Your local toolkit:
Table of Contents
1. Welcome
2. Overview
3. Rocky Mountain National Park
4. Activities
5. Eating and Drinking
6. Accommodations
7. Seasons and Weather
8. Photography
9. Sample Itinerary
10. Closing
Welcome to my backyard!
Estes Park feels like a second home to me.
I still fondly remember traveling to Colorado to tour CSU with my father when we decided to run up to Rocky Mountain National Park for a quick trip. Like many surprised travelers, we were woefully underdressed for the snow and wind, but we powered through all the famous spots that I now take my clients to this day.
Zac and I toured many different wedding venues, but I knew in my heart that Estes was the spot to proclaim our vows. In 2022, at 8,000 feet, I married the love of my life next to the wild turkeys, looming McGregor Mountain, and quick breeze of the canyon.
I’ve created this guide to help you enjoy this down-to-earth town that I know you will love as much as I do. My long-term goal is to live here and be amongst the friendly locals. For now, I'll be the nosy neighbor from Longmont.
Getting to know Estes
Doorway to the Rockies
Whether you're up for a hearty hike, casting a line in clear waters, or simply cruising along scenic roads, you can connect to the ethereal here.
And the town itself? It's got a genuine, welcoming feel, with local shops and a sense of community. It gets busy though, so planning ahead for meals is a smart move.Â
Now, the air's a bit thinner. Take it easy, drink plenty of water, wear a hat and sunscreen, dress in layers, and listen to your body. You can even purchase Oxygen at the grocery store.
Booking your Park Permits
Things are always changing so checking the website is a must, but here are a few general understandings for busy season - May through October:
- You'll need a vehicle pass which you can buy ahead of time (and maybe skip the line depending on the day) OR you can purchase one as you go through the ticket station. Your America the Beautiful Pass (that lets you into every national park) will work as your vehicle pass.
- Then, you'll need a timed entry permit if you're planning on going to the whole park before 6:00 PM MST. If you're just going for a drive in a portion of the park, including Trail Ridge Road, you don't need a timed entry pass after 2:00 PM MST. Hiking and walking around trails is best done in the morning when parking is still available at trailheads and afternoon storms aren't rolling in. You'll want the Bear Lake Road timed entry permit since that's where most of the famous trails are. How do you secure this ticket? Either one month prior to the date you're entering or most commonly, the night before at 7:00 PM MST on the dot. Set your alarm for 6:45 PM MST and have your account ready because tickets sell out within a minute.
Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Driving- Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park, Sheep Lakes, Trail Ridge Road
- Walking- Cub Lake, Upper Beaver Meadows, Alluvial Fan, Bear Lake, Ute Trailhead, Sprague Lake, Hollowell Park
- Hiking- Deer Mountain, Bierstadt Lake, Emerald Lake, Sky Pond, Lake Haiyaha, Mills Lake, The Loch, Alberta Falls
AllTrails is a great resource in looking up mileage, difficulty, reviews, and images!
Outside of the Park:
- Driving- YMCA of the Rockies, Longs Peak Trailhead, Mary's Lake, Allenspark, Lyons, Loveland, Boulder
- Walking- Lake Estes, Lily Lake, Knolls Willow, Fall River, Viestenz-Smith Mountain park
- Hiking- Twin Sisters, Chasm Lake, Estes Cone, Kruger Rock, Lumpy Ridge, Gem Lake, Wild Basin
Fun Fact: Longs Peak is the tallest mountain around at 14,259 feet.
ACTIVITY IDEAs:
- Aerial Tramway
- Mustang Mountain Coaster
- Horseback Riding
- Golf
- Snowshoeing
- Adventure Park
- Stanley Hotel Haunted Tour
- Historic Theatre
- Glass Blowing Demonstration
- Fishing
- ATV or Jeep
- Spa
- Check calendar for festivals
Enjoying Your Senses
After a beautifully tiring day in the mountains, it's time to refuel at some favorite restaurants and bars.
I like off-the-beaten-path places since they're harder to find on Google and quieter with the crowds, but strolling along the main strip (especially on the backside by the water) will give you wonderful options.
Drinking:
- Snowy Peaks Winery (I'm a happy member here)
- Coffee on the Rocks (for the geese lovers)
- The Wheel Bar (for late nights)
- SereniTea's Tea Room (for the crumpets)
- The Barrel (for patio vibes)
Eating:
- Wayfinder - stream-side formal American
- Bird's Nest - sandwich cafe and venue
- Jim & Bird - fine eatery
- Twin Peaks Owl - jaw-dropping steakhouse
- The Rock Inn - rustic tavern
- The Stanley - historic value
- La Cabana - rooftop views
- Claire's - lunch and brunch
Your home away from home.
Find your good night's rest
Make sure to book well in advance!
Hotels - The Inn on Fall River, Taharaa Lodge, Romantic Riversong Inn
Airbnb - Fall River Condos
Camp Sites - Glacier Basin, Elk Meadow
Time of year
Spring
Waterfalls
Spring
Waterfalls
You still get the snow-capped peaks! Depending on early in the season, you might need spikes for larger hikes. But later in the Spring, do the Ouzel Falls hike!
Summer
Wildflowers
Summer
Wildflowers
Moraine Park is filled with yellow flowers in July usually! And a quick walk behind the museum has a lot of reward. Trail Ridge Road has tiny little ones you can find.
Fall
Aspen
Fall
Aspen
Get ready to get stopped by elk and tourists! The meadows also close down and people just stall by the cars alongside the trails.
Winter
Snow
Winter
Snow
We know, we love it. Bring those coats! The wind is the hard part, but it sure is magical. Check out Sheep Mountain Overlook and Many Parks Curve.
weather
Wear a hat and sunscreen! That UV light is intense and up and close and personal to the sun.
WEATHER
The sun going behind the clouds can make things chilly. Bring your extra layers and keep drinking water even if you're not hot.
WEATHER
There are common afternoon showers, but it doesn't usually last long. Just watch for lightning, especially in high elevation.
weather
If you're going on a hike, cover up and bring extra supplies. Follow all trail closures and bring those spikes.
Book your photographer
I. 1 Hour
- Perfect for those portraits where you only want one or two backgrounds for your memories
II. 2 Hour
- My client's favorite for seeing more of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park
- Plus, it's great if you're bringing pets since we'll have time to start outside of the park where animals are allowed.
III. 3 Hour
- This is the best option for seeing all the main parts of the park: Bear Lake, Moraine Park, Many Parks Curve, Sheep Lakes, and Trail Ridge Road
YOUR SAMPLE Easygoing ITINERARY
Day 1
Quick trip
- Morning Hike: Emerald Lake
- Picnic Lunch: Moraine Park
- Afternoon Drive: Trail Ridge Road
- Evening Dinner: Wayfinder
- Sunset Photoshoot: Kelly Photo & Design
Day 2
More time for pausing
- Morning Hike: Kruger Rock
- Town Lunch and Walk: Claire's
- Afternoon Activity: Aerial Tramway
- Evening Dinner: The Barrel
- Sunset Drive: Sheep Lakes
Day 3
The best weekend
- Breakfast: Coffee On the Rocks
- Morning Walk: Lily Lake
- Picnic Lunch: Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rock (check hours)
- Afternoon Activity: Gateway Stables
- Evening Dinner: Twin Peaks Owl
- Evening Activity: Haunted Stanley Tour
Testimonials
Whickers
After your wholesome experience,
Open your inbox to a one-of-a-kind gallery.
I hope you have the best time in Estes Park and feel the magic that I feel! Please reach out anytime as you plan your visit.
