10 Best Things to Do in Estes Park Colorado Plus Hidden Gems
Nestled in the high-altitude beauty of the Colorado Rockies, Estes Park is a haven for outdoor lovers, wildlife watchers, and those seeking small-town charm surrounded by towering peaks. Whether you’re hiking alpine trails, exploring downtown shops, or relaxing by a mountain lake, Estes Park delivers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
Overview
Located just 90 minutes northwest of Denver, Estes Park sits at the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and serves as a hub for exploring Colorado’s alpine wilderness. With panoramic mountain vistas, herds of elk roaming the valleys, and crisp mountain air, the town provides a true taste of the Rockies. Beyond the trails and scenery, visitors will also find a lively downtown filled with cozy cafés, art galleries, and local restaurants that reflect the region’s warm, welcoming culture.
10 Best Things to Do in Estes Park
1. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
The highlight of any trip to Estes Park is undoubtedly Rocky Mountain National Park. With more than 350 miles of trails, this alpine paradise is a dream come true for hikers, photographers, and wildlife lovers. Begin your adventure at Bear Lake Trailhead, where you can choose from short scenic walks to longer routes like Emerald Lake or Sky Pond. The park also offers stunning scenic drives, including Trail Ridge Road, where you’ll literally find yourself above the clouds. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, and marmots, and don’t forget to stop at Sprague Lake for a peaceful picnic surrounded by mountain reflections.
2. Stroll Through Downtown Estes Park
Downtown Estes Park is a charming blend of old-fashioned mountain town charm and modern creativity. Walk along Elkhorn Avenue, where local shops sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade fudge and western art. The Estes Park Riverwalk runs parallel to downtown, offering a peaceful stroll alongside babbling streams and flower-filled patios. Stop at a local brewery for a Colorado craft beer, or visit during summer weekends when street performers and artisan markets bring the town to life.
3. Visit the Historic Stanley Hotel
Perched on a hill overlooking the valley, The Stanley Hotel is both historic and hauntingly beautiful. Built in 1909, this grand landmark inspired Stephen King’s The Shining and still draws visitors from around the world. Take one of the hotel’s guided ghost tours or explore its classic architecture and mountain views. For a more refined experience, enjoy dinner or afternoon cocktails at The Cascades Restaurant, which features local ingredients and a cozy mountain lodge atmosphere.
4. Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
For a bird’s-eye view of Estes Park, hop aboard the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, which has been carrying visitors to the top of Prospect Mountain since 1955. This gentle, scenic ride offers panoramic views of the Continental Divide, Longs Peak, and the charming town below. Once you reach the summit, take a short hike to the observation deck or grab a snack from the summit café. It’s especially breathtaking at sunset when the entire valley glows golden.
5. Go Wildlife Watching
Few places in the U.S. offer such abundant and accessible wildlife as Estes Park. Elk are the most famous residents, especially during autumn, when they gather in herds for the annual rutting season and their echoing bugles fill the valley. Head to Moraine Park or Horseshoe Park for prime viewing opportunities. In the early morning or evening, you might also spot moose in willow marshes or bighorn sheep scaling rocky slopes. Always bring binoculars and maintain a safe distance for a respectful and memorable experience.
6. Hike to Gem Lake
Located in the Lumpy Ridge area of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Gem Lake Trail is a moderately challenging 3.4-mile hike that rewards visitors with sweeping views of Estes Valley. The trail winds through aspen groves, ancient rock formations, and towering ponderosa pines before reaching Gem Lake, a small, clear pool cradled in a natural rock basin. Bring a snack, soak in the views, and enjoy the serenity that gives this hidden lake its name.
7. Drive Trail Ridge Road
Nicknamed “the Highway to the Sky,” Trail Ridge Road is one of America’s most scenic drives. Stretching 48 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake, it ascends above 12,000 feet, offering sweeping views of alpine tundra, wildflowers, and jagged peaks. Stop at viewpoints like Forest Canyon Overlook and Rock Cut, or visit the Alpine Visitor Center for exhibits on mountain ecology. Because of the high elevation, it’s open seasonally (typically late May through October), so plan ahead for weather conditions.
8. Explore the Estes Park Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a tranquil ribbon of path that winds through the heart of downtown along the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers. Perfect for an afternoon stroll or morning coffee run, it’s lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants that spill out onto decks overlooking the water. In summer, the Riverwalk hosts outdoor concerts and festivals, while in winter it transforms into a peaceful, snow-dusted walkway illuminated by twinkling lights.
9. Visit Lake Estes
Just east of downtown, Lake Estes offers the perfect mix of recreation and relaxation. Walk or bike the 3.75-mile paved trail that circles the lake, or rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the marina. The scenery is spectacular, with reflections of Longs Peak shimmering on the water. At dusk, the golden light over the lake makes it a photographer’s dream. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing or simply take in the serene, frozen landscape.
10. Go Horseback Riding in the Rockies
Experience Estes Park from a timeless perspective with a guided horseback ride through the forests and meadows surrounding town. Local outfitters such as Sombrero Stables and Cowpoke Corner Corral offer rides ranging from one-hour scenic loops to full-day adventures in the foothills of the Rockies (check horseback tours). It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature, and a great family-friendly activity that lets you slow down and savor the mountain tranquility.
Hidden Gems
1. Lily Mountain Trail – A moderately challenging 4-mile hike that rewards visitors with sweeping 360° views of Estes Valley, Twin Sisters, and Longs Peak—without the heavy crowds found elsewhere.
2. The Baldpate Inn Key Room – A quirky historic lodge featuring the world’s largest collection of over 20,000 keys, including ones from the White House, castles, and ships.
3. Hermit Park Open Space – Just minutes from town, this peaceful nature preserve offers easy trails, wildflowers, and excellent camping away from the crowds of RMNP.
4. Coffee on the Rocks – A tranquil café beside a duck pond where you can feed fish, sip lattes, and watch wildlife. A true local favorite for a slow morning.
5. Lake Haiyaha – A turquoise-hued gem hidden within RMNP’s Bear Lake area. The trail involves some mild rock scrambling, but the reward—a surreal glacial lake surrounded by rugged peaks—is well worth it.
Best Times to Visit
The best time to visit Estes Park is from June through October, when the weather is warm, wildflowers bloom, and most trails are open. Fall (September–October) offers golden aspen trees and prime elk-viewing season. Winter is quiet but magical, perfect for snowshoeing and cozy cabin stays. Spring brings wildlife sightings and fewer crowds, though snow may linger at higher elevations.
5 Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Discovery
Ease into mountain life by exploring downtown Estes Park. Stroll along Elkhorn Avenue to browse local boutiques, art galleries, and candy shops. Walk the Estes Park Riverwalk and enjoy a relaxing coffee at Coffee on the Rocks, where you can feed ducks and take in the tranquil pond views. In the evening, check into your lodge or cabin and have dinner at Bird & Jim, a local favorite offering upscale mountain fare.
Things to do:
- Explore Downtown Estes Park
- Walk the Riverwalk
- Enjoy lakeside coffee or dinner
Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park Adventures
Spend a full day inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Begin early at Bear Lake Trailhead and hike to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, two of the most iconic spots in the park. If you’re up for more adventure, continue on to Lake Haiyaha, one of the area’s best hidden gems. Take scenic breaks at Moraine Park to watch elk graze before heading back to town.
Things to do:
- Hike Bear Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake
- Visit Lake Haiyaha (hidden gem)
- Wildlife watch at Moraine Park
Day 3: Scenic Heights & History
Start your morning with a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for sweeping views of the valley and Continental Divide. Afterward, visit the Stanley Hotel for a historic tour,or a ghost one if you’re feeling brave! In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful drive or picnic at Lake Estes and rent a kayak or paddleboard from the marina.
Things to do:
- Ride the Aerial Tramway
- Tour The Stanley Hotel
- Relax or paddle on Lake Estes
Day 4: Trail Ridge Road & Alpine Wonders
Get an early start to drive the legendary Trail Ridge Road. Stop at Forest Canyon Overlook, Rock Cut, and Alpine Visitor Center for unbeatable vistas and photo ops. Depending on the season, you might even spot marmots or elk along the tundra. On your return, stop at Lily Mountain Trailhead for a lesser-known but spectacular late-afternoon hike.
Things to do:
- Drive Trail Ridge Road
- Visit Alpine Visitor Center
- Hike Lily Mountain Trail (hidden gem)
Day 5: Relaxation & Departure
Spend your final morning at Hermit Park Open Space, a quiet retreat perfect for short nature walks or peaceful picnics among pine forests and wildflowers. Stop by The Baldpate Inn Key Room to see its fascinating key collection before grabbing a final meal downtown. Enjoy the mountain air one last time before heading home, refreshed and recharged.
Things to do:
- Explore Hermit Park Open Space
- Visit The Baldpate Inn Key Room (hidden gem)
- Last-minute shopping or dining downtown
Where to Stay
Check hotels in Estes Park Colorado
1st Time Visitor Tips
- Arrive early for hikes, parking at popular trailheads fills up fast.
- Bring layers, mountain weather changes in minutes.
- Stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially elk and moose.
- Buy a 7-day RMNP pass online to skip entrance gate lines.
Packing List
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Fleece or down jacket
- Rain shell or windbreaker
- Refillable water bottle or hydration pack
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera
- Snacks or energy bars
- Gloves and hat (even in summer evenings)
Related
Final Thoughts
Estes Park captures the very essence of Colorado, majestic mountains, open skies, and a small-town charm that makes you want to linger longer. From wildlife encounters and alpine lakes to hidden cafés and starlit nights, it’s a place where adventure and peace coexist perfectly. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Estes Park will leave you refreshed, inspired, and already planning your return.
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