Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our favorite ways to experience the beauty of Colorado. Some of our favorite hikes include:

- Lake Haiyaha (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lake-haiyaha)

- Deer Mountain (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/deer-mountain-trail)

- Mills Lake (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mills-lake-via-glacier-gorge-trail)

- Emerald Lake (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/emerald-lake-trail)

- gem lake via lumpy ridge trailhead (5 min drive from the Black Canyon Inn and you bypass traffic going through the main entrance:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/gem-lake-trail-and-lumpy-ridge-loop--2?sh=sweqf9)

Hiking is not the only way to experience the park. There are also guided tours and plenty of roads to drive on and take in the beauty of the park.

**Please note that Rocky Mountain National Park requires both a timed entry reservation and a parks pass for daily entry. We recommend booking in advance in order to secure your preferred date and time. Timed entry reservations can be made at (https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910) and park passes can be purchased at (https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm)

The Lake Estes Marina is a great place to rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, bikes, and even pontoon boats. The lake itself offers great views of the surrounding mountains and is situated right next to the beautiful Estes Park Resort (also our welcome drinks venue).

The courses sit in a natural valley that is surrounded by spectacular mountains. You may even encounter herds of deer and elk during your round.

- Ember at the Estes Park Resort (https://emberestespark.com/) recently remodeled & slightly more upscale, but we’ve also gone in our hiking gear. Great place to sit outside and enjoy the lake view.

- Casa Colina (https://www.casacolina.co/) - open for breakfast in the morning and tacos & margs at night. Awesome outdoor patio!

- The Barrel (https://thebarrel.beer/) is a lovely beer garden that serves craft brews from around the country as well as wine and spirits.

- Full Throttle Distillery (https://fullthrottlesaloon.com/distilleries/) has a nice outdoor patio for food and drink.

- Claire's (https://www.clairesrestaurantandbar.com/) has everything you need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

- La Cabana (https://www.lacabanabarandgrill.com/) is a Mexican restaurant with excellent margaritas and a large outdoor patio overlooking downtown Estes Park.

- The Wheel Bar (http://www.thewheelbar.com/) famously prides themselves on being open 364 days a year.

- The Egg of Estes (https://eggofestes.com/) as the name would suggest is a good breakfast spot.

- 217 wine bar (https://www.stanleyhotel.com/217winebar.html) - cute wine bar with snacks located within the historic Stanley Hotel

- The Post (https://www.postchickenandbeer.com/location/estes-park/) offers homestyle options like fried chicken and beer.

- Cascades (https://www.stanleyhotel.com/cascades-restaurant-lounge.html) is a fancy old steakhouse in the Stanley Hotel.

The historic Stanley Hotel offers visitors all kinds of activities including multiple tour options, a spa, two restaurants, a whiskey bar, and a chocolate shop.