Estes Park, Colorado: Top Things to Do and Must-See Sights

If you want to explore one of Colorado’s most quaint and beautiful towns, look no further. Estes Park is one of those locations you’ll leave thinking about and wanting to visit again. Here are some suggestions on what to do in the area – Estes Park, Colorado: Top Things to Do and Must-See Sights!

Estes Park, Colorado: Top Things to Do and Must-See Sights

Top Things to Do

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado’s most beloved national parks and one of the top things to do in the state. Nearby, you’ll find Estes Park, often called “the gateway to the Rockies” due to its proximity to multiple park entrances just minutes away.

Rocky Mountain offers year-round outdoor activities, such as excellent winter sports opportunities and numerous hiking trails to explore every season. Some of the best seasons to visit the Rockies are summer and autumn. In the summertime, most snow has started to melt, opening many more trails and sights.

The fall season is well known for its Aspen tree colors. The best time to see fall colors is from late September to the beginning of October. You can view the online foliage tracker to stay updated on current peak times for fall colors.

If you enjoy quieter and emptier national parks, the winter and spring seasons will usually provide precisely that, but remember that many places may be less accessible for hiking and sightseeing.

Parking fee: The standard park entrance fee is $35; purchase your pass here.

If you want short, easy hikes in the Rockies, check out these trails below.

The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel offers some of the best panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, and it is a must-see if you want to capture views of elk. Elk are known to roam around The Stanley Hotel property quite often, so you won’t want to miss it.

This historical location inspired Stephen King’s novel The Shining and was the location for the movie Dumb and Dumber. This landmark offers guided tours that provide history and paranormal legends.

I recommend taking The Shining Tour in the evening because it’s an incredible experience to learn so much about its past, walk around the hotel at night, and see the inspiration for such a famous novel.

If you’d like to stay at The Stanley Hotel, request the most popular room, 217. This room is famous for its paranormal activity and is often requested by guests seeking a spooky experience.

Estes Park, Colorado: Top Things to Do and Must-See Sights

Must-see sights

Lakes Estes

If you are looking for a simple and beautiful walk, check out Lake Estes. This path is over four miles long and provides spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. There are many parking areas, but I recommend parking near the visitor center; check the map here for a map of the region.

Some parking structures provide FREE parking all day. This location is dog-friendly, so keep it clean and Leave No Trace when visiting.

3. Lake Estes Trail

Distance: 4.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 206 ft.

Route Type: Loop

Trail Guide: Map

Riverwalk Estes Park, shops, food, and treats.

The Riverwalk in Estes Park combines urban charm with mountain beauty, making it a favorite spot for tourists and locals. It is a vibrant, family-friendly location with coffee and dessert shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

This area is about four miles long and connects downtown Estes Park to the riverside scenery you are welcomed with. It is a special place that offers a scenic and relaxing experience.

Here are some places I suggest stopping by while you visit the Riverwalk:

• If you enjoy retro candy, stop by The Old Fashioned Candy and General Store
• For delicious treats like toffee, fudge, and more, visit Laura’s Fine Candies
• If you love reading, you will love this unique small shop, Macdonald Book Shop
• For rock-collecting enthusiasts, I highly recommend Red Rose Rock Shop
• If you need souvenirs or in need of clothing gear, I suggest Mountain Gear

Historic Park Theatre

Another place to visit within the Riverwalk is the historical landmark known as the Historic Park Theatre. Built in 1913, it is the oldest operating movie theatre in the United States.

It offers a small selection of show times, from older movies to new releases; this is an excellent place for a date night or the family.

For show times, click here.

Coffee on the Rocks

Visit Coffee on the Rocks, one of Estes Park’s most unique coffee shops. This beautiful location is nestled beside a small pond, and there are several outdoor areas on the patio to enjoy your beverage and food.

The cafe also offers duck feed for the ducks and geese that often gather around. This coffee shop provides a tranquil spot to enjoy a warm beverage, a light bite, and lovely views.

Knoll-Willows Open Space

Just a short walk from downtown is a historic area for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Estes Park and the surrounding mountains.

This short trail includes the ruins of Birch Cabin, once one of the earliest homesteads in this region. This is a brief and easy hike but a stunning location to see Estes Park.

Birch Cabin

Distance: 0.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 49 ft.

Route Type: Loop

Trail Guide: Map

Unforgettable visits

Mustang Mountain Coaster

This alpine coaster offers an unforgettable ride through the ponderosa pines. With speeds up to 30 mph on a 2,000-foot-long track, it is perfect for families and those wanting a unique experience with spectacular views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain scenery.

The ride allows you to control your pace, making it ideal for riders of all comfort levels. Don’t miss this unique way to enjoy Colorado’s beauty!

Ticket Prices:

• Single Ride: $20
• Three Rides: $35
• Unlimited Passenger Pass: $20 (for riders under 54” tall)

🎟️ Get your tickets here: Mustang Mountain Coaster​​

Antonio’s Real New York Pizza

After a long day of adventure, a great place to dine at is Antonio’s Real New York Pizza, where you will get your pizza delivered to your table by a robot. Whether you’re a pizza fanatic or a tech enthusiast, a visit to Antonio’s promises a memorable dining adventure. Visit or order from Antonio’s Pizza here.

Estes Park, Colorado: Top Things to Do and Must-See Sights

Other places to visit

Vertcoworking – Workspace

If you need a spot that offers reliable Wi-Fi to get some work done, Vertcoworking is a great option! Along with dependable internet, the workstations are cozy, uniquely designed, and perfect for staying productive in a relaxing setting. Some desks even provide stunning views of the mountain ranges.

This space also features a gym, showers, snacks and coffee, and various work areas – including spots near a fireplace. I was so happy to discover this gem when I needed to tackle some work before diving deeper into exploring Estes Park.

You can purchase a Day Pass for $30; I would not miss this place if you need quiet time to complete some work!

Places of Worship – Churches

Looking for a place of worship? I recommend Rocky Mountain Church, a small Christian church just a few minutes outside Rocky Mountain National Park.

If you want to visit one of the more popular catholic churches 12 miles south of Estes Park, you must stop at Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock. The surrounding views are spectacular, and the church is a magnificent sight you won’t want to miss!

Outside Estes Park, colorado

If you’re returning to Denver and have extra time before your flight from Denver International Airport, consider visiting these spots to explore more of Colorado.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, located approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown Denver, Colorado, is home to various wildlife species.

You can explore the entire refuge through an 11-mile wildlife drive; some animals you can see include bison. deer, coyotes, birds, ferrets, and and prairie dogs. This location offers a unique opportunity to experience wildlife near an urban environment.

For more information on visiting the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, including current alerts and visitor information, see the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is in Morrison, Colorado, approximately 15 miles southwest of Denver. This spectacular location hosts concerts and events by legendary artists worldwide.

Additionally, it is a recreational area that offers hiking and biking trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty of the red-colored rocks. There are various steps to take to see this amphitheater and the vistas from above, so wear proper shoes.

Visit the official Red Rocks website for details on upcoming events, park amenities, and visitor guidelines.

things to know before you visit

Essential Tips and Insights

Elk and wildlife: Elk is one of Colorado’s most iconic wildlife species, with a significant population found throughout the state, particularly in the mountainous regions and national forests. So, if you are an animal enthusiast, get ready to be blown away by the views of these animals and many others you will see in Colorado.

Scenic roads: Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the United States. Several are within Rocky Mountain National Park, offering access to stunning mountain views, deep canyons, and lush valleys.

Wyoming: Cheyenne, Wyoming, is only 90 miles from Estes Park. The drive can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, so if you have enough time during your trip to stop by Wyoming and see the cowboy state, do it! You can read more about why you should visit Wyoming here.

Small towns: Colorado has many charming small towns, such as Estes Park, which is filled with history and picturesque views, and they are perfect for exploring quaint shops, cozy cafes, and scenic landscapes.

Weather: March is the snowiest month in Estes Park, so Colorado is the perfect place if you enjoy cold weather. The one thing about Colorado to remember is that the state has constant weather changes, and what it will look like in a whole day is pretty unpredictable. The weather surprised me, and I got a little bit of all the conditions during my visit there. So be aware of the constant changes and be prepared.

Transportation: Please note that there is no Uber or Lyft services in the smaller towns such as Estes Park; your best option is to rent a car when visiting.

In Summary

Visiting Estes Park and the beautiful state of Colorado is more than just a getaway—it’s an invitation to connect with nature, discover small towns, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

From Rocky Mountain National Park to the charming town of Estes Park, Colorado offers diverse experiences for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, experiencing wildlife, or simply enjoying the beauty of the mountains, Colorado will leave you inspired and rejuvenated during your visit.

This post is about Estes Park, Colorado: Top Things to Do and Must-See Sights

SIGHTS and things found in this blog post

Last Updated on December 27, 2024 by dinasdeleon