1. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park – RMNP is a must-visit and just a short drive from downtown Estes Park. While summer is the perfect time to hike its miles of trails, winter affords less people on the trails. You won’t want to miss Trail Ridge Road after you become acclimated to the higher altitude.
2. Hit the Trails – With 355 miles of trails inside RMNP, there’s something for everyone. There are also numerous trails outside “the Park”, including but not limited to Hermit Park, Crosier Mountain, Homestead Meadows, Lion’s Head Gulch, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Check the rules before bringing your furry pets on the trails.
3. Enjoy Water Activities – Lake Estes is a hub of summer water activities. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat and enjoy a day on the water. Lake Estes and the Big Thompson River below the dam are prime fishing areas. You can hire a fly-fishing guide at several locations around town.
4. Experience Wildlife Watching – Estes Park is known for its wildlife within the Town limits. Elk, deer, coyote, bobcat, and an occasional black bear. Be sure to keep your distance – these are wild animals. Bighorn sheep frequent the area around Drake, just a few miles downstream of Estes in the Big Thompson River canyon.
5. Explore Downtown Estes Park – Stroll through this picturesque area with unique shops, art galleries and local eateries. Sit and enjoy the river at Riverside Plaza while eating ice cream from one of several ice cream/candy stores
6. Adventure Sports – For adrenaline junkies, Estes Park offers a variety of activities. World-class rock climbing on Lumpy Ridge and other areas of RMNP, white-water rafting on the Cache la Poudre river, horseback riding, mountain biking, and plenty of challenging hikes inside RMNP.
7. Attend Local Events & Festivals – Summertime is festival time in Estes Park. There’s something almost every weekend through early October. Check out the Rooftop Rodeo, Farmer’s Market, Bond Park events, and weekly (free) concerts in the downtown parks.
8. Take a Scenic Drive – Beyond Trail Ridge Road, the Estes area offers other scenic drives perfect for a summer day. Drive the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway from Lyons or Nederland to Estes Park, drive up Old Fall River Road, or make the loop from Estes to Drake to Glen Haven and back to Estes.
9. Visit Local Breweries & Wineries – Relax at one of several local craft breweries or Snowy Peaks Winery. Some have regular food trucks or allow you to bring in your own food, and a few offer food items.
10. Family Fun – Estes Park has always been a great family destination. Several miniature golf courses (as well as 18-hole and 9-hole public courses), the Aerial Tramway to the top of Prospect Mountain, and a Mountain Coaster are just a few of the family-friendly activities.