Things to Do in Estes Park: My 15 Must-Dos as a Local
Estes Park, Colorado, sits at the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, and most things to do in Estes Park start with that park. I live on a horse ranch north of Steamboat Springs and have spent more than 35 years in Colorado's high country. I get over to Estes Park a few times each year, usually for a night or two. When Trail Ridge Road is open, I drive over Rabbit Ears Pass, head through Granby and Grand Lake, and cross the park on the way in. The drive is part of the visit.
Here's what catches first-timers off guard. Town sits at about 7,500 feet, but Trail Ridge Road climbs to 12,183 feet in one drive. In recent summers, the park has also required a timed entry reservation for much of the day.
Below are my 15 favorite things to do in Estes Park, Colorado. For each one, I share why it made my list, how to do it, and when to go.
Key Takeaways
- Many things to do in Estes Park depend on Rocky Mountain National Park rules.
- Town sits near 7,500 feet, so keep your first day easy.
- Summer park entry has required a timed reservation in recent years.
- Late September brings bugling elk, golden aspens and plenty of company.
- Winter is quieter, with sledding, snowshoeing and no timed entry.
My 15 Must-Dos at a Glance
Here's the quick brief. These are the things to do in Estes Park, CO, that I recommend most, with who they suit and when they shine.
| # | Must-Do | Best For | Best Season | Park Permit Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hear the elk bugle in Moraine Park | Wildlife lovers | Mid-Sept to mid-Oct | Yes, during permit hours |
| 2 | Drive Trail Ridge Road | Less active visitors, couples | Late May to mid-Oct | Yes, during permit hours |
| 3 | Take Old Fall River Road | Slow, scenic drivers | July to early fall | Yes, during permit hours |
| 4 | Ride the shuttle to Bear Lake | Families, first-timers | Late May to mid-Oct | Shuttle ticket or Bear Lake permit |
| 5 | Walk the Lily Lake loop | Strollers, wheelchairs | Late spring to fall | Yes, during permit hours |
| 6 | Loop Lake Estes | Everyone | Year-round | No |
| 7 | Early walk, then breakfast at Notchtop | Early risers | Year-round | No |
| 8 | Stroll the Riverwalk and downtown | Couples, rainy days | Year-round | No |
| 9 | Visit the Estes Park Museum | History fans | Year-round | No |
| 10 | Tour The Stanley Hotel | History and architecture fans | Year-round | No |
| 11 | Ride singletrack at Hermit Park | Mountain bikers | Summer and fall | No (county fee) |
| 12 | Ride the Aerial Tramway | Kids, non-hikers | Summer | No |
| 13 | Sled at Hidden Valley | Families | Winter | No (winter) |
| 14 | Snowshoe with a ranger | Winter beginners | Winter | No (winter) |
| 15 | Time your trip to a town event | Everyone | Fall and December | No |
Before You Go: Mountain Basics I Wish Every Visitor Knew
Some of the best things to do in Estes Park happen well above town. A short planning keeps a good day from turning into a long one.
Altitude and Layers
I've talked with visitors who packed for the forecast in town and left their warm layers behind. Then they drove up high and found a different day entirely. It surprised them how cold and windy it felt.
Living in the mountains, I carry an extra layer without thinking about it. If you're coming from somewhere warmer and lower, you may not know how fast Colorado mountain weather can change. So pack a fleece and a rain shell, even in July. Drink more water than you think you need. Keep your first day gentle.
And leave room to shorten the day. That's not giving up. That's mountain sense.
Timed Entry Reservation
In recent summers, Rocky Mountain National Park has required a timed entry reservation from late May to mid-October. The standard permit covers 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Bear Lake Road permit covers 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each one costs a $2 Recreation.gov fee per vehicle.
No reservation? You can still enter most of the park before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. Plenty of things to do in Estes Park need no permit at all, and I've marked them in the table above.
Let the Shuttle Do the Parking
The Bear Lake lot can fill early on summer mornings. The Hiker Shuttle runs from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road. From there, park shuttles head to Bear Lake and Moraine Park.
One warning. Know the last bus times. If you miss the last ride back, there's no other public transport to town.
My 15 Favorite Things to Do in Estes Park
1. Hear the Elk Bugle in Moraine Park
- Best for: Wildlife lovers and photographers
- Season: Mid-September to mid-October
- Effort: Easy
- Permit: Yes, during permit hours
Why it's on my list. Fall in Colorado is my favorite season, and here the elk are a big part of it. One evening near Moraine Park, I heard a bull before I could pick him out against the meadow. Another one answered from farther away. I stopped worrying about my camera. We stayed beside the vehicle and just listened.
That's the kind of wildlife moment I value most. You give the animals room, and you let it unfold.
How to do it. Watch from roadsides and pullouts, not out in the meadow. Stay at least 75 feet away, and give them more room during the rut. If an elk changes what it's doing because of you, you're too close. In past seasons, some meadows have closed to people in the evenings and early mornings. Obey every sign.
When to go. The rut usually peaks from mid-September to mid-October. That makes it one of the top things to do in Estes Park in September and early October. Go near dusk or soon after sunrise. In spring, calving season runs through April and May, and cow elk get very protective of their calves.
My tip. Come on a weekday if you can. It's a favorite season for plenty of other people, too, so expect company either way.
2. Drive Trail Ridge Road
- Best for: Less active visitors, Couples, Kids
- Season: Late May to mid-October
- Effort: Easy
- Permit: Yes, during permit hours
Why it's on my list. It's my road in from Steamboat, so I know it well. It's also one of the most fun things to do in Estes Park if sightseeing from the car suits you better than long hikes. You get alpine tundra, huge views, and often elk, without leaving the pavement.
How to do it. Head west from the Beaver Meadows or Fall River entrance. Stop at the overlooks, and take a break at the Alpine Visitor Center. Past the Continental Divide, the road drops toward Grand Lake and on to Granby. Walk slowly once you're up high. Short walks feel harder at 12,000 feet than they look.
When to go. The road usually opens on Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting, and closes for the season once fall snow sets in. Go early in the day. You'll find fewer cars and calmer weather.
My tip. Inspect the road status before you commit. I do it every time. Trail Ridge Road isn't a year-round connection, and a late storm can close it fast.
3. Take Old Fall River Road to the Alpine Visitor Center
- Best for: Patient drivers who like the journey
- Season: Early July to early fall
- Effort: Easy, but slow
- Permit: Yes, during permit hours
Why it's on my list. This is the slow way up. It's a narrow dirt road with tight switchbacks, and it was the first road over this part of the park. You feel the climb in a way you don't on the pavement.
How to do it. The road starts past the Fall River Entrance and runs about 9.4 miles, one-way and uphill only. The speed limit is 15 mph. Vehicles over 25 feet and trailers aren't allowed. You come back down on Trail Ridge Road.
When to go. It usually opens to cars around July 4 and closes in early fall. So it's one of my favorite things to do in Estes Park, Colorado, in July, once the snow has melted off.
My tip. If you ride, look at the spring rules. Before the road opens to cars, it has opened to bikes and walkers on set days. That's a rare chance to climb without traffic. Check the current schedule first.
4. Ride the Shuttle to Bear Lake
- Best for: Families and first-timers
- Season: Late May to mid-October
- Effort: Easy to moderate
- Permit: Shuttle ticket or Bear Lake permit
Why it's on my list. It's the easiest way into the park's busiest corner, and it takes parking off your mind. It's one of the best family things to do in Estes Park because you can keep the walk short or make it a real hike.
How to do it. Take the Hiker Shuttle from the visitor center, or drive to the Park & Ride. Then ride the Bear Lake route to the end. A short, gentle trail circles Bear Lake. Longer trails climb from there to higher lakes if your group wants more Colorado hiking.
When to go. Early in the morning, during shuttle season. Midday gets crowded, and summer storms tend to build in the afternoon.
My tip. Bring a warm layer even on a hot morning in town. Bear Lake sits well above Estes Park, and the wind off the water can be chilly.
5. Walk the Lily Lake Loop
- Best for: Strollers, wheelchairs, grandparents
- Season: Late spring to fall
- Effort: Very easy
- Permit: Yes, during permit hours
Why it's on my list. You get a full view of Longs Peak for almost no effort. It's one of the easiest things to do in Estes Park if you want the mountains without the climb.
How to do it. Lily Lake sits along Highway 7, south of town. The Lily Lake Trail is a level 0.8-mile loop with about 10 feet of elevation gain. It's wheelchair-accessible, and strollers are welcome.
When to go. Morning or evening, when the light is soft and the water is calm.
My tip. Lily Lake is part of the park, so timed entry still applies during permit hours. Many visitors miss that.
6. Loop Lake Estes on Foot or Bike
- Best for: Everyone
- Season: Year-round
- Effort: Easy
- Permit: No
Why it's on my list. It's right in town, it's flat, and you don't need a park permit. It's one of the few things to do in Estes Park that works in every season. It's also a quiet way to test how your body handles the altitude.
How to do it. A paved trail circles Lake Estes. The Lake Estes Trail loop is roughly 4 miles long, depending on the specific starting point and minor route variations. Walk part of it, or rent a bike and ride the whole loop. Elk sometimes graze near the shore, so keep your distance there, too.
When to go. Any time of year, weather permitting.
My tip. Do it the afternoon you arrive. If a flat loop leaves you short of breath, scale back tomorrow's plans a little.
7. Take an Early Walk, Then Breakfast at Notchtop
- Best for: Early risers
- Season: Year-round
- Effort: Easy
- Permit: No
Why it's on my list. This is honestly how I like to start a day here. I take an early walk, then sit down to an unhurried breakfast. Estes Park has plenty of dining options, but Notchtop is my pick for a proper sit-down breakfast.
How to do it. The Notchtop Bakery and Cafe serves breakfast and lunch downtown. Pair it with a stroll along the river or the lake.
When to go. Any day your schedule allows a slow morning.
My tip. Eat something substantial if you're heading into the park. Lunch might end up being whatever you packed.
8. Stroll the Riverwalk and Downtown
- Best for: Couples and rainy days
- Season: Year-round
- Effort: Easy
- Permit: No
Why it's on my list. It's my fallback when the weather turns. It's also one of the simplest romantic things to do in Estes Park. You walk by the water, duck into shops, and find a good cup of coffee.
How to do it. Follow the Riverwalk through downtown. Browse the shops, grab some saltwater taffy, and take your time.
When to go. Any season. Summer evenings are lovely here.
My tip. If the rain eases, go for a short stroll. If it doesn't, stay with your coffee a little longer. Not every rainy hour needs rescuing.
9. Spend an Hour at the Estes Park Museum
- Best for: History fans and curious kids
- Season: Year-round
- Effort: Easy
- Permit: No
Why it's on my list. It's small, it's free, and like many local Colorado museums, it explains how its town came to be. It's one of the best free things to do in Estes Park, especially on a gray day.
How to do it. The Estes Park Museum is at 200 4th Street. It's open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.
When to go. Rainy afternoons and winter days.
My tip. Check that it's open before you head over, since it's closed several days a week. Then go find coffee.
10. Tour The Stanley Hotel
- Best for: History and architecture lovers
- Season: Year-round
- Effort: Easy
- Permit: No
Why it's on my list. It's worth a planned visit if history and architecture interest you. Freelan Oscar Stanley, co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer, built the hotel in 1909. It shaped the early town.
How to do it. Book one of The Stanley Hotel tours. I'd choose a tour over showing up with no plan beyond taking a photograph. The Stanley Hotel offers four main 60-minute walking tours ranging from $30 to $35 per person.
When to go. Any season. Evening tours suit people who like a bit of spooky history.
My tip. I wouldn't tell every visitor to build half a day around it. If you have one free afternoon and you'd rather sit by the river or watch wildlife, follow that instinct.
11. Ride Singletrack at Hermit Park Open Space
- Best for: Mountain bikers
- Season: Summer and fall
- Effort: Moderate
- Permit: No park permit (county entry fee)
Why it's on my list. I've sampled the riding at Hermit Park, though I won't pretend I know every trail. I like taking the bike beyond my usual Steamboat routes and seeing a new landscape at that pace. For riders, it's one of the more active things to do in Estes Park outside the national park, and a quieter change from bigger Colorado mountain biking spots.
How to do it. Hermit Park Open Space is a Larimer County park just outside town. Bikes are allowed on designated trails only. Kruger Rock Trail is for hikers. The current daily entry fee for Hermit Park Open Space is $10 per vehicle.
When to go. Summer and fall, once the trails are dry.
My tip. Shift down early on climbs. Hills at this elevation take more out of you than the same hills back home.
12. Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
- Best for: Kids and non-hikers
- Season: Summer
- Effort: Very easy
- Permit: No
Why it's on my list. You get a big view of town and the high peaks without a hike. That makes it one of the fun things to do in Estes Park, Colorado, for kids and grandparents alike.
How to do it. The tram has carried visitors up Prospect Mountain since 1955. The summit sits near 8,900 feet.
When to go. The tram runs daily from May into fall. Its 2026 season ended on November 1, and it reopens in May 2027.
My tip. Bring a layer. It's often windier at the top than in town.
13. Go Sledding at Hidden Valley
- Best for: Families
- Season: Winter
- Effort: Easy
- Permit: No (winter)
Why it's on my list. It's the only sledding hill inside the park, and the slope is gentle. It's a small slice of winter in Colorado that suits young kids. It's one of the most fun things to do in Estes Park with kids once real snow arrives.
How to do it. Hidden Valley is about 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. Only plastic sleds, saucers, and tubes are allowed. Buy or rent one in town, because there are no rentals in the park. Pets aren't allowed on the hill, and no staff is on duty. Sled feet first.
When to go. Midwinter, after good snow. Review the winter conditions page first. Some weeks the hill is bare.
My tip. Hidden Valley sits at 9,240 feet, and it can be bitterly windy. Bring traction for icy paths and extra mittens for the kids.
14. Snowshoe With a Ranger
- Best for: Winter beginners
- Season: Winter
- Effort: Easy to moderate
- Permit: No (winter)
Why it's on my list. It's the easiest way to try snowshoeing with someone who knows the terrain. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It's one of the best things to do in Estes Park, CO, in the winter.
How to do it. Ranger-led walks need a reservation, and you may need to bring your own snowshoes. Rent them in town. If you plan to go farther on your own, review avalanche conditions first.
When to go. January and February usually bring the deepest snow. A ranger walk is a gentle start before longer cross-country skiing days.
My tip. Wear layers you can open up. You'll warm up fast once you start moving.
15. Time Your Trip Around a Town Event
- Best for: Everyone
- Season: Fall and December
- Effort: Easy
- Permit: No
Why it's on my list. Events are some of the liveliest things to do in Estes Park. They give the town a different energy. Elk Fest in the fall brings live music and bugling contests. December brings holiday lights and festivities downtown.
How to do it. Check the Town of Estes Park events calendar. Book your Colorado lodging early for event weekends.
When to go. Elk Fest usually lands in late September or early October.
My tip. Downtown gets busy on event days. Park once and walk.
What I'd Skip on a First Visit
Not every famous outing belongs on a first trip. Here's where I'd hold back.
Longs Peak's Keyhole Route as a casual day hike. A summit you recognize can make people underestimate the undertaking. The park itself calls the Keyhole Route a climb, not a hike. I'd rather see you enjoy a manageable first outing and finish wanting more than spend the day frightened or exhausted.
Packing too much into one day. Many things to do in Estes Park sit far above town. Plan one big outing a day, and let the rest be easy.
Rescuing every rainy afternoon. I don't feel I have to fill a wet afternoon with another big activity. Sometimes slowing down gives a trip its nicest stretch.
Things to Do in Estes Park by Season
What's open changes a lot through the year. This table shows how the key roads and experiences shift by season, based on recent years.
| Experience | Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Ridge Road | Usually opens Memorial Day weekend | Open | Closes once snow sets in | Closed to through travel |
| Old Fall River Road | Bikes and walkers on set days | Opens to cars around July 4 | Closes to cars in early fall | Closed to cars |
| Elk | Calving season, cows protective | Mostly at higher elevations | Peak rut | In the valleys |
| Hidden Valley sledding | Snow-dependent | No | No | Yes, with good snow |
| Timed entry | Starts late May | Required | Ends mid-October | Not required |
Spring (April and May)
Things to do in Estes Park in April are quieter and more weather-dependent. Snow is still common. The high roads are closed to cars, though Old Fall River Road has opened to bikes and walkers on set days. In spring, the best things to do in Estes Park stay low. Try lower trails, the lake loop, and downtown. Give cow elk extra space during calving season.
Summer (June, July and August)
Summer opens up the full list of things to do in Estes Park. Things to do in Estes Park, Colorado, in June often depend on whether Trail Ridge Road has opened yet. By July, Old Fall River Road usually joins it. Things to do in Estes Park, CO, in summer peak in July and August, along with the crowds.
Start early. Afternoon storms tend to build over the peaks, and you want to be off high, open ground before they do. Things to do at Estes Park in August are much the same, though evenings start to cool.
Fall (September, October and November)
This is my favorite season. Give me a weekday in late September, sharp morning air, changing color, and a reason to pull on a fleece before breakfast. Hearing the elk bugle adds something you don't get on a summer visit. If color is your goal, plan a few leaf-peeping drives around the same weekend.
Things to do in Estes Park in October shift as the month goes on. Elk viewing stays strong early on, and timed entry ends in mid-October. The high roads close once snow sets in. Things to do in Estes Park in November are quieter. It's a good month for the museum, downtown and the lake loop.
Winter (December, January and February)
Things to do in Estes Park in winter center on snow and slow days, and they pair well with other Colorado winter activities. Hidden Valley sledding and ranger snowshoe walks top my list. Timed entry isn't required.
For things to do in Estes Park, Colorado, in December, add the holiday lights downtown. Christmas things to do in Estes Park change from year to year, so check the town calendar. Things to do in Estes Park in January and February lean on snowshoeing, sledding, and warm cafes. Those are the fun things to do in Estes Park in the winter that I'd plan around.
Picks by Traveler
With Kids and Families
These are my top things to do in Estes Park with kids, and they fit easily into family-friendly Colorado vacations. Sled at Hidden Valley in winter. Take the shuttle to Bear Lake in summer. Ride the tram if it's running. Walk the Lily Lake loop with a stroller. The museum works for curious older kids on a rainy day. For family things to do in Estes Park, CO, keep outings short and build in snack stops.
For Couples
My favorite things to do in Estes Park for couples are simple. Drive Trail Ridge Road early. Stroll the Riverwalk at dusk. Book an evening tour at The Stanley. Then wake up for a slow breakfast.
Free Activities
Free things to do in Estes Park are easy to find. Loop Lake Estes, walk the Riverwalk, visit the museum, and watch elk from a safe spot in town. Park areas need an entrance pass, so plan for that if you head inside.
At Night
Things to do at night in Estes Park are low-key. Book an evening tour at The Stanley. Walk downtown after dinner. On a clear night, step away from the lights and look up. Bring a jacket, because nights get cold here even in summer.
This Weekend: A Quick Checklist
Before you settle on things to do in Estes Park, Colorado, this weekend, check these four things:
- Road status for Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road
- Whether you need a timed entry reservation
- The mountain forecast, not just the town forecast
- Any town events that will fill downtown parking
Most things to do in Estes Park get better when you slow down. Pick two or three of these, check the roads and the permit rules, and leave room for a long breakfast. The rest of Estes Park and the high country around it will still be there next time.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Estes Park for a first visit?
The best things to do in Estes Park for a first visit are driving Trail Ridge Road, riding the shuttle to Bear Lake, and walking the Lily Lake loop. In fall, add elk watching. Keep your first day easy while you adjust to the altitude.
Do you need a reservation to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
You need a timed entry reservation during permit hours in summer, based on recent years. It has applied from late May to mid-October. You can enter most areas before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without one.
What can you do in Estes Park without a timed entry permit?
Plenty of things to do in Estes Park need no timed entry permit. Loop Lake Estes, walk the Riverwalk, visit the Estes Park Museum, tour The Stanley Hotel, or ride at Hermit Park. You can also enter the park before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m.
When is the best time to see elk in Estes Park?
The best time to see elk in Estes Park is during the rut, from mid-September to mid-October. Go at dusk or early morning. Stay at least 75 feet away, and check the park's elk guidance for any meadow closures.
Is Estes Park worth visiting in winter?
Yes, Estes Park is worth visiting in winter if you like quiet days and snow. You can sled at Hidden Valley, snowshoe with a ranger, and skip timed entry. Trail Ridge Road is closed beyond the lower sections, so plan around that.
What are free things to do in Estes Park?
Free things to do in Estes Park include walking the Lake Estes loop, strolling the Riverwalk, visiting the Estes Park Museum, and watching elk from a safe distance in town. Park areas still need an entrance pass.
How many days do you need in Estes Park?
Two to three days cover the main things to do in Estes Park on most first visits. That gives you one easy day to adjust to the altitude, one big day in the park, and time for downtown.
Is Trail Ridge Road open all year?
No, Trail Ridge Road is not open all year. It usually opens on Memorial Day weekend and closes for the season once fall snow sets in.
