Estes Park
Estes Park is a scenic mountain town and the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for elk sightings, charming downtown shops, and outdoor adventure, it’s a top Colorado destination year-round.
Downtown Estes Park
Downtown Estes Park offers a cozy, walkable mix of shops, restaurants, and mountain charm
Shopping
Downtown Estes Park is a shopper’s paradise, featuring a wide variety of local stores offering outdoor gear, mountain-inspired décor, and delicious sweets like taffy and homemade treats. Wander the charming streets to find unique souvenirs and handcrafted gifts—all within a scenic, walkable area perfect for exploring.
Elkhorn Avenue, Moraine Avenue, and Riverside Drive are Estes Park’s main shopping streets, with plenty of side streets and alleys offering even more local shops to explore.
Dining
Estes Park has a wide variety of great dining options—from cozy cafés to mountain bistros. Here are a few of our unique Experience Colorado favorites:
Bird & Jim – Great food and they have fun post cards you can send out, they will mail them for you!
Raven’s Roast – Cute coffee lounge, great spot for a casual bite to eat or a pastry.
Ember Restaurant & Bar – Amazing views overlooking Estes Park with great food.
River Walk
The Estes Park Riverwalk is a quiet, scenic path that runs behind the main street, lined with local shops, cafés, and spots to sit by the river. Park near the Visitor Center or Riverwalk Parking Garage and follow the path to enjoy a peaceful stroll just steps from town. This path is flat and easy to walk around.
Only in Estes Park
Discover experiences unique to Estes Park
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is a historic landmark in Estes Park, known for its elegant architecture and connection to Stephen King’s The Shining. Built in 1909, the hotel blends old-world charm with modern amenities and continues to be a favorite for visitors seeking history, luxury, or a touch of the paranormal.
You don’t have to stay overnight to visit:
Book a tour (1 hour tours starting at $25)
Dine at one of the on-site restaurants
Or simply wander the scenic grounds and grand lobby
Walk Around Lake Estes
Lake Estes features a scenic, mostly flat trail that loops nearly 4 miles around the lake. You don’t need to hike the full loop—just enjoy as much as you’d like. Mornings are especially peaceful, with a good chance of spotting elk, birds, and other wildlife near the water. The trail is listed on AllTrails and is easy to access from the marina or visitor center, making it a great low-effort way to experience nature right in Estes Park.
YMCA of the Rockies
This is not your traditional YMCA. YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park is one of the largest family resorts in the country, set on over 800 scenic acres.
Visitors can book activities like archery, guided hikes, crafts, mini golf, and more.
There are multiple hotel options here also.
Whether you’re staying overnight or visiting for the day, it’s a great place for outdoor fun in a peaceful mountain setting.
Create Your Own Art in Estes Park
Estes Park offers creative art experiences where you can make a small piece of art to take home as a special memory from your trip.
Hiking Guide
Even if you’re just visiting Estes Park for a day, AllTrails is a must-have app if you plan to do any hiking. Explore trail maps, check out recent reviews of trail conditions and view photos, for free! If you are going to hike outside of cell service, consider investing in AllTrails Plus for the ability to download maps. 7 day free trail available!
Elevation Gain
Elevation gain measures how much you’ll climb on a hike. For example, 700 feet of gain might not sound like much, but that’s about as tall as the tallest building in Denver’s skyline—giving you a simple way to picture the climb ahead.
Elevation
Estes Park sits at about 7,500 feet above sea level. But many hikes nearby climb up to 10,000+ feet. Think of it like this: when a flight is landing you to put your tray tables and seatbacks up when you reach 10,000 feet—so on some hikes, you’ll be even higher than that!
Gear
Don’t underestimate the sun at elevation—wear sunscreen, even if the temperatures are cool. Stay hydrated and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Check recent trail reports to see if microspikes or poles are recommended (especially in Winter, Spring and Fall). Always have rain protection as the weather changes rapidly in the mountains!
Summary
Consider elevation, elevation gain, and distance when hiking near Estes Park. We and AllTrails rate hikes as easy, moderate, or hard based on these factors. Don’t underestimate a trail—altitude can make it tougher. If you’re visiting, start with an easier hike to acclimate.
Download the AllTrails app
Try a 7-day free trial of AllTrails Plus!
Rocky Mountain National Park
A park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Additional permits and timed entry reservations may also be required. What passes and permits will get depends on your visit, let’s break it down!
RMNP Entry Pass
There are several options for buying a park pass. The best value depends on how many days you are going to visit RMNP:
- Visiting for only 1 day? Buy a $30 1-Day Vehicle Pass
- Visiting for a weekend? Buy a $35 7-Day Vehicle Pass
- Visiting more than 2 separate trips? Buy a $70 Annual Vehicle Pass
Vehicle passes are not registered to a specific vehicle, but are registered to the pass purchaser. You can carpool!
Click Here For Link to Buy Passes
Important: From May 23 through October 13, visitors to RMNP will need a timed entry reservation to enter the park between 9am and 2pm each day (Mountain Time)
Click Here For Link to Timed Entry Reservations
Timed entry reservations for RMNP cost $2 open on the first of each month for the following month—for example, on July 1, 2025 at 8am Mountain Time, August reservations will become available.
Missed your chance? A limited number of next-day reservations are released daily at 7pm Mountain Time. These go fast, so log in right on time!
You can still enter the park without a timed entry reservation if you arrive before 9am or after 2pm, but expect at least a 10 minute wait at the entrance during peak hours.
Important: From May 23 through October 19, a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation will be required to access the Bear Lake Road Corridor between 5am and 6pm each day (Mountain Time)
Click Here For Link to Bear Lake Timed Entry Reservations
Bear Lake Road is one of the most popular areas in RMNP, with scenic lake hikes and high demand. It requires a separate timed entry reservation from 5am to 6pm. Parking fills fast—shuttles are often needed—but it’s still worth checking trailhead lots, as spots open up throughout the day.
Summary
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado’s most iconic destinations, known for alpine lakes, wildlife, and jaw-dropping mountain views. But it can be crowded—especially in summer—and navigating the timed entry reservations can be confusing.
Remember the simplest and cheapest way to enter RMNP:
- No timed entry reservation is needed if you enter the park before 9am or after 2pm
-
A 1-day park pass is $30 per vehicle and is required at all times
Want to explore Rocky Mountain National Park for free, with fewer crowds and no passes and reservations? Experience Colorado has you covered—we’ll show you how to access the park on foot through scenic local trails that avoid the hassle. Open the next menu to discover your insider route in.
Rocky Mountain National Park (For Free / No Pass)
How to Enter Rocky Mountain National Park Without a Pass — Your Free, Insider Guide. Let’s explore the trails that get you into RMNP by hiking in!
Gem Lake Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Highest Point: 8,850 feet
Start your adventure at Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, where you’ll find easy parking and access to over 10 trails listed on AllTrails. Experience Colorado recommends the Gem Lake Trail: a well-defined path with steady, manageable elevation gain offering stunning views and a scenic lake at the top. Less than a mile into the hike, you’ll pass a sign welcoming you into Rocky Mountain National Park—no pass required!
Emerald Mountain Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
Highest Point: 9,250 feet
This hidden gem trail begins on the grounds of the YMCA of the Rockies—just follow the AllTrails directions and coordinates to reach the trailhead as you drive through YMCA property. It’s a peaceful, lesser-known route that leads you into Rocky Mountain National Park without a reservation or fee. Experience Colorado loves this trail for its quiet atmosphere, rewarding views, and the chance to summit a nearly 10,000 foot peak—all in a manageable hike.
Guided Tours in Estes Park
Estes Park offers a variety of outdoor experiences that let you explore wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature up close.