area is lined with local businesses.

Boasting over 300 stores, Estes Park is a shopper’s paradise. 

You can find numerous souvenir shops sporting Colorado t-shirts, hoodies, Christmas ornaments, and more here. 

In addition to the souvenir shops, there are some great stores where you can buy handmade jewelry, home decor, outdoor gear, and more.

While visiting downtown Estes Park, you must try the homemade candy and ice cream. 

We always buy a big container of homemade toffee from Laura’s and homemade ice cream from Hayley’s. 

If you’re in the mood for saltwater taffy, then be sure that you visit The Taffy Shop. 

They have been making saltwater taffy in Estes Park since 1935!

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MacGregor Ranch Museum

Ranching has been a part of Colorado for generations, and the cowboy lifestyle has intrigued people for generations.

If you want to learn more about this way of life, you should check out MacGregor Ranch Museum.

MacGregor Ranch Museum was built over 150 years ago. 

It is so well preserved that it gives visitors a great glimpse into the early days of ranching and settlements in the Colorado area. 

The ranch offers guided tours of the museum and grounds during the summer months.

This is a unique activity to add to your Estes Park itinerary.

Play Golf at Estes Park Golf Course

Lucky for golf lovers, Estes Park has some beautiful golf courses.

One noteworthy course is the 18-hole Estes Park Golf Course. 

Who wouldn’t love to play a round of golf on their perfectly manicured lawns with the gorgeous Rocky Mountains in the background? 

Some of the local wildlife will often join you on the course. 

We saw deer and elk on the course during our visit to Estes Park!

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Enjoy the Estes Park Riverwalk

Let’s face it: Estes Park’s downtown area can get crowded!!  If you want to escape the crowds a little, you’re in luck; the Riverwalk area through Estes Park is a great little escape.

The Fall River flows along Elkhorn Avenue and winds through Estes Park. 

This area is lined with trees and perfectly manicured, making it a great exploring place. 

Not only do you get nature’s beauty, but many local shops have entrances to their businesses from the river.

Of course, you can also pop into any of the bars, restaurants, or cafes that line this area. 

The total path is about a mile long. 

When you reach Performance Park, check out the natural climbing wall behind the amphitheater. 

Also, look out for wildlife in this area. We took some great pictures of elk in Estes Park!

The Big Thompson River also runs through Estes Park.

Spending time by the Big Thompson or Fall River is a relaxing addition to your itinerary.

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is a great place to visit before you explore Rocky Mountain National Park.  The building itself is beautiful. 

Built in Frank Lloyd Wright’s style, it fits perfectly into its surroundings.

Here, you can view a short park orientation film and explore the many interactive maps, books, and activities that are on site. 

Stepping outside the visitor’s center, take in the gorgeous views surrounding you, including Longs Peak and Eagle Cliff Mountain.

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Drive the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is an incredible 55-mile stretch of road that offers visitors incredible views of the Continental Divide. 

Accessible from Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins, the Scenic Byway is an amazing drive full of great tourist attractions.

This road winds through the Arapaho, Roosevelt National Forests, and Rocky Mountain National Park. 

There are great spots to hike and explore all along this fabulous stretch.

Visit a Distillery

If you are in the mood for some liquor, head to Elkins Distilling Co. Elkins Distilling distills and bottle their whisky right in the heart of Estes Park.

They have a storefront on Elkhorn Avenue, the main street in Estes Park, where you can buy bottles of liquor and merchandise. 

For a truly great experience, though, head just to the edge of town to their actual distillery on Lake Ave Estes Park. 

Here, you can buy a flight and taste before buying to determine exactly what you like.

They also serve fun cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere.

We especially loved the Colorado Rye and the Winter Whisky.  Both were delicious!! This is one of Estes Park’s hidden gems!

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Relax at Snowy Peaks Winery

You know I never miss a chance to visit a winery, so of course, I had to go to Snowy Peaks during our time in Estes Park.

Snowy Peaks offers amazing award-winning wines and delicious gourmet cheese boards with cheese and wild game meats.

Be sure to taste while there to determine which of their wines best suits your taste. 

After deciding, buy 3 bottles to get your tasting for free!

You will find Snowy Peaks on Moraine Ave Estes Park.

Catch a Film at the Park Theatre

The Park Theatre is a landmark in Estes Park, CO. It was constructed in 1913, and its fabulous architecture will get your attention. 

We love the place’s history, especially that the Park Theatre is the oldest motion picture theatre in the United States!

Not only does the theatre still show movies, but they also rent it out for weddings and other special events. 

That’s pretty cool!

Go Horseback Riding

If you are still wondering what to do in Estes Park to be more adventurous, consider horseback riding. 

One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of this area is on horseback. 

Several outfitters near Estes Park would love to take you horseback riding.

Horseback riding ranges from one-hour trail rides to all-day rides for the more adventurous.

Of course, riders of all ages and ability levels are welcome to join. 

We went on a two-hour ride with Sombrero Ranch and had a great time! 

Sombrero Ranch offers all sorts of theme rides, including a steak dinner ride and a breakfast ride.

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Best Restaurants in Estes Park

One of the things I love about traveling is trying out the local food scene. 

Estes Park is great for this.  There are a variety of restaurants, ranging in price and style of food. 

Of course, we could go on and on about the food here, but to help narrow your choices, here are some of the best restaurants in Estes Park (in our humble opinion):

Mama Rose’s Restaurant

Situated right on the edge of the River Walk, Mama Rose’s is a great place for delicious Italian food.  The atmosphere here is welcoming, and the food and wine are delicious. 

As you walk by, the amazing smell of garlic will surely have you coming inside! This is a great restaurant to visit in Estes Park. Colorado.

Wapiti Pub and Grill

Not only do I love the eclectic vibe of the Wapiti Pub and Grill, but I also love their outside dining area. 

The menu is diverse, ensuring that everyone finds something they like and serves up a large selection of beer from Colorado’s microbreweries.

Penelope’s Old Time Burgers

Located right in the heart of downtown Estes Park, Penelope’s is a staple of this community. 

You can get awesome burgers made of beef, elk, or buffalo here at Penelope’s. 

Pair that with their amazing fries and the old-fashioned sodas they serve, and you are in heaven!

Twin Owls Steakhouse

If you want a good steak and a great atmosphere, head to the Twin Owls Steakhouse. 

Located in a 90-year-old log cabin, it combines the fireplaces with the hardwood floor and the rough walls, creating a rustic and cozy atmosphere. 

They serve incredible steaks, chops, wild game, and fresh seafood here.

Waterfront Grill

The Waterfront Grill is a favorite with locals and visitors. Its casual dining style and amazing views of the Rocky Mountains make it a winner. 

The menu here changes seasonally to ensure guests have the freshest ingredients to sink their teeth into.

Final Thoughts on Things to do in Estes Park, CO

Estes Park is such a fabulous town tucked away at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. 

As you can see, there are many great things to do in Estes Park, Colorado. 

Honestly, we have visited here numerous times and continue to return. 

We love the vibe of this little community and hope we have given you some ideas so you can fall in love with it, too!

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