Estes Park is a 10 minute drive to the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. There are tons of activities within the park such as hiking, wild life viewing tours, guided tours, and scenic drives. One of the most famous roads in the park is Trail Ridge Road which offers 48 miles of breathtaking alpine views between Estes Park and Grand Lake climbing to elevations over 12,000 feet. The air may be thin, but the views are spectacular.
You will need a pass to get into the park. All park information and prices can be found at https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm.
Built in 1909, the iconic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is worth a visit. With four different restaurants, including the Whiskey Bar and Lounge (with over 1200 types of whiskey from around the world) the Stanley Hotel is a premier dining destination in the region. For the more adventurous, consider staying in one of the rooms or taking a tour which boasts high paranormal activity. Friendly ghosts, we hope!
Ten minutes south of Estes Park on Highway 7 you will find Lily Lake, a great place for an easy or moderate hike. Follow with lunch at the historic Seven Keys Lodge.
There are tons of local shops in downtown Estes Park along with food of all different cuisines. In addition, there are multiple breweries and wineries in the area that all have their unique spin on local beers and wines.
The Estes Park area is a prime spot for hiking. Whether you are looking for a scenic walk with no elevation or a climb up a cliff, Rocky Mountain National Park has a trail for you. Some of the most popular trails in the park include: Emerald Lake Trail, Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail, Lake Haiyaha, Gem Lake Trail, and Dream Lake Trail. Make sure to pack hiking boots because depending on the time of year, trails can be muddy!