Summer & Fall Activities Guide to Estes Park

Once the snow melts, the warm Colorado sun gives way to a host of summer activities in Estes Park, Colorado.  The aspen trees are a vibrant green, the mountains are majestic ragged peaks and the trails are alive with wildflowers, bikers and hikers. The summer is considered the high season in Estes Park.  Starting Memorial Day weekend to about mid October you can expect crowds.  The bright sunny days, dry air and cooler temperatures makes Estes Park a wonderful get away from the heat and humidity of home.

Summer festivals are a fun form of entertainment in Estes Park.  June hosts the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival.  The 47th Annual Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highlands Festival is one of the most popular events in September and then of course Elk Fest the end of the month, two great weekends to build your vacation around. Outdoor concerts are a regular event at Bond Park in town or venues throughout the town such as The Rock Inn or the Stanley Hotel.

Step away from the comforts of a VRBO and try camping in Rocky Mountain National Park or in one of the many surrounding camp grounds.  You will wake up to the crisp Colorado air and dine al fresco at your campfire.  It’s an experience like no other.

Summer Activities Guide to Estes Park | Additional Activities Include:

Rocky Mountain National Park – Trail Ridge Road CLOSED!

The draw to Estes Park, Colorado is clearly Rocky Mountain National Park.  Enjoy a scenic drive up Trail Ridge Road or the old historic Old Fall River Road (a one-way, car only gravel road).  Once at the top, you’ll find is the Alpine Visitors Center situated at 11,796′ above sea level!  You will be delighted with spectacular views from along North America’s highest paved road.  But be sure to bring warmer clothes.  The temperature difference can be more than 20 degrees cooler than when you left town.  With pull outs along the way, Trail Ridge Road provides access to Rocky Mountain National Park’s network of hiking trails, interpretive walking paths and sweeping vista views!

Rocky National National Park is open year round with required timed entry from Memorial Day Weekend through October 22, 2024.  Trail Ridge Road is open to cars up to Many Curves Road.  Weather permitting, it will open to Rainbow Curve sometime in the month of May.  Click here to learn more and explore!

Hiking

In addition to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park has trails from easy 30 minute walks to longer trails such as the 5.1 mile Limber Pine Trail in Hermit Park Open Space.  To search for local trails, visit Estes Park Trail Guide, for a printable PDF. This gives in depth directions and descriptions of the local trails.  Even the dog friendly ones too!   When hiking in Colorado, be prepared.  With the altitude and bluebird sky, the sun can be fierce.  Take an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, sunglasses, lots of water and leave no trace! Consider your carbon footprint too.

Mountain Biking

If moving faster on the trails is your interest, then Estes Park or neighboring Lyons is your destination for the summer.  Lyons is an excellent mountain biking destination along the front range in Colorado.  There are numerous beginner / intermediate trails for visitors new to mountain biking.

The one bucket list spot for mountain bikers’ bragging rights is in Rocky Mountain National Park along Old Fall River Road. Once open for the summer, this is a cars-only, one-way gravel road that climbs to the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796′.  However, mountain bikers flock to this iconic ride for the challenging switchbacks before and after the seasonal vehicle period to take advantage of the amazing views and unique experience. To search for local trails, visit MTBProject.  There are many local bike shops that rent mountain bikes.

Cycling

Another popular summer activity in Estes Park is cycling. The Lake Estes Bike Path is a dedicated bike path with stunning views.  You can pedal at a leisurely pace along this  3.75-mile loop.  You can rent a bike at a local bike shop.  They will help will show you which bike best fits you.