Last Updated: May 2026
Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park – and one of Colorado’s most beloved mountain towns. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a scenic weekend escape, this place delivers for every type of traveler. We’ve visited Estes Park in every season, and fall is our absolute favorite, especially if you time it for the elk rut in late September. For up-to-date events and seasonal information, visit the official Visit Estes Park site.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you, Colorado Frontiers™ may earn a commission.
1. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
No list of things to do in Estes Park is complete without leading with Rocky Mountain National Park. Spanning more than 415 square miles of alpine wilderness, RMNP is the #1 reason most people make the drive to Estes Park – and it absolutely earns that status.
Highlights inside the park include the iconic Trail Ridge Road – the highest continuous paved road in the United States – Bear Lake, Moraine Park, and some of the best wildlife viewing in North America. Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, marmots, and even black bears call this park home.
⚠️ Timed Entry Permits: From May 22 through October, a timed entry permit is required to enter certain areas of RMNP between 9am and 2pm. Book yours in advance at recreation.gov – they sell out fast, especially on summer weekends.
Want to skip the logistics? A guided tour is the easiest way to experience the park without worrying about permits, parking, or navigation.
2. Tour the Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Colorado. Built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley, co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, this grand Colonial Revival hotel sits on a hill above town with sweeping views of the Front Range.
Stephen King famously stayed here in 1974, and the experience inspired The Shining. Today, the Stanley offers ghost tours and history tours year-round that pull back the curtain on over a century of stories, strange happenings, and Hollywood legend. Ghost tours run nightly and book up quickly – reserve in advance.
3. Watch the Elk Rut (September–October)
If you can time a visit to Estes Park in late September, do it. The annual elk rut is one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles in North America – and it happens right inside town, completely free.
During the rut, bull elk bugle to attract females and spar with rivals. The sounds carry across the valley at dawn and dusk, and you can watch it all from the roadside. We’ve stood 50 feet from a 700-pound bull in full display – it’s the kind of thing that stops you cold.
Best viewing spots:
- Moraine Park (inside RMNP) – the classic spot, especially at sunrise
- Bond Park (downtown Estes Park) – elk regularly wander into town
- US-36 corridor heading into town – pull over safely and scan the meadows
Go early, go quiet, and give the animals plenty of space. The Visit Estes Park site posts elk activity updates during peak season.
4. Hike to Alberta Falls and Bear Lake
For visitors who want a taste of RMNP without a strenuous all-day commitment, the Bear Lake corridor is the perfect starting point. These are among the most popular – and most rewarding – easy hikes in the entire park.
Alberta Falls – 1.7 miles round trip, easy/moderate. A beautiful 30-foot waterfall cascading over granite slabs, starting from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Perfect for families.
Bear Lake Loop – 0.8 miles round trip, easy (paved and accessible). Crystal-clear alpine lake ringed by peaks – one of the most photographed spots in Colorado. Great for young kids or anyone with mobility considerations.
Parking tip: The Bear Lake lot fills by 8am in summer. Use the free Park & Ride shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center or Glacier Basin Campground – it runs frequently and is included with your park entry fee.
Learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park →
5. Drive Trail Ridge Road
Even if you never leave your car, Trail Ridge Road is worth the trip. At its peak elevation of 12,183 feet, you’re above the treeline, looking out over a vast alpine tundra that feels more like the Arctic than Colorado. The road runs 48 miles through RMNP, connecting Estes Park on the east side to Grand Lake on the west.
Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center near the summit – the highest visitor center in the National Park System. Morning drives offer the clearest skies and best wildlife sightings. The road is typically open mid-June through mid-October.
6. Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Estes
Lake Estes sits right at the edge of town and is one of the most underrated things to do in Estes Park. The Marina rents kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats seasonally, and the backdrop of the Front Range makes every paddle feel cinematic. Fishing is also popular here, with the lake stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Marina season typically runs May through September.
7. Zip Line Over the Rockies
For a different kind of adrenaline, several outfitters near Estes Park offer zip line tours through the Rocky Mountain foothills. These tours send you flying over canyons and pine forests with mountain views that are genuinely hard to beat. Courses are beginner-friendly through advanced, and most are suitable for a wide range of ages.
8. Walk the Estes Park Riverwalk
The Estes Park Riverwalk winds along the Big Thompson River through the heart of downtown, with quaint bridges, flower gardens, and easy access to shops and restaurants. It’s a great way to start or end the day – especially after a long hike when your legs need something flat and scenic. In summer, the area around Bond Park regularly hosts free live music and community events.
9. Explore Downtown Shops and Galleries
Estes Park’s downtown is one of the most charming mountain retail districts in Colorado. Beyond the souvenir shops, you’ll find genuine local gems – handmade jewelry, Colorado-made art, Native American crafts, and specialty outdoor gear. Highlights include the Estes Park Mountain Shop for top-tier outdoor gear, Earthwood Collections for handcrafted jewelry, and the Painted Bear Gallery for local and regional Colorado art.
10. Horseback Ride Through the Wilderness
Few experiences match exploring mountain terrain on horseback. Several stables in the Estes Park area offer guided trail rides through meadows, forests, and alongside mountain streams – no experience necessary. Sombrero Stables is one of the most established in the area, with rides ranging from one hour to half-day excursions for all skill levels.
11. Take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway whisks you up Prospect Mountain for panoramic views of the town, the surrounding peaks, and Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a quick, easy way to get above it all – ideal for families, couples, or anyone who wants the view without the hike. Typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day; check locally for current hours before your visit.
12. Fish the Big Thompson River
The Big Thompson River runs right through Estes Park and offers excellent fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout. The stretch from Lake Estes downstream through the canyon is well-known among Colorado anglers. You’ll need a valid Colorado fishing license – several local shops can help with gear, licenses, and guided trips.
13. Visit the Estes Park Museum
Free and family-friendly, the Estes Park Museum is a worthwhile stop for anyone who wants to understand the history behind this mountain town. Exhibits cover the area’s Native American roots, Joel Estes’ original settlement, the founding of Rocky Mountain National Park, and the life of Enos Mills – the conservationist often called the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park.” Typically open Thursday–Sunday; check locally for current hours.
14. Attend the Rooftop Rodeo (July)
Every July, Estes Park hosts the Rooftop Rodeo – one of Colorado’s longest-running rodeos, held at an elevation that gives it a genuine claim to the “rooftop” title. Bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and family-friendly entertainment fill a week of events. It’s a Colorado classic that brings together locals and visitors in a way few events can. Check the Visit Estes Park events calendar for exact dates each year.
15. Spot Wildlife Beyond the Elk
While the elk get most of the attention, Estes Park and RMNP are home to an impressive range of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep on rocky outcrops along Trail Ridge Road, moose in the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park, black bears (rare but present – store food properly), marmots and pikas above treeline, and coyotes at dawn and dusk.
A guided wildlife safari is a great way to maximize your sightings, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the best spots in the park.
16. Try Whitewater Rafting on the Cache la Poudre River
About 30 minutes from Estes Park, the Cache la Poudre River – Colorado’s only designated Wild and Scenic River – offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the state. Class II–IV rapids make it accessible for beginners while still giving experienced paddlers a real workout. Multiple outfitters run half-day and full-day trips from the canyon entrance.
17. Hike to Emerald Lake
For those willing to go a little further than Bear Lake, the hike to Emerald Lake passes through some of the most beautiful terrain in RMNP. The trail hits three alpine lakes in sequence – Nymph, Dream, and Emerald – each more stunning than the last. The round trip is 3.6 miles with about 605 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Hallett Peak reflected in the still water of Emerald Lake is one of the best photo opportunities in the entire park.
18. Discover Seven Keys Lodge, Formerly Historic Baldpate Inn
A quirky, beloved Estes Park institution, Seven Keys Lodge (formerly Baldpate Inn) is recently reopened, welcoming guests since 1917 and houses one of the largest key collections in the world – over 30,000 keys donated by visitors from around the globe. It’s a genuinely unusual stop that’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying the night, and a great conversation starter for the kids.
19. Ski or Snowshoe at Hidden Valley (Winter)
Estes Park is a legitimate four-season destination. In winter, Hidden Valley inside RMNP transforms into a snowplay area perfect for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park takes on a completely different character under snow – quieter, wilder, and stunningly beautiful. The Bear Lake corridor is groomed and accessible for snowshoeing even in the coldest months.
20. Catch Sunset at Sprague Lake
For a final, unhurried moment in Estes Park, head to Sprague Lake at sunset. This nearly flat half-mile loop trail is fully accessible, and the reflections of the surrounding peaks in the still water at golden hour are genuinely unforgettable. Arrive about 45 minutes before sunset and bring a layer – temperatures drop fast once the sun dips behind the peaks.
Plan Your Trip to Estes Park
Whether you’re spending a weekend or a full week, Estes Park rewards every type of traveler. The town is compact, walkable, and surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America. For more on what to expect, check out our full Estes Park town guide.
Places To Stay & Fun Things To Do
Hotels in Estes Park | Vacation Rentals | Activities
