Rocky Mountain Travel Things to Do in Estes Park
Summer Activities in Estes Park
Summer in Estes Park, Colorado is one of the best times of year to visit the Rocky Mountains. 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. With warm days, dry air, cool evenings, open hiking trails, and access to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park becomes a hub for outdoor adventure, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and family vacations. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a full Colorado vacation, there are endless summer activities in Estes Park.
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
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 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 a required timed entry from Memorial Day Weekend through October. 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!
Visit Grand Lake
With the opening of Trail Ridge Road in May, this opens up the adventure to travel across the continental divide and explore the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. There you will find the charming town of Grand Lake, a classic mountain town that delivers big adventure, stunning scenery, and small-town charm year-round. As Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, Grand Lake is a dream destination for travelers looking to unplug, explore the outdoors, and experience authentic Rocky Mountain hospitality.
Hiking Estes Park and RMNP
One of the top things to do in Estes Park in summer is hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park has more than 300 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks around alpine lakes to challenging mountain hikes above tree line.
Popular Summer Hikes
- Bear Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake
- Alberta Falls
- Sprague Lake
- Deer Mountain
- Sky Pond
- Ouzel Falls
The Bear Lake corridor is the most popular area because it offers several scenic hikes that can be completed in a few hours. Trail Ridge Road, which crosses the park at over 12,000 feet, is also open during summer and is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado.
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.
Guided Hikes & Tours
With the abundance of trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park and the timed entry system, consider hiring a local guide to take you into the park and explore the trails. There are several companies that offer amazing car trips such as the Purple Points Tour Company. Their one of a kind vans have retractable glass roofs, giving you climate control and amazing views. And Estes Park Tour Guides offers a group hikes, day hikes and even sunset hikes.
Guided Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hiring a professional guide in Rocky Mountain National Park is a fantastic way to experience Estes Park, especially for visitors who are unfamiliar with the area or want to learn more about the mountains, wildlife, and history of the park. Guided hiking tours are popular for families, first-time visitors unfamiliar with altitude hiking, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, and visitors who want a local guide designing a custom private hike.
Many tour operators and outfitters include transportation, park entry guidance, and a knowledgeable guide who can explain geology, wildlife, plants, and the history of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Benefits of Hiring a Guide
- Learn about wildlife and ecosystems
- Avoid crowded trails
- Discover hidden gems and scenic areas
- Safer hiking at altitude
- Custom hikes based on ability level
- Great for families and groups
Local hiking guides include Tundra Tours, Good Mountain Adventures, and Estes Park Tours Guides.
Guided Tours in Rocky Mountain National Park
Another way to explore Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park is with a touring company. From the comfort of a care, truck, jeep or open air van, you can view wildlife, take in the mountain views and cover more miles in a day. Companies that offer unique tours of the area include Purple Points Touring Company and Tour Estes Park .
Horseback Riding in Estes Park
Horseback riding is one of the most classic ways to experience Estes Park in summer. Several stables and outfitters offer guided trail rides through forests, meadows, and mountain scenery. What better way to explore the Colorado mountains than on horseback! Be a cowboy (or cowgirl) for a day with one of the many outfitters Estes Park has to offer. Outfitters like S&K Stables offer 2, 4 and 7 hour trail rides through Rocky Mountain National Park. Their guides and horses are professional and make for a fun family adventure. Another option is Jackson Stables. Located at the YMCA of the Rockies, you can schedule 1, 2 and 3 hours trail rides in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fly Fishing in Estes Park
Fly fishing is another popular summer activity in Estes Park. The area offers rivers, streams, and alpine lakes full of trout. Popular fishing locations include Big Thompson River, Fall River, Lake Estes, Moraine Park and the various alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Common fish species include rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. Guided fly fishing trips are available for beginners and experienced anglers. Professional outfitters in the area that will take you on guided trips include Estes Angler. They offer 4 and 6 hour wades as well as fishing trips in Lake Estes.
E-Bike Tours in Estes Park
Take a spin on an E-Bike and enjoy touring the town. You can rent a bike from a local shop or better yet, go out with Ride Colorado. Their professional guides will lead you on a two hour tour will take you around Lake Estes, through downtown and to the Stanley Hotel. This is a family fun activity or the perfect for your wedding party.
Off-Roading in Estes Park
ATV, OHV and Jeep Rentals
Off-roading and OHV adventures are another exciting summer activity near Estes Park, Colorado. Quite honestly, Off-roading is one of the more adventurous things to do near Estes Park and is a great addition to a summer mountain vacation. Visitors looking for adventure can explore mountain trails, forest roads, and scenic backcountry routes by renting ATVs, side-by-sides (UTVs), Jeeps, and other off-road vehicles with Backbone Adventures. While off-roading is not allowed inside Rocky Mountain National Park, there are several nearby areas in the Roosevelt National Forest and surrounding mountain regions where visitors can enjoy OHV trails and scenic backcountry driving.
Many visitors choose guided off-road tours so they can explore scenic areas without worrying about navigation, trail conditions, or vehicle rentals.
Guided Off-Road Tours
Guided off-road tours are a great way to explore the mountains around Estes Park with a knowledgeable local guide like Backbone Adventures. Their guides can take visitors to scenic overlooks, historic mining areas, alpine meadows, and remote mountain trails that most visitors would not find on their own. Guided tours provide vehicles, helmets, safety equipment, and local knowledge about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife.
ATV and Side-by-Side Rentals
Visitors who want to experience the Colorado backcountry on their own can rent ATVs and side-by-sides from outfitters such as Backbone Adventures and Estes Park ATV. Rentals typically range from a few hours to full-day adventures, and many rental companies provide trail maps and suggested routes.
OHV riding is especially popular in summer and early fall when mountain roads and trails are dry and accessible.
Lake Estes Activities
Lake Estes is located right in town and is a hub for summer recreation in Estes Park. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes or enjoy fishing and biking around the lake. The
Lake Estes Activities Include:
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Canoeing
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Walking or biking the Lake Estes Trail
The Lake Estes Trail is a scenic 3.75-mile loop that offers beautiful mountain views and is perfect for families and easy walks.
Schedule your rentals, at Lake Estes Marina.
Summer Events and Festivals
Estes Park hosts many events throughout the summer including:
- Rooftop Rodeo
- Estes Park Farmers Market
- Outdoor concerts in Bond Park
- Art and craft festivals
- Car shows
- Food and wine festivals
These events make summer one of the most lively times to visit Estes Park. July hosts the Roof Top Rodeo and the 4th of July Fireworks. The Longs Peak Scottish 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.
Scenic Drives Near Estes Park
Summer is also the best time for scenic drives because all Trail Ridge Road is open. When you get out and explore, you will be sure to see wildlife such as Elk, Mule deer, Moose, Bighorn sheep, Marmots and Eagles and hawks. Early morning and evening are the best times for wildlife viewing.
Scenic Drives Include:
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is the most famous scenic drive and crosses Rocky Mountain National Park above tree line with incredible mountain views.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway takes you from Estes Park, through Allenspark and out toward Nederland in Boulder County. You won’t find any shops, strip malls or gas station until you get to Nederland. But what you will find out sweeping views, pull outs for hikes in the U.S. National Forest, access to Brainard Lake Recreation area. And once in “Ned”, you can stop for lunch, a local beer, a latte, or pick up some snacks at the local market. And in the fall, this drive is amazing for leaf peeping. The Peak to Peak Byway is lit up in gold when the aspens turn by about mid to late September.
Old Fall River Road
This was the original road when Rocky Mountain National Park was created in 1915. It served as the only route cars could get up and over the continental divide until Trail Ridge Road was built in 1932. Today, it serves as a seasonal, one way gravel road giving hikers, runners, and mountain bikers a bucket list route. And in your vehicle, it’s an 11 mile journey uphill through switch backs to the Alpine Visitors Center. There are pull outs along the way for viewing, exploring rivers and hiking trails.
Big Thompson Canyon
There are two main routes into Estes Park from the front range. Highway 36 brings you in from Lyons. Highway 34, also known as Big Thompson Canyon, brings you into Estes from Fort Collins and Loveland. This drive follows the Big Thompson River and shows you sweeping canyon walls. There are pull outs for access to the river and small hikes. Drive carefully, this route is know for big horn sheep viewing.
Estes Park to Grand Lake
An all day adventure, Trail Ridge Road continues down the western slope from the Alpine Visitors Center. It brings you into the the town of Grand Lake. This drive takes you through the pines, above tree line and back down into the pines. You travel through switch backs, marshy meadows and into the western side of the park. There are pull outs for short hikes. Water is more abundant making moose sightings more likely. Once in Grand Lake, you can walk the town, shop, and have lunch before heading back to Estes Park.
</p>