Mountain moments: How this Colorado getaway fits your travel style
Just a 90-minute drive from Denver and minutes from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is the town of Estes Park. This Colorado mountain getaway has a wealth of all-season outdoor activities, plus cozy lodges, a lively downtown and unique offerings (are you up for Frozen Dead Guy Days?). This makes it a perfect destination for a choose-your-own-adventure vacation.
Embark on a romantic sunset kayaking tour. Embrace quality time with your best pals while exploring nature. Bring your family on an unforgettable trip hiking with llamas. And for those that want to go next level, seek new thrills with a rock-climbing tour.
Read on for itinerary inspiration as you plan your next adventure to Estes Park.
Adventure 1: Romantic cabin getaway with a healthy dose of outdoor fun
Perfect for: The couple that explores together, stays together.
Nothing quite says romantic getaway like a cozy cabin in the woods, complete with a hot tub and a view. The Inn on Fall River has a variety of cabins (each with its own private hot tub) as well as lodges and suites overlooking the river. Wake up to the calming sounds of the river flowing and get ready to hit the trails. There are hundreds of miles of trails to choose from nearby, but if you're looking for a "wow" moment along the way, consider one of these hikes that lead to waterfalls. When the snow starts to fall and hiking becomes less accessible, you can still traverse the trails on snowshoes. You can rent gear at nearby shops, like Estes Park Mountain Shop.
If visiting during the warmer weather months, consider planning an evening on a sunset kayak tour by Open Air Adventure Park. The leisurely paddle in Rocky Mountain National Park is led by a trained guide, and includes a hot drink to enjoy as you take in the vibrant colors of the setting sun.
Any whiskey fans will want to take note of The Vault at the Stanley Hotel (known as the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King's novel The Shining). The Vault offers private, curated tastings that explore some whiskey history and its different classifications. You'll try four pours from the single barrel selections available at the time of the tasting (changing weekly).
Whether you're celebrating a major milestone or just enjoying a night out, mark the occasion with an evening of fine dining at Twin Owls Steakhouse. It's located inside the Taharaa Mountain Lodge and boasts incredible mountain views (ask for a table near the windows). The menu offers a selection of steaks like beef sirloin and ribeye; plus wild game and seafood, like a bison filet, elk sirloin, lobster tail and sea scallops.
Adventure 2: A girls weekend that’s got it all
Perfect for: The friend group that can’t decide what to do
Sometimes the hardest part of planning a "friendcation" is deciding where to go and stay, but Estes Park makes that decision easy. Mountain Village at Lake Estes offers cabin rentals in different sizes with a variety of amenities like lakefront views and private hot tubs.
Spend a day taking in some fresh mountain air with Femme Trek, which offers guided hiking, snowshoeing and wilderness survival skill tours for women. The goal of these tours are to provide a safe space for hikers of all experience levels to overcome fears, relax and enjoy the outdoors. Opt for one of the pre-set tours or contact Femme Trek to build a custom one.
A day adventuring outdoors calls for some spa time. The Qi Lounge Spa (just steps from the Mountain Village at Lakes Estes cabins) offers party reservations for groups as small as three. Slip into a fluffy spa robe and sandals to enjoy some pampering.
Wind down with a beverage at 217 Wine Bar. It's located in the famed Stanley Hotel, set inside the Main Lobby's music room. Take in beautiful views looking out at the Rockies.
An essential part of any girls trip: brunch. Bird & Jim is a beloved local restaurant that's serving up brunch on Sundays from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Pair the smoked salmon benedict or huckleberry crepes with an orange, cranberry or pineapple mimosa or a Bloody Mary (which can come pickled or with bacon).
Adventure 3: Family-friendly fun in any season
Perfect for: Families looking for a digital detox in the fresh mountain air
If you're arriving to town with the whole family, consider booking your stay at the YMCA of the Rockies, which offers lodges and cabins for rent. Depending on the time of year that you visit, you don’t have to go far to enjoy activities like sledding, ice skating, horse riding, fishing, crafts, an aerial challenge course and more—it’s all on property.
For a vacation the kids are sure to remember, check out a llama day hike with Kirks Mountain Adventures. Choose from a three-, six- or eight-hour guided trek in Rocky Mountain National Park. Kids under 60 pounds can ride the llamas, making it a great option for any family looking for a way to bring young children on a longer hike. Llama hikes start in late spring once the snow clears and lasts through fall.
It may come as no surprise that this mountain town dazzles during the holiday season. The Catch the Glow Parade will take place Nov. 29 this year. See custom floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands and even Mr. Claus himself. If you miss Saint Nick then, check out the Snowman Festival on Dec. 7. Festivities kickoff with a snowman scavenger hunt in participating businesses. The day also includes live ice sculpting, carriage rides and the chance for any children to meet Santa.
Soar to new heights with the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. This European-style cable car has brought riders to the top of Prospect Mountain since 1955. It's open daily from late May through early September. Once at the top, you can take in the panoramic views, hop on a family-friendly hiking trail or grab a snack from the Hungry Chipmunk Cafe before heading back down.
For some down time, stop into Coffee on the Rocks. Sip on a coffee or some hot chocolate and grab a seat outside overlooking a duck pond. The shop also sells duck food if you'd like to feed their waterfowl neighbors. And if you have any sweet-tooths in the family, you won't have to look far on Elkhorn Avenue. Stores like The Taffy Shop, Laura's Fine Candies and The Old Fashion Candy and General Store provide the perfect place to grab a sweet or sour souvenir.
Adventure 4: You’re there for the story
Perfect for: Travelers that are up for anything
If your vacation goals include having once-in-a-lifetime experiences, then Estes Park can deliver on that promise (and then some). Post up at the Trailborn Rocky Mountains, which opened in 2023 just minutes from downtown. While the hotel does host tamer activities like candle-making and live music nights, it’s also got an in on some serious thrill-seeking. Via Ferrata combines hiking and rock climbing, using iron rungs secured into the rock face and steel cables for extra security (unlike typical rock climbing, which would rely on natural footholds). You can book this experience, led by KMAC Guides, through the hotel or with KMAC Guides directly. KMAC offers plenty more adventure throughout the year, including backcountry skiing, ice climbing and cliff camping—which looks as daring as it sounds.
Colorado's annual Frozen Dead Guy Days has been celebrated for over 20 years, but recently moved to Estes Park. Festivities will begin next March 14–16, where you can expect live music, cold beer and ... coffin races. The challenge includes teams completing a series of obstacles while carrying a coffin containing one of their living teammates. If this sounds like the perfect amount of quirky and daring for you and your friends, stay tuned for how to compete in the 2025 race.
Relax with a local brew or two around town. Avant Garde Aleworks is about a 10-minute walk from the Trailborn hotel. Their taproom menu ranges from a refreshing and light lemon radler to a hearty imperial stout. But if you have any non-beer drinkers in your party, their frosé (a frozen rosé slushee) is sure to delight. Located near downtown, the Rock Cut Brewing Company hosts an outdoor patio prime for sipping one of their craft beers like Hallett’s Hefe, named for nearby Hallett Peak; and Interference IPA, name in honor of climbing the Interference boulder in Rocky Mountain National Park.
A day of thrills calls for a hearty meal to refuel with. Penelope's Old Time Burgers is, as it sounds, a retro-themed burger spot offering local options like an elk or buffalo burger paired with fresh-cut fries. There's also The Post Chicken and Beer, located on the grounds of The Stanley. Order up some southern comfort food, with menu items like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits plus sides of collard greens with pork belly and cheddar biscuits.