Estes Park Colorado
Riding the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to the summit of Prospect Mountain
Perfect perch for gazing at a sky filled with stars
Fly-fishing for rainbow trout in Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Snowshoeing outing on a clear winter day in the mountains
Watching an elk roaming amid mountain vistas
Exploring the Estes Park landscape on horseback
Setting sun casts a lovely glow over the village
Making family memories by the light of a cozy campfire
With views of Longs Peak, two elk wandering snow-covered MacGregor Ranch land
Stopping to admire the mountain scenery while hiking
- Major Airports:
- Denver (DEN)
- States:
- Colorado
Estes Park, an authentic mountain town set in the Rockies
Climb High in the Rocky Mountains
Just a little over 15 minutes from town rises Rocky Mountain National Park, over 1,000 square kilometers of unforgettable mountain landscape, including 100 peaks that top 3,300 meters. Hike around lakes and gorges, through basins and waterfalls and up summits on a variety of trails. Drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved road in the USA, which winds through the park’s rocky interior and reaches more than 3,600 meters. Recreation is spectacular here every season, with fishing, cycling and horseback riding popular pastimes in the warmer months and snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing all the rage in winter. Before you leave, take a guided tour through the park with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, learning about everything from alpine survival skills to elk habitats.
Explore Estes Park's Natural Beauty
Though you may be tempted to spend all of your time in the national park, the town itself teems with gorgeous natural environments. Head to Lake Estes, a reservoir off the Big Thompson River, and rent a kayak or canoe. Hang out on the wading beach, or look for elk, deer and bald eagles around the lake (there’s a bird sanctuary nearby). Two scenic drives showcase the area’s abundant peaks and forests. On the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, you’ll pass Lily Mountain and Twin Sisters as well as old gold mines and ghost towns. Inside the national park, Old Fall River Road lives up to its name; built in 1920, it was the park’s first road open to cars. A slow route up through the high country, this uphill-only road is a dizzying squeeze through forests, offering views of the Rocky Mountain environment you wouldn’t get otherwise. Just outside the park lies the YMCA of the Rockies, a recreation area designed to fully immerse you in mountain culture. Settle into a cabin, and then plan a day of Rocky Mountain-style fun, whether you’re into whitewater rafting and archery or yoga and campfires.
Commune with Local Culture
If you’re traveling with children, a visit to Estes Park Memorial Observatory is in order. There, you’ll learn about everything in the sky above those magnificent mountain peaks. Take a look through the massive telescope and check out the site’s Sundial Project. Curiosity about the physical world is definitely rewarded in Estes Park, but if you’re into the paranormal, the