RMNP is still leveraging a reservation system in order to enter the park. Press "WEBSITE" below to book a reservation. If you want to visit the park, you must have a timed reservation. Only one reservation per car is needed to enter the park. You will need to have an account with recreation.gov in order to make a reservation; it costs $2 .

They release reservation tickets on the first of the month before the month you would like to visit. To clarify, they will release tickets for September 2023 (including days before and after the wedding) on August 1, 2023. Make sure to set a reminder on your calendar to book your reservation on August 1, 2023. If you miss the opportunity to book in advance, they do release more tickets at 5:00PM the night before your visit. You will still need to pay the entrance fee (or bring your annual pass) when you arrive at the park.

There are 2 reservation options:

1. Access to Bear Lake Road Corridor (enter at Beaver Meadows entrance)

2. No Access to Bear Lake Road Corridor (enter at Fall River entrance - across the street from Della Terra)

The good hikes are on Bear Lake Road Corridor, so if you plan on hiking, you should try to get that reservation. If you are just looking for a scenic drive through the park, No Access to Bear Lake Road Corridor is the way to go. Both passes give you access to the Alpine Visitor Center.

Our favorite hikes include Dream Lake (photo above) and Emerald Lake. If your car allows for it, check out Old Fall River Road (a one-way old service road with incredible views. We have taken the Jeep on this trail several times). You definitely do not want to miss a visit to the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest elevation visitor center in the National Parks System).

Jeep/ATV Rentals!! There is no better way to experience the best Fall colors that Colorado has to offer than by off-road trail. Our favorite trails in the area include: Johnny Park OHV Trail, Panorama Peak, and The Notch. Click "WEBSITE" below to rent a Jeep or ATV from Backbone Adventures!

There are several areas to fly or cast in RMNP and/or Estes Park. You can even rent gear from Kirk's if you don't want to lug your gear along with your suitcase. Don't forget to grab a fishing license at Kirk's or any hardware store before dropping a hook in the water.

Some areas to consider checking out:

- The Big Thompson River runs through the town of Estes Park with several spots to fish. The first mile below the dam is catch and release only, and there are usually a ton of trout there because they can't make it past the dam.

- Sprague Lake (located within RMNP)

- Mary's Lake (quiet lake ~20 min from town)

Press "WEBSITE" below to view rentals/licenses from Kirk's

A bucket-list item for any Stephen King fan. The iconic Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. King stayed here one night, woke up in the middle of the night, and wrote the outline for his classic novel. The Stanley is not nearly as remote as portrayed in the 1980 film, as it is located in downtown Estes Park. The hotel offers themed tours for die-hard fans, but you don't have to take the tour to have a great Stanley experience. Walk through the hedge maze, grab a bourbon (Jack's favorite) at The Whiskey Bar, check out the small museum in the basement, and if you're brave enough, ignore the "Guests Only Beyond This Point" sign, and head upstairs to Room 217.

Gain a bird's-eye view of Estes Park without having to hike! The Estes Park Aerial Tram safely whisks you above the treetops to the summit of Prospect Mountain for just $16 per person.

Tee off at Estes Park's beautiful 9- and 18-hole golf courses located alongside Lake Estes. Tee times can be reserved up to 7 days in advance. They also have disc golf!

The Riverwalk is a 1 mile section trail that allows you to stroll along the banks of the Big Thompson River as it wanders along the back side of the shops and restaurants. Combining all the charm of downtown (and the resulting easy access to snacks and shops) with all the beauty that people come to Colorado to experience, it’s one of the best places to visit in Estes Park, CO.

Come see Autumn Gold with Bands, Brats & Beer. Estes Park celebrates the changing of the seasons as the aspen leaves turn golden.

9/23/23 - 9/24/23 Admission is free.